Core Viewpoint - The steel sector is expected to have strong "anti-involution" characteristics and significant profit recovery potential, making it a strategic investment opportunity in the medium to long term, with a "positive" industry rating maintained [1] Market Performance - Last week, the steel sector rose by 1.01%, outperforming the broader market; the special steel sector increased by 1.80%, while long products fell by 3.15% and flat products rose by 1.24% [2] - Iron ore sector increased by 4.12%, while steel consumption materials and trade circulation sectors fell by 1.61% and 1.78% respectively [2] Supply Situation - As of February 13, the capacity utilization rate of blast furnaces among sample steel companies was 86.4%, up by 0.72 percentage points week-on-week [2] - Electric furnace capacity utilization was 21.0%, down by 27.11 percentage points week-on-week [2] - The production of five major steel products was 6.96 million tons, a decrease of 248,600 tons or 3.45% week-on-week [2] Demand Situation - As of February 13, the consumption of five major steel products was 6.891 million tons, down by 715,800 tons or 9.41% week-on-week [2] - The transaction volume of construction steel among mainstream traders was 35,000 tons, down by 48.24% week-on-week [2] Inventory Situation - As of February 13, social inventory of five major steel products was 10.267 million tons, up by 9.17% week-on-week [3] - Factory inventory was 4.161 million tons, also up by 4.71% week-on-week [3] Price and Profit Situation - As of February 13, the comprehensive index for ordinary steel was 3,409.5 yuan/ton, down by 0.14% week-on-week [3] - The comprehensive index for special steel was 6,579.7 yuan/ton, down by 0.03% week-on-week [3] - The profit for rebar was 80 yuan/ton, up by 23.08% week-on-week [3] Raw Material Situation - As of February 14, the spot price index for Australian powder ore (62% Fe) was 754 yuan/ton, down by 1.44% week-on-week [4] - The price for primary metallurgical coke was 1,770 yuan/ton, unchanged week-on-week [4] Overall Assessment - The current inventory pressure for the five major steel products is relatively limited, with overall inventory at a historically low level and accumulation speed slower than previous years [5] - The profit margins for ordinary steel are favorable, indicating significant improvement potential for ordinary steel companies, which may lead to value recovery in the steel sector [5]

Core Insights - Tenaris S.A. reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025, showing resilience in sales despite challenging market conditions [2][3]. Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, net sales reached $2,995 million, a 1% increase from Q3 2025 and a 5% increase from Q4 2024 [3]. - Operating income for Q4 2025 was $554 million, down 7% from Q3 2025 and down 1% from Q4 2024 [3]. - Net income for Q4 2025 was $461 million, a 2% increase from Q3 2025 but an 11% decrease from Q4 2024 [3]. - The company reported EBITDA of $717 million in Q4 2025, reflecting a 5% decrease from Q3 2025 and a 1% decrease from Q4 2024 [3]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Free cash flow for Q4 2025 was $665 million, with a net cash position of $3.3 billion as of December 31, 2025 [4][19]. - Cash generated from operating activities in Q4 2025 was $787 million, significantly higher than $318 million in Q3 2025 [18]. Market Background and Outlook - The oil and gas sector is experiencing volatility, but companies are optimistic about long-term demand and investment plans [5]. - Drilling activity in the U.S. and Canada is expected to remain stable, while no major changes are anticipated in other regions [5][6]. Dividend Proposal - The board of directors plans to propose a dividend of $0.89 per share, totaling approximately $900 million, subject to shareholder approval [7]. Segment Performance - In the Tubes segment, net sales for Q4 2025 were $2,839 million, a 1% decrease from Q3 2025 but a 5% increase year-on-year [8]. - Seamless pipe sales volume in Q4 2025 was 776 thousand metric tons, a 1% decrease from Q3 2025 but a 4% increase from Q4 2024 [8]. - The Others segment saw a 51% increase in net sales sequentially, driven by resumed fracking and coiled tubing services in Argentina [12]. Annual Results - For the full year 2025, net sales totaled $11,981 million, a 4% decrease from 2024 [20]. - Operating income for 2025 was $2,283 million, down 6% from 2024 [20]. - The Tubes segment reported net sales of $11,400 million for 2025, a 4% decrease from 2024 [22].

Steel Dynamics Raises Bid to Increase Its American Production Capacity - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# Steel Dynamics Raises Bid for BlueScope. How It Plans to Ramp Up U.S. Production.By [Al Root]ShareResize---ReprintsIn thi ...

