10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

___________________________________

FORM 10-Q 

___________________________________

☒    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2020

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 1-4304

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COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

___________________________________ 

Delaware	75-0725338
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

6565 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, Texas 75039

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(214) 689-4300

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	CMC	New York Stock Exchange

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 ("Exchange Act") 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

As of January 8, 2021, 120,068,330 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019	4
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019	6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019	7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	19
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	25
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	26
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION	27
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	27
Item 1A. Risk Factors	27
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	27
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	27
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	27
Item 5. Other Information	28
Item 6. Exhibits	29
Signature	30

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands, except share data)	2020		2019
Net sales	$	1,391,803	$	1,384,708
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,174,819		1,146,514
Selling, general and administrative expenses	113,627		110,999
Interest expense	14,259		16,578
Asset impairments	3,594		530
	1,306,299		1,274,621
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	85,504		110,087
Income taxes	21,593		27,332
Earnings from continuing operations	63,911		82,755
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes	250		895
Income taxes	68		302
Earnings from discontinued operations	182		593
Net earnings	$	64,093	$	83,348
Basic earnings per share*
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.70
Earnings from discontinued operations	—		0.01
Net earnings	$	0.54	$	0.70
Diluted earnings per share*
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.69
Earnings from discontinued operations	—		—
Net earnings	$	0.53	$	0.70
Average basic shares outstanding	119,762,706		118,370,191
Average diluted shares outstanding	121,128,044		119,773,538

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 _________________

*Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated independently for each component and may not sum to Net EPS due to rounding.

3

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Net earnings	$	64,093	$	83,348
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(8,388)		6,924
Net unrealized gain on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain	1,164		714
Reclassification for gain included in net earnings	(54)		(89)
Net unrealized gain on derivatives	1,110		625
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	(13)		(8)
Defined benefit obligation	(13)		(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,291)		7,541
Comprehensive income	$	56,802	$	90,889

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share data)	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	465,162	$	542,103
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,407 and $9,597)	869,052		880,728
Inventories, net	653,526		625,393
Prepaid and other current assets	181,465		165,879
Total current assets	2,169,205		2,214,103
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,549,385		1,571,067
Goodwill	64,275		64,321
Other noncurrent assets	233,803		232,237
Total assets	$	4,016,668	$	4,081,728
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	252,953	$	266,102
Accrued expenses and other payables	339,545		461,012
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	20,701		18,149
Total current liabilities	613,199		745,263
Deferred income taxes	142,686		130,810
Other noncurrent liabilities	260,991		250,706
Long-term debt	1,064,893		1,065,536
Total liabilities	2,081,769		2,192,315
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 129,060,664 shares; outstanding 120,068,021 and 119,220,905 shares	1,290		1,290
Additional paid-in capital	348,816		358,912
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(111,055)		(103,764)
Retained earnings	1,857,513		1,807,826
Less treasury stock 8,992,643 and 9,839,759 shares at cost	(161,877)		(175,063)
Stockholders' equity	1,934,687		1,889,201
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	212		212
Total stockholders' equity	1,934,899		1,889,413
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	4,016,668	$	4,081,728

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings	$	64,093	$	83,348
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	41,799		40,947
Deferred income taxes and other long-term taxes	11,720		27,939
Stock-based compensation	9,062		8,269
Asset impairments	3,594		530
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,523)		(8,331)
Net gain on disposals of subsidiaries, assets and other	(69)		(6,733)
Other	30		645
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(140,794)		(196)
Net cash flows from (used by) operating activities	(12,088)		146,418
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(37,201)		(45,559)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	743		9,651
Proceeds from insurance	—		784
Net cash flows used by investing activities:	(36,458)		(35,124)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(3,823)		(53,298)
Proceeds from accounts receivable programs	4,487		27,050
Repayments under accounts receivable programs	(4,487)		(31,057)
Dividends	(14,406)		(14,238)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(10,341)		(7,817)
Net cash flows used by financing activities	(28,570)		(79,360)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(365)		196
Increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents	(77,481)		32,130
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	544,964		193,729
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	467,483	$	225,859

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental information:	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Cash paid for income taxes	$	4,743	$	2,119
Cash paid for interest	18,691		20,031
Noncash activities:
Liabilities related to additions of property, plant and equipment	20,246		17,569
Cash and cash equivalents	$	465,162	$	224,797
Restricted cash	2,321		1,062
Total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	467,483	$	225,859

6

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
	Common Stock			Additional		Accumulated Other				Treasury Stock			Non-
(in thousands, except share data)	Number of Shares	Amount		Paid-In Capital		Comprehensive Loss		Retained Earnings		Number of Shares	Amount		controlling Interests		Total
Balance, September 1, 2020	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	358,912	$	(103,764)	$	1,807,826	(9,839,759)	$	(175,063)	$	212	$	1,889,413
Net earnings								64,093							64,093
Other comprehensive loss						(7,291)									(7,291)
Dividends ($0.12 per share)								(14,406)							(14,406)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures				(23,527)						847,116	13,186				(10,341)
Stock-based compensation				8,011											8,011
Reclassification of share-based liability awards				5,420											5,420
Balance, November 30, 2020	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	348,816	$	(111,055)	$	1,857,513	(8,992,643)	$	(161,877)	$	212	$	1,934,899

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
	Common Stock			Additional		Accumulated Other				Treasury Stock			Non-
(in thousands, except share data)	Number of Shares	Amount		Paid-In Capital		Comprehensive Loss		Retained Earnings		Number of Shares	Amount		controlling Interests		Total
Balance, September 1, 2019	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	358,668	$	(124,126)	$	1,585,379	(11,135,726)	$	(197,350)	$	196	$	1,624,057
Net earnings								83,348							83,348
Other comprehensive income						7,541									7,541
Dividends ($0.12 per share)								(14,238)							(14,238)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures				(20,282)						724,927	12,465				(7,817)
Stock-based compensation				6,296											6,296
Reclassification of share-based liability awards				2,510											2,510
Balance, November 30, 2019	129,060,664	$	1,290	$	347,192	$	(116,585)	$	1,654,489	(10,410,799)	$	(184,885)	$	196	$	1,701,697

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020 ("2020 Form 10-K") filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the 2020 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three month period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Any reference in this Form 10-Q to a year refers to the fiscal year ended August 31st of that year, unless otherwise noted.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on September 1, 2020. ASU 2019-12 did not have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. CHANGES IN BUSINESS

Facility Closures and Dispositions

In October 2019, the Company closed the melting operations at its Rancho Cucamonga facility, which is part of the North America segment. In August 2020, the Company announced plans to sell the Rancho Cucamonga site and the Company ceased production in December 2020. Due to these announcements, the Company recorded $8.0 million and $6.3 million of expense in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to asset impairments, severance, pension curtailment and vendor agreement terminations. As of November 30, 2020, the disposition does not meet the criteria for discontinued operations or held for sale accounting.

NOTE 3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"):

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		Defined Benefit Obligation		Total AOCI
Balance, September 1, 2020	$	(87,933)	$	(11,334)	$	(4,497)	$	(103,764)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(8,388)		1,437		(20)		(6,971)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—		(67)		—		(67)
Income taxes	—		(260)		7		(253)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,388)		1,110		(13)		(7,291)
Balance, November 30, 2020	$	(96,321)	$	(10,224)	$	(4,510)	$	(111,055)

8

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		Defined Benefit Obligation		Total AOCI
Balance, September 1, 2019	$	(121,498)	$	1,106	$	(3,734)	$	(124,126)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,924		882		(10)		7,796
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—		(110)		—		(110)
Income taxes	—		(147)		2		(145)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	6,924		625		(8)		7,541
Balance, November 30, 2019	$	(114,574)	$	1,731	$	(3,742)	$	(116,585)

Items reclassified out of AOCI were immaterial for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019. Thus, the corresponding line items in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified are not presented.

NOTE 4. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Each fabricated product contract sold by the North America segment represents a single performance obligation. Revenue from contracts where the Company provides fabricated product and installation services is recognized over time using an input measure, and these contracts represented 14% and 12% of net sales in the North America segment in three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Revenue from contracts where the Company does not provide installation services is recognized over time using an output measure, and these contracts represented 9% and 11% of net sales in the North America segment in three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The remaining 77% of net sales in the North America segment were recognized at a point in time concurrent with the transfer of control, or as amounts were billed to the customer under an available practical expedient, in three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019.

The following table provides information about assets and liabilities from contracts with customers.

(in thousands)	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Contract assets (included in accounts receivable)	$	46,430	$	53,275
Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables)	26,462		25,450

The amount of revenue reclassified from August 31, 2020 contract liabilities during the three months ended November 30, 2020 was approximately $13.1 million.

Remaining Performance Obligations

As of November 30, 2020, $679.8 million has been allocated to remaining performance obligations in the North America segment related to those contracts where revenue is recognized using an input or output measure.

NOTE 5. INVENTORIES, NET

The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of semi-finished and finished goods. Under the Company’s business model, products are sold to external customers in various stages, from semi-finished billets through fabricated steel, leading these categories to be combined. As such, at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, work in process inventories were immaterial. At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the Company's raw materials inventories were $152.0 million and $123.9 million, respectively.

9

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill by reportable segment at November 30, 2020 is detailed in the following table:

(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Consolidated
Goodwill, gross*	$	71,941	$	2,530	$	74,471
Accumulated impairment losses*	(10,036)		(160)		(10,196)
Goodwill, net*	$	61,905	$	2,370	$	64,275

_________________ 

* The change in balance from August 31, 2020 was immaterial.

The total gross carrying amounts of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization were $21.8 million and $22.1 million, and the total net carrying amounts were $12.0 million and $12.6 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively. These assets were included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Intangible amortization expense from continuing operations related to such intangible assets was immaterial for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019. Excluding goodwill, the Company did not have any significant intangible assets with indefinite lives at November 30, 2020.

