CMC vs. CRS: Which Steel Stock Is the Better Buy Right Now?

Core Insights - Commercial Metals Company (CMC) and Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) are two prominent steel stocks with significant market presence, and an analysis is conducted to determine which stock is better positioned for growth [1] Group 1: Commercial Metals Company (CMC) - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, CMC reported revenues of $2.12 billion, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth driven by strong demand in the North America Steel Group and Construction Solutions Group [2] - CMC's earnings per share surged to $1.84, marking a 142% increase year-over-year [3] - The company completed two major acquisitions in December 2025, which are expected to enhance results in Q2 of fiscal 2026 and position CMC as a leading player in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions [4] - CMC anticipates operational synergies of $25-$30 million from the acquisitions by year three, although it will incur acquisition-related expenses in Q2 of fiscal 2026 [5] - The Transform, Advance, Grow Program launched in September 2024 is expected to yield an annualized EBITDA benefit of $150 million for fiscal 2026 [6] Group 2: Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) - CRS reported revenues of $728 million for Q2 of fiscal 2026, a 7.5% year-over-year increase, with adjusted earnings of $2.33 per share, up from $1.66 in the previous year [7] - The Specialty Alloys Operations segment saw revenue growth due to Aerospace and Defense and Energy markets, while Performance Engineered Products faced challenges from Medical and Distribution markets [8] - CRS expects operating income of $680-$700 million for fiscal 2026, indicating a 31% year-over-year growth at the midpoint [9] - The stock has gained 93% over the past year, and CRS anticipates achieving $765-$800 million in operating income by 2027, reflecting a 25% compound annual growth rate compared to fiscal 2025 [10][11] - CRS is investing in a $400 million brownfield expansion project to enhance its high-purity melt capacity, which is on schedule and budget [13] Group 3: Earnings Estimates and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CMC's fiscal 2026 earnings is $7.34 per share, indicating a 134.5% year-over-year growth, while the estimate for 2027 suggests a slight dip of 1.5% [14] - For CRS, the earnings estimate for fiscal 2026 is $10.28 per share, suggesting a 37.4% year-over-year increase, with a 2027 estimate of $12.13 indicating 17.9% growth [14] - CMC is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 10.38X, lower than its five-year median, while CRS trades at 33.51X, higher than its five-year median [19] Group 4: Investment Outlook - Both CMC and CRS are positioned to benefit from growth and recent investments, but CRS has shown stronger price performance and a more favorable outlook [21] - CRS holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), while CMC has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a preference for CRS as the better investment option at this time [22]