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Steel Dynamics (STLD)
NASDAQ:STLD

Steel Dynamics (STLD) AI Stock Analysis

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Steel Dynamics

(NASDAQ:STLD)

73Outperform
Steel Dynamics demonstrates solid financial stability with a strong balance sheet and positive earnings outlook reflected in the recent earnings call. While technical indicators suggest potential caution due to overbought conditions, the company's fair valuation supports its current market price. Key strengths include operational efficiencies and future growth initiatives, though challenges in revenue growth and rising costs remain.
Positive Factors
Earnings Growth
STLD is anticipated to have rising earnings, cash flow, and capital returns even if steel prices decrease.
Free Cash Flow
The completion of the company’s capex cycle on its two major recent investments clears the way for higher through-the-cycle free cash flow generation.
Product Portfolio
Steel Dynamics is a best-in-class domestic US steel producer, with a product portfolio that is relatively well-positioned to benefit from expanded Section 232 tariffs.
Negative Factors
Sinton Plant
Sinton, which has been a material drag on earnings since 2022, is on the cusp of turning around and should start contributing to earnings.

Steel Dynamics (STLD) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Steel Dynamics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSteel Dynamics, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a steel producer and metal recycler in the United States. It operates through three segments: Steel Operations, Metals Recycling Operations, and Steel Fabrication Operations. The Steel Operations segment offers hot roll, cold roll, and coated steel products; parallel flange beams and channel sections, flat bars, large unequal leg angles, and reinforcing bars, as well as standard strength carbon, intermediate alloy hardness, and premium grade rail products; and engineered special-bar-quality products, merchant-bar-quality products, and other engineered round steel bars. The company also engages in turning, polishing, straightening, chamfering, threading, precision saw-cutting, and heat treating of bar products; and cutting to length, straightening, hole punching, shot blasting, welding, galvanizing, and coating of specialty products. Its products are used in construction, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, heavy and agriculture equipment, and pipe and tube markets. This segment sells directly to end-users, steel fabricators, and service centers. The Metals Recycling Operations segment purchases, processes, and resells ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals into reusable forms and grades. Its ferrous products include heavy melting steel, busheling, bundled scrap, shredded scrap, steel turnings, and cast-iron products; and nonferrous products comprise aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, and other nonferrous metals. This segment also provides transportation logistics, marketing, brokerage, and scrap management services. The Steel Fabrication Operations segment produces non-residential steel building components, such as steel joists, girders, trusses, and steel deck products. The company also exports its products. Steel Dynamics, Inc. was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
How the Company Makes MoneySteel Dynamics generates revenue primarily through the manufacturing and sale of steel products. The company's steel operations segment is its largest source of income, producing and selling numerous types of steel products to diverse markets, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. The metals recycling segment contributes to revenue by acquiring and processing scrap metal, which is sold to steel mills, including those owned by Steel Dynamics, thus supporting a vertically integrated model. Additionally, the steel fabrication segment adds revenue through the production and sale of fabricated steel products used in construction. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions, along with a focus on operational efficiency and cost control, further enhance the company's profitability.