At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the net carrying amount of the acquired unfavorable contract backlog liability was $4.5 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Amortization of the acquired unfavorable contract backlog was $1.5 million and $8.3 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was recorded as an increase to net sales in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

NOTE 7. LEASES

The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet:

(in thousands)	Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Assets:
Operating assets	Other noncurrent assets	$	117,582	$	114,905
Finance assets	Property, plant and equipment, net	53,561		50,642
Total leased assets		$	171,143	$	165,547
Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities:
Current	Accrued expenses and other payables	$	27,030	$	27,604
Long-term	Other noncurrent liabilities	98,881		95,810
Total operating lease liabilities		125,911		123,414
Finance lease liabilities:
Current	Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	15,060		14,373
Long-term	Long-term debt	37,421		35,851
Total finance lease liabilities		52,481		50,224
Total lease liabilities		$	178,392	$	173,638

The components of lease cost were as follows:

10

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Operating lease expense	$	8,722	$	8,790
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets	3,239		2,165
Interest on lease liabilities	555		401
Total finance lease expense	3,794		2,566
Variable and short term-lease expense	4,962		3,933
Total lease expense	$	17,478	$	15,289

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table:

	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases	6.5		6.3
Finance leases	3.8		3.8
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	4.426	%	4.283	%
Finance leases	4.302	%	4.270	%

Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$	9,047	$	8,746
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	560		336
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	3,795		3,298
Right of use ("ROU") assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	12,267		6,369
Finance leases	6,300		5,312

Maturities of lease liabilities at November 30, 2020 are presented in the following table:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Year 1	$	32,040	$	17,018
Year 2	26,550		14,639
Year 3	22,686		12,374
Year 4	17,312		9,542
Year 5	12,889		3,294
Thereafter	35,301		163
Total lease payments	146,778		57,030
Less: Imputed interest	20,867		4,549
Present value of lease liabilities	$	125,911	$	52,481

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NOTE 8. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt was as follows: 

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate at November 30, 2020	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
2027 Notes	5.375%	$	300,000	$	300,000
2026 Notes	5.750%	350,000		350,000
2023 Notes	4.875%	330,000		330,000
Poland Term Loan	1.720%	39,944		40,713
Other	5.100%	21,329		21,329
Finance leases		52,481		50,224
Total debt		1,093,754		1,092,266
Less debt issuance costs		8,160		8,581
Total amounts outstanding		1,085,594		1,083,685
Less current maturities of long-term debt		20,701		18,149
Long-term debt		$	1,064,893	$	1,065,536

The Company had no amounts drawn under its $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020. The availability under the Revolver was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit totaling $3.0 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020.

The Company has a Term Loan facility (the "Poland Term Loan") through its subsidiary, CMC Poland Sp. zo.o. (“CMCP”), which allows for a maximum aggregate principal amount of Polish zloty ("PLN") 250.0 million, or $66.6 million, at November 30, 2020. At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, PLN 150.0 million, or $39.9 million, and PLN 150.0 million, or $40.7 million, respectively, was outstanding.

The Company also has credit facilities in Poland through its subsidiary CMCP. At November 30, 2020, CMCP's credit facilities totaled PLN 275.0 million, or $73.2 million. These facilities expire in March 2022. No amounts were outstanding under these facilities as of November 30, 2020 or August 31, 2020. The available balance of these credit facilities was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, guarantees, and/or other financial assurance instruments, which totaled $0.8 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020.

The Company's debt agreements require compliance with certain non-financial and financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio and a debt to capitalization ratio. At November 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements.

Accounts Receivable Facilities

The Company had no advance payments outstanding under its U.S. accounts receivable facility at November 30, 2020 or August 31, 2020.

The Poland accounts receivable facility has a limit of PLN 220.0 million ($58.6 million at November 30, 2020). The Company had no advance payments outstanding under the Poland accounts receivable facility at November 30, 2020 or August 31, 2020.

NOTE 9. DERIVATIVES

The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and natural gas, electricity and other energy prices. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to price volatility in these commodities, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) energy derivatives to mitigate the risk related to price volatility of electricity and natural gas.

12

At November 30, 2020, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity commitments were $257.8 million and $203.3 million, respectively. At August 31, 2020, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity contract commitments were $138.5 million and $195.8 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments at November 30, 2020:

Commodity	Long/Short	Total
Aluminum	Long	1,900	MT
Copper	Long	714	MT
Copper	Short	8,686	MT
Electricity	Long	2,000,000	MW(h)

_________________ 

MT = Metric Ton

MW(h) = Megawatt hour

The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.

Commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments resulted in a loss, before income taxes, of $5.6 million and $1.3 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, recorded in cost of goods sold within the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Commodity derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments resulted in a net gain of $1.2 million and $0.7 million recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 10, Fair Value, for the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE

The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined within the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies footnote in our 2020 Form 10-K.

The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	November 30, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investment deposit accounts (1)	$	394,943	$	394,943	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivative assets (2)	291		291		—		—
Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,329		—		1,329		—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	19,496		5,882		—		13,614
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	1,555		—		1,555		—

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			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investment deposit accounts (1)	$	449,824	$	449,824	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivative assets (2)	202		202		—		—
Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,484		—		1,484		—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	19,000		3,993		—		15,007
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	459		—		459		—

_________________ 

(1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.

(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Derivative liabilities classified as Level 3 are described below. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments is included in Note 9, Derivatives.

The fair value estimate of the Level 3 commodity derivative is based on an internally developed discounted cash flow model primarily utilizing unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data. The Company forecasts future energy rates using a range of historical prices ("floating rate"). The floating rate is the only significant unobservable input used in the Company's discounted cash flow model.

	November 30, 2020
Unobservable Inputs	Low	High	Average
Floating rate (PLN)	151.66	247.56	203.96

Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Level 3 commodity derivative recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The fluctuation in energy rates over time may cause volatility in the fair value estimate and is the primary reason for the unrealized gain in other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the three months ended November 30, 2020.

(in thousands)	November 30, 2020
Balance at September 1, 2020	$	(15,007)
Total gains, realized and unrealized
Recognized in OCI(1)	1,393
Ending balance	$	(13,614)

_________________

(1) Gains recognized in OCI are included in the unrealized holding gain on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

There were no material non-recurring fair value remeasurements during the three months ended November 30, 2020 or 2019.

The carrying values of the Company's short-term items approximate fair value.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

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		November 30, 2020				August 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
2027 Notes (1)	Level 2	$	300,000	$	317,835	$	300,000	$	319,377
2026 Notes (1)	Level 2	350,000		365,803		350,000		367,374
2023 Notes (1)	Level 2	330,000		348,813		330,000		345,335
Poland Term Loan(2)	Level 2	39,944		39,944		40,713		40,713

_________________ 

(1) The fair value of the notes was determined based on indicated market values.

(2) The Poland Term Loan contains variable interest rates, and as a result, the carrying value approximates fair value.

NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described in Note 15, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K. In general, restricted stock units granted in 2021 vest ratably over a period of three years. Subject to the achievement of performance targets established by the Compensation Committee of CMC's Board of Directors, performance stock units granted in 2021 vest after a period of three years.

During the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans:

	November 30, 2020			November 30, 2019
(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares Granted	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares Granted	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Equity method	1,399	$	20.39	1,465	$	18.15
Liability method	324	N/A		426	N/A

During the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded immaterial mark-to-market adjustments on liability awards. At November 30, 2020, the Company had outstanding 715,970 equivalent shares accounted for under the liability method. The Company expects 680,171 equivalent shares to vest.

The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, which was primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of earnings:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Stock-based compensation expense	$	9,062	$	8,269

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NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: 

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands, except share data)	2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	63,911	$	82,755
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	119,762,706		118,370,191
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.70
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	119,762,706		118,370,191
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,365,338		1,403,347
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	121,128,044		119,773,538
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.69

Anti-dilutive shares not included above were immaterial for all periods presented.

Restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

During the first quarter of 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which CMC may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of common stock. During the three months ended November 30, 2020, CMC did not repurchase any shares of common stock. CMC had remaining authorization to repurchase $27.6 million of common stock at November 30, 2020.

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal and Environmental Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K.

The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility that it is considered a potentially responsible party at several sites, none of which are owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the Company had $0.5 million and $0.7 million accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites, respectively. The estimation process is based on currently available information which is, in many cases, preliminary and incomplete. Total environmental liabilities, including CERCLA sites, were $3.2 million and $3.4 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively, of which $2.5 million and $2.7 million were classified as other long-term liabilities at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively. These amounts have not been discounted to their present values. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.

Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies, and that the outcomes of the suits and proceedings described above, and other

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miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

NOTE 14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company structures its business into the following two reportable segments: North America and Europe. See Note 1, Nature of Operations, in the 2020 Form 10-K for more information about the reportable segments, including the types of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its net sales. Corporate and Other contains earnings or losses on assets and liabilities related to the Company's Benefit Restoration Plan assets and short-term investments, expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters, interest expense related to its long-term debt and intercompany eliminations.

The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate and Other		Continuing Operations
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	194,596	$	2,194	$	1,391,803
Adjusted EBITDA	155,634		14,470		(26,471)		143,633
Total assets at November 30, 2020*	2,871,933		526,023		618,712		4,016,668

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate and Other		Continuing Operations
Net sales	$	1,216,720	$	165,389	$	2,599	$	1,384,708
Adjusted EBITDA	174,732		11,359		(26,286)		159,805
Total assets at August 31, 2020*	2,862,805		532,850		686,073		4,081,728

_________________ 

*Total assets listed in Corporate and Other includes assets from discontinued operations.

