A group of lenders to Swedish steel start-up Stegra tapped Houlihan Lokey to advise it as the company faces a funding gap, sources say https://t.co/XjC08l1PI7 ...

Group 1 - Nucor Corporation is highlighted as a key stock in Jim Cramer's game plan, with expectations for positive earnings due to President Trump's tariffs protecting the U.S. steel industry [1] - The company is recognized as the largest steel producer in the U.S. and is noted for its resilience against foreign competition, particularly from China [1] - Despite being a leading steel manufacturer, Nucor is facing challenges in a sluggish economic environment, particularly outside of the data center sector, which may limit earnings potential [1] Group 2 - Nucor manufactures and sells a variety of steel products, including sheet, plate, bar, and structural steel, as well as raw materials like direct reduced iron and scrap metal [2]

Trade Relations - The relationship between the U.S. and Canada is strained, with President Trump stating he will not meet Prime Minister Carney for an extended period due to a disagreement over a Canadian government ad criticizing U.S. tariffs [2] - Prime Minister Carney is promoting Canada as a reliable trading partner, emphasizing its resources like natural gas and critical minerals, especially in light of Trump's announcement of a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian imports [3] Economic Context - Both the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada are anticipated to cut interest rates, with investors looking for guidance on future monetary policy amid a government shutdown limiting data availability [4] - Canada's labor productivity has been declining, with GDP per capita reverting to 2019 levels, raising concerns about wage growth and living standards [6][7] Investment Challenges - A significant factor contributing to Canada's low productivity is insufficient business investment, which hampers workers' efficiency due to a lack of necessary tools and technology [8] - A report from Toronto Dominion Bank emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the decline in business investment, suggesting a broadening of the tax base while lowering statutory rates [9][10] Fiscal Policy Recommendations - The Bank of Nova Scotia advocates for clear macroeconomic goals alongside fiscal accountability to enhance productivity and living standards [10] - The Prime Minister has indicated forthcoming changes to the corporate tax system, aiming to ensure competitive tax rates to stimulate investment [12] Trade Diversification Efforts - There is a push for Canada to diversify its trade relationships, particularly with countries like China and India, despite public sentiment favoring trade with the EU over these nations [15]

