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Gerdau (GGB)
NYSE:GGB

Gerdau SA (GGB) AI Stock Analysis

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GGB

Gerdau SA

(NYSE:GGB)

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Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$4.50
▲(33.53% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/25/26
The score is driven primarily by mixed financial performance: improved top-line and a solid balance sheet are outweighed by sharply weaker margins and weaker cash conversion. The latest earnings call adds modest support via lower 2026 CapEx, conservative leverage and buybacks, while technical indicators and valuation are broadly neutral rather than strong positives.
Positive Factors
North America operating strength
North America now drives a large share of group profitability via resilient end markets and backlog support. Higher-margin downstream growth (e.g., 39% YoY downstream activity) and sector exposure (non-residential, solar, data centers) structurally diversify earnings and reduce reliance on volatile Brazilian volumes, improving consolidated margin durability over coming months.
Conservative leverage and balance sheet
Material deleveraging and ample equity give Gerdau financial flexibility typical insurers of cyclical firms. Low leverage supports capital returns and targeted M&A, reduces refinancing risk during downturns, and underpins the company's ability to fund Miguel Burnier, sustain capex, or absorb temporary cash-flow volatility without forcing distress sales.
Improving cash generation and disciplined CapEx
Recent positive FCF and a deliberate ~23% CapEx reduction for 2026 materially enhance near-term cash flexibility. That supports dividends and recurring buybacks while freeing cash to invest in high-return projects (e.g., mining integration). Improved cash conversion reduces funding risk and strengthens the durability of shareholder returns over the next 2–6 months.
Negative Factors
Compressed profitability
Sharp margin compression signals a structural hit to earnings quality and ROE. Low net margins reduce the cushion against commodity and currency swings, making earnings and cash conversion more sensitive to input-cost spikes or temporary demand softness. Sustained low margins would constrain reinvestment and shareholder distributions.
Brazil market structural headwinds
Persistent import penetration and low domestic utilization create chronic overcapacity and pricing pressure in Brazil. Those conditions triggered BRL 2B of noncash impairments and raise the risk of further write‑downs or margin erosion if trade defense measures and Miguel Burnier ramping do not materially restore local competitiveness.
Rising input and operating cost pressure
Significant coal inflation and regional logistics cost volatility directly compress gross margins in commodity steel production. Because recovery of margins depends on both pricing power and lower input costs, sustained energy and freight inflation—or timing mismatches in passing costs to customers—could materially weaken cash generation and profitability in the medium term.

Gerdau SA (GGB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Gerdau SA Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionGerdau S.A. provides steel products and services. The company operates through Brazil Business, North America Business, South America Business, and Special Steel Business segments. It offers semi-finished products, including billets, blooms, and slabs; common long rolled products, such as rebars, wire rods, merchant bars, light shapes, and profiles to the construction and manufacturing industries; finished industrial products, including commercial rolled-steel bars, and light profiles and wires; agricultural products that include stakes and smooth wire products; and drawn products comprises barbed and barbless fence wires, galvanized wires, fences, concrete reinforcing wire meshes, nails, and clamps. The company also produces special steel products used in auto parts, light and heavy vehicles, and agricultural machinery, as well as the oil and gas, wind energy, machinery and equipment, mining and rail, and other markets. In addition, it offers flat products, including hot rolled coils and heavy plates; and resells flat steel products, as well as mines and produces iron ore. It sells its products through independent distributors, direct sales from the mills, and through its retail network. The company was founded in 1901 and is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
How the Company Makes MoneyGerdau generates revenue primarily through the sale of steel products, including reinforcing bars, wire rods, and flat steel. The company benefits from a diverse portfolio that addresses various market segments, such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing. Key revenue streams include domestic sales in Brazil as well as exports to international markets. Additionally, Gerdau has established strategic partnerships with construction firms and automotive manufacturers to secure long-term contracts, which provide stable income. The company also invests in recycling operations, which not only bolster its sustainability initiatives but also lower production costs, thereby enhancing profit margins. Economic cycles, infrastructure projects, and demand for steel in various industries significantly influence Gerdau's earnings.

