FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Steel Dynamics , Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD), currently trading below its InvestingPro Fair Value, today announced its earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2024, projecting earnings to be in the range of $1.26 to $1.30 per diluted share. This forecast represents a decrease from the $2.05 per diluted share reported in the third quarter of 2024 and a significant drop from the $2.61 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Recent analyst revisions suggest caution, with the stock experiencing an 11.5% decline over the past week.
The company expects decreased profitability in its steel operations for the fourth quarter due to a combination of lower average realized pricing, seasonally lower shipments, and an unplanned outage at its Butler Flat Roll Division, which is estimated to reduce volume by approximately 50,000 tons. Despite these setbacks, flat rolled steel prices have stabilized, and the demand for steel in primary consuming sectors remains steady, as indicated by solid customer order activity. The company maintains strong financial health with a current ratio of 2.39, indicating robust liquidity to meet short-term obligations.
In contrast, Steel Dynamics predicts improved earnings from its metals recycling operations compared to the third quarter, attributing this to consistent ferrous volume and stable average realized pricing. However, earnings from steel fabrication operations are anticipated to be lower than in the previous quarter due to seasonally lower shipments and a slight decrease in average realized pricing. The order backlog for these operations is robust, extending into the first half of 2025.
Amidst these varied projections, Steel Dynamics has demonstrated confidence in its financial outlook and cash flow generation by repurchasing $250 million of its common stock, which accounts for over one percent of the total shares. InvestingPro data reveals the company's strong commitment to shareholder returns, with 21 consecutive years of dividend payments and a 12-year streak of dividend increases. The company's financial stability is further evidenced by its healthy Altman Z-Score of 5.06, indicating low bankruptcy risk.
Investors can expect the company to release its full fourth quarter earnings report on January 22, 2025, after the market closes. A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for the following day.
Steel Dynamics, Inc., headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is among the largest steel producers and metals recyclers in North America, with a broad range of steel products and recycling capabilities. With a market capitalization of $18.6 billion and strong profitability metrics, including a 17.3% gross margin, the company maintains a solid position in the industry. For deeper insights into Steel Dynamics' financial health and growth prospects, investors can access comprehensive analysis through InvestingPro's detailed research reports, which cover over 1,400 top US stocks.
This report is based on a press release statement and contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including market conditions and economic factors that could affect the company's future performance.
In other recent news, Steel Dynamics reported a net income of $318 million and revenues of $4.3 billion for the third quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate with an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.05. The company announced the resignation of James Marcuccilli from its Board of Directors, without specifying a reason or mentioning plans for a successor. BMO Capital Markets, Seaport Global Securities, and Citi have expressed optimism about the company's financial health, with BMO Capital raising their price target to $135 and maintaining a Market Perform rating, Seaport Global increasing the price target to $150, and Citi maintaining a target of $160.
Steel Dynamics is investing heavily in aluminum production, with $1.9 billion already invested and an additional $350-400 million projected for Q4 2024, with plans to operate a new aluminum rolling mill at 75% capacity in 2026. The company anticipates steady demand in steel fabrication and metals recycling, despite a challenging market environment. These are recent developments for Steel Dynamics, which continues to adapt and navigate through the evolving market conditions.
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