AMERISTEEL CORP
10-Q, 1999-02-10
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS)
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<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D.C.
                                     20549

                                   FORM 10-Q


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

                    FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

                                      OR

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

                                Commission File
                                  No. 1-5210

                            AMERISTEEL CORPORATION

                                Incorporated in
                               State of Florida

                            Employer Identification
                                No. 59-0792436

                             5100 W. Lemon Street
                             Tampa, Florida 33609

                               Mailing Address:
                                P. O. Box 31328
                           Tampa, Florida 33631-3328
                          Telephone No. (813)286-8383

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                             
                              Yes      X        No __________
                                   ---------- 

               As of January 29, 1999 the registrant had 10,556,823 shares of
Class B common stock outstanding.
<PAGE>
 
                        PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                        -------------------------------

ITEM I.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

($ in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                        December 31,        March 31,
                                                                           1998               1998
                                                                       (unaudited)      
                                                                      -------------        ---------
        <S>                                                           <C>                  <C> 
        ASSETS

        CURRENT ASSETS
              Cash and cash equivalents                                 $   1,025         $   1,258
              Accounts receivable, less allowance of $904
                and $1,000 at December 31, and March 31, 1998
                respectively, for estimated losses                         58,813            73,330
              Inventories                                                 130,894           130,413
              Deferred tax assets                                           4,900             5,200
              Other current assets                                          2,092               409
                                                                        ---------         ---------
        TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                              197,724           210,610

        ASSETS HELD FOR SALE                                               13,618            13,689

        PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
              Land and improvements                                        15,919            15,517
              Buildings and improvements                                   38,679            35,892
              Machinery and equipment                                     264,294           261,265
              Construction in progress                                     13,549            14,918
                                                                        ---------         ---------
                                                                          332,441           327,592
              Less allowances for depreciation                            (90,616)          (76,420)
                                                                        ---------         ---------
        NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT                                 241,825           251,172

        GOODWILL                                                           78,545            81,643

        DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS                                            3,606             5,009

        OTHER ASSETS                                                            7                 7
                                                                        ---------         ---------
        TOTAL ASSETS                                                    $ 535,325         $ 562,130
                                                                        =========         =========
</TABLE> 

        See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION -- CONTINUED

($ in thousands)


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,      MARCH 31,
                                                                                        1998             1998
                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)      
                                                                                     -----------       ---------
     <S>                                                                             <C>               <C> 
     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

     CURRENT LIABILITIES
           Trade accounts payable                                                       $ 39,055       $ 49,518
           Salaries, wages and employee benefits                                          16,468         17,688
           Environmental remediation                                                       3,287          4,863
           Other current liabilities                                                       3,350          3,907
           Interest payable                                                                3,032          4,835
           Current maturities of long-term borrowings (including note Payable to
             parent of $356 and $367 at December 31 and
             March 31, 1998, respectively)                                                   356          7,106
                                                                                        --------       -------- 
     TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                            65,548         87,917

     LONG-TERM BORROWINGS, LESS CURRENT PORTION                                          192,738        214,465

     OTHER LIABILITIES                                                                    23,185         23,433

     DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                48,700         50,600

     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized
             at December 31 and March 31, 1998. No shares issued and
             outstanding at December 31 and March 31, 1998.                                    -              -   
           Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized
             at December 31 and March 31, 1998.  10,560,458 and 10,568,555
             issued and outstanding at December 31 and March 31,
             1998, respectively.                                                             106            106
           Capital in excess of par                                                      167,080        167,283
           Retained earnings                                                              38,724         19,886
           Deferred compensation                                                            (756)        (1,560)
                                                                                        --------       -------- 
     TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                          205,154        185,715

                                                                                        --------       --------  
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                         $535,325       $562,130
                                                                                        ========       ========
</TABLE> 

        See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                                                               3
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

($ in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998          1997           1998           1997
                                                            (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
                                                            -----------   -----------     -----------    -----------
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>             <C>            <C> 
NET SALES                                                       $ 514,059     $ 498,924       $ 148,595      $ 155,120

