Minsheng Securities·2025-08-10 04:31Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for several steel companies, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel, and others, based on their projected earnings and valuation metrics [3]. Core Viewpoints - Steel demand is entering a seasonal downturn, with a focus on production restrictions in North China. The recent announcement of new coal safety regulations has led to rising prices in the coking coal sector. Despite high supply levels, steel mill profits are declining. Anticipation of production cuts around the September 3 military parade may temporarily suppress steel supply [3][6]. - Long-term capacity management remains a key theme, with a combination of market-oriented and administrative measures expected to optimize crude steel supply. The gradual release of new iron ore capacity is anticipated to restore profitability for steel companies [3][6]. Summary by Sections Price Trends - As of August 8, 2025, steel prices showed mixed trends. The price of 20mm HRB400 rebar in Shanghai was 3,330 CNY/ton, down 20 CNY/ton from the previous week. Hot-rolled steel increased by 40 CNY/ton to 3,470 CNY/ton, while cold-rolled steel rose by 10 CNY/ton to 3,870 CNY/ton [1][9]. Production and Inventory - The total production of five major steel varieties reached 8.69 million tons, an increase of 17,900 tons week-on-week. Rebar production rose by 101,200 tons to 2.2118 million tons. Total social inventory increased by 201,600 tons to 9.6149 million tons [2][3]. Profitability - Steel profits have decreased, with estimated gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel declining by 67 CNY/ton, 16 CNY/ton, and 28 CNY/ton respectively. Electric arc furnace steel margins also fell by 22 CNY/ton [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends several companies for investment: Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel in the flat steel sector; Xianglou New Materials, CITIC Special Steel, Yongjin Co. in the special steel sector; and Jiuli Special Materials, Youfa Group, Wujin Stainless in the pipe materials sector. It also suggests monitoring high-temperature alloy companies like Fushun Special Steel [3][6].