The following table presents a reconciliation of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	63,911	$	82,755
Interest expense	14,259		16,578
Income taxes	21,593		27,332
Depreciation and amortization	41,799		40,941
Asset impairments	3,594		530
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,523)		(8,331)
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$	143,633	$	159,805

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Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables display revenue by reportable segment from external customers, disaggregated by major source. The Company believes disaggregating by these categories depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate		Total
Major product:
Raw material products	$	210,237	$	2,830	$	—	$	213,067
Steel products	457,657		151,455		—		609,112
Downstream products	437,029		34,473		—		471,502
Other	90,090		5,427		2,605		98,122
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	1,195,013		194,185		2,605		1,391,803
Intersegment net sales, eliminated on consolidation	—		411		(411)		—
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	194,596	$	2,194	$	1,391,803

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate		Total
Major product:
Raw material products	$	181,623	$	2,205	$	—	$	183,828
Steel products	441,163		129,744		—		570,907
Downstream products	499,727		28,200		—		527,927
Other	94,207		4,891		2,948		102,046
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	1,216,720		165,040		2,948		1,384,708
Intersegment net sales, eliminated on consolidation	—		349		(349)		—
Net sales	$	1,216,720	$	165,389	$	2,599	$	1,384,708

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In the following discussion, references to "we," "us," "our" or the "Company" mean Commercial Metals Company ("CMC") and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the "Form 10-Q"), and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020 (the "2020 Form 10-K"). This discussion contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results, based on information available at the time this Form 10-Q was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or, with respect to any document incorporated by reference, available at the time that such document was prepared. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those identified in the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of Item 2 of this Form 10-Q and in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of the 2020 Form 10-K and this Form 10-Q. We do not undertake any 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, except as required by law.

Any reference in this Form 10-Q to the "corresponding period" relates to the three-month period ended November 30, 2019.

COVID-19 UPDATE

We continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic ("COVID-19") on the Company, employees, customers and supply chain. The impact of COVID-19 on the broader economy has impacted the Company as uncertainty in the market has lowered demand and delayed customers in awarding new contracts which has resulted in a decline in our backlog. However, we are not able to specifically quantify the impact related to COVID-19. While COVID-19 may continue to have a negative impact on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19, the actions to contain the outbreak or treat its impact, and the timing of distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccines and the economic response thereto means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as set forth in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in the 2020 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SUMMARY

Business Overview

As a vertically integrated organization, we manufacture, recycle and fabricate steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including seven electric arc furnace ("EAF") mini mills, two EAF micro mills, two rerolling mills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses, and metal recycling facilities in the U.S. and Poland. Our operations are conducted through two reportable segments: North America and Europe.

When considering our results for the period, we evaluate our operating performance by comparing net sales, in the aggregate and for both of our segments, in the current period to net sales in the corresponding period. In doing so, we focus on changes in average selling price per ton and tons shipped for each of our product categories as these are the two variables that typically have the greatest impact on our results of operations. We group our products into three categories: raw materials, steel products and downstream products. Raw materials include ferrous and nonferrous scrap, steel products include rebar, merchant and other steel products, such as billets and wire rod, and downstream products include fabricated rebar and steel fence post.

We use adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to compare and evaluate the financial performance of our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is the sum of the Company's earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and impairment expense. Although there are many factors that can impact a segment’s adjusted EBITDA and, therefore, our overall earnings, changes in metal margin of our steel products and downstream products period-

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over-period is a consistent area of focus for our Company and industry. Metal margin is an important metric used by management to monitor the results of our vertically integrated organization. For our steel products, metal margin is the difference between the average selling price per ton of rebar, merchant and other steel products and the cost of ferrous scrap per ton utilized by our steel mills to produce these products. An increase or decrease in input costs can impact profitability of these products when there is no corresponding change in selling prices due to competitive pressures on prices. The metal margin for our downstream products is the difference between the average selling price per ton of fabricated rebar and steel fence post products and the cost of material utilized by our fabrication facilities to produce these products. The majority of our downstream products selling prices per ton are fixed at the beginning of a project and these projects last one to two years on average. Because the selling price generally remains fixed over the life of a project, changes in input costs over the life of the project can significantly impact profitability.

Financial Results Overview

The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our continuing operations and excludes any results of our discontinued operations.

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2020		2019
Net sales	$	1,391,803	$	1,384,708
Earnings from continuing operations	63,911		82,755
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.53	$	0.69

Net sales for the three months ended November 30, 2020 increased $7.1 million or 1%, compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019. Net sales in our North America segment decreased in the three months ended November 30, 2020, as compared to the corresponding period, primarily due to a year-over-year decline in downstream products average selling prices. This decrease was offset by an increase in net sales in our Europe segment due to higher shipments of steel products for the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to the corresponding period.

Earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended November 30, 2020 decreased by $18.8 million, or 23%, compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019. Earnings decreased year-over-year primarily due to compressed metal margins in both segments as a result of rising raw material average selling prices, while steel product and downstream products average selling prices decreased or remained flat.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to the corresponding period. The year-over-year increase in expense was due to gains of $6.7 million on fixed asset disposals in the three months ended November 30, 2019, while we did not have any gains on fixed asset disposals in the three months ended November 30, 2020. This was partially offset by a $2.6 million year-over-year decrease in employee-related expenses and a $2.0 million year-over-year decrease in travel related expenses primarily due to COVID-19, which has limited travel.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended November 30, 2020 decreased $2.3 million compared to the corresponding period. The year-over-year decrease was driven by a reduction in long-term debt, primarily due to the early repayment of the Term Loan (as defined in Note 10, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K) in the year ended August 31, 2020.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate from continuing operations remained relatively flat at 25.3% for the three months ended November 30, 2020, compared with 24.8% in the corresponding period.

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SEGMENT OPERATING DATA

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts below are from continuing operations and calculated before income taxes. See Note 14, Business Segments. The operational data presented in the tables below is calculated using averages and, therefore, it is not meaningful to quantify the effect that any individual component had on the segment's net sales or adjusted EBITDA.

North America

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	1,216,720
Adjusted EBITDA	155,634		174,732
External tons shipped (in thousands)
Raw materials	330		320
Rebar	486		475
Merchant and other	264		236
Steel products	750		711
Downstream products	371		413
Average selling price (per ton)
Steel products	$	612	$	626
Downstream products	934		976
Cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton	$	266	$	226
Steel products metal margin per ton	346		400

Net sales for the three months ended November 30, 2020 decreased $21.7 million, or 2%, compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019. The year-over-year decrease in net sales was due, in part, to a 42 thousand ton decrease in downstream products shipped, as well as $14 per ton and $42 per ton decreases in steel and downstream products average selling prices, respectively, compared to the corresponding period. These decreases were primarily driven by uncertainty in the market due to COVID-19 which has lowered demand and impacted average selling prices. The decline in net sales as a result of these decreases was partially offset by a year-over-year increase in raw materials average selling prices as demand from steel producers has increased. Net sales for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019 included amortization benefit of $1.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively, related to the acquired unfavorable contract backlog.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended November 30, 2020 decreased $19.1 million compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019. The year-over-year decrease in adjusted EBITDA was due to metal margin compression in steel and downstream products. The metal margin compression in steel products was due to increased raw material costs, while steel products average selling prices declined. Downstream products metal margin also decreased, as input costs did not decrease as much as downstream products average selling prices. Adjusted EBITDA did not include the $1.5 million or $8.3 million benefit of the amortization of the acquired unfavorable contract backlog in the three months ended November 30, 2020 or 2019, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $3.3 million and $2.9 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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Europe

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Net sales	$	194,596	$	165,389
Adjusted EBITDA	14,470		11,359
External tons shipped (in thousands)
Rebar	128		122
Merchant and other	269		216
Steel products	397		338
Average selling price (per ton)
Steel products	$	461	$	461
Cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton	$	262	$	244
Steel products metal margin per ton	199		217

Net sales for the three months ended November 30, 2020 increased $29.2 million, or 18%, compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019. The year-over-year increase in net sales was primarily driven by a 59 thousand ton increase in steel product shipments, as demand has increased due to a resilient Polish construction sector and an upturn in Central European manufacturing activity. Net sales were also impacted by a favorable foreign currency translation adjustment of $4.7 million due to the decrease in the average value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Polish zloty in the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to the corresponding period.

Adjusted EBITDA in the three months ended November 30, 2020 increased $3.1 million compared to the three months ended November 30, 2019, driven by higher shipments as discussed above. The year-over-year increase in shipments was offset by an $18 per ton, or 8%, year-over-year compression in steel products metal margin, as the average selling price of steel products has not increased in line with the cost of ferrous scrap utilized. The impact of foreign currency translation to adjusted EBITDA in the three months ended November 30, 2020 was immaterial. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $0.7 million and $0.5 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other reported adjusted EBITDA loss of $26.5 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to adjusted EBITDA loss of $26.3 million in the corresponding period. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $5.1 million and $4.8 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources of Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash flows from operating activities result primarily from the sale of steel, nonferrous metals and related products. We have a diverse and generally stable customer base, and regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable. We record allowances for the accounts receivable we estimate will not be collected based on market conditions, customers' financial condition, and other factors. Historically, these allowances have not been material. We use credit insurance internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. We estimate that the amount of credit-insured receivables (and those covered by export letters of credit) was approximately 13% of total trade receivables at November 30, 2020.

From time to time, we use futures or forward contracts to mitigate the risks from fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and natural gas, electricity and other energy prices. See Note 9, Derivatives, for further information.

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The table below reflects our sources, facilities and available liquidity at November 30, 2020. See Note 8, Credit Arrangements, for additional information.

(in thousands)	Total Facility		Availability
Cash and cash equivalents	$	465,162	$	465,162
Notes due from 2023 to 2027	980,000		*
Revolver	350,000		346,958
U.S. accounts receivable facility	200,000		179,436
Poland credit facilities	73,230		72,419
Poland accounts receivable facility	58,584		53,258
Poland Term Loan	66,573		26,629

_________________ 

* We believe we have access to additional financing and refinancing, if needed.

Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Net cash flows used by operating activities were $12.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to $146.4 million of net cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended November 30, 2019. We had a $19.3 million year-over-year decrease in net earnings and a $140.6 million year-over-year increase in cash used by operating assets and liabilities ("working capital"). The increase in cash used by working capital was primarily due to increases in inventory volumes and pricing in the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to decreases in inventory volumes and pricing in the corresponding period, coupled with a $125.9 million decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables in the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to a $101.7 million decrease in the corresponding period. The higher decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables was primarily due to the payment of the working capital adjustment related to the fiscal 2019 acquisition from Gerdau S.A. made in the three months ended November 30, 2020. For continuing operations, operating working capital days decreased seven days year-over-year.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used by investing activities were $36.5 million and $35.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. While capital expenditures decreased $8.4 million year-over-year, the decrease in expenditures was offset by an $8.9 million year-over-year decrease in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and insurance in the three months ended November 30, 2020 compared to the corresponding period.

