Minsheng Securities·2025-08-31 00:47Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for several steel companies, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel, and others, indicating a positive outlook for their profitability and stock performance [3][4]. Core Insights - Supply control expectations are rising, which may lead to a recovery in steel mill profits. Despite high production levels, demand is slowly recovering, and inventory continues to accumulate, resulting in a slight decline in steel mill profits [3][4]. - The report highlights that the current steel prices are at a low point for the year, and with inventory levels low and demand stabilizing, the potential for further profit declines is limited [3][4]. - The report suggests that the recent supply-side adjustments may be more precise, promoting a competitive environment that could enhance the profitability of steel companies [3][4]. Price Trends - As of August 29, 2025, steel prices have decreased, with 20mm HRB400 rebar priced at 3,250 CNY/ton, down 20 CNY/ton from the previous week. Other steel products also saw slight price declines [1][11]. - The report notes that the average price changes for various steel products over the past month show a decrease of 5.8% for rebar and 4.2% for hot-rolled sheets [12]. Production and Inventory - As of August 29, 2025, the total production of the five major steel products reached 8.85 million tons, an increase of 6.55 million tons week-on-week. Rebar production increased by 5.91 million tons to 2.2056 million tons [2][3]. - Total social inventory of the five major steel products rose by 291,000 tons to 10.4532 million tons, while steel mill inventory decreased by 23,300 tons [2][3]. Profitability - The report indicates a decline in steel mill profits, with estimated gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel decreasing by 48 CNY/ton, 75 CNY/ton, and 61 CNY/ton respectively [1][3]. - The profitability of electric arc furnace steel also saw a decrease of 28 CNY/ton week-on-week [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends several companies for investment, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel in the flat steel sector, and Xianglou New Materials, CITIC Special Steel, Yongjin Co., Ltd. in the special steel sector [3][4].