Gerdau SA Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 23, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 27, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call conveyed a balanced message: strong operational and financial resilience in North America (record shipments, healthy order backlog, downstream growth), improved cash generation and a disciplined capital plan (CapEx reduction, buybacks, leverage ~0.76x). However, material challenges remain in Brazil—higher imports (+7.5% YoY), significant coal cost inflation (~>20%), low asset utilization and BRL 2 billion of noncash impairments—which drove year-on-year EBITDA and adjusted net income declines. Management expects gradual improvement tied to Miguel Burnier ramp-up and trade-defense measures but short-term margin pressure in Brazil is likely.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong North America Operating Performance and Demand
North America reported resilient demand, robust operating performance and order backlogs above historical averages (around ~90 days). The region delivered record shipments in December 2025 and materially contributed to consolidated results.
EBITDA and Adjusted Cash Performance (Group Level)
Despite headwinds, Gerdau ended 2025 with EBITDA of BRL 10.1 billion and generated strong free cash flow in Q4 of BRL 1.4 billion; the last-12-month free cash flow turned positive at BRL 394 million (from negative previously).
Improved Capital Allocation and Lower 2026 CapEx Guidance
2025 CapEx was BRL 6.1 billion. Guidance for 2026 CapEx is BRL 4.7 billion, a reduction of BRL 1.4 billion (~23% lower versus 2025), intended to provide greater free cash flow flexibility.
Strong Balance Sheet and Leverage
Net debt / EBITDA leverage ended the year at a conservative 0.76x, described by management as an extremely sound level for the business.
Shareholder Returns and Buyback Program
Throughout 2025 the company returned BRL 2.4 billion via dividends and buybacks. Management launched a new buyback program for ~2.9% of outstanding shares (approx. BRL 1.2 billion based on recent trading levels).
Progress on Miguel Burnier Mining Platform
The new sustainable mining platform in Miguel Burnier (Ouro Preto) is near operation and is expected to contribute to a significant reduction in production costs at the Ouro Branco unit once ramped up.
Operational Improvements and Value-Added Growth in North America
Expansion of downstream/high-value lines in North America (e.g., Midlothian treatments, solar piles) supported a 39% increase in downstream product activity year-over-year, emphasizing growth in higher-margin, less import-exposed products.
Deliberate Capital Discipline and M&A Readiness
Management emphasized disciplined capital allocation, prioritizing competitiveness and cost reductions; balance sheet strength positions the company to consider selective M&A or asset monetizations if they unlock value.
Negative Updates
EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income Contraction
Full-year 2025 EBITDA was BRL 10.1 billion, down 7% versus 2024. Adjusted net income (excluding BRL 2 billion of noncash impairments) was BRL 3.4 billion, down 21% year-on-year, reflecting weaker operating profitability in some regions.
BRL 2 Billion Noncash Impairments in Brazil
Management recorded BRL 2 billion of impairment losses related to Brazilian units (noncash), reflecting reduced recovery expectations for certain assets given low utilization and market pressures.
Weak Brazil Market Dynamics and Import Pressure
Brazil faced an unfair import scenario with record steel imports in 2025 rising 7.5% year-on-year, which negatively impacted domestic profitability despite trade‑defense measures being implemented.
Higher Coal Costs and Cost Pressures
Coal costs increased significantly from Q4 into Q1 (management referenced a move of over ~20%), pressuring variable costs in Brazil and potentially offsetting price improvements in the short term.
Low Utilization and Idle Capacity in Brazil
Some Brazilian melt shops were operating at under 75% and overall utilization capacity was below 60%, prompting asset write‑downs and highlighting structural underutilization risks if demand does not recover.
South America Profitability Impacted by Export Mix
Higher-than-typical exports from Argentina in the quarter increased logistics costs and reduced regional profitability; management expects normalization but Q4 represented a negative surprise.
One-Off Cash Interest / Make-Whole Payment Impact
A make-whole settlement in the period increased cash interest paid in the quarter, creating timing-related pressure on cash financial expenses and concentration of bond maturities in April and October to monitor.
Earnings Volatility and Election-Year Uncertainty in Brazil
Management flagged potential volatility in Brazil during an election year and noted that sustained improvement in margins depends on trade-defense measures, the successful ramp of Miguel Burnier, and market dynamics.
Company Guidance
Gerdau’s guidance and forward view: management set 2026 CapEx at BRL 4.7 billion (vs BRL 6.1 billion in 2025, a BRL 1.4 billion reduction) to boost free‑cash‑flow flexibility; 2025 reported EBITDA was BRL 10.1 billion (‑7% y/y) and adjusted net income was BRL 3.4 billion (‑21% y/y) after BRL 2.0 billion of non‑cash impairments; Q4 free cash flow was BRL 1.4 billion and 12‑month cash generation turned positive at BRL 394 million, enabling a year‑end leverage of 0.76x net debt/EBITDA; shareholder returns in 2025 totaled BRL 2.4 billion (dividends + buybacks) and a new buyback for ~2.9% of shares (~BRL 1.2 billion at recent prices) was launched; operationally North America delivered record shipments in Dec‑2025 with order backlog near 90 days and continued resilient demand, while Brazil saw steel imports +7.5% y/y in 2025, melt‑shop utilization under ~60% (mills operating <75%), and short‑term cost pressure from coal (up >20% Q4→Q1); management expects moderate Brazil demand in 2026, margin stability early in the year and a possible move to double‑digit Brazil EBITDA margin in H2‑2026 if Miguel Burnier ramps as planned and trade‑defense measures (HRC antidumping/tariff) hold.

