Newmont Mining Co. (NYSE: NEM), Silvercorp Metals (NYSE: SVM), U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEIS), Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR) and Valero Energy Co. (NYSE: VLO) ratings and price targets.
Newmont Mining Co. (NEM) was downgraded by Stifel Nicolaus from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.
Silvercorp Metals (SVM) had its “Outperform” rating reiterated by BMO Capital Markets. They have a price target of $11.00 on the company.
U.S. Steel (X) had its “Buy” rating reiterated by KeyBanc.
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AEIS) had its price target raised by Dougherty & Co from $8.00 to $10.00. They have a “Neutral” rating on the company.
Entergy Corp. (ETR) had its price target lowered by BMO Capital Markets to $69.00. They have a “Market Perform” rating on the company.
Valero Energy Co. (VLO) had its price target lowered by Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) to $37.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.
Showing posts with label US Steel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Steel. Show all posts
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Arch Coal (ACI) (VRA) (WAG) (X) (ANR) (APC) Get New Coverage
Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI), Vera Bradley, Inc. (NYSE: VRA), Walgreen (NYSE: WAG), U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) and Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE: APC) getting new coverage from analysts.
Sterne Agee initiated coverage on Arch Coal, Inc. (ACI). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $23.00 on the company.
Citigroup (NYSE:C) initiated coverage on Vera Bradley, Inc. VRA). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $51.00 on the company.
Mizuho initiated coverage on Walgreen (WAG). They placed a “Neutral” rating on the company.
Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on U.S. Steel (X). They placed a “Market Perform” rating on the company.
Sterne Agee initiated coverage on Alpha Natural Resources (ANR). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $35.00 on the company.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Anadarko Petroleum (APC). They placed an “Overweight” rating and a price target of $100.00 on the company.
Sterne Agee initiated coverage on Arch Coal, Inc. (ACI). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $23.00 on the company.
Citigroup (NYSE:C) initiated coverage on Vera Bradley, Inc. VRA). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $51.00 on the company.
Mizuho initiated coverage on Walgreen (WAG). They placed a “Neutral” rating on the company.
Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) initiated coverage on U.S. Steel (X). They placed a “Market Perform” rating on the company.
Sterne Agee initiated coverage on Alpha Natural Resources (ANR). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $35.00 on the company.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Anadarko Petroleum (APC). They placed an “Overweight” rating and a price target of $100.00 on the company.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
U.S. Steel (X) (ANDS) (WHR) (AONE) (BEXP) (BMI) Downgraded
U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANDS), Whirlpool Corporatio (NYSE: WHR), A123 Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: AONE), Brigham Exploration (NASDAQ: BEXP) and Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) were downgraded by analysts.
U.S. Steel (X) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating.
Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANDS) was downgraded by Wedbush from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.
Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating. They have a price target of $42.00 on the company.
A123 Systems, Inc. (AONE) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating.
Brigham Exploration (BEXP) was downgraded by Northland Securities from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating. They have a price target of $36.50 on the company, down from $42.00.
Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) was downgraded by Janney Montgomery Scott from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.
U.S. Steel (X) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating.
Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANDS) was downgraded by Wedbush from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating.
Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating. They have a price target of $42.00 on the company.
A123 Systems, Inc. (AONE) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating.
Brigham Exploration (BEXP) was downgraded by Northland Securities from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating. They have a price target of $36.50 on the company, down from $42.00.
Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) was downgraded by Janney Montgomery Scott from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Nucor (NUE) (X) (ZX) (AKS) (BTX) (STLD) Get New Coverage
Coverage was initiated on Nucor Co. (NYSE: NUE), U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), China Zenix Auto International (NYSE: ZX), AK Steel Holding Co. (NYSE: AKS), BioTime Inc. (NYSE: BTX) and Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD).
UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on U.S. Steel (X). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $38.00 on the company.
William Blair initiated coverage on China Zenix Auto International (ZX). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.
UBS AG initiated coverage on AK Steel Holding Co. (AKS). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $12.00 on the company.