Operating Expenses:
      Cost of sales                                               419,200       403,006         118,434        125,755
      Selling and administrative                                   26,162        20,609           9,170          7,775
      Depreciation                                                 16,751        14,552           5,481          4,909
      Amortization of goodwill                                      3,098         3,097           1,033          1,033
      Other expense (income), net                                    (131)            -            (131)             -
                                                                 --------      --------        --------        -------
                                                                  465,080       441,264         133,987        139,472
                                                                 --------      --------        --------        -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                                             48,979        57,660          14,608         15,648

Other Expenses:
      Interest                                                     12,251        14,845           3,838          4,730
      Amortization of deferred financing costs                        463           501             247            148
                                                                 --------      --------        --------        -------
                                                                   12,714        15,346           4,085          4,878
                                                                 --------      --------        --------        ------- 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
  AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                                           36,265        42,314          10,523         10,770

Income taxes                                                       15,354        17,711           4,508          4,603
                                                                 --------      --------         -------        -------

INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM                                   20,911        24,603           6,015          6,167

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM NET OF TAXES                                    (2,073)            -               -              - 
                                                                                                                

NET INCOME                                                       $ 18,838      $ 24,603         $ 6,015        $ 6,167
                                                                 ========      ========         =======        =======

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC
      Income before extraordinary item                           $   1.98      $   2.44         $   .57        $   .61
      Extraordinary item                                             (.20)            -               -              -
                                                                 --------      --------         -------        -------
            Net income                                           $   1.78      $   2.44         $   .57        $   .61
                                                                 ========      ========         =======        =======

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED
      Income before extraordinary item                           $   1.96      $   2.43         $   .56        $   .61
      Extraordinary item                                             (.19)            -               -              - 
                                                                 --------      --------         -------        -------
      Net income                                                 $   1.77      $   2.43         $   .56        $   .61
                                                                 ========      ========         =======        =======

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding               10,562        10,089          10,560         10,115

Weighted average number of common and common
      equivalent shares outstanding                                10,675        10,108          10,672         10,134
</TABLE> 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
 
AmeriSteel Corporation & SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       ($ in thousands)                               

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED 
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                1998             1997
                                                                            (UNAUDITED)      (UNAUDITED)
                                                                           ---------------  --------------
<S>                                                                          <C>              <C> 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                                        $ 18,838         $ 24,603
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  used in operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization                                                20,312           18,150
       Extraordinary item net of tax                                                 2,073                -
       Deferred income taxes                                                        (1,600)               -
       Other (incl (gain) loss on asset disposals and deferred                       6,806            1,259
       compensation)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable                                                          14,517            4,966
       Inventories                                                                    (481)         (13,189)
       Other assets                                                                 (1,683)             137
       Current and other liabilities                                               (14,542)           1,584
                                                                           ---------------  ---------------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                           44,240           37,510

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
       Additions to property, plant and equipment                                  (14,421)         (14,303)
       Purchase of assets held for sale                                                  -             (129)
       Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment                            218              184
       Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale                                      213            3,034
       Proceeds from (use of) restricted IRB funds                                     655           (2,282)
                                                                           ---------------  ---------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                              (13,335)         (13,496)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
       Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes                                      130,000                -   
       Proceeds from IRB (Bonds)                                                         -            5,000
       Payments to short-term and long-term borrowings, net                        (38,477)         (22,408)
       Redemption of First Mortgage Notes & Subordinated
          Intercompany Note                                                       (120,000)               -    
       Call premium on redemption of First Mortgage Notes                           (1,916)               -    
       Additions to deferred financing costs                                          (542)             (94)
       Proceeds from sale of common stock                                               30                -    
       Redemption of common stock                                                     (233)             (63)
       Dividends paid                                                                    -           (6,068)
                                                                           ---------------  ---------------
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                              (31,138)         (23,633)
                                                                           ---------------  ---------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                      (233)             381
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                     1,258            1,645
                                                                           ---------------  ---------------   
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                       $   1,025          $ 2,026
                                                                           ===============  ===============
</TABLE> 

See notes to consolidated financial statements 

                                                                               5
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
NOTE  A -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriSteel
Corporation, a Florida corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary (AmeriSteel
Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation) (together, the "Company") after
elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. The
predecessor of the Company was formed in 1937. The Company is a majority-owned
subsidiary of FLS Holdings, Inc.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include
all the information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. However all adjustments which, in the
opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation, have been included.
Such adjustments consisted of only normally recurring items.

