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Steel Dynamics (STLD)
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Steel Dynamics (STLD) AI Stock Analysis

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STLD

Steel Dynamics

(NASDAQ:STLD)

Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
$140.00
▲(13.33% Upside)
Steel Dynamics' overall stock score of 70 reflects a balance of strengths and weaknesses. The company demonstrates operational efficiency and a stable balance sheet, but faces challenges with negative free cash flow and valuation concerns. Technical analysis suggests bearish momentum, though recent corporate events and strategic advancements in aluminum operations provide a positive outlook. Earnings call sentiment is mixed, highlighting both achievements and challenges.
Positive Factors
Free Cash Flow
Steel Dynamics is well-positioned to generate above-peer free cash flow, with investments having the potential to add significant incremental EBITDA.
Order Backlog
Fabrication operations order activity was solid, with backlog increasing and extending into the future at stable pricing.
Negative Factors
EPS Performance
Steel Dynamics reported Q2’25 EPS that was towards the low-end of its mid-June guidance, but light vs. BofAe and consensus estimates.
Revenues
Revenues of $4,565m were below the Visible Alpha consensus of $4,712m.

Steel Dynamics (STLD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (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 makes money through its diversified operations in steel production, metal recycling, and steel fabrication. The steel operations segment generates revenue by producing and selling a variety of steel products, such as hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and coated steel products, to customers in sectors like automotive, construction, and manufacturing. The metals recycling segment contributes revenue by processing and selling ferrous and non-ferrous scrap to steel mills and foundries. The steel fabrication segment generates income through the production and sale of steel joists, girders, and other fabricated products used primarily in non-residential construction. The company's strategic acquisitions and investments in technology and capacity expansion also play a significant role in enhancing its revenue-generating capabilities.

Steel Dynamics Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Operating Margin by Segment
Operating Margin by Segment
Reveals the efficiency of each segment in turning revenue into profit, indicating competitive strengths or weaknesses in different parts of the business.
Chart InsightsSteel Dynamics' operating margins reveal significant volatility across segments. Notably, the 'Other' segment experienced a dramatic improvement in late 2024, likely influenced by strategic shifts in the aluminum segment, as evidenced by successful aluminum ingot casting. However, the Steel Fabrication segment faces pressure from declining income due to lower pricing and shipments. Despite these challenges, the company’s record steel shipments and positive EBITDA from the Sinton facility underscore strong operational performance, with future growth expected from infrastructure demand and manufacturing expansion.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Steel Dynamics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 21, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -8.18%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 15, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed outlook with several notable achievements such as record safety performance, increased steel operations income, and the first aluminum shipment. However, these were countered by challenges like the oxygen supply issue at Sinton, reduced income in metal recycling, and continued losses in aluminum operations. The sentiment is balanced with significant positive developments but notable challenges as well.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Safety Performance
Achieved an all-time low quarterly recordable and lost time injury rates; 80% of locations had no recordable injuries.
Increase in Steel Operations Income
Generated operating income of $382 million, over 65% higher sequentially due to increased steel pricing.
Volkswagen Global Group Award for Sustainability
Received the award for sustainability, recognizing the low-carbon steel program.
First Aluminum Shipment
Shipped first commercial quality aluminum flat-rolled coils, marking significant progress in the Aluminum Operations.
Record Quarterly Metals Recycling Shipments
Achieved record shipments in the Metals Recycling segment.
Negative Updates
Oxygen Supply Challenge at Sinton
Faced production challenges due to vendor oxygen supply issues, impacting shipments by approximately 55,000 tons.
Decline in Metal Recycling Operating Income
Operating income was $21 million, $4 million lower than the previous quarter due to lower ferrous pricing.
Operating Losses in Aluminum Operations
Aluminum Operations reported losses of $69 million in the first half of 2025, with expected continued losses in Q3.
Steel Fabrication Income Decline
Operating income decreased due to lower realized pricing and increased steel substrate costs.
Company Guidance
In the Steel Dynamics second quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided comprehensive guidance on various metrics. They reported a second quarter net income of $299 million, or $2.01 per diluted share, with adjusted EBITDA of $533 million. Revenues were noted at $4.6 billion, driven by higher realized steel pricing. Operating income increased by 39% from the previous quarter, reaching $383 million, bolstered by steel metal spread expansion. The steel operations alone generated an operating income of $382 million, a 65% sequential increase. The company's Metals Recycling operations recorded $21 million in operating income, albeit $4 million lower than the previous quarter due to reduced ferrous pricing. Steel Fabrication saw $93 million in operating income, though slightly down from the first quarter due to compressed margins. The Aluminum Operations reported operating losses totaling $69 million for the first half of 2025, with expectations to reduce these losses to $15-$20 million by the fourth quarter as the company ramps up production and completes commissioning. Additionally, the company achieved record quarterly shipments in Metals Recycling and highlighted significant progress in their biocarbon and aluminum flat-rolled coil shipments.