We estimate that our 2021 capital spending will range from $200 million to $225 million. We regularly assess our capital spending based on current and expected results and the amount is subject to change.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used by financing activities were $28.6 million and $79.4 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We had net debt repayments of $3.8 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020, compared to net debt repayments of $57.3 million in the corresponding period.

COVID-19 has not had a material impact on our operations to date, and our cash and cash equivalents position remains strong at $465.2 million as of November 30, 2020. We anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and our available sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months. However, as the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and our operations evolves, we will continue to assess our liquidity needs. In the event of a sustained market deterioration, we may need additional liquidity, which would require us to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate actions.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Our contractual obligations at November 30, 2020 increased by approximately $16.9 million from August 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase in purchase obligations, partially offset by a decrease in interest payable. Our estimated contractual obligations for the twelve months ending November 30, 2021 are approximately $461.2 million and primarily consist of expenditures incurred in connection with normal business operations.

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Other Commercial Commitments

We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that governmental agencies, our insurance providers and suppliers request. At November 30, 2020, we had committed $23.9 million under these arrangements, of which $3.0 million reduced availability under the Revolver.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that may have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments because of some of these matters. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at a particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur. We do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains or incorporates by reference a number of "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to general economic conditions, key macro-economic drivers that impact our business, the effects of ongoing trade actions, the effects of continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers, potential synergies and organic growth provided by acquisitions and strategic investments, demand for our products, metal margins, the effect of COVID-19 and related governmental and economic responses thereto, the ability to operate our steel mills at full capacity, future supplies of raw materials and energy for our operations, share repurchases, legal proceedings, the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, U.S. non-residential construction activity, international trade, capital expenditures, our liquidity and our ability to satisfy future liquidity requirements, estimated contractual obligations and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "projects," "forecasts," "outlook" or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Our forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs as of the time this Form 10-Q is filed with the SEC or, with respect to any document incorporated by reference, as of the time such document was prepared. 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, we undertake 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 any other changes. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include those described in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the 2020 Form 10-K, as well as the following:

•changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products or construction activity generally, and the impact of such changes on the highly cyclical steel industry;

•rapid and significant changes in the price of metals, potentially impairing our inventory values due to declines in commodity prices or reducing the profitability of our downstream contracts due to rising commodity pricing;

•impacts from COVID-19 on the economy, demand for our products and on our operations, including the responses of governmental authorities to contain COVID-19 and the impact from the distribution of various COVID-19 vaccines;

•excess capacity in our industry, particularly in China, and product availability from competing steel mills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing;

24

•compliance with and changes in environmental laws and regulations, including increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions;

•involvement in various environmental matters that may result in fines, penalties or judgments;

•potential limitations in our or our customers' abilities to access credit and non-compliance by our customers with our contracts;

•activity in repurchasing shares of our common stock under our repurchase program;

•financial covenants and restrictions on the operation of our business contained in agreements governing our debt;

•our ability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate acquisitions, and the effects that acquisitions may have on our financial leverage;

•risks associated with acquisitions generally, such as the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, required approvals under applicable antitrust legislation and other regulatory and third party consents and approvals;

•lower than expected future levels of revenues and higher than expected future costs;

•failure or inability to implement growth strategies in a timely manner;

•impact of goodwill impairment charges;

•impact of long-lived asset impairment charges;

•currency fluctuations;

•global factors, such as trade measures, military conflicts and political uncertainties, including the impact of the 2020 U.S. election on current trade regulations, such as Section 232 trade tariffs, tax legislation and other regulations which might adversely impact our business;

•availability and pricing of electricity, electrodes and natural gas for mill operations;

•ability to hire and retain key executives and other employees;

•competition from other materials or from competitors that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources;

•information technology interruptions and breaches in security;

•ability to make necessary capital expenditures;

•availability and pricing of raw materials and other items over which we exert little influence, including scrap metal, energy and insurance;

•unexpected equipment failures;

•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;

•civil unrest, protests and riots;

•new and clarifying guidance with regard to interpretation of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that could impact our assessment; and

•increased costs related to health care reform legislation.

You should refer to the “Risk Factors” disclosed in our periodic and current reports filed with the SEC for specific risks which would cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to identify all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed herein may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers of this Form 10-Q are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There were no material changes to the information set forth in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, included in the 2020 Form 10-K.

25

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. This term refers to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods, and includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, and they have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our quarter ended November 30, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

26

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of its businesses and operations. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and as with any litigation, it is possible that these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. We believe that there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and where appropriate, these actions are being vigorously contested.

We are the subject of civil actions, or have received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility, that we and numerous other parties are considered a potentially responsible party ("PRP") and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), or similar state statutes, to pay for the cost of remedial investigation, feasibility studies and ultimately remediation to correct alleged releases of hazardous substances at eleven locations. We have accrued reserves for remediation or other expenses at the following locations, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we ever conducted operations: the Sapp Battery Site in Cottondale, Florida, the Interstate Lead Company Site in Leeds, Alabama, the R&H Oil Site in San Antonio, Texas, the SoGreen/Parramore Site in Tifton, Georgia, the Jensen Drive site in Houston, Texas, the Chemetco site in Hartford, Illinois and the Ward Transformer site in Raleigh, North Carolina. We may contest our designation as a PRP with regard to certain sites, while at other sites we are participating with other named PRPs in agreements or negotiations that have resulted or that we expect will result in agreements to remediate the sites. During 2010, we acquired a 70% interest in the real property at Jensen Drive as part of the remediation of that site. We have periodically received information requests from government environmental agencies with regard to other sites that are apparently under consideration for designation as listed sites under CERCLA or similar state statutes. Often we do not receive any further communication with regard to these sites, and as of the date of this Form 10-Q, we do not know if any of these inquiries will ultimately result in a demand for payment from us.

The EPA notified us and other alleged PRPs that under Section 106 of CERCLA, we and the other PRPs could be subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 per day and the imposition of treble damages if we and the other PRPs refuse to clean up the Peak Oil, Sapp Battery and SoGreen/Parramore sites as ordered by the EPA. We are presently participating in PRP organizations at these sites, which are paying for certain site remediation expenses. We do not believe that the EPA will pursue any fines against us if we continue to participate in the PRP groups or if we have adequate defenses to the EPA's imposition of fines against us in these matters.

We believe that adequate provisions have been made in the financial statements for the potential impact of any loss in connection with the above-described legal proceedings and environmental matters. Management believes that the outcome of the proceedings mentioned, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the 2020 Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

There were no purchases of equity securities registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended November 30, 2020.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

27

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

28

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

3.1(a)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated March 2, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1(b)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(a) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1(c)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 17, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(b) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1(d)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 30, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(d) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1(e)	Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 26, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1(f)	Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 2 to Commercial Metals Company's Form 8-A filed August 3, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2	Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Commercial Metals Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1	Certification of Barbara R. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2	Certification of Paul J. Lawrence, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.1	Certification of Barbara R. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
32.2	Certification of Paul J. Lawrence, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document (filed herewith).
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed herewith).
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File

29

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

	COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
January 11, 2021	/s/ Paul J. Lawrence
	Paul J. Lawrence
	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer of the registrant)

30

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Barbara R. Smith, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Commercial Metals Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 11, 2021

/s/ Barbara R. Smith

Barbara R. Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Paul J. Lawrence, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Commercial Metals Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 11, 2021

/s/ Paul J. Lawrence

Paul J. Lawrence

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Commercial Metals Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 30, 2020 (the “Report”), I, Barbara R. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Barbara R. Smith

Barbara R. Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: January 11, 2021

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Commercial Metals Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 30, 2020 (the “Report”), I, Paul J. Lawrence, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Paul J. Lawrence

Paul J. Lawrence

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: January 11, 2021

XML

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Jan. 08, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Nov. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-4304
Entity Registrant Name	COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	75-0725338
Entity Address, Address Line One	6565 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Entity Address, City or Town	Irving
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75039
City Area Code	214
Local Phone Number	689-4300
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	CMC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		120,068,330
Entity Central Index Key	0000022444
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 1,391,803	$ 1,384,708
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold		1,174,819	1,146,514
Selling, general and administrative expenses		113,627	110,999
Interest expense		14,259	16,578
Asset impairments		3,594	530
Total costs and expenses		1,306,299	1,274,621
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes		85,504	110,087
Income taxes		21,593	27,332
Earnings from continuing operations		63,911	82,755
Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes		250	895
Income taxes		68	302
Earnings from discontinued operations		182	593
Net earnings		$ 64,093	$ 83,348
Basic earnings per share*
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	[1]	$ 0.53	$ 0.70
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)		0	0.01
Net earnings (in USD per share)		0.54	0.70
Diluted earnings per share*
Earnings from continuing operations (in USD per share)	[1]	0.53	0.69
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in USD per share)		0	0
Net earnings (in USD per share)		$ 0.53	$ 0.70
Average basic shares outstanding		119,762,706	118,370,191
Average diluted shares outstanding		121,128,044	119,773,538

[1] *Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated independently for each component and may not sum to Net EPS due to rounding

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 64,093	$ 83,348
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(8,388)	6,924
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain	1,164	714
Reclassification for gain included in net earnings	(54)	(89)
Net unrealized gain on derivatives	1,110	625
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	(13)	(8)
Defined benefit obligation	(13)	(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,291)	7,541
Comprehensive income	$ 56,802	$ 90,889

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 465,162	$ 542,103
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,407 and $9,597)	869,052	880,728
Inventories, net	653,526	625,393
Prepaid and other current assets	181,465	165,879
Total current assets	2,169,205	2,214,103
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,549,385	1,571,067
Goodwill	64,275	64,321
Other noncurrent assets	233,803	232,237
Total assets	4,016,668	4,081,728
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	252,953	266,102
Accrued expenses and other payables	339,545	461,012
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	20,701	18,149
Total current liabilities	613,199	745,263
Deferred income taxes	142,686	130,810
Other noncurrent liabilities	260,991	250,706
Long-term debt	1,064,893	1,065,536
Total liabilities	2,081,769	2,192,315
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1,290	1,290
Additional paid-in capital	348,816	358,912
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(111,055)	(103,764)
Retained earnings	1,857,513	1,807,826
Less treasury stock 8,992,643 and 9,839,759 shares at cost	(161,877)	(175,063)
Stockholders' equity	1,934,687	1,889,201
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	212	212
Total stockholders' equity	1,934,899	1,889,413
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,016,668	$ 4,081,728

