Minsheng Securities·2025-05-08 10:23Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for key companies in the steel sector, including Baosteel, Hualing Steel, and Nanjing Steel, among others [4]. Core Insights - The steel sector experienced a slight increase in 2024, with a notable recovery in Q1 2025 driven by supply restrictions and macroeconomic policies aimed at boosting domestic demand [1][9]. - The profitability of the steel sector improved in Q1 2025, with a significant year-on-year increase in net profit for general steel and a substantial recovery in profit margins [2][17]. - The report highlights a potential new round of capacity reduction in the steel industry due to ongoing overcapacity and losses, with government policies likely to enforce stricter production controls [3][48]. Summary by Sections 1. Steel Sector Performance - In 2024, the steel sector saw a modest increase of 6.56%, ranking 25th among industries, while Q1 2025 showed a stronger performance with a 10.24% increase, ranking 5th [1][11]. - The profitability of the general steel sector turned positive in Q1 2025, with a year-on-year net profit increase of 549.88% [17][19]. 2. Demand and Supply Dynamics - Demand for construction steel stabilized at the bottom, while manufacturing steel maintained resilience, supported by increased infrastructure investment and a gradual recovery in the real estate market [2][37]. - The report notes that the supply side is facing stricter production controls, with the potential for a new round of capacity reduction due to significant overcapacity in the industry [3][45]. 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on leading companies in the general steel sector, such as Baosteel and Hualing Steel, as well as companies with flexible production capacity like Liugang and Shandong Steel [3][4]. - For the special steel sector, companies with strong performance in downstream industries like automotive and wind energy are recommended, including Xianglou New Materials and Guanda Special Materials [3][4]. 4. Financial Performance - The steel sector's total revenue in 2024 decreased by 9.47%, but Q1 2025 showed a recovery with a significant increase in net profit [17][19]. - The gross profit margin for the steel sector improved to 6.60% in Q1 2025, indicating a recovery in profitability [19][20]. 5. Institutional Holdings - Institutional holdings in the steel sector increased in Q1 2025, reflecting a recovery in profitability and improved market conditions [2][27]. - The report indicates a rise in the proportion of institutional investment in the steel sector, reaching 0.42% in Q1 2025 [27][28].