Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is included among the 15 Best Stocks to Buy for Medium Term. Wells Fargo Upgrades Nucor (NUE) to Overweight, Raises Price Target to $167 Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash On November 14, Wells⁠ Fargo upgraded Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) fr​om Equal Weight to​ Overw‍e‌igh​t and rais⁠ed its price target to $167 from⁠ $147, according to a report by The Fly. The firm cited higher US steel p‍rice‍ forecasts for 2026, which are expected to lift⁠ 2026​ EBITDA by 12% to‌ $5.1 bil ...

Core Insights - Live Ventures Incorporated's portfolio company, Precision Marshall Steel, has achieved a 99.98% same-day shipment rate on qualifying orders and launched a new 24/7 customer portal as part of its modernization efforts [1][4][5] - Precision Marshall, acquired in 2020, specializes in decarb-free tool steel and alloy products, serving a network of distributors and service centers [2][6] - The company has invested in new equipment and digital tools to enhance customer service and support time-sensitive manufacturing environments [2][4] Company Performance - The same-day shipment performance of 99.98% helps distributors maintain production schedules and reduce downtime [3][5] - The newly launched customer portal provides 24/7 access to account information, order history, and shipping documents, aiming to streamline the ordering process [4][5] - Precision Marshall's operations are rooted in a long-standing trust with customers, with relationships spanning 60 to 70 years [5][6] Strategic Focus - Live Ventures focuses on acquiring durable, cash-generative industrial businesses and investing in their modernization [4][7] - The company aims to strengthen the broader supply chain and create shareholder value through technology and operational improvements [5][7] - Future plans include exploring additional digital enhancements and targeted investments in equipment for high-growth markets [5][6]

Group 1 - Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is recognized for its steel manufacturing, producing various steel products such as sheet, plate, bar, and structural steel, along with raw materials and industrial gases for multiple applications [2] - Jim Cramer highlighted Nucor's potential as a stock that investors might consider holding long-term, emphasizing its exposure to the data center market and the impact of interest rates on its business [1] - The company is seen as being affected by the Federal Reserve's decisions regarding interest rates, which could influence its performance as customers seek lower rates [1] Group 2 - There is a belief that while Nucor has investment potential, certain AI stocks may present greater upside potential with less downside risk, indicating a competitive landscape for investment opportunities [3]

Group 1 - Nucor Corporation reported strong earnings, with a significant increase in earnings per share and sales up 15% year-over-year [1] - The company's performance is positively influenced by President Trump's tariffs on imported steel, which have created a more favorable market for domestic steel producers [1] - Nucor is recognized as one of the largest and most successful steel manufacturers in the United States, if not the world [1][2] Group 2 - Nucor manufactures a variety of steel products, including sheet, plate, structural, and bar steel, which are essential for construction and manufacturing industries [2]

Core Viewpoint - Ryerson Holding Corporation and Olympic Steel, Inc. have announced a definitive agreement to merge, creating the second-largest metals service center in North America, which is expected to generate approximately $120 million in annual synergies by the end of year two [1][2][4] Summary by Sections Merger Agreement - Olympic Steel shareholders will receive 1.7105 Ryerson shares for each Olympic Steel share, resulting in them owning approximately 37% of the combined company [2] - The merger is anticipated to be immediately accretive to shareholders and will reduce the pro-forma leverage ratio to less than three times, assuming partial credit for synergies [2] Leadership Structure - Michael D. Siegal, Executive Chairman of Olympic Steel, will become chairman of the Board of Directors of the combined company, while Eddie Lehner, CEO of Ryerson, will serve as CEO [3] - Olympic Steel will appoint three additional directors to the combined 11-member Board [3] Strategic Benefits - The merger is expected to enhance market presence and add significant value to stakeholders through improved customer experience, faster lead times, and a wider array of custom solutions [4] - The combined company will leverage Ryerson's digital investments to enhance Olympic Steel's capabilities within a larger network [4] Company Backgrounds - Ryerson, founded in 1842, is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals with around 4,300 employees across approximately 110 locations [8] - Olympic Steel, established in 1954, focuses on the direct sale and value-added processing of various steel products and operates from 54 facilities [9]