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 8,407	$ 9,597
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	120,068,021	119,220,905
Treasury stock, shares	8,992,643	9,839,759

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 64,093	$ 83,348
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	41,799	40,947
Deferred income taxes and other long-term taxes	11,720	27,939
Stock-based compensation	9,062	8,269
Asset impairments	3,594	530
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,523)	(8,331)
Net gain on disposals of subsidiaries, assets and other	(69)	(6,733)
Other	30	645
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(140,794)	(196)
Net cash flows from (used by) operating activities	(12,088)	146,418
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(37,201)	(45,559)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	743	9,651
Proceeds from insurance	0	784
Net cash flows used by investing activities:	(36,458)	(35,124)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(3,823)	(53,298)
Proceeds from accounts receivable programs	4,487	27,050
Repayments under accounts receivable programs	(4,487)	(31,057)
Dividends	(14,406)	(14,238)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(10,341)	(7,817)
Net cash flows used by financing activities	(28,570)	(79,360)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(365)	196
Increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents	(77,481)	32,130
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	467,483	225,859
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period	467,483	225,859
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for income taxes	4,743	2,119
Cash paid for interest	18,691	20,031
Noncash activities:
Liabilities related to additions of property, plant and equipment	$ 20,246	$ 17,569

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 465,162	$ 224,797
Restricted cash	2,321	1,062
Total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 467,483	$ 225,859

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2019	$ 1,624,057	$ 1,290	$ 358,668	$ (124,126)	$ 1,585,379	$ (197,350)	$ 196
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2019		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2019						(11,135,726)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	83,348				83,348
Other comprehensive income (loss)	7,541			7,541
Dividends	(14,238)				(14,238)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(7,817)		(20,282)			$ 12,465
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						724,927
Stock-based compensation	6,296		6,296
Reclassification of share-based liability awards	2,510		2,510
Ending balance at Nov. 30, 2019	1,701,697	$ 1,290	347,192	(116,585)	1,654,489	$ (184,885)	196
Ending balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2019		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Nov. 30, 2019						(10,410,799)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2020	$ 1,889,413	$ 1,290	358,912	(103,764)	1,807,826	$ (175,063)	212
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2020		129,060,664
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2020	(9,839,759)					(9,839,759)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 64,093				64,093
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,291)			(7,291)
Dividends	(14,406)				(14,406)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(10,341)		(23,527)			$ 13,186
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						847,116
Stock-based compensation	8,011		8,011
Reclassification of share-based liability awards	5,420		5,420
Ending balance at Nov. 30, 2020	$ 1,934,899	$ 1,290	$ 348,816	$ (111,055)	$ 1,857,513	$ (161,877)	$ 212
Ending balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2020		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Nov. 30, 2020	(8,992,643)					(8,992,643)

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.12

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting policies

NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020 ("2020 Form 10-K") filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the 2020 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three month period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Any reference in this Form 10-Q to a year refers to the fiscal year ended August 31st of that year, unless otherwise noted.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on September 1, 2020. ASU 2019-12 did not have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CHANGES IN BUSINESS

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Changes in Business

NOTE 2. CHANGES IN BUSINESS

Facility Closures and Dispositions

In October 2019, the Company closed the melting operations at its Rancho Cucamonga facility, which is part of the North America segment. In August 2020, the Company announced plans to sell the Rancho Cucamonga site and the Company ceased production in December 2020. Due to these announcements, the Company recorded $8.0 million and $6.3 million of expense in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to asset impairments, severance, pension curtailment and vendor agreement terminations. As of November 30, 2020, the disposition does not meet the criteria for discontinued operations or held for sale accounting.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

NOTE 3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"):

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		Defined Benefit Obligation		Total AOCI
Balance, September 1, 2020	$	(87,933)	$	(11,334)	$	(4,497)	$	(103,764)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(8,388)		1,437		(20)		(6,971)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—		(67)		—		(67)
Income taxes	—		(260)		7		(253)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,388)		1,110		(13)		(7,291)
Balance, November 30, 2020	$	(96,321)	$	(10,224)	$	(4,510)	$	(111,055)

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		Defined Benefit Obligation		Total AOCI
Balance, September 1, 2019	$	(121,498)	$	1,106	$	(3,734)	$	(124,126)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,924		882		(10)		7,796
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—		(110)		—		(110)
Income taxes	—		(147)		2		(145)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	6,924		625		(8)		7,541
Balance, November 30, 2019	$	(114,574)	$	1,731	$	(3,742)	$	(116,585)

Items reclassified out of AOCI were immaterial for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019. Thus, the corresponding line items in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified are not presented.

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REVENUE RECOGNITION

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

NOTE 4. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Each fabricated product contract sold by the North America segment represents a single performance obligation. Revenue from contracts where the Company provides fabricated product and installation services is recognized over time using an input measure, and these contracts represented 14% and 12% of net sales in the North America segment in three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Revenue from contracts where the Company does not provide installation services is recognized over time using an output measure, and these contracts represented 9% and 11% of net sales in the North America segment in three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The remaining 77% of net sales in the North America segment were recognized at a point in time concurrent with the transfer of control, or as amounts were billed to the customer under an available practical expedient, in three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019.

The following table provides information about assets and liabilities from contracts with customers.

(in thousands)	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Contract assets (included in accounts receivable)	$	46,430	$	53,275
Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables)	26,462		25,450

The amount of revenue reclassified from August 31, 2020 contract liabilities during the three months ended November 30, 2020 was approximately $13.1 million.

Remaining Performance Obligations

As of November 30, 2020, $679.8 million has been allocated to remaining performance obligations in the North America segment related to those contracts where revenue is recognized using an input or output measure.

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INVENTORIES, NET

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories, net

NOTE 5. INVENTORIES, NET

The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of semi-finished and finished goods. Under the Company’s business model, products are sold to external customers in various stages, from semi-finished billets through fabricated steel, leading these categories to be combined. As such, at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, work in process inventories were immaterial. At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the Company's raw materials inventories were $152.0 million and $123.9 million, respectively.

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and other intangibles

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill by reportable segment at November 30, 2020 is detailed in the following table:

(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Consolidated
Goodwill, gross*	$	71,941	$	2,530	$	74,471
Accumulated impairment losses*	(10,036)		(160)		(10,196)
Goodwill, net*	$	61,905	$	2,370	$	64,275

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* The change in balance from August 31, 2020 was immaterial.

The total gross carrying amounts of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization were $21.8 million and $22.1 million, and the total net carrying amounts were $12.0 million and $12.6 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively. These assets were included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. Intangible amortization expense from continuing operations related to such intangible assets was immaterial for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019. Excluding goodwill, the Company did not have any significant intangible assets with indefinite lives at November 30, 2020.

At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the net carrying amount of the acquired unfavorable contract backlog liability was $4.5 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Amortization of the acquired unfavorable contract backlog was $1.5 million and $8.3 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was recorded as an increase to net sales in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

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LEASES

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Operating Leases

NOTE 7. LEASES

The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet:

(in thousands)	Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Assets:
Operating assets	Other noncurrent assets	$	117,582	$	114,905
Finance assets	Property, plant and equipment, net	53,561		50,642
Total leased assets		$	171,143	$	165,547
Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities:
Current	Accrued expenses and other payables	$	27,030	$	27,604
Long-term	Other noncurrent liabilities	98,881		95,810
Total operating lease liabilities		125,911		123,414
Finance lease liabilities:
Current	Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	15,060		14,373
Long-term	Long-term debt	37,421		35,851
Total finance lease liabilities		52,481		50,224
Total lease liabilities		$	178,392	$	173,638

The components of lease cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Operating lease expense	$	8,722	$	8,790
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets	3,239		2,165
Interest on lease liabilities	555		401
Total finance lease expense	3,794		2,566
Variable and short term-lease expense	4,962		3,933
Total lease expense	$	17,478	$	15,289

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table:

	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases	6.5		6.3
Finance leases	3.8		3.8
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	4.426	%	4.283	%
Finance leases	4.302	%	4.270	%

Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$	9,047	$	8,746
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	560		336
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	3,795		3,298
Right of use ("ROU") assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	12,267		6,369
Finance leases	6,300		5,312

Maturities of lease liabilities at November 30, 2020 are presented in the following table:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Year 1	$	32,040	$	17,018
Year 2	26,550		14,639
Year 3	22,686		12,374
Year 4	17,312		9,542
Year 5	12,889		3,294
Thereafter	35,301		163
Total lease payments	146,778		57,030
Less: Imputed interest	20,867		4,549
Present value of lease liabilities	$	125,911	$	52,481

Finance Leases

NOTE 7. LEASES

The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet:

(in thousands)	Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Assets:
Operating assets	Other noncurrent assets	$	117,582	$	114,905
Finance assets	Property, plant and equipment, net	53,561		50,642
Total leased assets		$	171,143	$	165,547
Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities:
Current	Accrued expenses and other payables	$	27,030	$	27,604
Long-term	Other noncurrent liabilities	98,881		95,810
Total operating lease liabilities		125,911		123,414
Finance lease liabilities:
Current	Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	15,060		14,373
Long-term	Long-term debt	37,421		35,851
Total finance lease liabilities		52,481		50,224
Total lease liabilities		$	178,392	$	173,638

The components of lease cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Operating lease expense	$	8,722	$	8,790
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets	3,239		2,165
Interest on lease liabilities	555		401
Total finance lease expense	3,794		2,566
Variable and short term-lease expense	4,962		3,933
Total lease expense	$	17,478	$	15,289

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table:

	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases	6.5		6.3
Finance leases	3.8		3.8
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	4.426	%	4.283	%
Finance leases	4.302	%	4.270	%

Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$	9,047	$	8,746
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	560		336
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	3,795		3,298
Right of use ("ROU") assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	12,267		6,369
Finance leases	6,300		5,312

Maturities of lease liabilities at November 30, 2020 are presented in the following table:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Year 1	$	32,040	$	17,018
Year 2	26,550		14,639
Year 3	22,686		12,374
Year 4	17,312		9,542
Year 5	12,889		3,294
Thereafter	35,301		163
Total lease payments	146,778		57,030
Less: Imputed interest	20,867		4,549
Present value of lease liabilities	$	125,911	$	52,481

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CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Credit arrangements

NOTE 8. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt was as follows: 

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate at November 30, 2020	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
2027 Notes	5.375%	$	300,000	$	300,000
2026 Notes	5.750%	350,000		350,000
2023 Notes	4.875%	330,000		330,000
Poland Term Loan	1.720%	39,944		40,713
Other	5.100%	21,329		21,329
Finance leases		52,481		50,224
Total debt		1,093,754		1,092,266
Less debt issuance costs		8,160		8,581
Total amounts outstanding		1,085,594		1,083,685
Less current maturities of long-term debt		20,701		18,149
Long-term debt		$	1,064,893	$	1,065,536

The Company had no amounts drawn under its $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020. The availability under the Revolver was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit totaling $3.0 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020.

