Company: ZEUS
Filing Date: 2025-02-21
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001437749-25-004742
Chunk: 536

Company: OLYMPIC STEEL INC
Filing Date: 2025-02-21
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 3
Chunk 536
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 we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Effects of Inflation

Inflation generally affects us by increasing the cost of employee wages and benefits, transportation services, energy, borrowings under our credit facility, processing equipment, and purchased metals. Although general inflation, excluding increases in the price of metals, increased labor and interest rates, has increased during 2024, it has not had a material effect on our financial results during the past three years, but may have a significant impact in future years.

Critical Accounting Estimates

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an on-going basis, we monitor and evaluate our estimates and assumptions.

We believe the accounting estimates employed are appropriate and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in developing estimates, actual results could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to these balances in future periods. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for our significant accounting policies related to our critical accounting estimates.

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Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered appropriate based on historical experience and specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Estimations are based upon the application of a historical collection rate to the outstanding accounts receivable balance, which remains fairly level from year to year, and judgments about the probable effects of economic conditions on certain customers, which can fluctuate significantly from year to year. We cannot be certain that the rate of future credit losses will be similar to past experience. We consider all available information when assessing the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses each quarter.

Valuation of Inventory

Non-LIFO inventories are stated at the lower of its cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. LIFO inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion. Inventory costs include the costs of purchased metal, inbound freight, external and internal processing and applicable labor and overhead costs.

The cost of our specialty metals and carbon flat products segments’ inventories, including flat-rolled sheet, coil