Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. reported Tuesday an adjusted loss per share of $(0.51) for the fourth quarter ended August 31, 2013, excluding a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, other asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and tax valuation allowances. The Company reported a loss per share of $(10.82) for the fourth quarter ended August 31, 2013. This compares with an adjusted earnings per share of $0.11, excluding restructuring charges, and a reported loss per share of $(0.02) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. Notwithstanding the significant impact to earnings as a result of the impairments and other charges, the Company generated positive operating cash flows of $38 million in the fourth quarter.
Challenging market conditions for recycled ferrous metals resulted in lower export selling prices and reduced sales volumes as compared to both the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. In addition, purchase prices for raw materials did not decrease as much as selling prices during the quarter due to constrained supply which contributed to operating margin compression in both our Metals Recycling and Auto Parts Businesses.
Tamara Lundgren, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the Company's results, "While each of our businesses is well positioned to achieve higher profitability when market conditions improve, this quarter was negatively impacted by a number of significant items and an adverse impact from average inventory costs. Notwithstanding the significant impact to reported earnings, we generated $38 million of operating cash flow in the fourth quarter and continued to invest in our business and to return capital to our shareholders through our quarterly dividend."