The Company has a Term Loan facility (the "Poland Term Loan") through its subsidiary, CMC Poland Sp. zo.o. (“CMCP”), which allows for a maximum aggregate principal amount of Polish zloty ("PLN") 250.0 million, or $66.6 million, at November 30, 2020. At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, PLN 150.0 million, or $39.9 million, and PLN 150.0 million, or $40.7 million, respectively, was outstanding.

The Company also has credit facilities in Poland through its subsidiary CMCP. At November 30, 2020, CMCP's credit facilities totaled PLN 275.0 million, or $73.2 million. These facilities expire in March 2022. No amounts were outstanding under these facilities as of November 30, 2020 or August 31, 2020. The available balance of these credit facilities was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, guarantees, and/or other financial assurance instruments, which totaled $0.8 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020.

The Company's debt agreements require compliance with certain non-financial and financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio and a debt to capitalization ratio. At November 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements.

Accounts Receivable Facilities

The Company had no advance payments outstanding under its U.S. accounts receivable facility at November 30, 2020 or August 31, 2020.

The Poland accounts receivable facility has a limit of PLN 220.0 million ($58.6 million at November 30, 2020). The Company had no advance payments outstanding under the Poland accounts receivable facility at November 30, 2020 or August 31, 2020.

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DERIVATIVES

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives

NOTE 9. DERIVATIVES

The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and natural gas, electricity and other energy prices. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to price volatility in these commodities, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) energy derivatives to mitigate the risk related to price volatility of electricity and natural gas.

At November 30, 2020, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity commitments were $257.8 million and $203.3 million, respectively. At August 31, 2020, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency and commodity contract commitments were $138.5 million and $195.8 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments at November 30, 2020:

Commodity	Long/Short	Total
Aluminum	Long	1,900	MT
Copper	Long	714	MT
Copper	Short	8,686	MT
Electricity	Long	2,000,000	MW(h)

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MT = Metric Ton

MW(h) = Megawatt hour

The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.

Commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments resulted in a loss, before income taxes, of $5.6 million and $1.3 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, recorded in cost of goods sold within the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Commodity derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments resulted in a net gain of $1.2 million and $0.7 million recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 10, Fair Value, for the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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FAIR VALUE

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value

NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE

The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined within the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies footnote in our 2020 Form 10-K.

The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	November 30, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investment deposit accounts (1)	$	394,943	$	394,943	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivative assets (2)	291		291		—		—
Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,329		—		1,329		—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	19,496		5,882		—		13,614
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	1,555		—		1,555		—

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investment deposit accounts (1)	$	449,824	$	449,824	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivative assets (2)	202		202		—		—
Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,484		—		1,484		—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	19,000		3,993		—		15,007
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	459		—		459		—

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(1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.

(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Derivative liabilities classified as Level 3 are described below. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments is included in Note 9, Derivatives.

The fair value estimate of the Level 3 commodity derivative is based on an internally developed discounted cash flow model primarily utilizing unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data. The Company forecasts future energy rates using a range of historical prices ("floating rate"). The floating rate is the only significant unobservable input used in the Company's discounted cash flow model.

	November 30, 2020
Unobservable Inputs	Low	High	Average
Floating rate (PLN)	151.66	247.56	203.96

Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Level 3 commodity derivative recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The fluctuation in energy rates over time may cause volatility in the fair value estimate and is the primary reason for the unrealized gain in other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the three months ended November 30, 2020.

(in thousands)	November 30, 2020
Balance at September 1, 2020	$	(15,007)
Total gains, realized and unrealized
Recognized in OCI(1)	1,393
Ending balance	$	(13,614)

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(1) Gains recognized in OCI are included in the unrealized holding gain on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

There were no material non-recurring fair value remeasurements during the three months ended November 30, 2020 or 2019.

The carrying values of the Company's short-term items approximate fair value.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

		November 30, 2020				August 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
2027 Notes (1)	Level 2	$	300,000	$	317,835	$	300,000	$	319,377
2026 Notes (1)	Level 2	350,000		365,803		350,000		367,374
2023 Notes (1)	Level 2	330,000		348,813		330,000		345,335
Poland Term Loan(2)	Level 2	39,944		39,944		40,713		40,713

_________________ 

(1) The fair value of the notes was determined based on indicated market values.

(2) The Poland Term Loan contains variable interest rates, and as a result, the carrying value approximates fair value.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock-based compensation plans

NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described in Note 15, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K. In general, restricted stock units granted in 2021 vest ratably over a period of three years. Subject to the achievement of performance targets established by the Compensation Committee of CMC's Board of Directors, performance stock units granted in 2021 vest after a period of three years.

During the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans:

	November 30, 2020			November 30, 2019
(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares Granted	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares Granted	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Equity method	1,399	$	20.39	1,465	$	18.15
Liability method	324	N/A		426	N/A

During the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded immaterial mark-to-market adjustments on liability awards. At November 30, 2020, the Company had outstanding 715,970 equivalent shares accounted for under the liability method. The Company expects 680,171 equivalent shares to vest.

The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, which was primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of earnings:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Stock-based compensation expense	$	9,062	$	8,269

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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Stockholder's equity and earnings per share

NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: 

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands, except share data)	2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	63,911	$	82,755
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	119,762,706		118,370,191
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.70
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	119,762,706		118,370,191
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,365,338		1,403,347
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	121,128,044		119,773,538
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.69

Anti-dilutive shares not included above were immaterial for all periods presented.

Restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

During the first quarter of 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which CMC may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of common stock. During the three months ended November 30, 2020, CMC did not repurchase any shares of common stock. CMC had remaining authorization to repurchase $27.6 million of common stock at November 30, 2020.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and contingencies

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal and Environmental Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements in the 2020 Form 10-K.

The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility that it is considered a potentially responsible party at several sites, none of which are owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, the Company had $0.5 million and $0.7 million accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites, respectively. The estimation process is based on currently available information which is, in many cases, preliminary and incomplete. Total environmental liabilities, including CERCLA sites, were $3.2 million and $3.4 million at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively, of which $2.5 million and $2.7 million were classified as other long-term liabilities at November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively. These amounts have not been discounted to their present values. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.

Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies, and that the outcomes of the suits and proceedings described above, and other

miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

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BUSINESS SEGMENTS

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segments

NOTE 14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company structures its business into the following two reportable segments: North America and Europe. See Note 1, Nature of Operations, in the 2020 Form 10-K for more information about the reportable segments, including the types of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its net sales. Corporate and Other contains earnings or losses on assets and liabilities related to the Company's Benefit Restoration Plan assets and short-term investments, expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters, interest expense related to its long-term debt and intercompany eliminations.

The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate and Other		Continuing Operations
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	194,596	$	2,194	$	1,391,803
Adjusted EBITDA	155,634		14,470		(26,471)		143,633
Total assets at November 30, 2020*	2,871,933		526,023		618,712		4,016,668

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate and Other		Continuing Operations
Net sales	$	1,216,720	$	165,389	$	2,599	$	1,384,708
Adjusted EBITDA	174,732		11,359		(26,286)		159,805
Total assets at August 31, 2020*	2,862,805		532,850		686,073		4,081,728

_________________ 

*Total assets listed in Corporate and Other includes assets from discontinued operations.

The following table presents a reconciliation of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	63,911	$	82,755
Interest expense	14,259		16,578
Income taxes	21,593		27,332
Depreciation and amortization	41,799		40,941
Asset impairments	3,594		530
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,523)		(8,331)
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$	143,633	$	159,805

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables display revenue by reportable segment from external customers, disaggregated by major source. The Company believes disaggregating by these categories depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate		Total
Major product:
Raw material products	$	210,237	$	2,830	$	—	$	213,067
Steel products	457,657		151,455		—		609,112
Downstream products	437,029		34,473		—		471,502
Other	90,090		5,427		2,605		98,122
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	1,195,013		194,185		2,605		1,391,803
Intersegment net sales, eliminated on consolidation	—		411		(411)		—
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	194,596	$	2,194	$	1,391,803

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate		Total
Major product:
Raw material products	$	181,623	$	2,205	$	—	$	183,828
Steel products	441,163		129,744		—		570,907
Downstream products	499,727		28,200		—		527,927
Other	94,207		4,891		2,948		102,046
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	1,216,720		165,040		2,948		1,384,708
Intersegment net sales, eliminated on consolidation	—		349		(349)		—
Net sales	$	1,216,720	$	165,389	$	2,599	$	1,384,708

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting principles

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020 ("2020 Form 10-K") filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the 2020 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three month period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Any reference in this Form 10-Q to a year refers to the fiscal year ended August 31st of that year, unless otherwise noted.