It is recommended that these condensed financial statements be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the
Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of the three months and
nine months ended December 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999.

NOTE  B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Earnings per Common Share: Basic earnings per common share is based upon the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the
diluted earnings per common share is based upon the weighted average number of
common shares plus the dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the
period. The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per
common share computations shown on the face of the accompanying consolidated
statements of income (in thousands, except per share data):


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998          1997           1998           1997
                                                            (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
                                                            -------------  ------------   -------------  ------------- 
      <S>                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
      Income before extraordinary item                           $ 20,911      $ 24,603         $ 6,015       $  6,167
      Extraordinary item                                           (2,073)            -               -              -
                                                            -------------  ------------   -------------  -------------
      Net income                                                 $ 18,838      $ 24,603         $ 6,015       $  6,167

      Weighted average number of common shares 
       outstanding (in thousands)                                  10,562        10,089          10,560         10,115
      Dilutive effect of stock option plan (in thousands)             113            19             112             19
                                                            -------------  ------------   -------------  -------------
   
      Weighted average number of common and common 
       equivalent shares outstanding (in thousands)                10,675        10,108          10,672         10,134

      Basic EPS:
               Income before extraordinary item                  $   1.98      $   2.44         $   .57        $   .61
               Extraordinary item                                    (.19)            -               -              -  
                                                             ------------  ------------   -------------  ------------- 
               Net income                                        $   1.77      $   2.44         $   .57        $   .61
                                                             ============  ============   =============  =============

      Diluted EPS:
               Income before extraordinary item                  $   1.96      $   2.43         $   .56        $   .61
               Extraordinary item                                    (.19)            -               -              -
                                                             ------------  ------------   -------------  -------------
               Net income                                        $   1.77      $   2.43         $   .56        $   .61
                                                             ============  ============   =============  =============
</TABLE> 

                                                                               6
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In June 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131), which establishes standards for
reporting information about operating segments of a business. The statement,
which is based on the management approach to segment reporting, includes
requirements to report selected segment information and entity-wide disclosures
about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the
Company holds assets and reports revenues. This statement is effective for
financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 131 will not have a material
effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
132, "Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits"
(SFAS 132), which standardizes the disclosure requirements for defined
contribution plans and defined benefit plans. The statement is effective for
financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 132 will not have a material
effect on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company does not have any instruments defined as derivatives under SFAS 133
to make it applicable.

Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the current fiscal financial statement
presentation.

NOTE C -- INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:
     ($ in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                   December 31,      March 31,
                                                       1998            1998
                                                    (unaudited)     
                                                 ----------------  ----------
         <S>                                     <C>               <C> 
         Finished goods                              $ 74,571        $ 87,511
         Work in-process                               20,723           9,694
         Raw materials and operating supplies          35,600          33,208
                                                     --------        --------
                                                     $130,894        $130,413
</TABLE> 

                                                                               7
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE D -- BORROWINGS

Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
     ($ in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 December 31,      March 31,
                                                     1998            1998
                                                  (unaudited)                   
                                                --------------    ----------
         <S>                                    <C>               <C> 
         Revolving Credit Agreement              $   10,010       $   40,070
         Industrial Revenue Bonds                    34,395           35,875
         First Mortgage Notes                           -            100,000
         Trade Loan Agreement                           -              5,259
         Senior Notes                               130,000              -
         Subordinated Intercompany Note              18,333           40,000
         Note to Parent                                 356              367
                                                    -------          -------
         Subtotal Borrowings                        193,094          221,571
         Less Current Maturities                        356            7,106 
                                                    -------          ------- 
         Total Long-term Borrowings              $  192,738       $  214,465
</TABLE> 

