Top Steel Picks for the Coming Infrastructure Boom

Group 1: Steel Market Overview - Steel stocks experienced a surge in 2021 and 2022 due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocated $1.2 trillion for projects requiring steel [1] - Interest rates and tariff uncertainties led to a decline in steel stocks in 2024 and early 2025, but recent trends indicate a return of buyers as interest rates are expected to fall [2][3] Group 2: Nucor Inc. Analysis - Nucor Inc. is the largest steel producer in the U.S. and has seen a stock price forecast of $155.56, indicating a 21.27% upside from the current price of $128.27 [2] - Despite a 17% decline in the last 12 months, Nucor's stock has rebounded by 18% in the last month, driven by hopes for renewed infrastructure spending [3] - Analysts project earnings growth of around 43%, supporting a current trading multiple of approximately 22x earnings, which is above its historical average [4] Group 3: Steel Dynamics Inc. Insights - Steel Dynamics Inc. has a 12-month stock price forecast of $148.00, representing a 15.43% upside from the current price of $128.22 [5] - The company recently completed a new plant in Texas, enhancing its production capabilities, particularly in flat-rolled steel, which is in demand for infrastructure projects [7] - Steel Dynamics boasts a strong balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44% and a safe dividend with a payout ratio of 26% [8] Group 4: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Overview - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has a stock price forecast of $11.53, indicating a 60.74% upside from the current price of $7.17 [9] - The company generates a significant portion of its revenue from the automotive sector and is encouraged to diversify its revenue streams [9] - Cleveland-Cliffs faces challenges due to a high debt load from acquisitions, and any relief from interest rates could improve its earnings per share, which have been negative for the last three quarters [10][11]