Steel Dynamics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Steel Dynamics presents a stable financial position with strong balance sheet metrics. However, declining revenue and profitability margins in TTM highlight challenges in maintaining growth. The negative free cash flow also raises concerns about liquidity management. The company needs to focus on improving revenue streams and profitability to ensure long-term sustainability.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Steel Dynamics shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The TTM revenue shows a decline compared to the previous annual figures, indicating some challenges in maintaining growth. The gross profit margin stands at 13.36% for TTM, which is moderate but shows a decline compared to last year. Net profit margin for TTM is 6.80%, also lower than the previous year, suggesting reduced profitability. The EBITDA margin of 10.93% in TTM reflects a solid operational efficiency despite declining revenue.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The balance sheet of Steel Dynamics is strong, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48 in TTM, indicating moderate leverage. The equity ratio of 55.39% suggests a robust capital structure, providing a cushion against liabilities. Return on equity for TTM is 13.26%, showing a respectable return on shareholders' investment, though it has declined from previous periods.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
The cash flow statement reveals some challenges with free cash flow being negative in TTM despite positive operating cash flow. The operating cash flow to net income ratio for TTM is 1.40, indicating solid cash generation relative to net income. However, the inability to generate positive free cash flow poses a risk and may affect future investments or debt repayments.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
17.22B17.54B18.80B22.26B18.41B9.60B
Gross Profit
2.30B2.80B4.05B6.12B5.36B1.43B
EBIT
1.47B1.94B3.15B5.09B4.30B847.14M
EBITDA
1.88B2.52B3.73B5.50B4.61B1.19B
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.17B1.54B2.45B3.86B3.21B550.82M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
1.21B737.27M2.12B2.26B1.24B1.37B
Total Assets
15.93B14.94B14.91B14.16B12.53B9.27B
Total Debt
4.20B3.23B3.20B3.07B3.11B3.10B
Net Debt
3.01B2.64B1.80B1.44B1.86B1.73B
Total Liabilities
7.10B5.99B6.07B6.06B6.21B4.92B
Stockholders Equity
8.82B8.93B8.87B8.13B6.30B4.35B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-157.31M-23.50M1.86B3.55B1.20B-211.02M
Operating Cash Flow
1.64B1.84B3.52B4.46B2.20B987.03M
Investing Cash Flow
-1.19B-1.30B-1.97B-1.88B-999.42M-993.26M
Financing Cash Flow
-305.46M-1.35B-1.78B-2.20B-1.33B-7.05M

Steel Dynamics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price134.78
Price Trends
50DMA
124.83
Positive
100DMA
124.99
Positive
200DMA
125.80
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.14
Negative
RSI
60.71
Neutral
STOCH
57.84
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For STLD, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 134.78 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 129.49, above the 50-day MA of 124.83, and above the 200-day MA of 125.80, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.14 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.71 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 57.84 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for STLD.

Steel Dynamics Risk Analysis

Steel Dynamics disclosed 18 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Steel Dynamics reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Steel Dynamics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (50)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
RSRS
78
Outperform
$15.99B21.8010.27%1.48%-5.60%-35.05%
NUNUE
74
Outperform
$26.80B20.686.54%1.88%-10.88%-66.97%
73
Outperform
$20.01B17.8213.08%1.39%-7.42%-48.08%
PKPKX
70
Neutral
$12.78B21.641.58%3.64%-9.79%-45.76%
MTMT
67
Neutral
$25.09B18.072.60%1.38%-8.56%68.36%
XX
61
Neutral
$9.14B136.970.86%0.49%-14.79%-88.78%
50
Neutral
$1.98B-1.06-21.29%3.61%1.95%-30.60%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STLD
Steel Dynamics
134.78
3.74
2.85%
MT
ArcelorMittal
30.71
5.00
19.45%
NUE
Nucor
116.16
-52.00
-30.92%
PKX
POSCO
44.34
-29.62
-40.05%
RS
Reliance Steel
304.00
5.28
1.77%
X
United States Steel
40.35
3.78
10.34%