NOTE E -- ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

As the Company is involved in the manufacture of steel, it produces and uses
certain substances that may pose environmental hazards. The principal hazardous
waste generated by current and past operations is emission control dust (EC
dust), a residual from the production of steel in electric arc furnaces.
Environmental legislation and regulation at both the federal and state level
over EC dust is subject to change, which may change the cost of compliance.
While EC dust is generated in current production processes, such EC dust is
being collected, handled and disposed of in a manner which management believes
meets all current federal and state environmental regulations. The costs of such
collection and disposal are being expensed and paid currently from operations.
In addition, the Company has handled and disposed of EC dust in other manners in
previous years, and is responsible for the remediation of certain sites where
such EC dust was generated and/or disposed.

In general, the Company's estimate of the remediation costs is based on its
review of each site and the nature of the anticipated remediation activities to
be undertaken. The Company's process for estimating such remediation costs
includes determining for each site the expected remediation methods, and the
estimated cost for each step of the remediation. In all such determinations, the
Company employs outside consultants, and providers of such remedial services
where necessary, to assist in making such determinations. Although the ultimate
costs associated with the remediation are not presently known, the Company has
estimated the total remaining costs to be approximately $9.3 million with these
costs recorded as a liability as of December 31, 1998. Of this amount, the
Company expects to pay approximately $3.3 million within one year. The timing of
the remaining future payments is uncertain due to the various remediation
processes involved.

The Tampa mill site contains slag and soil that is contaminated with EC dust and
polychlorinated biphenyl ("PCBs") generated by past operations. The volume and
mass estimates of the contamination is based on analytical data from soil
borings, soil samples and groundwater-monitoring wells. The remediation approach
selected by the Company, excavation

                                                                               8
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE E -- ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (CONTINUED)

and on-site treatment and disposal, was approved, and a permit issued, by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during fiscal 1996 and by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection during fiscal 1998 and the Company
received a signed Consent Order in fiscal 1998. Consequently, the remediation
work has begun. The remediation cost estimates are based on the Company's
previous experience with comparable projects as well as estimates provided by
outside environmental consultants. The Company is responsible for the total
remediation costs and currently estimates the remaining costs to be
approximately $6.8 million for this site. The Company expects cleanup at this
site to be substantially completed during fiscal 2001.

At the Jackson, Tennessee mill site, EC dust and other materials contaminated
with Cesium 137, a man-made, radioactive material (incident-related material)
were formerly stored on site in containers that have now been removed. The
remaining treatment, transport and disposal phase is based on the final Nuclear
Regulatory Commission "Technical Position," dated March 20, 1997. The
remediation cost estimate is based on a signed contract for treatment,
transportation and disposal. The Company estimates the remaining costs to be
approximately $.5 million for this site. The Company expects final disposition
of the contaminated materials to be substantially completed during fiscal 1999.

The Sogreen site, a third party site, contains EC dust from the Company that was
stored at this recycling location. The Company has been named as a potentially
responsible party (PRP) for this site, and thus its estimated share of the
remediation costs is approximately 43% (based on analytical data from soil
borings and samples) of the total estimated remediation cost of approximately
$4.3 million. The Company currently estimates its remaining obligation to be
approximately $.8 million. The estimate includes the cost of soil remediation
and groundwater remediation based on an approach approved by the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division. If the other PRPs were not to fulfill their
obligations, the Company's management believes that the impact of additional
future costs attributable to the Sogreen site on the Company's results of
operations, financial condition and liquidity, would not be significant.
The Company expects cleanup at this site to be substantially completed during
fiscal 1999.