Core Viewpoint - Nucor Corporation is experiencing strong performance driven by positive market outlook and robust order backlogs, particularly in construction and infrastructure sectors [5][6]. Company Overview - Nucor Corporation (NUE) is a leading steel producer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a market capitalization of approximately $42.7 billion. The company manufactures a variety of steel products, including sheet, plate, bar, and structural steels, serving construction, automotive, and infrastructure markets [1]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, Nucor's shares have increased by 30.4%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index, which rose by 11.9%. Year-to-date, NUE stock has gained 13.9%, while the S&P 500 has seen a slight decline [2]. - However, Nucor has underperformed compared to the VanEck Steel ETF (SLX), which has gained approximately 54.3% over the past year and 17.5% year-to-date [3]. Market Outlook - Investors are optimistic about Nucor's outlook for 2026, supported by strong order backlogs. Steel mill backlogs have increased nearly 40% year-over-year, while steel products backlogs are up about 15%. Structural backlogs are more than 15% above the previous record, indicating strong demand in infrastructure and energy-related construction [5]. Earnings Expectations - For the fiscal year ending December 2026, analysts project Nucor's earnings per share (EPS) to rise by 52.3% year-over-year to $11.74 on a diluted basis. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed, with two beats and two misses in the last four quarters [6]. Analyst Ratings - Among the 15 analysts covering Nucor stock, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," based on 11 "Strong Buy" ratings and four "Holds." This is a slight decrease from the previous month, which had 12 "Strong Buy" ratings [6][7]. - UBS has downgraded Nucor from "Buy" to "Neutral," while raising its price target from $168 to $183, citing concerns over increased competition from lower-cost steel imports from Southeast Asia and Brazil [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ternium's EBITDA margin reached 10% in 2025, supported by a cost reduction program that generated $250 million in savings compared to 2024 [4] - Net income for the fourth quarter totaled $171 million, impacted by one-time charges related to an impairment in one of its mining operations [13][14] - Cash generated by operations reached $2.3 billion in 2025, allowing the company to finance capital expenditures [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel segment experienced a decline in shipments due to weaker volumes in the US and Brazil, but higher volumes in Mexico partially offset this decline [15] - Mining cash operating income increased sequentially, driven by stronger shipments and higher realized iron ore prices [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Apparent consumption of steel in Mexico decreased by 10% in 2025, with flat products consumption down 14% compared to 2024 [23] - The Mexican government raised import tariffs on steel from 25% to 35%, aiming to protect local producers [5][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ternium is focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs while expanding its footprint in Mexico with new facilities [8][11] - The company is optimistic about profitability improvements in 2026, driven by cost reductions and favorable trade policies [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing trade negotiations in North America and expressed confidence in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement [10][11] - The company is cautious about the timing of the USMCA renewal, projecting it may not significantly impact 2026 but could be more relevant in 2027 [24][25] Other Important Information - Ternium secured a $1.25 billion loan through a green financing facility to support its new projects, which received several awards for sustainability [8][9] - The company proposed an annual dividend of $2.7 per ADS for fiscal year 2025, maintaining the same level as 2024, reflecting confidence in future prospects [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the Mexican market and demand recovery - Management noted that demand in Mexico was significantly low in 2025, with expectations for a 4% market growth in 2026, driven by local steel mills gaining market share [23][24] Question: Impact of anti-dumping measures in Brazil - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures would be gradual, with expectations for a moderate increase in domestic prices [22][26] Question: Ternium's plan if USMCA is not renewed - Management stated that they operated in 2025 without a renewed USMCA and would continue to adapt to the environment, focusing on market share gains [30][34] Question: Volume expectations for 2026 - Management expects volume increases in Mexico, with a recovery in Argentina anticipated in the second half of the year, while Brazil is expected to maintain healthy volume levels [35][36] Question: Margin potential without USMCA changes - Management expressed that they expect to enhance margins in 2026, aiming for a return to the 15%-20% range, but acknowledged that this would depend on market conditions [40][44] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed that both increasing dividends and exploring growth opportunities in key markets are priorities, with no immediate plans for share buybacks [87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ternium reported a net income of $171 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, with adjusted EBITDA slightly declining sequentially, in line with expectations [13][14] - The EBITDA margin reached 10% for the year, supported by a cost reduction program that generated $250 million in savings [4][18] - Cash generated by operations in 2025 was strong at $2.3 billion, allowing the company to finance capital expenditures [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel segment experienced a decline in shipments due to weaker volumes in the U.S. and Brazil, although higher volumes were noted in Mexico [15][16] - Mining cash operating income increased sequentially, driven by stronger shipments and higher realized iron ore prices [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Apparent consumption of steel in Mexico decreased by 10% in 2025, with flat products consumption down 14% compared to 2024 [23] - The U.S. implemented significant trade measures against unfair practices from China, impacting the global steel market [5][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ternium is focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs while expanding its footprint in Mexico with new facilities [8][11] - The company is optimistic about profitability improvements in 2026, driven by cost reductions and favorable trade policies [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a fatal accident at Ternium Mexico and emphasized the importance of safety [4] - The outlook for the Mexican market is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of a 4% growth in 2026 despite current low demand levels [23][24] Other Important Information - Ternium secured a $1.25 billion loan through a green financing facility to support its new projects, which received several awards [8][9] - The company proposed an annual dividend of $2.7 per ADS for fiscal year 2025, maintaining the same level as 2024 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the Mexican market and recovery path - Management noted that demand in Mexico was significantly low in 2025, with expectations of a 4% market growth in 2026, aiming to gain market share against imports [23][24] Question: Impact of anti-dumping measures in Brazil - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures would be gradual, with expectations of a moderate increase in domestic prices [22][25] Question: Ternium's plan if USMCA is not renewed - Management stated that they operated in 2025 under the assumption of no renewal and would continue to adapt to the environment [30][34] Question: Volume expectations for 2026 - Management expects volumes to increase in Mexico, while the southern region may see recovery in the second half of the year [35][36] Question: Margin potential without USMCA changes - Management expressed that margins could improve, but the full impact of USMCA negotiations would likely be seen in 2027 [40][79] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed that both increasing dividends and exploring growth opportunities in key markets are priorities [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ternium reported a net income of $171 million for Q4 2025, with a slight sequential decline in adjusted EBITDA, which remained stable [13][14] - The EBITDA margin reached 10% for the year, with a cash generation from operations of $2.3 billion, allowing the company to finance capital expenditures [4][18] - The company achieved $250 million in savings through cost reduction and efficiency programs in 2025 compared to 2024 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel segment saw a decline in shipments primarily due to weaker volumes in the U.S. and Brazil, although higher volumes were recorded in Mexico [14][15] - Mining cash operating income increased sequentially due to stronger shipments and higher realized iron ore prices, partially offset by higher unit costs [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, apparent consumption of steel decreased by 10% in 2025, with flat products consumption down 14% compared to 2024 [23] - The U.S. implemented significant trade measures against unfair practices from China, impacting the global steel market [5][9] - Brazil's recent anti-dumping measures and increased import taxes on steel products represent a significant shift in the market environment [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ternium is focusing on enhancing regional integration and has expanded its footprint in Mexico, investing in technology to offer high-value products [6][11] - The company has started production in new facilities, including a cold rolling mill and a galvanized line, aimed at producing high-quality automotive steel [7][8] - Ternium aims to improve profitability in 2026, driven by cost reductions and operational efficiency [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about Ternium's outlook for the coming years, expecting profitability to improve in 2026 despite ongoing trade issues [10][11] - The company is actively participating in discussions regarding trade frameworks to ensure fair competition and support local producers [5][6] Other Important Information - Ternium's board proposed an annual dividend of $2.7 per ADS for fiscal year 2025, maintaining the same level as 2024, reflecting confidence in the company's prospects [18] - The company secured a $1.25 billion loan through a green financing facility to support its projects, receiving multiple awards for this initiative [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the Mexican market and demand recovery - Management noted that demand in Mexico was significantly low in 2025, with expectations of a 4% market growth in 2026, driven by local steel mills gaining market share against imports [21][23][24] Question: Impact of anti-dumping measures in Brazil - Management indicated that the impact on pricing dynamics would be gradual, with expectations for a moderate increase in domestic prices [22][26] Question: Ternium's plan if USMCA is not renewed - Management stated that they operated in 2025 under the assumption of no renewal and would continue to adapt to the environment, focusing on market share growth [31][34] Question: Expectations for Ternium's volumes in 2026 - Management expects volumes to increase in Mexico, while the southern region may see recovery in the second half of the year [36][37] Question: Margin potential without USMCA changes - Management believes there is potential for margins to improve, aiming for a return to the 15%-20% range, but acknowledges that this may take time [41][46][86] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management emphasized that both increasing dividends and pursuing growth opportunities in key markets are priorities [88][89]

