Worthington Steel, Inc. (WS)
NYSE:WS
US Market
Advertisement

Worthington Steel, Inc. (WS) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
83 Followers

Top Page

WS

Worthington Steel, Inc.

(NYSE:WS)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$34.00
▲(7.36% Upside)
Worthington Steel's overall stock score reflects its stable financial performance and strategic growth initiatives, particularly in the automotive and EV sectors. The company's reasonable valuation and dividend yield add to its attractiveness. However, technical indicators suggest potential short-term volatility, and challenges in certain markets pose risks. The company's strategic focus on AI-driven improvements and safety achievements are positive long-term factors.

Worthington Steel, Inc. (WS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Worthington Steel, Inc. Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWorthington Steel, Inc. operates as a steel processor in North America. It offers carbon flat-rolled steel and tailor welded blanks, as well as electrical steel laminations; and aluminum tailor welded blanks. The company serves various end-markets, including automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, construction, and energy. Worthington Steel, Inc. was incorporated in 2023 and is based in Columbus, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyWorthington Steel generates revenue through multiple streams, predominantly by selling steel products to various industries, including construction and automotive. The company earns money through direct sales of its core products, such as flat-rolled steel and custom-fabricated steel components. Additionally, WS engages in value-added services, such as processing and fabrication, which command higher margins. Strategic partnerships with major manufacturers and suppliers enhance its distribution capabilities and market reach, thereby contributing significantly to its earnings. Furthermore, the company's focus on sustainability and innovation allows it to tap into niche markets, driving additional revenue growth.

Worthington Steel, Inc. Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 24, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Dec 18, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Worthington Steel reported strong financial results and safety achievements, with notable gains in the automotive sector. However, challenges in toll processing and agricultural markets, along with anticipated inventory holding losses, present hurdles. The company continues to focus on strategic expansions and operational transformations to mitigate uncertainties.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Safety Achievement
Worthington Steel achieved its safest quarter on record, emphasizing the company's commitment to employee safety.
Strong Financial Performance
Adjusted EBITDA was $75.2 million, with earnings per share at $0.72 and net sales of $872.9 million. The company also reported a significant year-over-year increase in earnings from $0.56 to $0.72 per share.
Automotive Market Growth
The company saw a 13% increase in shipments to the Detroit 3, against a 5% production increase, highlighting strong market share gains in the automotive sector.
Expansion and Transformation
Worthington Steel completed the acquisition of 52% of Sitem and is expanding operations in Canada and Mexico to support electrical steel production, with a focus on AI-driven efficiency improvements.
Negative Updates
Toll Processing Volume Decline
Toll processing volumes decreased by 22% year-over-year due to softer market demand and facility consolidation.
Agricultural Market Challenges
The ag market continues to face significant challenges, with shipments down nearly 50% compared to the prior year quarter.
Potential Inventory Holding Losses
The company anticipates inventory holding losses in the range of $5 million to $10 million in the second quarter due to declining hot-rolled coil prices.
Company Guidance
During Worthington Steel's First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 earnings call, the company reported strong financial metrics amidst a challenging market. Adjusted EBITDA reached $75.2 million, with earnings per share at $0.72, and net sales totaling $872.9 million. The automotive sector was a standout performer, with shipments increasing nearly 13% year-over-year, outpacing the Detroit 3's 5% production growth. The company also highlighted its safest quarter on record, emphasizing its commitment to safety and continuous improvement. Additionally, Worthington Steel's acquisition of a 52% stake in Sitem was completed, which is expected to enhance their global EV market presence. The company is also advancing four AI-driven pilots aimed at improving capacity planning, inventory management, and predictive maintenance, which are anticipated to yield cost savings and free up cash flow. Despite uncertainty in several end markets, Worthington Steel remains focused on disciplined execution and strategic investments, particularly in electrical steel and automation, to drive long-term growth.