Recent accounting pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on September 1, 2020. ASU 2019-12 did not have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair value measurement

The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined within the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies footnote in our 2020 Form 10-K.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"):

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		Defined Benefit Obligation		Total AOCI
Balance, September 1, 2020	$	(87,933)	$	(11,334)	$	(4,497)	$	(103,764)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(8,388)		1,437		(20)		(6,971)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—		(67)		—		(67)
Income taxes	—		(260)		7		(253)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,388)		1,110		(13)		(7,291)
Balance, November 30, 2020	$	(96,321)	$	(10,224)	$	(4,510)	$	(111,055)

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		Defined Benefit Obligation		Total AOCI
Balance, September 1, 2019	$	(121,498)	$	1,106	$	(3,734)	$	(124,126)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,924		882		(10)		7,796
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—		(110)		—		(110)
Income taxes	—		(147)		2		(145)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	6,924		625		(8)		7,541
Balance, November 30, 2019	$	(114,574)	$	1,731	$	(3,742)	$	(116,585)

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REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Information avout Assets and Liabilities from Contracts with Customers

The following table provides information about assets and liabilities from contracts with customers.

(in thousands)	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Contract assets (included in accounts receivable)	$	46,430	$	53,275
Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables)	26,462		25,450

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

Goodwill by reportable segment at November 30, 2020 is detailed in the following table:

(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Consolidated
Goodwill, gross*	$	71,941	$	2,530	$	74,471
Accumulated impairment losses*	(10,036)		(160)		(10,196)
Goodwill, net*	$	61,905	$	2,370	$	64,275

_________________ 

* The change in balance from August 31, 2020 was immaterial.

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LEASES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Balance Sheet Components of Leases

The following table presents the components of the total leased assets and lease liabilities and their classification in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet:

(in thousands)	Classification in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Assets:
Operating assets	Other noncurrent assets	$	117,582	$	114,905
Finance assets	Property, plant and equipment, net	53,561		50,642
Total leased assets		$	171,143	$	165,547
Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities:
Current	Accrued expenses and other payables	$	27,030	$	27,604
Long-term	Other noncurrent liabilities	98,881		95,810
Total operating lease liabilities		125,911		123,414
Finance lease liabilities:
Current	Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings	15,060		14,373
Long-term	Long-term debt	37,421		35,851
Total finance lease liabilities		52,481		50,224
Total lease liabilities		$	178,392	$	173,638

Lease Cost

The components of lease cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Operating lease expense	$	8,722	$	8,790
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets	3,239		2,165
Interest on lease liabilities	555		401
Total finance lease expense	3,794		2,566
Variable and short term-lease expense	4,962		3,933
Total lease expense	$	17,478	$	15,289

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases are presented in the following table:

	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases	6.5		6.3
Finance leases	3.8		3.8
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	4.426	%	4.283	%
Finance leases	4.302	%	4.270	%

Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases

Cash flow and other information related to leases is included in the following table:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$	9,047	$	8,746
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	560		336
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	3,795		3,298
Right of use ("ROU") assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	12,267		6,369
Finance leases	6,300		5,312

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities

Maturities of lease liabilities at November 30, 2020 are presented in the following table:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Year 1	$	32,040	$	17,018
Year 2	26,550		14,639
Year 3	22,686		12,374
Year 4	17,312		9,542
Year 5	12,889		3,294
Thereafter	35,301		163
Total lease payments	146,778		57,030
Less: Imputed interest	20,867		4,549
Present value of lease liabilities	$	125,911	$	52,481

Maturity of Finance Lease Liabilities

Maturities of lease liabilities at November 30, 2020 are presented in the following table:

(in thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Year 1	$	32,040	$	17,018
Year 2	26,550		14,639
Year 3	22,686		12,374
Year 4	17,312		9,542
Year 5	12,889		3,294
Thereafter	35,301		163
Total lease payments	146,778		57,030
Less: Imputed interest	20,867		4,549
Present value of lease liabilities	$	125,911	$	52,481

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CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps

Long-term debt was as follows: 

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate at November 30, 2020	November 30, 2020		August 31, 2020
2027 Notes	5.375%	$	300,000	$	300,000
2026 Notes	5.750%	350,000		350,000
2023 Notes	4.875%	330,000		330,000
Poland Term Loan	1.720%	39,944		40,713
Other	5.100%	21,329		21,329
Finance leases		52,481		50,224
Total debt		1,093,754		1,092,266
Less debt issuance costs		8,160		8,581
Total amounts outstanding		1,085,594		1,083,685
Less current maturities of long-term debt		20,701		18,149
Long-term debt		$	1,064,893	$	1,065,536

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DERIVATIVES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Commodity contract commitments

The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments at November 30, 2020:

Commodity	Long/Short	Total
Aluminum	Long	1,900	MT
Copper	Long	714	MT
Copper	Short	8,686	MT
Electricity	Long	2,000,000	MW(h)

_________________ 

MT = Metric Ton

MW(h) = Megawatt hour

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FAIR VALUE (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	November 30, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investment deposit accounts (1)	$	394,943	$	394,943	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivative assets (2)	291		291		—		—
Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,329		—		1,329		—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	19,496		5,882		—		13,614
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	1,555		—		1,555		—

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investment deposit accounts (1)	$	449,824	$	449,824	$	—	$	—
Commodity derivative assets (2)	202		202		—		—
Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)	1,484		—		1,484		—
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)	19,000		3,993		—		15,007
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)	459		—		459		—

_________________ 

(1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.

(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Derivative liabilities classified as Level 3 are described below. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments is included in Note 9, Derivatives.

The fair value estimate of the Level 3 commodity derivative is based on an internally developed discounted cash flow model primarily utilizing unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data. The Company forecasts future energy rates using a range of historical prices ("floating rate"). The floating rate is the only significant unobservable input used in the Company's discounted cash flow model.

	November 30, 2020
Unobservable Inputs	Low	High	Average
Floating rate (PLN)	151.66	247.56	203.96

Fair value, net derivative asset (liability) measured on recurring basis, unobservable input reconciliation

Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Level 3 commodity derivative recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The fluctuation in energy rates over time may cause volatility in the fair value estimate and is the primary reason for the unrealized gain in other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the three months ended November 30, 2020.

(in thousands)	November 30, 2020
Balance at September 1, 2020	$	(15,007)
Total gains, realized and unrealized
Recognized in OCI(1)	1,393
Ending balance	$	(13,614)

_________________

(1) Gains recognized in OCI are included in the unrealized holding gain on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Financial assets and liabilities not required to be measured at fair value

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

		November 30, 2020				August 31, 2020
(in thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
2027 Notes (1)	Level 2	$	300,000	$	317,835	$	300,000	$	319,377
2026 Notes (1)	Level 2	350,000		365,803		350,000		367,374
2023 Notes (1)	Level 2	330,000		348,813		330,000		345,335
Poland Term Loan(2)	Level 2	39,944		39,944		40,713		40,713

_________________ 

(1) The fair value of the notes was determined based on indicated market values.

(2) The Poland Term Loan contains variable interest rates, and as a result, the carrying value approximates fair value.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock Based Awards Granted

During the three months ended November 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans:

	November 30, 2020			November 30, 2019
(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares Granted	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares Granted	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Equity method	1,399	$	20.39	1,465	$	18.15
Liability method	324	N/A		426	N/A

Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, which was primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of earnings:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Stock-based compensation expense	$	9,062	$	8,269

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STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculations of the basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows: 

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands, except share data)	2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	63,911	$	82,755
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	119,762,706		118,370,191
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.70
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	119,762,706		118,370,191
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans	1,365,338		1,403,347
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	121,128,044		119,773,538
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.69

Anti-dilutive shares not included above were immaterial for all periods presented.

Restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.

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BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment

The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate and Other		Continuing Operations
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	194,596	$	2,194	$	1,391,803
Adjusted EBITDA	155,634		14,470		(26,471)		143,633
Total assets at November 30, 2020*	2,871,933		526,023		618,712		4,016,668

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate and Other		Continuing Operations
Net sales	$	1,216,720	$	165,389	$	2,599	$	1,384,708
Adjusted EBITDA	174,732		11,359		(26,286)		159,805
Total assets at August 31, 2020*	2,862,805		532,850		686,073		4,081,728

_________________ 

*Total assets listed in Corporate and Other includes assets from discontinued operations.

Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit

The following table presents a reconciliation of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
(in thousands)	2020		2019
Earnings from continuing operations	$	63,911	$	82,755
Interest expense	14,259		16,578
Income taxes	21,593		27,332
Depreciation and amortization	41,799		40,941
Asset impairments	3,594		530
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,523)		(8,331)
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$	143,633	$	159,805

Net sales by major product

The following tables display revenue by reportable segment from external customers, disaggregated by major source. The Company believes disaggregating by these categories depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2020
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate		Total
Major product:
Raw material products	$	210,237	$	2,830	$	—	$	213,067
Steel products	457,657		151,455		—		609,112
Downstream products	437,029		34,473		—		471,502
Other	90,090		5,427		2,605		98,122
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	1,195,013		194,185		2,605		1,391,803
Intersegment net sales, eliminated on consolidation	—		411		(411)		—
Net sales	$	1,195,013	$	194,596	$	2,194	$	1,391,803

	Three Months Ended November 30, 2019
(in thousands)	North America		Europe		Corporate		Total
Major product:
Raw material products	$	181,623	$	2,205	$	—	$	183,828
Steel products	441,163		129,744		—		570,907
Downstream products	499,727		28,200		—		527,927
Other	94,207		4,891		2,948		102,046
Net sales-unaffiliated customers	1,216,720		165,040		2,948		1,384,708
Intersegment net sales, eliminated on consolidation	—		349		(349)		—
Net sales	$	1,216,720	$	165,389	$	2,599	$	1,384,708

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CHANGES IN BUSINESS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Facility closure costs	$ 8.0	$ 6.3

