Minsheng Securities·2025-09-21 08:33Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for several steel companies, including Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel, and others, based on their projected earnings and valuation metrics [3][4]. Core Insights - The steel prices are showing a strong upward trend supported by raw material costs, with significant increases in various steel products as of September 19, 2025 [1][11]. - The overall steel profit margins have improved, with notable increases in the gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel [1][2]. - The report indicates a shift from inventory accumulation to inventory reduction for rebar, suggesting a recovery in demand as the industry enters its peak season [3]. Price Trends - As of September 19, 2025, the prices for key steel products in Shanghai are as follows: - Rebar (20mm HRB400) at 3280 CNY/ton, up 70 CNY/ton from the previous week - High-line (8.0mm) at 3420 CNY/ton, up 60 CNY/ton - Hot-rolled (3.0mm) at 3460 CNY/ton, up 10 CNY/ton - Cold-rolled (1.0mm) at 3830 CNY/ton, up 30 CNY/ton - Common medium plate (20mm) at 3510 CNY/ton, up 50 CNY/ton [1][11][12]. Production and Inventory - As of September 19, 2025, the total production of the five major steel products was 8.55 million tons, a decrease of 1.78 million tons week-on-week, with rebar production specifically down by 5.48 million tons to 2.0645 million tons [2]. - The total social inventory of the five major steel products increased by 63,200 tons to 11.0023 million tons, while steel mill inventory decreased by 11,400 tons [2]. Profitability - The report highlights an increase in steel profitability, with gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel rising by 24 CNY/ton, 28 CNY/ton, and 28 CNY/ton respectively, while electric arc furnace steel margins increased by 10 CNY/ton [1][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on the following companies: - For the general steel sector: Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel - For the special steel sector: Xianglou New Materials, CITIC Special Steel, Yongjin Co. - For pipe materials: Jiuli Special Materials, Youfa Group, Wujin Stainless Steel - Additionally, it suggests paying attention to high-temperature alloy companies like Fushun Special Steel [3].