Gerdau SA Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: revenue rebounded strongly in TTM (+21.8%), and leverage is conservative for a cyclical steel business (debt-to-equity ~0.26–0.31). However, profitability compressed sharply (TTM net margin ~2.0% vs ~6.8% in 2024) and cash conversion weakened (TTM FCF ~1.2B; OCF coverage ~0.80), limiting overall quality of earnings.
Income Statement
58
Neutral
Revenue rebounded in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) (+21.8%), but profitability has compressed sharply versus prior years: net profit margin fell to ~2.0% in TTM from ~6.8% in 2024 and ~10.9% in 2023, with similar step-downs in gross and EBIT margins. Results show meaningful cyclicality—2021–2022 were peak years with very strong margins, followed by a multi-year normalization and a particularly weak TTM earnings conversion despite higher sales.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
Leverage looks manageable for a cyclical steel business, with debt-to-equity improving materially from 2020 (~0.60) to a more conservative ~0.26–0.31 in 2023–TTM. Equity remains sizable (TTM ~53.6B) and supports the capital structure, though returns on equity have cooled significantly (TTM ~5.4% vs. ~15.3% in 2023 and ~24.8% in 2022), signaling reduced profitability rather than balance-sheet stress.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash generation weakened in TTM (operating cash flow ~8.0B vs. ~11.4B in 2024), and free cash flow fell sharply to ~1.2B, resulting in low free cash flow relative to net income in TTM (~0.14). While free cash flow growth shows a large positive rate in TTM (off a depressed prior base), cash conversion is less consistent than in 2021–2023, and operating cash flow coverage dipped below 1.0 in TTM (~0.80), indicating earnings are not translating into cash as cleanly as before.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue69.86B67.03B68.92B82.41B78.35B
Gross Profit7.97B9.20B11.33B18.75B20.82B
EBITDA9.29B9.39B13.23B19.69B23.99B
Net Income1.39B4.57B7.50B11.43B15.49B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets81.69B86.81B74.89B73.80B73.81B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments6.37B8.28B5.34B5.43B6.79B
Total Debt15.57B14.92B12.17B13.66B14.98B
Total Liabilities27.89B28.64B25.65B27.50B31.00B
Stockholders Equity53.59B57.95B49.06B46.12B42.60B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.31B5.43B5.80B6.67B9.32B
Operating Cash Flow7.99B11.38B11.14B11.15B12.52B
Investing Cash Flow-7.57B-5.03B-5.77B-4.46B-3.00B
Financing Cash Flow-1.72B-2.69B-4.13B-8.26B-9.98B

Gerdau SA Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price3.37
Price Trends
50DMA
4.07
Negative
100DMA
3.76
Positive
200DMA
3.34
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.01
Positive
RSI
44.06
Neutral
STOCH
41.90
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GGB, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 3.37 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.19, below the 50-day MA of 4.07, and above the 200-day MA of 3.34, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 44.06 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 41.90 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GGB.

Gerdau SA Risk Analysis

Gerdau SA disclosed 40 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Gerdau SA reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Gerdau SA Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
$4.97B63.485.84%-16.81%-67.68%
67
Neutral
$8.13B18.8910.51%1.02%-1.61%-81.36%
65
Neutral
$8.53B20.023.49%7.02%-16.69%585.38%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
61
Neutral
$7.60B32.612.47%2.92%-2.53%-36.08%
53
Neutral
$2.22B-8.29-10.50%-5.79%-5.30%
49
Neutral
$6.08B-3.65-22.96%-6.76%-255.94%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GGB
Gerdau SA
4.04
1.32
48.53%
CLF
Cleveland-Cliffs
10.66
0.57
5.65%
CMC
Commercial Metals Company
73.30
26.90
57.97%
SIM
Grupo Simec SA De CV
31.55
6.06
23.77%
SID
Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional
1.68
0.28
20.00%
TX
Ternium SA
43.47
17.00
64.22%

Gerdau SA Corporate Events

Gerdau Posts Strong 2025 North American Results as Brazilian Imports Squeeze Margins
Feb 24, 2026

On February 24, 2026, Gerdau S.A. reported its 2025 results, highlighting 11.6 million tonnes of steel shipments, up 5.9% year on year, and adjusted EBITDA of R$10.1 billion driven by strong North American performance despite weaker conditions in Brazil and South America. Net income fell 21% to R$3.4 billion amid R$2.0 billion in non-cash impairment charges in Brazil, while free cash flow reached R$394 million for the year and R$1.411 billion in the fourth quarter, supporting dividends, the completion of a 2025 share buyback equal to about 3% of outstanding shares, and the launch of a 2026 buyback program of up to 56.4 million shares.