UBS AG initiated coverage on Nucor Co. (NUE). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $35.00 on the company.
WBB Securities initiated coverage on BioTime Inc. (BTX). They placed a “Speculative Buy” rating and a price target of $6.00 on the company.
UBS AG initiated coverage on Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $13.00 on the company.
UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on U.S. Steel (X). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $38.00 on the company.
William Blair initiated coverage on China Zenix Auto International (ZX). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.
UBS AG initiated coverage on AK Steel Holding Co. (AKS). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $12.00 on the company.
UBS AG initiated coverage on Nucor Co. (NUE). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $35.00 on the company.
WBB Securities initiated coverage on BioTime Inc. (BTX). They placed a “Speculative Buy” rating and a price target of $6.00 on the company.
UBS AG initiated coverage on Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $13.00 on the company.
Monday, May 16, 2011
US Steel (X) in the Years Ahead
US Steel (NYSE:X) will be affected by the anticipated slowdown in steel production in China which will also affect imports, as China will start rolling blackouts earlier than usual, which is always directed towards the steel industry in the country at the beginning of the process and onwards.
Tightening of the economy is also a major factor as China continues to attempt to rein in inflation after overstimulating the economy by printing too much money.
According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, with one of the consequences being the demand for steel slowing down.
Expectations are steel consumption in China will drop by up to 4.6 percent in 2011, with the minimum outlook being a 2.6 percent drop in consumption.
Higher input costs and product prices are weighing heavily on the industry, and it's not clear how much the industry will be able to past on to their customers before they cut back on buying.
Industry observers see the next five year as being challenging for the industry as far as growth goes.
United States Steel Corporation participates in the production and marketing of a variety of steel products primarily in North America and Europe.
US Steel (NYSE:X) closed Friday at $44.65, falling $0.95, or 2.08 percent.
Tightening of the economy is also a major factor as China continues to attempt to rein in inflation after overstimulating the economy by printing too much money.
According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, with one of the consequences being the demand for steel slowing down.
Expectations are steel consumption in China will drop by up to 4.6 percent in 2011, with the minimum outlook being a 2.6 percent drop in consumption.
Higher input costs and product prices are weighing heavily on the industry, and it's not clear how much the industry will be able to past on to their customers before they cut back on buying.
Industry observers see the next five year as being challenging for the industry as far as growth goes.
United States Steel Corporation participates in the production and marketing of a variety of steel products primarily in North America and Europe.
US Steel (NYSE:X) closed Friday at $44.65, falling $0.95, or 2.08 percent.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Steel's (X) (TS) (SIM) (CMC) (CRS) and China Demand
For the most part, as goes China so goes the demand for steel, and in that regard it doesn't look good for steel companies like Tenaris SA (NYSE:TS), Grupo Simec S.A.B. de C.V. (AMEX:SIM), Commercial Metals Company (NYSE:CMC), US Steel (NYSE:X) and Carpenter Technology (NYSE:CRS), which are going to be pressured in the years ahead from declining demand from the Middle Kingdom.
According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, which will result in demand for steel in the country to slow down.
Estimates under the current scenario for the steel sector have steel consumption declining in China by a minimum of 2.6 percent to as high as 4.6 percent in 2011.
Globally it doesn't look good for the next five years or so either, as the top estimates are for steel demand to grow at a 5 percent rate annually, although many think it'll be less than that.
In the short term, the U.S. steel industry should ship product at 14 percent above 2010 levels, reaching about 95 million tons in 2011.
All the companies are being affected by soaring iron ore prices and other inputs, which are putting stress on margins and earnings because buyers are hesitating to acquire product at too high of prices; something that will continue for several years.
For the steel industry, there isn't much to be optimistic about, no matter how the situation is spun. It's going to remain tough for some time.
US Steel closed Wednesday at $46.80, falling $0.68, or 1.43 percent.
According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, which will result in demand for steel in the country to slow down.
Estimates under the current scenario for the steel sector have steel consumption declining in China by a minimum of 2.6 percent to as high as 4.6 percent in 2011.