The Stoller site, a third party site, contains metals from other PRPs and EC
dust from the Company that was stored at this recycling location. The Company is
named as a PRP for this site. Outside contractors measured the remediation
volumes and masses during the now complete cleanup and consolidation phase of
the remediation. On-site treatment, disposal and construction of the vault cap
have been substantially completed by the State of South Carolina. The Company
expects cleanup at this site to be substantially completed during fiscal 1999.
An Allocation Agreement was published by the State of South Carolina during 1997
that attributes approximately 2% of the remaining estimated $10 million
remediation cost to the Company, which the Company has already paid. The
non-participating PRPs have intervened in the proceedings for approval of the
agreement between the Company and the State of South Carolina in the federal
court in order to contest the agreement. The Company's management believes the
court will approve the finalized settlement in the first fiscal quarter of 2000,
absent any further delays due to additional court proceedings. If the Allocation
Agreement is not approved under its present terms, the Company's management
believes that its overall obligation could increase to approximately 50% of the
total estimated remediation cost.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE E -- ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (CONTINUED)

Based on past use of certain technologies and remediation methods by third
parties, evaluation of those technologies and methods by the Company's
consultants and quotations and third-party estimates of costs of
remediation-related services provided to the Company or which the Company and
its consultants are aware, the Company and its consultants believe that the
Company's cost estimates are reasonable. In light of the uncertainties inherent
in determining the costs associated with the clean-up of such contamination,
including the time periods over which such costs must be paid, the extent of
contribution by parties which are jointly and severally liable, and the nature
and timing of payments to be made under cost sharing arrangements, there can be
no assurance the ultimate costs of remediation may not be greater or less than
the estimated remediation costs.

The Company constructed a facility at the Company's Jackson mill designed to
utilize a technology developed to recycle the Company's EC dust, which is
regulated as a hazardous waste due to the presence of heavy metals. The facility
has a design capacity to recycle up to 30 thousand tons of EC dust per year. The
Company currently generates approximately 25 thousand tons of EC dust per year.
The facility was originally designed to recycle the EC dust in two stages. In
the first stage, the dust is fed into a rotary hearth furnace where the zinc in
the dust is vaporized and collected as crude zinc oxide. The residual of the
dust exits the furnace in the form of a reduced iron unit that can be fed into
the Jackson mill's electric arc furnace as a scrap substitute. In the second
stage of the process, the crude zinc oxide is fed into a wet chemical process to
extract lead and cadmium and produce a high quality saleable zinc oxide. The
facility began operations in March 1997.

The Company's depreciation policy for the facility is to depreciate the facility
over its expected useful life of 14 years and to periodically evaluate the
remaining life and recoverability of the equipment. In fiscal 1999, the Company
ceased processing in the second stage of the process and is currently selling
the crude zinc oxide produced in the first stage of the process to third
parties. In the quarter ending December 31, 1998, the Company recorded a
non-cash write down of approximately $5.9 million for equipment associated with
the second stage of the process. The write-down was necessary as the technology
requirements of the second stage could not be commercially developed. The write-
down was recorded in operating expenses as other expense. The net book value of
the facility at December 31, 1998 is approximately $14.6 million.

NOTE F - OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME)

For the quarter ending December 31, 1998, operating income includes a
non-recurring net gain of $131,000 consisting primarily of other income of $5.8
million from cash settlements from graphite electrode suppliers offset by the
equipment write-down recorded for certain non-productive assets at the Company's
electric arc furnace dust processing facility.

                                                                              10
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
          AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT OPERATING RESULTS
- -----------------------------------------

This report contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on the
beliefs of the Company's management, as well as assumptions made by, and
information currently available to, the Company's management. Such statements
include, among others, (i) the highly cyclical nature and seasonality of the
steel industry, (ii) the fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw
materials, (iii) the possibility of excess production capacity, (iv) the
potential costs of environmental compliance, (v) the risks associated with
potential acquisitions, (vi) further opportunities for industry consolidation,
(vii) the impact of inflation and (viii) the fluctuations in the cost of
electricity. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual
actions and strategies and the timing and expected results thereof may differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
The following presentation of management's discussion and analysis of the
Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

GENERAL

The results of operations of the Company are largely dependent on the level of
construction and general economic activity in the U.S. The Company's sales are
seasonal with sales in the Company's fiscal first and second quarters generally
stronger than the rest of the year. The Company's cost of sales includes the
cost of its primary raw material, steel scrap, the cost of converting scrap to
finished steel products, the cost of warehousing and handling finished steel
products and freight costs. The following table sets forth information regarding
recent results of operations.