Investment & Funding - Hy24 计划参与瑞典初创公司 Stegra 的最新一轮融资 [1] - Hy24 对建造世界最大的绿色钢铁厂的努力仍然充满信心 [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - POSCO Holdings recorded consolidated revenue of 17.3 trillion and operating profit of 640 billion, showing improvement in operating profit for three consecutive quarters despite losses at POSCO E&C [1][2] - The operating profit margin for the quarter was 6.6%, driven by increased sales volume and proactive cost-cutting efforts [1][8] - Operating profit for POSCO improved from 322 billion in Q4 of last year to 585 billion in Q3 of this year, despite a 1.7% drop in revenue due to declining sales prices [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the steel sector, production volume increased by 4.9%, but the average selling price dropped, leading to a decrease in revenue [8] - In rechargeable battery materials, losses narrowed sharply quarter-over-quarter due to increased cathode sales volume and a price rebound in lithium operations [2][10] - POSCO E&C faced significant one-time costs of 288.1 billion due to the Shenzhen incident, with an additional 230 billion expected in Q4 [10][64] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic steel market demand is slowing, with imports flooding the market prior to the AD ruling, impacting sales prices [8][20] - Overseas steel profits are expected to decline moderately due to poor performance in Mexico and India, while steady performance is anticipated in Indonesia and Vietnam [9][10] - The lithium market is projected to see increased demand, with expectations of 14 million EVs next year, leading to a potential increase in lithium prices [51][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - POSCO Group is focused on creating a safe workplace through comprehensive safety management innovations and plans to establish a safety master plan [3][6] - The company aims to ramp up new plants and improve process efficiency in lithium operations while ensuring disciplined execution to avoid additional costs [2][31] - Future investments will prioritize environmental projects and overseas capacity additions, particularly in high-growth markets like the U.S. and India [30][31] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the complexities of external uncertainties affecting the operating environment and expressed optimism for a recovery in steel profits in 2026 [1][9] - The company is preparing for the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and is actively developing strategies to mitigate its impact [21][22] - Management expects to return to normal profitability levels in POSCO E&C by next year after accounting for one-time losses [10][64] Other Important Information - POSCO Group has restructured seven projects, generating 400 billion in cash, and completed 63 projects since early 2024, generating 1.4 trillion in cash [7] - The company is committed to enhancing safety measures and has launched a task force to improve workplace safety [4][5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steel market outlook for Q4 and anti-dumping effects - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures would be difficult to assess immediately, but they expect some positive effects from the real estate market in late Q4 [19][20] Question: Response to carbon-related costs and EU regulations - Management acknowledged the potential increase in costs due to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and emphasized ongoing communication with the EU to address uncertainties [21][22] Question: Update on Alaska LNG project and its impact - The project is under review, and if realized, it could supply about 300,000 tons of steel, with operations expected between 2026 and 2028 [24] Question: Mid to long-term steel strategies - Management confirmed plans to increase overseas capacity and shut down non-competitive domestic facilities while focusing on new growth areas [28][30] Question: Update on lithium operations and market demand - Management reported that ramp-up for lithium operations is expected to be completed by early next year, with anticipated increases in lithium prices and demand [55][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - POSCO Holdings reported consolidated revenue of 17.3 trillion KRW and operating profit of 640 billion KRW for Q3 2025, showing improvement in operating profit for three consecutive quarters [1] - The operating profit margin for the quarter was recorded at 6.6%, driven by increased sales volume and cost-cutting efforts, despite a 1.7% drop in revenue compared to the previous quarter [1][8] - Operating profit for POSCO specifically was 585 billion KRW in Q3, reflecting a continuous recovery pattern from previous quarters [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the steel sector, despite a decline in sales prices due to market saturation and increased imports, production volume increased by 4.9% [7][8] - In rechargeable battery materials, losses narrowed significantly quarter-over-quarter, with cathode sales volume nearly doubling due to the impending IRA benefit sunset [2][10] - POSCO E&C faced significant losses due to the Shenzhen line incident, with a one-time cost of 288.1 billion KRW recognized in Q3, and an additional 230 billion KRW expected in Q4 [10][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic steel market in Korea is normalizing, but the company anticipates challenges due to reduced EU duty-free quotas and increased tariffs on steel products [1][9] - Overseas steel profits are expected to decline moderately, particularly in Mexico and India, while steady performance is anticipated in Indonesia and Vietnam [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on ramping up new lithium plants and improving process efficiency, with a commitment to disciplined execution to avoid additional costs [2] - POSCO Group is implementing a comprehensive safety management plan to prevent future incidents and improve workplace safety [4][5] - The company is restructuring its portfolio, having completed 63 projects generating 1.4 trillion KRW in cash, and is prioritizing investments in high-growth markets such as the U.S. and India [6][25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that while the current operating environment is complex, they expect to return to normal profitability levels in 2026 after accounting for one-off losses [3][10] - The outlook for the steel market in 2026 is positive, with anticipated overall profit increases compared to the current year [9] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in carbon-related costs and trade regulations, particularly the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism [13][19] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaging in negotiations to secure more quotas in response to EU tariff increases and is adjusting its sales strategy to mitigate impacts from reduced quotas [47] - The company is also exploring potential M&A opportunities in sectors aligned with its long-term growth strategy [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steel market outlook for Q4 and impact of anti-dumping measures - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures would be difficult to assess immediately due to prior imports and expected seasonal demand fluctuations [16][17] Question: Response to EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism - Management noted that while initial impacts may be minimal, costs are expected to rise in subsequent years, and they are developing guidelines to address these changes [18][19] Question: Investment plans and restructuring strategies - Management confirmed ongoing evaluations of investment opportunities in high-growth markets and emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness through facility upgrades and potential closures of underperforming assets [24][25] Question: Update on lithium operations and market demand - Management provided updates on the ramp-up of lithium operations, indicating that full operations are expected by early next year, with anticipated increases in demand driven by EVs [41][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - POSCO Holdings recorded consolidated revenue of KRW 17.3 trillion and operating profit of KRW 640 billion for Q3 2025, showing improvement in operating profit for three consecutive quarters [1][2] - The operating profit margin for the quarter was 6.6%, with a recovery in operating profit despite a 1.7% drop in revenue due to declining sales prices [2][11] - The average mill margin remained comparable to the previous quarter, supported by proactive cost-cutting efforts [1][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the steel segment, operating profit increased to KRW 585 billion in Q3 2025, despite a 4.9% increase in production volume and a decline in sales prices [10][11] - Rechargeable Battery Materials saw a significant narrowing of losses quarter-over-quarter, with cathode sales volume increasing ahead of the IRA benefit sunset [2][15] - POSCO E and C faced substantial losses due to the Shinansan line accident, with a one-time cost of KRW 288.1 billion recognized in Q3 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic steel market in Korea is normalizing, although demand continues to slow, and imports have flooded the market prior to the AD ruling [2][11] - The proportion of exports in Q3 rose to approximately 49.3%, indicating a shift in sales strategy [12] - Overseas steel profits are expected to experience a moderate decline, particularly in Mexico and India, while performance in Indonesia and Vietnam remains steady [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating a safe workplace through group-wide safety management innovations following recent safety incidents [4][5] - POSCO Group plans to return to normal profitability levels in 2026 after accounting for one-off losses from the Shinansan incident [4][17] - Future investments will prioritize environmental projects and overseas capacity additions, particularly in high-growth markets like the U.S. and India [41][42] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the steel market in 2026, anticipating overall profit increases compared to the current year [13] - The company is preparing for the implementation of the EU's CBAM and is developing countermeasures to mitigate potential impacts [28][29] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and maintaining competitiveness through strategic investments [40][41] Other Important Information - POSCO Holdings has completed 63 portfolio management projects generating KRW 1.4 trillion in cash since early 2024 [9] - The company is actively restructuring its operations and focusing on safety improvements following recent incidents [5][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the steel market in Q4 and next year? - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures will be difficult to assess immediately, but they expect some positive effects in the latter part of the year [24][25] Question: How will the company respond to carbon-related costs and regulations? - The company plans to develop guidelines to address the EU's CBAM and will continue efforts to reduce carbon footprints [28][29] Question: What are the investment plans following recent portfolio management? - Management stated that generated cash will be used for business growth and managing non-leverage assets, with ongoing reviews for potential acquisitions [66][67] Question: What is the current situation regarding lithium demand and pricing? - Lithium demand is expected to increase significantly, with projections for EVs and ESS driving growth [68][75] Question: How will the company handle the impact of the EU's duty-free quota reduction? - The company plans to negotiate individually with countries under FTA agreements and adjust sales strategies to mitigate impacts [77][78]