Globally it doesn't look good for the next five years or so either, as the top estimates are for steel demand to grow at a 5 percent rate annually, although many think it'll be less than that.
In the short term, the U.S. steel industry should ship product at 14 percent above 2010 levels, reaching about 95 million tons in 2011.
All the companies are being affected by soaring iron ore prices and other inputs, which are putting stress on margins and earnings because buyers are hesitating to acquire product at too high of prices; something that will continue for several years.
For the steel industry, there isn't much to be optimistic about, no matter how the situation is spun. It's going to remain tough for some time.
US Steel closed Wednesday at $46.80, falling $0.68, or 1.43 percent.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dividend Losers (X) (ABX) (ROK) Last Week
U.S. Steel (NYSE:X), Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX) and Rockwell Automation Inc (NYSE:ROK) were among the biggest dividend losers last week.
U.S. Steel (X) closed at $47.71, changing the dividend -7.77 percent on the week, dropping the dividend yield to 0.42 percent.
Barrick Gold Corporation (ABX) closed at $51.01, changing the dividend -8.30 percent on the week, bringing the dividend yield to 0.94%
Rockwell Automation Inc (ROK) closed at $87.13, changing the dividend -8.47 percent on the week, bringing the dividend yield to 1.61 percent.
U.S. Steel (X) closed at $47.71, changing the dividend -7.77 percent on the week, dropping the dividend yield to 0.42 percent.
Barrick Gold Corporation (ABX) closed at $51.01, changing the dividend -8.30 percent on the week, bringing the dividend yield to 0.94%
Rockwell Automation Inc (ROK) closed at $87.13, changing the dividend -8.47 percent on the week, bringing the dividend yield to 1.61 percent.
Dividend Yields for (BLL) (AA) (FMC) (CLF) (X)
Indicated dividend yields for Standard & Poor's 500 Index companies Ball Corp (BLL), Alcoa Inc (AA), FMC Corp (FMC), Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (CLF) and United States Steel Corp (X).
These dividend data indicate dividend yields of companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index as of Saturday, April 30. The yield is determined by taking the latest declared dividend, annualized and divided by the price of the stock. Payout ratios are calculated based on latest quarterly dividend paid divided by earnings.
Ball Corp (BLL) has a dividend yield of 0.75 percent on a declared dividend of $0.07. The payout ratio is 6.4 percent.
Alcoa Inc (AA) has a dividend yield of 0.71 percent on a declared dividend of $0.03. The payout ratio is 10.4 percent.
FMC Corp (FMC) has a dividend yield of 0.68 percent on a declared dividend of $0.15. The payout ratio is 10.9 percent.
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (CLF) has a dividend yield of 0.60 percent on a declared dividend of $0.14. The payout ratio is 4.5 percent.
United States Steel Corp (X) has a dividend yield of 0.42 percent on a declared dividend of $0.05. The payout ratio is na.
These dividend data indicate dividend yields of companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index as of Saturday, April 30. The yield is determined by taking the latest declared dividend, annualized and divided by the price of the stock. Payout ratios are calculated based on latest quarterly dividend paid divided by earnings.
Ball Corp (BLL) has a dividend yield of 0.75 percent on a declared dividend of $0.07. The payout ratio is 6.4 percent.
Alcoa Inc (AA) has a dividend yield of 0.71 percent on a declared dividend of $0.03. The payout ratio is 10.4 percent.
FMC Corp (FMC) has a dividend yield of 0.68 percent on a declared dividend of $0.15. The payout ratio is 10.9 percent.
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (CLF) has a dividend yield of 0.60 percent on a declared dividend of $0.14. The payout ratio is 4.5 percent.
United States Steel Corp (X) has a dividend yield of 0.42 percent on a declared dividend of $0.05. The payout ratio is na.