                                                                              11
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION
ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
            RESULTS OF OPERATION - Continued

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
     Results of Operations                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED             THREE MONTHS ENDED      
     ---------------------                                                                                                 
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,                 DECEMBER 31,         
                                                                     1998           1997           1998          1997      
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)  
                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------  
                                                                      (in thousands, except per share and per ton data)    
     <S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>          
          Net sales                                               $  514,059     $  498,924     $  148,595     $  155,120  
          Cost of sales                                              419,200        403,006        118,434        125,755  
          Cost of sales as percent of net sales                         81.5%          80.8%          79.7%          81.1% 
          Selling and administrative                                  26,162         20,609          9,170          7,775  
          Depreciation                                                16,751         14,552          5,481          4,909  
          Amortization of goodwill                                     3,098          3,097          1,033          1,033  
          Other expense (income), net                                   (131)             -           (131)             -  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
             Income from operations                                   48,979         57,660         14,608         15,648  
          Interest expense                                            12,251         14,845          3,838          4,730  
          Deferred finance costs                                         463            501            247            148  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
             Income before income taxes                                                                                    
                and extraordinary item                                36,265         42,314         10,523         10,770  
          Income tax                                                  15,354         17,711          4,508          4,603  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
             Income before extraordinary item                         20,911         24,603          6,015          6,167  
          Extraordinary item net of taxes                             (2,073)             -              -              -  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
          Net income                                              $   18,838     $   24,603     $    6,015     $    6,167  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
                                                                                                                           
          Shipped Tons                                                                                                     
          ------------                                                                                                     
          Mill finished goods                                                                                              
             Stock rebar                                                 476            415            149            124  
             Merchant bar                                                453            428            128            145  
             Rods                                                         57             72             19             24  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
                 Subtotal mill finished goods                            986            915            296            293  
          Fabricated rebar                                               270            254             82             80  
          Billets                                                         85            134             25             28  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------  
                      Total shipped tons                               1,341          1,303            403            401  
                                                                  ==========     ==========     ==========     ==========  
                                                                                                                           
          Average Selling Prices ($ Per Ton)                                                                               
          ----------------------------------                                                                               
          Mill finished goods                                                                                              
             Stock rebar                                          $      314     $      333     $      302     $      331  
             Merchant bar                                                376            368            358            368  
             Rods                                                        309            347            287            354  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------   
                 Average mill finished goods                             341            350            324            351  
          Fabricated rebar                                               459            457            462            458  
          Billets                                                        225            233            208            238  
                                                                                                                           
          Average  mill  finished  goods prices (per ton)         $      341     $      350     $      324     $      351  
          Average yielded scrap cost (per ton)                           121            132            103            133  
                                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------   
          Average metal spread (per ton)                          $      220     $      218     $      221     $      218  
                                                                  ==========     ==========     ==========     ==========  
          Average mill conversion costs (per ton)                 $      127     $      129     $      125     $      132  
                                                                  ==========     ==========     ==========     ==========   
</TABLE> 

                                                                              12
<PAGE>
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
            RESULTS OF OPERATION - Continued

REVENUES: Net sales for the nine-month period ended December 31, 1998 increased
3% from the same period last year due to increased shipments of mill finished
goods (+8%) while average selling prices declined (-3%). Net sales for the
quarter ended December 31, 1998 decreased as mill finished goods shipments
increased 1% but were offset by an 8% decline in average mill selling prices.
Lower prices for finished steel products reflect the impact of low priced bar
imports that have led to unsettled market conditions. Shipments of fabricated
rebar increased 6% and 3%, respectively, for the nine months and quarter ended
December 31, 1998.

COST OF SALES: Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for the nine months ended
December 31, 1998 were slightly higher than the same period last year due
largely to higher transportation costs. Cost of sales as a percent of net sales
for the quarter ended December 31, 1998 were lower than the same period last
year due to lower yielded scrap costs and lower conversion costs.

