The Motley Foolยท2025-10-01 08:45Core Viewpoint - Cleveland-Cliffs is currently experiencing financial losses due to a downturn in the steel industry, which presents a potential buying opportunity for investors willing to take on risk [1][5][12] Group 1: Company Performance - Cleveland-Cliffs shares have decreased approximately 60% from their 2022 highs, reflecting the cyclical nature of the steel industry [1][2] - In Q2 2025, Cleveland-Cliffs reported an adjusted loss of $0.50 per share, an improvement from the adjusted loss of $0.92 in Q1 2025 [5] - The company is implementing cost-cutting measures and has idled steel mills to navigate the current weak market conditions [5] Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The steel industry is highly cyclical, with demand for steel products typically increasing during economic booms and decreasing during recessions [3][4] - Steel companies' income statements are closely tied to economic activity, making their stock prices volatile [4] - The cyclical nature of the industry suggests that buying opportunities may arise when the market is down, as prices are likely to recover [4][11] Group 3: Comparison with Competitors - Cleveland-Cliffs utilizes blast furnace technology, which is more volatile and requires high operational capacity, making it less flexible compared to competitors like Nucor, which uses electric arc mini-mills [8][9] - Nucor has reported earnings of $2.60 per share in Q2 2025 and has maintained a consistent dividend increase for over 50 years, making it a more stable option for conservative investors [9][10] - While Cleveland-Cliffs may offer higher potential upside during recoveries, Nucor is likely to be a safer investment during downturns due to its operational flexibility [12]