Steel Firms (FRD) (SYNL) (GGB) (X) (SCHN) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook
The steel sector, even with some strong recent quarters from companies, looks weak, as over the next five years it is projected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, placing downward pressure on steel producers like Friedman Industries Inc. (AMEX:FRD), Synalloy Corp. (Nasdaq:SYNL), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), US Steel (NYSE:X) and Schnitzer Steel Industries (NASDAQ:SCHN). And that's the more positive outlook by most analysts. A large number don't believe growth will even happen at that rate.
A majority of steel companies are being pressured to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is falling completely, because it's not. But rising demand in some segments doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand in some segments, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
US Steel closed Friday at $47.71, gaining $0.05, or 0.10 percent.
A majority of steel companies are being pressured to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is falling completely, because it's not. But rising demand in some segments doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand in some segments, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
US Steel closed Friday at $47.71, gaining $0.05, or 0.10 percent.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Haynes (HAYN) (SYNL) (X) (SID) (CLF) Pressured on Low Growth Steel Outlook
The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel companies like Haynes International Inc. (Nasdaq:HAYN), Synalloy Corp. (Nasdaq:SYNL), US Steel (NYSE:X), Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (NYSE:SID) and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE:CLF); although they traded a little stronger Thursday.
A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
It also looks like the U.S. economy is starting to sputter again, and that's not good news for the steel industry either.
A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
It also looks like the U.S. economy is starting to sputter again, and that's not good news for the steel industry either.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
B&G (BGS) (X) (BWLD) (ENP) (GPRO) Get Ratings Downgrades
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS), U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), Buffalo Wild Wings (NASDAQ: BWLD), Encore Energy Partners (NYSE: ENP) and Gen-Probe Incorporated (NASDAQ: GPRO) all got downgraded today.
Longbow Research downgraded B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) downgraded U.S. Steel (X) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $56 on the company, down from $74.00.
Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) downgraded Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) from a “Buy” rating to an “Outperform” rating.
Robert W. Baird downgraded Encore Energy Partners (ENP) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They placed a price target of $25 on the stock.
Madison Williams downgraded Gen-Probe Incorporated (GPRO) from a “Buy” rating to an “Accumulate” rating.
Longbow Research downgraded B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) downgraded U.S. Steel (X) from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $56 on the company, down from $74.00.
Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) downgraded Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) from a “Buy” rating to an “Outperform” rating.
Robert W. Baird downgraded Encore Energy Partners (ENP) from an “Outperform” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They placed a price target of $25 on the stock.
Madison Williams downgraded Gen-Probe Incorporated (GPRO) from a “Buy” rating to an “Accumulate” rating.
US Steel (X) (HLX) (JEC) Get Ratings Changes
Shares of US Steel (NYSE:X) and Helix Energy (NYSE:HLX) were downgraded while Jacobs Engineering (JEC) was upgraded on April 27 by various brokerages.
US Steel (X) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from "Buy" to "Neutral." They have a price target of $56 on X. Estimates were also cut, to line up with the new guidance of the company company.
Helix Energy (HLX) was downgraded by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) to "Equal-weight." Morgan Stanley has a price target of $18 on the energy company. The soaring Valuation was cited as the reason for the downgrade, as the stock has soared 50 percent over the past three months.
Jacobs Engineering (JEC) was upgraded at BMO from "Market Perform" to "Outperform." BMO Capital has a price target of $60 on Jacobs. BMO said the firm is seeing better demand from its key end markets.
US Steel (X) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) from "Buy" to "Neutral." They have a price target of $56 on X. Estimates were also cut, to line up with the new guidance of the company company.
Helix Energy (HLX) was downgraded by Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) to "Equal-weight." Morgan Stanley has a price target of $18 on the energy company. The soaring Valuation was cited as the reason for the downgrade, as the stock has soared 50 percent over the past three months.
Jacobs Engineering (JEC) was upgraded at BMO from "Market Perform" to "Outperform." BMO Capital has a price target of $60 on Jacobs. BMO said the firm is seeing better demand from its key end markets.
