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

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STLD

Steel Dynamics

(NASDAQ:STLD)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$174.00
▲(13.76% Upside)
Steel Dynamics' overall stock score of 77 is driven by strong earnings call performance and positive technical indicators. The company's stable financial position and strategic initiatives in steel and aluminum operations contribute positively, though challenges in profitability and cash flow generation slightly dampen the score. The valuation is fair, but not compelling enough to significantly boost the score.
Positive Factors
Record Steel Shipments
Record steel shipments indicate strong demand and operational efficiency, reinforcing Steel Dynamics' market position and capacity to meet industry needs.
Strong Financial Performance
Robust financial performance with strong revenue and cash flow underscores the company's ability to generate profits and sustain operations.
Biocarbon Team Milestone
The inaugural shipment by the Biocarbon team marks progress in sustainability initiatives, aligning with industry trends towards decarbonization.
Negative Factors
Aluminum Startup Losses
Higher-than-expected startup losses in aluminum operations could strain financial resources and delay profitability in this segment.
Maintenance Impact on Shipments
Maintenance outages impacting shipments could lead to short-term revenue dips and affect customer satisfaction, posing operational challenges.
Coated Steel Volume and Pricing Compression
Pricing and volume compression in coated steel could pressure margins and indicate competitive or demand challenges in this product line.

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 generates revenue primarily through the sale of steel products, which constitutes the bulk of its income. The Steel Operations segment produces a variety of steel products sold to manufacturers in various industries, including automotive, construction, and energy. The company also benefits from its Metal Recycling segment, which earns revenue through the processing and resale of scrap metal. This segment not only provides a source of raw materials for the steel production process but also contributes to profitability through efficient recycling practices. Additionally, Steel Dynamics has established significant partnerships with various manufacturers and construction companies, enhancing its market position and facilitating steady demand for its products. Factors such as market pricing for steel, global demand, and operational efficiency also play crucial roles in the company’s earnings.

Steel Dynamics Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Type
Revenue by Type
Breaks down revenue sources, providing insight into the diversity of income streams and potential vulnerabilities or growth areas.
Chart InsightsSteel Dynamics' revenue from unrelated parties has shown a gradual decline since mid-2022, reflecting market pressures. However, the latest earnings call highlights robust operational performance with record steel shipments and strategic investments in aluminum and biocarbon initiatives. Despite challenges like aluminum startup losses and maintenance impacts, the company remains optimistic about demand, supported by favorable trade rulings. The strong cash flow and significant stock repurchases underscore their commitment to shareholder returns, suggesting a strategic focus on long-term growth and resilience.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Steel Dynamics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 20, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 28, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a generally positive sentiment with strong operational and financial performance, particularly in steel and aluminum operations. However, some challenges remain, including higher aluminum startup losses and potential shipment reductions due to maintenance. Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives, indicating successful execution of strategic initiatives and growth projects.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Steel Shipments
Steel Dynamics achieved record steel shipments of 3,600,000 tons for the third quarter of 2025.
Strong Financial Performance
Revenues reached $4.8 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of $664 million and cash flow from operations of $723 million.
Growth in Steel Operations
Operating income for steel operations was $498 million, a 30% increase sequentially, supported by a 20% improvement in shipments from Sinton.
Successful Aluminum Qualification
Aluminum operations received early quality certifications, and the division is on track to achieve EBITDA breakeven in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Biocarbon Team Milestone
The Biocarbon team shipped its first product, a significant step in the company's decarbonization efforts.
Metals Recycling Operations
Operating income from metals recycling was $32 million, significantly above sequential second quarter results.
Negative Updates
Aluminum Startup Losses
The startup operating loss for aluminum operations was $57 million, which was higher than previously expected.
Maintenance Impact on Shipments
Planned maintenance outages for the fourth quarter could reduce shipments by as much as 85,000 tons.
Coated Steel Volume and Pricing Compression
Coated flat rolled steel volume and pricing compressed due to an inventory overhang related to earlier imports.
Higher Costs in Aluminum Operations
Higher costs were incurred due to accelerated certification of complicated aluminum products.
Company Guidance
In the Steel Dynamics third quarter 2025 earnings call, the company reported significant achievements and guidance across several metrics. They recorded a revenue of $4.8 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of $664 million and operating income of $508 million. Steel shipments reached a record 3.6 million tons, supported by metal spread expansion due to a $27 per ton decline in average scrap costs, contrasting with a $15 per ton decline in average realized pricing. The company's cash flow from operations was robust at $723 million, and they ended September with liquidity exceeding $2.2 billion. In terms of strategic investments, capital expenditures for 2026 are projected to be between $500 million and $600 million. Steel Dynamics also highlighted their Biocarbon team's inaugural shipment as part of their decarbonization efforts and expressed optimism for their aluminum operations to achieve a monthly EBITDA breakeven by the fourth quarter of 2025. They also noted the impact of recent trade rulings on coated flat rolled steel, which are expected to positively influence demand. Additionally, the company has repurchased $661 million of its common stock during the year, reflecting their strong cash flow generation and commitment to shareholder returns.