Financial Performance - Net income for the third quarter of 2025 was $2.2 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, down from $2.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2024 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2025 was $15.4 million, an increase from $13.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 [2] - Sales totaled $491 million in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 4.5% increase compared to $470 million in the third quarter of 2024 [3] Business Strategy and Outlook - The CEO highlighted the resilience of the business model despite softer demand due to trade and interest rate uncertainties, with all three business segments contributing to profitability [4] - The Specialty Metals segment achieved its strongest shipping quarterly volume in the past three years, indicating strong performance [4] - The company has been diversifying its business, focusing on higher-margin opportunities, and maintaining operational discipline to strengthen competitiveness [4] Dividend and Merger Announcement - The Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share, payable on December 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2025 [4] - A definitive merger agreement has been reached with Ryerson Holding Corporation, with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [5]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for Q3 2025 were reported at $3.64, consistent with expectations and the same quarter in 2024 [6][14] - Operating cash flow generated in Q3 was approximately $262 million, with capital expenditures for the year remaining at $325 million [6][18] - The company returned $124 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tonnes sold in Q3 reached a record high, increasing by 6.2% compared to Q3 2024, outperforming the service center industry which reported a decrease of 2.9% [3][8] - Non-residential construction accounted for roughly one-third of Q3 sales, driven by strong demand in public infrastructure projects [10] - Aerospace products represented about 9% of total sales, with demand in defense and space-related programs remaining strong despite slight declines in commercial demand [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. market share increased to 17.1% in Q3 2025, up from 14.5% in 2023, attributed to a profitable growth strategy [3] - The competitive market environment has led to pricing pressures, particularly in carbon steel products, affecting gross profit margins [4][9] - The semiconductor market continued to face pressure from excess inventory, impacting pricing and margins across various products [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a long-term sustainable gross profit margin range of 29% to 31% despite short-term headwinds [4] - Focus on capital allocation strategies to drive growth and enhance shareholder returns, including investments in advanced processing equipment [6][19] - The company is committed to pursuing M&A opportunities to enhance geographic reach and expand value-added capabilities [6][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying margin profile of the business, despite current market challenges [4] - Anticipated stable overall demand in Q4 2025, with an estimated increase in tonnes sold compared to Q4 2024 [20] - Management expects pricing for most products to stabilize entering Q4, with flat to slightly improved gross profit margins anticipated [20] Other Important Information - The company generated strong cash flow from operations, allowing for strategic investments and shareholder returns [18] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio remains favorable at less than 1, providing significant liquidity for capital allocation priorities [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is any of the gross profit margin compression attributable to the focus on growing volumes? - Management acknowledged the unique market conditions affecting margins, emphasizing that while volume growth is important, current pricing pressures are primarily due to market dynamics [23][24] Question: Can you discuss the inventory levels on the balance sheet? - Management indicated that inventory levels have increased due to mill price increases and a slight uptick in tonnes sold, allowing the company to better service customers [27] Question: How does Reliance win new business? - The company focuses on execution and customer service rather than price, leveraging expanded processing capabilities and strong relationships to win new business [35][36] Question: When do you expect to see a neutral LIFO environment? - Management explained that LIFO expenses are based on annual estimates and will likely continue into Q4, with expectations for improvement in 2026 [37][39] Question: What is the outlook for the aerospace and semiconductor markets? - Management anticipates continued improvement in these markets as supply chains work through excess inventory, with a positive long-term outlook [45][46] Question: How do you view the M&A landscape? - The company sees a steady flow of M&A opportunities and believes it is a reasonable environment for acquisitions, with valuations generally considered reasonable [63] Question: Are there any SG&A levers to protect operating margins? - Management is focused on operational efficiencies and has reduced headcount while maintaining service levels to protect margins [68][69]

Core Viewpoint - Algoma Steel Group Inc. has secured C$500 million in liquidity support to navigate trade uncertainties and advance its business transformation [1][3][10] Financial Support - The liquidity support consists of C$400 million in loan facilities from the Government of Canada and C$100 million from the Province of Ontario [1][4] - The loan facilities will have a seven-year term with interest set at CORRA + 200 basis points for the first three years, increasing by 200 basis points each subsequent year [4] Government Involvement - Key government officials, including the Minister of Jobs and Families and the Minister of Finance, participated in the announcement of the financial support [2] - The support is seen as recognition of Algoma's critical role in Canada's industrial base and its transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking [9][10] Operational Adjustments - Algoma is adjusting its production strategy to align with domestic demand due to the ongoing 50% tariff on Canadian steel, which has effectively closed the U.S. market [3][7] - The company plans to exit traditional blast furnace operations and transition to EAF steelmaking, with an estimated project cost of approximately C$987 million [8][9] Strategic Focus - Algoma intends to focus on producing as-rolled and heat-treated plate products primarily for the Canadian market [9] - The company aims to enhance its sustainability efforts by adopting EAF technology, which is expected to significantly lower carbon emissions [12]