US Steel (X) (TS) (CMC) (CRS) Close Mixed on Cost, Growth Concerns
The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Tenaris SA (NYSE:TS), Commercial Metals Company (NYSE:CMC), US Steel (NYSE:X) and Carpenter Technology (NYSE:CRS), which closed mixed on Tuesday. And that's the more positive outlook by the majority of analysts. Many don't think growth will even happen at those modest levels.
A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
Of course there a large varieties of companies with steel exposure, and each segment of the sector can represent strengths or weaknesses. So each unit and company will have to be watched closely for performance of course.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand as it attempts to work through the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
Some winners will emerge, but over time it's not easy to pick any one that's going to stand out. Some have looked to larger companies who may be able to navigate through the higher costs better, but we'll see if that's the case, as it isn't always that simple because of the wide variety of products and costs and pricing power with each one.
A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
Of course there a large varieties of companies with steel exposure, and each segment of the sector can represent strengths or weaknesses. So each unit and company will have to be watched closely for performance of course.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand as it attempts to work through the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
Some winners will emerge, but over time it's not easy to pick any one that's going to stand out. Some have looked to larger companies who may be able to navigate through the higher costs better, but we'll see if that's the case, as it isn't always that simple because of the wide variety of products and costs and pricing power with each one.
Monday, April 25, 2011
US Steel (X) (SUTR) (WOR) (CRS) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook
The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Sutor Technology Group, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SUTR), Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WOR), US Steel (NYSE:X) and Carpenter Technology (NYSE:CRS), even with a couple of decent quarterly results coming from their peers, like Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD). And that's the more positive outlook by the majority of analysts. Many don't think growth will happen even at that rate.
A majority of steel companies are being pressured to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities jump.
That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But the slowly rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing at this time. A number of weak economies around the world could also cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of better demand, as it attempts to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from the producers.
Sutor Technology Group, Ltd. closed Thursday at $1.52, gaining $0.02, or 1.33 percent. Worthington Industries, Inc. ended the session at $20.98, falling $0.02, or 0.10 percent. Carpenter Technology closed at $44.90, up $0.85, or 1.93 percent. US Steel Company closed at $51.73, dropping $1.02, or 1.93 percent.
A majority of steel companies are being pressured to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities jump.
That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But the slowly rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing at this time. A number of weak economies around the world could also cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of better demand, as it attempts to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from the producers.
Sutor Technology Group, Ltd. closed Thursday at $1.52, gaining $0.02, or 1.33 percent. Worthington Industries, Inc. ended the session at $20.98, falling $0.02, or 0.10 percent. Carpenter Technology closed at $44.90, up $0.85, or 1.93 percent. US Steel Company closed at $51.73, dropping $1.02, or 1.93 percent.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
US Steel (X) (TS) (TX) (HSC) Get Boost from Steel Consumption Report, (STLD)
Investors have suddenly become steel industry and company believers after the performance of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Nasdaq:STLD) and the release of estimates for glow steel production by the World Steel Association, which pushed up the share prices of US Steel (NYSE:X), Tenaris SA (NYSE:TS), Ternium S.A. (NYSE:TX) and Harsco Corporation (NYSE:HSC) Wednesday.
Steel Dynamics gave as its reason for the optimism as growing backlogs in the company’s structural and rail division, but quietly added some of that could have been weather-related.
Also the projected global steel consumption growth of 5.9 percent didn't included the potential devastating effect the slowdown in Japan will have, as it's the largest consumer of steel in the world. Without that, the numbers are pretty meaningless. And it will take time, as with everything related to Japan at this time, before we know the full impact on steel and other sectors.
Harsco Corporation closed Wednesday at $33.97, gaining $0.27, or 0.80 percent. Ternium S.A. ended the day at $33.68, up $0.81, or 2.46 percent. Tenaris SA closed at $49.35, jumping $0.61, or 1.25 percent. US Steel closed the session at $52.75, rising $0.01, or 0.02 percent.
Steel Dynamics gave as its reason for the optimism as growing backlogs in the company’s structural and rail division, but quietly added some of that could have been weather-related.