Steel Dynamics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Steel Dynamics presents a mixed financial picture. The company shows operational efficiency and maintains a solid balance sheet with moderate leverage. However, revenue and net income growth have slowed, impacting profit margins. The negative free cash flow highlights potential challenges in managing liquidity and capital expenditures. Overall, while the company's financial foundation is strong, there are areas that require attention to sustain growth and profitability.
Income Statement
75
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
80
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
70
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 Revenue17.63B17.54B18.80B22.26B18.41B9.60B
Gross Profit2.30B2.80B4.05B6.12B5.36B1.43B
EBITDA2.01B2.52B3.73B5.50B4.61B1.13B
Net Income1.13B1.54B2.45B3.86B3.21B550.82M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets15.97B14.94B14.91B14.16B12.53B9.27B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments770.36M737.27M2.12B2.26B1.24B1.37B
Total Debt3.78B3.35B3.07B3.07B3.11B3.10B
Total Liabilities6.99B5.99B6.07B6.06B6.21B4.92B
Stockholders Equity9.00B8.93B8.87B8.13B6.30B4.35B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow310.99M-23.50M1.86B3.55B1.20B-211.02M
Operating Cash Flow1.52B1.84B3.52B4.46B2.20B987.03M
Investing Cash Flow-553.83M-1.30B-1.97B-1.88B-999.42M-993.26M
Financing Cash Flow-1.21B-1.35B-1.78B-2.20B-1.33B-7.05M

Steel Dynamics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price152.95
Price Trends
50DMA
137.52
Positive
100DMA
133.39
Positive
200DMA
129.57
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.75
Negative
RSI
62.96
Neutral
STOCH
64.24
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 152.95 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 145.23, above the 50-day MA of 137.52, and above the 200-day MA of 129.57, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.75 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.96 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.24 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 (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
$22.51B20.2912.47%1.28%-1.49%-31.82%
$14.58B20.269.94%1.72%-0.88%-25.15%
$31.84B25.046.28%1.59%-5.78%-60.07%
$32.25B11.894.72%1.24%-4.51%
$6.78B82.311.99%1.18%-1.61%-81.36%
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
$17.11B45.690.92%2.40%-7.63%-63.14%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
STLD
Steel Dynamics
152.95
19.32
14.46%
MT
ArcelorMittal
39.12
14.57
59.35%
CMC
Commercial Metals Company
61.08
7.54
14.08%
NUE
Nucor
138.70
-6.46
-4.45%
PKX
POSCO
55.99
-6.69
-10.67%
RS
Reliance Steel
277.13
-15.71
-5.36%

Steel Dynamics Corporate Events

Steel Dynamics Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results
Oct 22, 2025

Steel Dynamics, Inc. is a leading industrial metals solutions company in North America, known for its circular manufacturing model that produces low-carbon-emission products using recycled scrap as the primary input. The company is a major player in the steel and metal recycling sectors and is expanding into aluminum operations.

Steel Dynamics Reports Record Shipments and Strong Growth
Oct 22, 2025

Steel Dynamics’ recent earnings call conveyed a broadly positive sentiment, showcasing robust operational and financial performance, particularly in their steel and aluminum sectors. Despite some challenges, such as higher startup losses in aluminum and potential shipment reductions due to maintenance, the company’s strategic initiatives and growth projects are yielding positive results, outweighing the negatives.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Steel Dynamics Projects Strong Q3 2025 Earnings Growth
Positive
Sep 15, 2025

On September 15, 2025, Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced its third quarter 2025 earnings guidance, projecting earnings between $2.60 and $2.64 per diluted share, a notable increase from the previous quarter’s $2.01 per share. The company anticipates stronger profitability across its steel, metals recycling, and steel fabrication operations, driven by robust demand in sectors such as non-residential construction, automotive, and energy. Additionally, the company is advancing its aluminum operations with successful commissioning of facilities in Columbus, Mississippi, and San Luis Potosi, enhancing its market position and operational capabilities.

The most recent analyst rating on (STLD) stock is a Buy with a $150.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Steel Dynamics stock, see the STLD Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Steel Dynamics to Acquire Remaining Stake in New Process Steel
Positive
Aug 19, 2025

On August 19, 2025, Steel Dynamics announced its agreement to acquire the remaining 55% equity interest in New Process Steel, a metals solutions and distribution company based in Houston, Texas. This acquisition aims to enhance Steel Dynamics’ exposure to value-added manufacturing opportunities and strengthen its existing customer relationships. New Process Steel, which has a strong reputation for quality and customer service, operates multiple manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and is Steel Dynamics’ largest flat roll steel customer. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The most recent analyst rating on (STLD) stock is a Buy with a $139.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Steel Dynamics stock, see the STLD Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Steel Dynamics Announces Q3 2025 Cash Dividend
Positive
Aug 15, 2025

On August 14, 2025, Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced a third quarter 2025 cash dividend of $0.50 per common share, payable to shareholders of record on September 30, 2025, with payment expected around October 10, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing value to its shareholders and highlights its stable financial position within the industrial metals industry.

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: Oct 26, 2025