Steel Dynamics…today provided first quarter 2021 earnings guidance in the range of $1.88 to $1.92 per diluted share. Excluding the impact from costs associated with the construction of the company's Sinton Texas Flat Roll Steel Mill growth investment of $18 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, the company expects first quarter 2021 adjusted earnings to be in the range of $1.94 to $1.98 per diluted share, which could represent a record earnings quarter for the company.
… First quarter 2021 profitability from the company's steel operations is expected to be significantly higher than sequential fourth quarter results… Average realized quarterly flat roll steel product pricing is expected to increase substantially during the quarter… First quarter 2021 steel shipments are expected to increase sequentially across the company's portfolio. Domestic steel demand remains strong, with the automotive and construction sectors leading the momentum.
Order entry continues to be robust as strong demand, coupled with continuing historically low flat roll steel inventories underpin higher steel selling values. The company believes this momentum will continue, resulting in even stronger second quarter 2021 results.
Exercising and holding, while paying the taxes with cash, is mathematically equivalent to buying shares on the open market. The 250K-share option in question did not expire until Nov 2021.