Also the projected global steel consumption growth of 5.9 percent didn't included the potential devastating effect the slowdown in Japan will have, as it's the largest consumer of steel in the world. Without that, the numbers are pretty meaningless. And it will take time, as with everything related to Japan at this time, before we know the full impact on steel and other sectors.
Harsco Corporation closed Wednesday at $33.97, gaining $0.27, or 0.80 percent. Ternium S.A. ended the day at $33.68, up $0.81, or 2.46 percent. Tenaris SA closed at $49.35, jumping $0.61, or 1.25 percent. US Steel closed the session at $52.75, rising $0.01, or 0.02 percent.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Steel Firms US Steel (X) (MT) (PKX) (NUE) Jump on Steel Dynamics' Strength
Even though the results of Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) gave steel stocks like ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), POSCO (NYSE:PKX), Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and US Steel (NYSE:X) a big boost Tuesday, overall, the steel industry looks weak over the next five years, as it is expected to grow at a pace of 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers. And that's the more optimistic outlook by analysts. Most don't think growth rate will be that high.
Most steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is dropping, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin this in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
As for Steel Dynamics, it admits bad weather in February could have been the reason for the jump in March shipments. Even if steel companies in general have a good quarter to report, it's very doubtful it has changed the outlook over the next several years. It could be a chance to make some quick money though.
Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) closed at $18.46, gaining $1.00, or 5.73 percent. US Steel closed at $52.74, rising $2.25, or 4.46 percent. Nucor closed at $45.70, jumping $0.92, or 2.05 percent. POSCO ended the session at $110.50, increasing $2.41, or 2.23 percent. ArcelorMittal closed at $34.96, gaining $0.75, or 2.19 percent.
Most steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities rise.
That's not to say steel demand is dropping, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin this in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.
As for Steel Dynamics, it admits bad weather in February could have been the reason for the jump in March shipments. Even if steel companies in general have a good quarter to report, it's very doubtful it has changed the outlook over the next several years. It could be a chance to make some quick money though.
Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) closed at $18.46, gaining $1.00, or 5.73 percent. US Steel closed at $52.74, rising $2.25, or 4.46 percent. Nucor closed at $45.70, jumping $0.92, or 2.05 percent. POSCO ended the session at $110.50, increasing $2.41, or 2.23 percent. ArcelorMittal closed at $34.96, gaining $0.75, or 2.19 percent.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mechel OAO (MTL) (MT) (X) (GGB) Drop as Commodities Correct
A general correction in commodities prices spurred by the plunge in oil prices pressured the steel sector as well, with ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), US Steel (NYSE:X), Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB) and Mechel OAO (NYSE:MTL) all closing down Tuesday.
Crude oil prices for May delivery fell as much as 63 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.62 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract was at $106.01 at 10:14 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday, it fell $3.67 to $106.25. Prices dropped 5.9 percent on April 11 and 12.
The U.S. raised its crude-oil price projection for 2011 to an average $106.38 a barrel from $101.77 in March, according to the Energy Department’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.
Mechel OAO closed Tuesday at $28.58, falling $0.83, or 2.82 percent. Gerdau S.A. closed at $12.36, down $0.41, or 3.21 percent. ArcelorMittal closed at $35.80, dropping $0.72, or 1.97 percent. U.S. Steel ended the session at $50.52, declining $1.20, or 2.32 percent.
Crude oil prices for May delivery fell as much as 63 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.62 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract was at $106.01 at 10:14 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday, it fell $3.67 to $106.25. Prices dropped 5.9 percent on April 11 and 12.
The U.S. raised its crude-oil price projection for 2011 to an average $106.38 a barrel from $101.77 in March, according to the Energy Department’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.
Mechel OAO closed Tuesday at $28.58, falling $0.83, or 2.82 percent. Gerdau S.A. closed at $12.36, down $0.41, or 3.21 percent. ArcelorMittal closed at $35.80, dropping $0.72, or 1.97 percent. U.S. Steel ended the session at $50.52, declining $1.20, or 2.32 percent.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Steel's (PKX) (NUE) (X) (AKS) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook
The steel industry is uninspiring as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like POSCO (NYSE:PKX), Nucor (NYSE:NUE), US Steel (NYSE:X) and AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS). And that's the more positive outlook from some analysts.