Steel Dynamics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Steel Dynamics presents a mixed financial picture. The income statement shows operational efficiency with healthy EBIT and EBITDA margins but suffers from reduced revenue growth and net profit margins below industry averages. The balance sheet is stable with moderate leverage, and a strong equity position, but the cash flow statement indicates challenges with negative free cash flow, highlighting potential liquidity concerns.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Steel Dynamics shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The TTM gross profit margin stands at 12.56%, indicating a reduction compared to previous years, primarily due to a decline in total revenue. The net profit margin for TTM is 6.07%, which is below the industry average. Revenue has shown a negative growth rate of 2.24% in the most recent TTM period compared to the previous annual period. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins for the TTM are healthy at 7.53% and 11.05%, respectively, demonstrating operational efficiency despite revenue pressures.
Balance Sheet
82
Very Positive
The balance sheet of Steel Dynamics is stable with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, reflecting moderate leverage and a strong equity position. The return on equity (ROE) for TTM is 11.75%, which is decent, although it shows a decline from previous years. The equity ratio remains strong at 57.03%, indicating a solid foundation of equity over liabilities. Overall, the balance sheet reflects financial strength, with ample equity supporting liabilities.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
The cash flow statement indicates some challenges, particularly in free cash flow generation. The TTM free cash flow is negative at $-107 million, compared to positive free cash flow in previous periods, suggesting increased capital expenditures or reduced operating cash flow. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.50, showing strong cash generation relative to profits. However, the negative free cash flow to net income ratio indicates potential liquidity concerns if this trend continues.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue17.15B17.54B18.80B22.26B18.41B9.60B
Gross Profit2.15B2.80B4.05B6.12B5.36B1.43B
EBITDA1.89B2.52B3.73B5.50B4.61B1.19B
Net Income1.04B1.54B2.45B3.86B3.21B550.82M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets15.55B14.94B14.91B14.16B12.53B9.27B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments497.63M737.27M2.12B2.26B1.24B1.37B
Total Debt3.78B3.35B3.20B3.07B3.11B3.10B
Total Liabilities6.70B5.99B6.07B6.06B6.21B4.92B
Stockholders Equity8.86B8.93B8.87B8.13B6.30B4.35B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-107.43M-23.50M1.86B3.55B1.20B-211.02M
Operating Cash Flow1.56B1.84B3.52B4.46B2.20B987.03M
Investing Cash Flow-1.29B-1.30B-1.97B-1.88B-999.42M-993.26M
Financing Cash Flow-647.89M-1.35B-1.78B-2.20B-1.33B-7.05M

Steel Dynamics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price123.53
Price Trends
50DMA
130.36
Negative
100DMA
127.76
Negative
200DMA
128.52
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.83
Positive
RSI
35.27
Neutral
STOCH
10.29
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For STLD, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 123.53 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 130.43, below the 50-day MA of 130.36, and below the 200-day MA of 128.52, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.83 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.27 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 10.29 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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 1 New Risks
1.
We may face risks associated with our ability to retain, develop and attract key personnel. Q4, 2024

Steel Dynamics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (44)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$15.49B43.600.78%2.03%-7.63%-63.88%
71
Outperform
$15.14B21.019.93%1.60%-3.91%-30.31%
70
Outperform
$18.34B18.0111.57%1.57%-5.51%-45.07%
69
Neutral
$32.18B25.176.29%1.58%-5.78%-59.98%
64
Neutral
$12.42B186.150.86%0.36%-14.79%-88.78%
59
Neutral
$25.52B9.444.72%1.56%-4.36%
44
Neutral
C$861.97M-6.77-14.90%2.79%16.54%-27.01%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STLD
Steel Dynamics
123.53
5.18
4.38%
MT
ArcelorMittal
31.04
9.56
44.51%
NUE
Nucor
139.45
-3.73
-2.61%
PKX
POSCO
53.84
-5.24
-8.87%
RS
Reliance Steel
287.78
6.92
2.46%
X
United States Steel
54.84
13.24
31.83%

Steel Dynamics Corporate Events

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Steel Dynamics Projects Strong Q2 2025 Earnings Growth
Positive
Jun 18, 2025

On June 18, 2025, Steel Dynamics announced its second quarter 2025 earnings guidance, projecting earnings per diluted share between $2.00 and $2.04, compared to $1.44 in the first quarter and $2.72 in the previous year’s second quarter. The company’s steel operations are expected to see improved profitability due to expanded metal spreads and increased steel pricing, despite a $32 million noncash write-off. Metals recycling earnings are anticipated to remain steady, while steel fabrication earnings may decline due to increased raw material costs. The company also continues to advance its aluminum operations, with successful commissioning in Mississippi and Mexico, and plans to start shipping mid-2025. Additionally, Steel Dynamics repurchased $179 million of its common stock during the second quarter.

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.

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.

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: Jul 30, 2025