The company invested R$6.1 billion in capex in 2025 and guided a 24% reduction to R$4.7 billion in 2026, with leverage at 0.76x, underscoring balance sheet capacity to sustain strategic projects such as the Miguel Burnier mining operation, which reached 91% physical progress and is in integrated testing. Management flagged record imported steel penetration in Brazil as a continuing competitive pressure despite trade defense advances, contrasted with robust demand and margin expansion in North America, where backlogs remain high and sectors such as non-residential construction, solar and data centers support growth, shaping a mixed but resilient outlook for 2026 across its key markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (GGB) stock is a Hold with a $4.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gerdau SA stock, see the GGB Stock Forecast page.

Gerdau Posts Resilient 4Q25 Results and Launches New Share Buyback Program
Feb 23, 2026

Gerdau S.A. reported its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 23, 2026, highlighting resilient performance in North America that offset seasonal weakness, maintenance shutdowns, and intense import competition in Brazil, and a more challenging environment in South America. The company posted 4Q25 steel shipments of 2.9 million tonnes, net sales of R$17.0 billion, adjusted EBITDA of R$2.4 billion, and strong free cash flow, while maintaining low leverage and reaffirming its CAPEX focus on competitiveness, renewable energy, and mining expansion.

Management emphasized that North America accounted for 73% of consolidated EBITDA in 4Q25, supported by robust demand, better pricing, and Section 232-related trade rebalancing, while in Brazil imported steel penetration reached 21% amid ongoing antidumping actions and tariff hikes to protect local producers. For 2025, Gerdau invested R$6.1 billion in CAPEX, distributed roughly R$1.2 billion in dividends, completed a share buyback equal to 3% of outstanding shares, and on February 23, 2026 approved a new 18‑month buyback program of up to 56.4 million shares, underscoring its strategy of disciplined capital allocation and shareholder returns as it marks its 125th anniversary.

The most recent analyst rating on (GGB) stock is a Hold with a $4.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gerdau SA stock, see the GGB Stock Forecast page.

Gerdau Announces Interim 2025 Dividend Payout Schedule for Local Shares and ADRs
Feb 23, 2026

On February 23, 2026, the boards of Gerdau S.A. and Metalúrgica Gerdau S.A. approved interim dividend payments as an advance on the minimum dividend for the 2025 fiscal year, signaling continued cash returns to shareholders. The companies set a record date of March 10, 2026 for their Brazilian shares and March 12, 2026 for Gerdau’s ADRs, with per-share dividends of R$0.05 for Metalúrgica Gerdau and R$0.10 for Gerdau, reinforcing shareholder remuneration while outlining standard deadlines after which unclaimed dividends revert to the companies under Brazilian law.

Dividend payments for Gerdau shares are scheduled for March 18, 2026, for Metalúrgica Gerdau on March 19, 2026, and for Gerdau ADRs on March 25, 2026, to be processed via BTG Pactual as the depository institution. The move underlines management’s commitment to predictable payouts and may be read as a sign of confidence in cash generation ahead of the full 2025 results, offering clarity to both local and international investors on the timing and mechanics of the distributions.

The most recent analyst rating on (GGB) stock is a Hold with a $4.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gerdau SA stock, see the GGB Stock Forecast page.

Gerdau Completes 2025 Share Buyback Program at Full Authorized Volume
Dec 19, 2025

On December 19, 2025, Gerdau S.A. announced it had completed its 2025 share buyback program, which had been launched on January 20, 2025. Over the course of the program, the company repurchased 1,500,000 common shares (GGBR3) at an average price of R$15.65 and 63,000,000 preferred shares (GGBR4 and ADRs backed by preferred shares) at an average price of R$16.27, reaching 100% of the authorized buyback volume. The conclusion of the program signals a significant capital allocation move by Gerdau, potentially enhancing shareholder value through reduced free float and reflecting management’s confidence in the company’s valuation and long-term prospects.

The most recent analyst rating on (GGB) stock is a Buy with a $4.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gerdau SA stock, see the GGB Stock Forecast page.

Gerdau S.A. Completes $500M Bond Prepayment
Dec 2, 2025

On December 2, 2025, Gerdau S.A. announced that its subsidiary, GUSAP III LP, completed the financial settlement for the prepayment of bonds worth $500 million, originally set to mature in 2030. This move, which involved a total redemption amount of over $509 million, reflects Gerdau’s strategic financial management and may impact its financial operations and investor relations positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (GGB) stock is a Buy with a $3.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gerdau SA stock, see the GGB Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Feb 25, 2026