Many steel companies are being forced to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities continue to surge.
That's not to say steel demand is declining, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin this positively. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of strong demand as they try to figure out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from them.
AK Steel Holding closed Friday at $15.78, falling $0.40, or 2.47 percent. US Steel closed at $52.80, down $0.91, or 1.69 percent. Nucor ended the session at $46.42, dropping $1.05, or 2.21 percent. Posco closed at $112.50, falling $0.05, or 0.04 percent.
Many steel companies are being forced to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities continue to surge.
That's not to say steel demand is declining, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.
There's no way to spin this positively. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of strong demand as they try to figure out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from them.
AK Steel Holding closed Friday at $15.78, falling $0.40, or 2.47 percent. US Steel closed at $52.80, down $0.91, or 1.69 percent. Nucor ended the session at $46.42, dropping $1.05, or 2.21 percent. Posco closed at $112.50, falling $0.05, or 0.04 percent.
Friday, April 1, 2011
U.S. Steel (X) (AKS) (NUE) (RS) Take Breather After Strong Quarter
The pressure on steel companies like United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:X), A.K. Steel Holding Corp. (NYSE:AKS), Nucor Corp. (NYSE:NUE) and Reliance Steel and Aluminum (NYSE:RS) should be just that, as the sector retreated after finishing off a strong first quarter.
Bridget Freas, a Morningstar Inc. market analyst covering the steel and aluminum sector, said, “They had a run-up in share prices in the last couple of days, so what we’re seeing now is most likely just a correction.”
Most analysts seeing the overall industry doing well as they approach earnings season.
Strong demand and the resultant ability to charge higher prices have driven the steel companies up recently, which should continue on, especially as Japan starts to rebuild.
Taking into account U.S. Steels fixed cost structure, along with higher steel prices, suggests they could reveal a good quarter when they report.
U.S. Steel closed Thursday at $53.94, falling $2.37, or 4.21 percent. AK Steel closed at $15.78, dropping $0.50, or 3.07 percent.
Bridget Freas, a Morningstar Inc. market analyst covering the steel and aluminum sector, said, “They had a run-up in share prices in the last couple of days, so what we’re seeing now is most likely just a correction.”
Most analysts seeing the overall industry doing well as they approach earnings season.
Strong demand and the resultant ability to charge higher prices have driven the steel companies up recently, which should continue on, especially as Japan starts to rebuild.
Taking into account U.S. Steels fixed cost structure, along with higher steel prices, suggests they could reveal a good quarter when they report.
U.S. Steel closed Thursday at $53.94, falling $2.37, or 4.21 percent. AK Steel closed at $15.78, dropping $0.50, or 3.07 percent.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
US Steel's (X) CEO Compensation Totals $8.3 Million
Depending on how you want to spin it, US Steel's (NYSE:X) CEO John P. Surma was awarded $8.3 million in overall compensation for a company that lost $482 million, or $3.36 a share, for 2010, or he was awarded for boosting company sales by 57 percent.
Surma had his salary cut last summer after the prior year where the company lost $1.4 billion, or $10.42 a share.
The CEO and Chairman of U.S. Steel also received a base salary of $1.13 million in 2010, along with a $458,640 performance-based cash bonus and $188,604 for life insurance, a supplemental savings program, use of corporate aircraft and other perks.
U.S. Steel closed Tuesday at $53.42. falling $0.74, or 1.37 percent.
Surma had his salary cut last summer after the prior year where the company lost $1.4 billion, or $10.42 a share.
The CEO and Chairman of U.S. Steel also received a base salary of $1.13 million in 2010, along with a $458,640 performance-based cash bonus and $188,604 for life insurance, a supplemental savings program, use of corporate aircraft and other perks.
U.S. Steel closed Tuesday at $53.42. falling $0.74, or 1.37 percent.
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