Financial Performance - POSCO HOLDINGS' Q3 2025 revenue was KRW 17261 billion, a decrease of KRW 295 billion compared to Q3 2024 [9] - The operating profit margin for Q3 2025 was 37%, an increase of 02% compared to Q2 2025 [9] - Net debt increased to KRW 11753 billion in Q3 2025, up from KRW 10924 billion in Q2 2025 [11] - Cumulative CAPEX administered by Q3 2025 was KRW 48 trillion on a consolidated basis and KRW 10 trillion separately [12] Segment Performance - The Steel sector's revenue in Q3 2025 was KRW 14730 billion, with an operating profit of KRW 656 billion [13] - POSCO's separate revenue in Q3 2025 was KRW 8797 billion, with an operating profit of KRW 585 billion [13] - The Rechargeable Battery Materials (RBM) sector, including POSCO FUTURE M, had a revenue of KRW 1000 billion but an operating loss of KRW 42 billion [13] - POSCO INTERNATIONAL's revenue in Q3 2025 was KRW 8248 billion, with an operating profit of KRW 316 billion [13] - POSCO E&C experienced a revenue of KRW 1408 billion and an operating loss of KRW 195 billion [13] Safety Initiatives - The company is implementing a "Safe Workplace Initiative" with the goal of setting the standard for industrial safety practices in Korea [14] - A Corporate Safety TF was established to plan and drive an integrated Group-wide Safety Master Plan [16] - The company is expanding worker engagement, ending the practice of outsourcing danger, and expanding AI safety technology [15] Portfolio Management - The portfolio management progress rate between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025 is 50%, with 63 projects completed and cash generation of KRW 14 trillion [22]

Market Overview - Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on October 27, 2025, reflecting a sharp rally in global markets due to a softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report, which has reignited hopes of Fed rate cuts [1] - The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 272.7 points to 84,484.58, while the 50-share NSE Nifty increased by 88.55 points to 25,883.70 [1] Sector Performance - Major gainers from the Sensex firms included Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and NTPC [2] - Conversely, Infosys, Bharat Electronics, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards [2] Global Market Sentiment - The global market construct is bullish, with indices like Dow Jones, Nikkei, and Kospi reaching record highs, indicating positive sentiment and declining trade tensions [3] - Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) purchased equities worth ₹621.51 crore on October 24, 2025 [3] Economic Indicators - A softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report has increased optimism for Fed rate cuts, alongside prospects of a U.S.–China trade deal and potential U.S. tariff cuts on Indian imports to 15–16% [4] - Global oil benchmark Brent crude rose by 0.23% to $66.09 a barrel [4] - On October 24, 2025, the Sensex fell by 344.52 points or 0.41% to settle at 84,211.88, while the Nifty declined by 96.25 points or 0.37% to 25,795.15 [4]

Earnings Reports - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP) is expected to report quarterly earnings of 54 cents per share on revenue of $4.15 billion [2] - Nucor Corp. (NYSE: NUE) is projected to post quarterly earnings of $3.70 per share on revenue of $12.57 billion [2] - Whirlpool Corp. (NYSE: WHR) is anticipated to report quarterly earnings of $1.41 per share on revenue of $3.93 billion [2] - Waste Management Inc. (NYSE: WM) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.02 per share on revenue of $6.50 billion [2] Stock Movements - Keurig Dr Pepper shares rose 0.3% to $27.25 in after-hours trading [2] - Nucor shares increased by 0.2% to close at $138.70 on Friday [2] - Plymouth Industrial REIT Inc. (NYSE: PLYM) shares fell 1.5% to $21.75 in after-hours trading following acquisition news [2] - Whirlpool shares gained 1% to $74.40 in after-hours trading [2] - Waste Management shares rose 0.3% to $215.20 in after-hours trading [2] Acquisition News - Plymouth Industrial REIT Inc. agreed to be acquired by Makarora Management LP and Ares Alternative Credit Funds in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.1 billion [2]