Monday, April 23, 2018

Can Improved Operating Performance Light A Fire Under Steel Dynamics?

I didn't see a lot of upside in the shares of Steel Dynamics (STLD) after the company's fourth-quarter earnings, and with the shares up only slightly since then, I don't feel like I've missed out on much. It's not really a Steel Dynamics-specific issue, though, as Nucor (NUE) and voestalpine (OTCPK:VLPNY) have likewise underwhelmed, while Gerdau (GGB) and Ternium (TX) have outperformed. The biggest issue seems to be a version of the all-too-familiar "what you have done for me lately?" - steel prices have been strong, but the prospects for further gains seem limited, and investors often buy into rising prices and then don't stick around for the follow-through.

The valuation on Steel Dynamics is a little more interesting now, though, and the company is executing on several quick-turn projects that will augment its growth potential. There are also still longer-term opportunities including significant M&A and ongoing share gains in the market. All of that said, I'd be careful about including this stock in a long-term portfolio as the cyclical swings can be rough.

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Can Improved Operating Performance Light A Fire Under Steel Dynamics?

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