Minsheng Securities·2026-02-01 03:16Investment 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 performance [2][4]. Core Insights - The report highlights that raw material inventory replenishment is nearly complete, with a focus on changes in real estate policies. It notes that steel production and apparent consumption are stabilizing, with a narrowing year-on-year decline in demand [8][32]. - The report anticipates that steel mill profits may continue to recover due to improved margins from raw material cost reductions and potential easing of real estate regulations [8][32]. Summary by Sections Domestic Steel Market - As of January 30, 2026, steel prices have decreased, with rebar priced at 3,240 CNY/ton, down 20 CNY from the previous week. Hot-rolled and cold-rolled prices also saw declines [15][16]. - The total production of major steel products reached 8.23 million tons, with an increase in inventory levels [8][32]. Profitability Analysis - The report estimates weekly gross margins for rebar, hot-rolled, and cold-rolled steel to have changed by -17 CNY/ton, +3 CNY/ton, and -19 CNY/ton respectively, indicating fluctuations in profitability [8][32]. Production and Inventory - The total inventory of major steel products rose by 222,100 tons to 8.89 million tons, with a slight decrease in steel mill inventory [8][32]. - Apparent consumption of rebar was estimated at 1.764 million tons, reflecting a decrease of 91,200 tons week-on-week [8][32]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends several companies based on their market position: 1. Leading companies in the general steel sector: Hualing Steel, Baosteel, Nanjing Steel 2. Specialty steel sector: Xianglou New Materials, CITIC Special Steel, Fangda Special Steel 3. Pipe manufacturers: Jiuli Special Materials, Youfa Group, Changbao Co. 4. Raw material companies with clear growth: Dazhong Mining (iron ore + lithium) and Fangda Carbon [8][32].