Steel Dynamics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 22, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 14.81%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 16, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong operational and financial performance, including record steel shipments, positive EBITDA from the Sinton facility, and expansion in the aluminum segment. However, the company faces challenges with rising raw material costs and increased SG&A and interest expenses. Overall, the positive developments and future growth expectations outweigh the negative aspects.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Steel Shipments
Steel Dynamics achieved record steel shipments of 3.5 million tons during the first quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA and Revenue Growth
The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $448 million and first-quarter revenue of $4.4 billion, a 13% increase compared to the previous quarter.
Positive EBITDA for Sinton Facility
The Sinton facility operated at around 86% of capacity and achieved positive EBITDA for the quarter, with expectations of increased profitability in the future.
Aluminum Dynamics Milestone
Aluminum Dynamics successfully cast its first aluminum ingot and is on track to ship commercial quality coils by June 2025.
Strong Liquidity Position
Steel Dynamics ended the quarter with strong liquidity of $2.6 billion.
Infrastructure and Manufacturing Demand
Federal programs, manufacturing growth, and onshoring are expected to support demand for steel and joist products.
Negative Updates
Rising Raw Material Costs
The company faced a $16 per ton increase in average scrap prices, impacting metal spread contraction.
Higher SG&A Expenses
There was a $37 million increase in SG&A expenses due to non-capitalizable expenses related to the aluminum facilities.
Interest Expense Increase
Interest expense is expected to rise to approximately $30 million in the second quarter and $40 million per quarter thereafter.
Steel Fabrication Income Decline
Operating income for the Steel Fabrication segment declined due to a modest 4% decline in realized pricing and seasonally decreased shipments.
Company Guidance
During the Steel Dynamics First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company reported record steel shipments of 3.5 million tons and an adjusted EBITDA of $448 million. The first quarter revenue totaled $4.4 billion, a 13% increase from the previous quarter, driven primarily by steel shipments. Operating income for the quarter reached $275 million, a 16% increase sequentially, supported by steel volumes despite a $13 per ton decline in average realized external steel prices and a $16 per ton increase in average scrap prices. The company's metals recycling operations achieved operating income of $26 million, with improvements in ferrous metal spreads and volumes. Additionally, the Sinton, Texas, facility operated at approximately 86% capacity and achieved positive EBITDA for the quarter, signaling expectations for increased profitability throughout the year. Steel Dynamics also announced successful aluminum ingot casting at its Columbus, Mississippi facility in January and its Mexican satellite slab facility in March, with plans to ship commercial quality coils by June. The company maintained strong liquidity with $2.6 billion and invested $306 million in capital expenditures during the quarter, projecting annual capital investments between $800 million and $1 billion for 2025.

Steel Dynamics Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Steel Dynamics Announces Leadership Transition in Aluminum Group
Neutral
May 12, 2025

On May 9, 2025, Steel Dynamics announced leadership transitions as Glenn Pushis will retire on October 1, 2025, to become CEO of McBride Capital Partners’ Project Aero, while continuing as a consultant for Steel Dynamics’ new aluminum facilities. Miguel Alvarez will take over as Senior Vice President Aluminum Group, overseeing the company’s aluminum operations and strategic investments. These changes reflect Steel Dynamics’ commitment to leadership development and its strategic focus on aluminum operations, which are expected to enhance its market positioning and operational capabilities.

The most recent analyst rating on (STLD) stock is a Buy with a $158.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Steel Dynamics stock, see the STLD Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on STLD Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, STLD is a Outperform.

Steel Dynamics demonstrates solid financial stability with a strong balance sheet and positive earnings outlook reflected in the recent earnings call. While technical indicators suggest potential caution due to overbought conditions, the company’s fair valuation supports its current market price. Key strengths include operational efficiencies and future growth initiatives, though challenges in revenue growth and rising costs remain.

To see Spark’s full report on STLD stock, click here.

Stock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Steel Dynamics Projects Strong Q1 2025 Earnings
Positive
Mar 18, 2025

On March 17, 2025, Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced its first quarter 2025 earnings guidance, projecting earnings per diluted share between $1.36 and $1.40. The company’s steel operations are expected to see increased profitability due to higher shipments, despite some metal margin compression. The Sinton Texas Flat Roll Division operated at over 90% production capacity, indicating a path to profitability by the second quarter. Metals recycling operations are also expected to perform better than the previous quarter, while steel fabrication earnings are anticipated to be lower due to seasonal factors. The company is advancing its aluminum operations, with significant progress in its Columbus, Mississippi mill and San Luis Potosi center. Additionally, Steel Dynamics increased its cash dividend by nine percent and authorized an additional $1.5 billion for share repurchases, reflecting confidence in its financial outlook.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.