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI by Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (103,764)	$ (124,126)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(6,971)	7,796
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(67)	(110)
Income taxes	(253)	(145)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,291)	7,541
Ending balance	(111,055)	(116,585)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(87,933)	(121,498)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(8,388)	6,924
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Income taxes	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,388)	6,924
Ending balance	(96,321)	(114,574)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(11,334)	1,106
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,437	882
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(67)	(110)
Income taxes	(260)	(147)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,110	625
Ending balance	(10,224)	1,731
Defined Benefit Obligation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(4,497)	(3,734)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(20)	(10)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Income taxes	7	2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13)	(8)
Ending balance	$ (4,510)	$ (3,742)

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REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue Recognition Method (Details) - Americas Fabrication	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Recognized as Amounts are Billed
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract as percent of total segment revenue (percent)	(77.00%)	77.00%
Fabricated Product and Installation Services | Recognized over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract as percent of total segment revenue (percent)	14.00%	12.00%
Fabricated Product without Installation Services | Recognized over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract as percent of total segment revenue (percent)	9.00%	11.00%

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REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets (included in other current assets)	$ 46,430	$ 53,275
Contract liabilities (included in accrued expenses and other payables)	26,462	$ 25,450
Revenue reclassified from contract liabilities	$ 13,100

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REVENUE RECOGNITION - Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 679.8

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INVENTORIES, NET (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 152.0	$ 123.9

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	$ 74,471
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,196)
Goodwill, net	64,275	$ 64,321
North America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	71,941
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,036)
Goodwill, net	61,905
Europe
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	2,530
Accumulated impairment losses	(160)
Goodwill, net	$ 2,370

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross carrying amounts of the intangible assets subject to amortization	$ 21.8		$ 22.1
Net carrying amount of intangible assets subject to amortization	12.0		12.6
Carrying amount of acquired unfavorable contract backlog liability	4.5		$ 6.0
Amortization of unfavorable contract backlog	$ 1.5	$ 8.3

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LEASES - Balance Sheet Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Assets:
Operating assets	$ 117,582	$ 114,905
Finance assets	53,561	50,642
Total leased assets	171,143	165,547
Operating lease liabilities:
Current	27,030	27,604
Long-term	98,881	95,810
Total operating lease liabilities	125,911	123,414
Finance lease liabilities:
Current	15,060	14,373
Long-term	37,421	35,851
Total finance lease liabilities	52,481	50,224
Total lease liabilities	$ 178,392	$ 173,638

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LEASES - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 8,722	$ 8,790
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets	3,239	2,165
Interest on lease liabilities	555	401
Total finance lease expense	3,794	2,566
Variable and short term-lease expense	4,962	3,933
Total lease expense	$ 17,478	$ 15,289

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LEASES - Weighted Average Lease Terms and Discount Rates (Details)	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases, remaining term	6 years 6 months	6 years 3 months 18 days
Finance leases, remaining term	3 years 9 months 18 days	3 years 9 months 18 days
Operating leases, weighted average discount rate	4.426%	4.283%
Finance leases, weighted average discount rate	4.302%	4.27%

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LEASES - Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$ 9,047	$ 8,746
Operating cash outflows from finance leases	560	336
Financing cash outflows from finance leases	3,795	3,298
Right of use ("ROU") assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	12,267	6,369
Finance leases	$ 6,300	$ 5,312

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LEASES - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Year 1	$ 32,040
Year 2	26,550
Year 3	22,686
Year 4	17,312
Year 5	12,889
Thereafter	35,301
Total lease payments	146,778
Less: Imputed interest	20,867
Present value of lease liabilities	125,911	$ 123,414
Finance Leases
Year 1	17,018
Year 2	14,639
Year 3	12,374
Year 4	9,542
Year 5	3,294
Thereafter	163
Total lease payments	57,030
Less: Imputed interest	4,549
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 52,481	$ 50,224

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CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt, Including the Deferred Gain from the Termination of the Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,093,754	$ 1,092,266
Less debt issuance costs	8,160	8,581
Total amounts outstanding	1,085,594	1,083,685
Less current maturities of long-term debt	20,701	18,149
Long-term debt	$ 1,064,893	1,065,536
2027 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	5.375%
Total debt	$ 300,000	300,000
2026 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	5.75%
Total debt	$ 350,000	350,000
2023 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	4.875%
Total debt	$ 330,000	330,000
Poland Term Loan | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	1.72%
Total debt	$ 39,944	40,713
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	5.10%
Total debt	$ 21,329	21,329
Finance leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 52,481	$ 50,224

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CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	Nov. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2020 PLN (zł)	Aug. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2020 PLN (zł)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$ 1,093,754,000		$ 1,092,266,000
CMCP
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity | zł		zł 275,000,000.0
CMCP | Poland Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount drawn	0		0
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity	73,200,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	800,000		800,000
Term loan, maximum principal amount	66,600,000	250,000,000.0
Financial liabilities	39,900,000	150,000,000.0	40,700,000	zł 150,000,000.0
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount drawn	0		0
Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity	350,000,000.0		350,000,000.0
Revolving credit facility | Poland Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	39,944,000		40,713,000
Stand-by letters of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	3,000,000.0		3,000,000.0
U.S. Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Advances outstanding under transfer of receivables programs	0		0
Poland Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transfer of accounts receivable program limit	58,600,000	zł 220,000,000.0
Advances outstanding under transfer of receivables programs	$ 0		$ 0

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DERIVATIVES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Foreign exchange
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 257.8	$ 138.5
Commodity
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 203.3	$ 195.8

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DERIVATIVES (Commodity Contract Commitments) (Details) MWh in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020 MWh t
Aluminum | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	1,900
Copper | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	714
Copper | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitments	8,686
Electricity | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Commodity contract commitment, electricity | MWh	2

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DERIVATIVES (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on commodity derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments	$ 1,164	$ 714
Commodity
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on commodity derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedging instruments	1,200	700
Commodity | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) before income taxes for derivatives not designated as hedges	$ (5,600)	$ (1,300)

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FAIR VALUE (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020 levels
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of fair value hierarchy	3

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FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2020 PLN (zł)	Aug. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Minimum | Commodity | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Energy floating rate | zł		zł 151.66
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Maximum | Commodity | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Energy floating rate | zł		247.56
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Average | Commodity | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Energy floating rate | zł		zł 203.96
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	$ 394,943		$ 449,824
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	291		202
Derivative liabilities	19,496		19,000
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,329		1,484
Derivative liabilities	1,555		459
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	394,943		449,824
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	291		202
Derivative liabilities	5,882		3,993
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0		0
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,329		1,484
Derivative liabilities	1,555		459
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market investments	0		0
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commodity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities	13,614		15,007
Fair value, measurements, recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign exchange
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities	$ 0		$ 0

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Fair Value (Reconciliation of Commodity Derivative Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - Commodity - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (15,007)
Recognized in OCI	1,393
Ending balance	$ (13,614)

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FAIR VALUE (Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Required to Be Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$ 1,093,754	$ 1,092,266
2027 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	300,000	300,000
2027 Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	317,835	319,377
2026 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	350,000	350,000
2026 Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	365,803	367,374
2023 Notes
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	330,000	330,000
2023 Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	348,813	345,335
Revolving credit facility | Poland Term Loan
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	39,944	40,713
Revolving credit facility | Poland Term Loan | Level 2 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Financial liabilities	$ 39,944	$ 40,713

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 9,062	$ 8,269
Equity method awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted	1,399,000	1,465,000
Weighted average grant-date fair value	$ 20.39	$ 18.15
Liability method awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted	324,000	426,000
Equivalent shares outstanding	715,970
Equivalent shares expected to vest	680,171
Fiscal 2020 | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years	3 years
Fiscal 2020 | Performance Stock Units (PSU)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period in years	3 years

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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 100,000,000.0
Stock repurchase program, shares purchased (shares)	0
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 27,600,000

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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Calculations of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations		$ 63,911	$ 82,755
Basic earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)		119,762,706	118,370,191
Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	[1]	$ 0.53	$ 0.70
Diluted earnings per share:
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (shares)		119,762,706	118,370,191
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans (shares)		1,365,338	1,403,347
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (shares)		121,128,044	119,773,538
Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC: (in USD per share)	[1]	$ 0.53	$ 0.69

[1] *Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated independently for each component and may not sum to Net EPS due to rounding

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2020	Aug. 31, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 3.2	$ 3.4
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, noncurrent	2.5	2.7
CERCLA sites
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 0.5	$ 0.7

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BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020 segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	2

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BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Summary of Certain Financial Information from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment and Major Product) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,391,803	$ 1,384,708
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	143,633	159,805
Total assets	4,016,668		$ 4,081,728
Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,391,803	1,384,708
Segments | Unaffiliated Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,391,803	1,384,708
Segments | Raw material products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	213,067	183,828
Segments | Steel Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	609,112	570,907
Segments | Downstream products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	471,502	527,927
Segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	98,122	102,046
Segments | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	143,633	159,805
Total assets	4,016,668		4,081,728
Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,195,013	1,216,720
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	155,634	174,732
Total assets	2,871,933		2,862,805
Segments | North America | Unaffiliated Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,195,013	1,216,720
Segments | North America | Raw material products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	210,237	181,623
Segments | North America | Steel Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	457,657	441,163
Segments | North America | Downstream products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	437,029	499,727
Segments | North America | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	90,090	94,207
Segments | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	194,596	165,389
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	14,470	11,359
Total assets	526,023		532,850
Segments | Europe | Unaffiliated Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	194,185	165,040
Segments | Europe | Raw material products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,830	2,205
Segments | Europe | Steel Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	151,455	129,744
Segments | Europe | Downstream products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	34,473	28,200
Segments | Europe | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,427	4,891
Segments | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,194	2,599
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	(26,471)	(26,286)
Total assets	618,712		$ 686,073
Segments | Corporate | Unaffiliated Customers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,605	2,948
Segments | Corporate | Raw material products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Segments | Corporate | Steel Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Segments | Corporate | Downstream products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Segments | Corporate | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,605	2,948
Intersegment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Intersegment | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Intersegment | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	411	349
Intersegment | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ (411)	$ (349)

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BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 63,911	$ 82,755
Interest expense	14,259	16,578
Income taxes	21,593	27,332
Depreciation and amortization	41,799	40,941
Asset impairments	3,594	530
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,523)	(8,331)
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$ 143,633	$ 159,805