Worthington Steel, Inc. Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Worthington Steel, Inc. demonstrates stable financial performance with consistent revenue growth and efficient production processes. The balance sheet reflects prudent leverage and effective equity utilization. However, declining free cash flow growth and moderate cash generation efficiency highlight areas for improvement in liquidity management.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Worthington Steel, Inc. shows a stable revenue base with a TTM revenue growth rate of 1.26%. The gross profit margin is consistent at around 12.88%, indicating efficient production processes. However, the net profit margin of 3.79% suggests room for improvement in cost management. EBIT and EBITDA margins are moderate, reflecting stable operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
The company maintains a healthy debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, indicating prudent leverage use. Return on equity is reasonable at 11.29%, showing effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio of 49.25% suggests a balanced capital structure, though there is potential to enhance asset utilization.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Operating cash flow is positive, but the free cash flow growth rate has declined by 43.21%, indicating potential liquidity challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.25 suggests moderate cash generation efficiency. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.69 indicates a need for improved cash retention.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.13B3.09B3.43B3.61B2.13B4.07B
Gross Profit403.40M388.60M439.80M336.50M370.84M395.50M
EBITDA241.40M221.20M287.50M201.30M268.36M316.80M
Net Income118.60M110.70M154.70M87.10M171.01M180.40M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.24B1.96B1.87B1.76B1.37B2.08B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments78.30M92.90M40.20M32.68M17.46M20.05M
Total Debt333.30M227.90M231.50M100.39M8.11M153.90M
Total Liabilities912.40M763.90M748.90M609.79M551.82M817.66M
Stockholders Equity1.10B1.07B985.30M1.03B661.33M1.13B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow88.70M99.90M96.10M269.54M123.75M3.05M
Operating Cash Flow170.70M230.30M199.50M315.01M152.55M39.49M
Investing Cash Flow-148.60M-129.10M-123.20M-22.15M-27.69M-395.35M
Financing Cash Flow19.90M-48.50M-68.80M-280.23M-116.68M358.45M

Worthington Steel, Inc. Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price31.67
Price Trends
50DMA
31.55
Positive
100DMA
31.57
Positive
200DMA
28.72
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.13
Negative
RSI
51.72
Neutral
STOCH
64.74
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 31.67 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 31.45, above the 50-day MA of 31.55, and above the 200-day MA of 28.72, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.13 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 51.72 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.74 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WS.

Worthington Steel, Inc. Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$4.62B23.685.84%-16.81%-67.68%
71
Outperform
$6.71B13.405.21%3.10%-2.53%-36.08%
69
Neutral
$1.61B13.4311.22%2.02%-6.75%-5.18%
65
Neutral
$389.12M29.592.40%1.71%-5.64%-48.34%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
57
Neutral
$129.14M148.60-3.84%-29.03%
54
Neutral
$2.23B-5.50-10.50%14.25%-5.79%-5.30%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WS
Worthington Steel, Inc.
31.67
-10.73
-25.31%
GGB
Gerdau SA
3.54
0.26
7.93%
SIM
Grupo Simec SA De CV
30.09
3.09
11.44%
SID
Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional
1.61
-0.29
-15.26%
ZEUS
Olympic Steel
33.98
-5.54
-14.02%
ACNT
Ascent Industries
13.79
3.66
36.13%

Worthington Steel, Inc. Corporate Events

Worthington Steel’s Earnings Call Highlights Robust Growth Amid Challenges
Oct 10, 2025

Worthington Steel’s recent earnings call conveyed a generally positive sentiment, underscored by robust financial results and commendable safety achievements. The company reported significant gains in the automotive sector, although it faces challenges in toll processing and agricultural markets, along with potential inventory holding losses. Despite these hurdles, Worthington Steel is committed to strategic expansions and operational transformations to navigate uncertainties effectively.

DividendsFinancial DisclosuresShareholder Meetings
Worthington Steel Reports Strong Start to Fiscal 2026
Positive
Sep 29, 2025

On September 24, 2025, Worthington Steel held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders where directors were elected, executive compensation was approved, and KPMG LLP was ratified as the independent auditor. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share, payable on December 26, 2025. Worthington Steel reported a strong start to fiscal 2026 with a 5% increase in net sales to $872.9 million and a 30% rise in net earnings to $36.8 million, driven by disciplined execution and the acquisition of Sitem Group. The company faced lower toll volumes but benefited from higher direct volumes and spreads, reflecting its adaptability in a soft market.

The most recent analyst rating on (WS) stock is a Buy with a $32.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Worthington Steel, Inc. stock, see the WS Stock Forecast page.

Worthington Steel Reports Strong Start to Fiscal 2026
Sep 26, 2025

Worthington Steel, Inc., a leading metals processing company, specializes in value-added steel solutions and operates in the industrial sector with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The company recently announced its first quarter fiscal 2026 results, showcasing a strong start to the year with notable financial improvements and strategic expansions. Worthington Steel reported a 5% increase in net sales to $872.9 million, alongside a rise in operating income to $48.3 million and net earnings attributable to the company of $36.8 million. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share. A significant highlight of the quarter was the acquisition of a majority stake in S.I.T.E.M. S.p.A., which contributed to the company’s growth and strategic positioning. The acquisition is expected to enhance Worthington Steel’s capabilities and market reach. Looking ahead, Worthington Steel remains committed to leveraging its industrial heritage and transformation mindset to drive long-term growth and adapt to dynamic market conditions.

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 24, 2025