Forward-Looking Statements and Non-IFRS Alternative Performance Measures This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to Ternium S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Ternium") that are based on the current beliefs of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Ternium. Such statements reflect the current views of Ternium with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many f ...

Group 1: Market Movements - Asian stocks rose in thin holiday trade, influenced by progress in Iran-U.S. nuclear talks and a smaller-than-expected trade deficit in Japan [1] - Japanese markets advanced as exports surged in January and confidence improved in February, providing cautious relief for policymakers [3] - Australian markets closed higher for a third consecutive session, driven by robust first-quarter results from the National Bank of Australia [5] Group 2: Economic Data and Policy - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand maintained its "accommodative for some time" stance after holding interest rates at the lowest level in 3-1/2 years [1] - U.S. commerce secretary announced Japan's $36 billion investment in three projects, including a natural gas plant and a crude oil export facility [4] - New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX-50 index jumped 1.65% after the Reserve Bank indicated gradual normalization of rates [6] Group 3: Sector Performance - Technology stocks rallied, while gold stocks were weighed down by falling bullion prices due to easing geopolitical tensions [6] - Financials gained ground in U.S. markets, offsetting declines in software stocks amid concerns over AI investment returns [7]

Core Viewpoint - BlueScope shareholders are set to receive a revised offer of 32.35 Australian dollars, which is approximately US$22.93 per share in cash from Steel Dynamics and SGH [1] Group 1 - The revised offer represents a significant cash payout for BlueScope shareholders [1] - The cash equivalent of the offer is highlighted as being approximately US$22.93 per share [1] - The offer is part of a strategic move by Steel Dynamics and SGH to acquire BlueScope [1]