SALES AND ADMINISTRATIVE: Sales and administrative expenses reflect increases of
$5.6 million and $1.4 million for the nine months and quarter ended December 31,
1998, respectively, from the prior year. The Company had a non-recurring net
gain of $2.4 million in the quarter ended September 30, 1997 related to the
proceeds from an insurance settlement offset by environmental and other one-time
charges. Professional fees increased $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively
from the prior nine month and quarter to date periods.

DEPRECIATION: Depreciation expense increased by approximately 15% and 12% in the
nine months and quarter ended December 31, 1998, respectively, versus the same
periods last year due to continuing investment in capital improvements during
the past year. Capital expenditures amounted to $22.1 million in the twelve-
month period ending December 31, 1998.

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM NET OF TAXES: The extraordinary charge reflected in the nine
months ended December 31, 1998 is related to the redemption of the 11.5% First
Mortgage Notes on May 11, 1998 and consists of the write-off of approximately
$1.5 million of unamortized deferred finance costs and a call premium of
approximately $1.9 million on the early redemption, both net of a tax benefit of
approximately $1.3 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------

On July 14, 1998 the Company amended its Revolving Credit Agreement by, among
other things, extending its maturity to July 2003, lowering the interest rate,
increasing the facility from $140 million to $150 million, and removing the
"borrowing base" test. At December 31, 1998 the Company had $10.0 million
outstanding under the $150 million Amended and Restated Revolving Credit
Agreement with an additional $39.0 million committed under Letter of Credit
facilities.

On October 19, 1998 at the Company's Board of Directors meeting, the Company
approved a $34 million capital expenditure project to modernize the Knoxville
mill's melt shop. The expenditures are projected to be spent over the next 18
months and will be funded from operating cash flows and available funds under
the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended December 31,
1998 was $45.1 million compared to $37.5 million for the same period last year.
The Company believes that the amounts available from operating cash flows and
funds available through its Revolving Credit Agreement are sufficient to meet
its expected cash needs and planned capital expenditures for the foreseeable
future. The Company continues to comply with all of the covenants of its loan
agreements.

                                                                              13
<PAGE>
 
YEAR 2000
- ---------

The Company is actively working to resolve issues relating to the Year 2000
issue and the effects it may have on its business systems. With complete support
of the Company's Board of Directors and executives, the Company has developed a
detailed plan to address the issue and is currently in the middle of the
implementation of this plan. Through December 31, 1998 the Company has spent
approximately $2.6 million towards the purchase of network compatible computer
hardware and software and anticipates spending an additional $300 thousand to
complete the process. The Company is currently in the process of migrating its
core business operating software from a mainframe environment to client server
compatible systems. The Company's main software programs are being re-written to
comply with both the new data processing foundation and to be Year 2000
compliant. In addition, the Company has contracted with major software providers
to implement core financial and database programs that will be fully integrated
with the Company's in-house operating software and systems. The conversion of
the Company's core financial systems will be completed during the fourth quarter
of fiscal 1999 with core operational software conversion completed during the
second quarter of fiscal 2000. The Company believes that it will be Year 2000
compliant without a material impact on its operations or financial results.

                         PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
                         ----------------------------

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

               None

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          (a)  The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly
               Report on Form 10-Q:

               Exhibit 27        Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

               None


                                  SIGNATURES


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.

                                 AMERISTEEL CORPORATION


Date: February 10, 1999            
                                 _______________________________________________
                                 Phillip E. Casey, Chairman of the Board 
                                   and Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 10, 1999
                                 _______________________________________________
                                 Tom J. Landa, Vice President, Chief Financial
                                   Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial 
                                   Officer and Principal Accounting Officer);
                                   Director

                                                                              14

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           1,025
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   59,717
<ALLOWANCES>                                       904
<INVENTORY>                                    130,894
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               197,724
<PP&E>                                         332,441
<DEPRECIATION>                                  90,616
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 535,325
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           65,548
<BONDS>                                        192,738
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           106
<OTHER-SE>                                     205,048
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   535,325
<SALES>                                        514,059
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               514,059
<CGS>                                          435,951
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  435,951
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (131)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              12,714
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 36,265
<INCOME-TAX>                                    15,354
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             20,911
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (2,073)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    18,838
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.78
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.77
        

</TABLE>


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