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Steel is used in every important industry, from energy, construction, automotive and transportation to infrastructure, packaging and machinery. Over the past few years, the steel industry has been reaping the benefits of accelerating growth in the developing economies. Asia, particularly China, was the principal growth driver. However, the slowdown in China has added an element of uncertainty to the outlook.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the broader steel industry, both in the short and the long term. Here, we discuss some of the key reasons and what investors in the steel sector can look forward to in the coming months and years.
Construction Sector Remains a Pillar of Strength
Amid a volatile U.S. stock market, uncertainty surrounding the Fed rate hike, aftermath of Brexit and volatile oil prices, the homebuilding market remains a pillar of strength for the economy and the steel industry as well. The housing and construction sector is the largest consumer of steel, accounting for almost half of the total consumption. Positives like an improving economy, modest wage growth, low unemployment levels, low interest rates, positive consumer confidence and a tight supply situation raise optimism about the sector’s performance in 2016.
The US Architecture Billings Index (ABI), an economic indicator that provides an approximately 9-to-12-month glimpse into the future of non-residential construction spending activity, has been at 50 or better for 21 of the last 24 months indicating reliable, manageable, sustainable growth in architectural activity. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) anticipates spending in the non-residential building sector to climb 8.3% this year followed by a 6.7% climb next year. Nucor Corporation (NUE - Free Report) and Commercial Metals Company (CMC - Free Report) are the leading steel suppliers to the non-residential construction sector.
The Dodge Momentum Index grew 1.3% in August to 134.9 from its revised July reading of 133.2. It is a monthly measure of the first report for non-residential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for non-residential buildings by a full year. The Index has increased for 5 straight months, marking the longest such streak since the end of 2012 into 2013. The Momentum Index is currently 16% higher over Aug 2015, suggesting that despite sluggish economic data and the uncertainty surrounding the November elections, developers are moving ahead with their plans for new projects.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that the home builder sentiment index (HMI) for newly constructed single-family homes in August rose two points to 60 from a downwardly revised reading of 58 in July. New construction and new home sales are on an upward trend which is helping to bolster builder sentiment.
Over the long haul, as the urban population increases worldwide, the need for steel to build skyscrapers and public transport infrastructure should see an uptrend as well. Emerging economies will continue to be major demand drivers due to the huge amount of steel required for urbanization and industrialization. Hence, demand for steel is expected to remain strong in the years to come. Companies like United States Steel Corp. (X - Free Report) , ArcelorMittal (MT - Free Report) , Nucor and Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD - Free Report) would benefit from the momentum in construction.
Automotive Sector in Top Gear
The automotive sector, which is the second-largest steel consumer, is showing significant promise despite threats from other materials. Besides giving a boost to the already rising U.S. auto sales, cheap oil has backed a recovery in the European auto market. The rising sales trend is expected to continue in 2016 on the back of falling fuel prices, low interest rates, enhanced job security, rising wages and household wealth, improving consumer confidence, residual pent-up demand, attractive deals and vehicle launches.
Moreover, the high average age of light vehicles on U.S. roads is resulting in large replacement demand for cars as well as car parts. The average age is estimated to rise to 11.5 years by 2017 and 11.7 years by 2019 from 11.4 years at the end of 2013, according to forecasts by IHS Automotive. This will benefit auto parts manufacturers and retailers.
The auto industry in Asian countries, particularly China and India, are also projected to flourish over the next five to seven years. China is the biggest and fastest growing auto market in the world in terms of number of vehicles sold. With automakers cashing in on strong demand, steel is expected to get a proportional boost in the years to come. ArcelorMittal and AK Steel Holding Corporation generate a large portion of their revenues from auto companies.
Indian Steel Sector to Be a Major Driver
India, though currently the fourth largest producer of steel in the world, is expected to record exponential growth in the future, This will be fueled by increasing urbanization and projected growth in the infrastructure, automobile and real estate sectors.
The country’s comparatively low per capita steel consumption and the anticipated rise in consumption due to increased infrastructure construction, along with the thriving automobile and railways sectors, offer huge scope for growth. In fact, as per the World Steel Association, steel demand in the sub-continent is projected to grow 5.4% in 2016 through 2017 to attain a peak of 88.3 Mt in 2017.
Steady Growth in Developed Economies
Developed economies are expected to witness a stable recovery momentum, albeit at a slow pace. Steel demand in these regions will grow 1.7% in 2016 and 1.1% in 2017. In the EU, steel demand is recovering in tandem with generally improving economic sentiments and investment conditions. Demand is projected to grow 1.4% in 2016 and another 1.7% in 2017. In the U.S., an improving job market and a strong housing sector will support growth in steel demand of 3.2% in 2016 and 2.7% in 2017.
Imposing Anti-Dumping Duties
U.S. steel companies have been hammered by a tide of cheap imports over the past few years that largely contributed to the slump in steel prices. Low costs of production have allowed overseas producers to sell their products at cheaper rates, leading to an industry-wide price decline.
Big U.S. steel producers – U.S Steel, AK Steel, Nucor, Steel Dynamics and ArcelorMittal USA -- retaliated by filing anti-dumping petitions in Jul 2015 with the U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) and the DOC, alleging illegal dumping of cold-rolled steel that is used to make automotive products and appliances, among others. The regulator found that imports of cold-rolled steel flat products have caused or threatened to cause material injury to the U.S. steel industry and thus imposed hefty anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty on these imports.
In a similar development, earlier this month, The USITC made its final determinations on anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of certain hot-rolled steel flat products by seven countries (Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, the U.K. and Turkey) into the American market. Hot-rolled steel is used in appliances, automotive products, heavy machinery, machine parts, commercial construction and transportation equipment.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative findings, the DOC will now issue countervailing duty orders on imports of hot-rolled steel products from Brazil and South Korea and anti-dumping duty orders on imports from Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey and the U.K. These actions are expected to assist American steel makers defend their turf against illegally dumped steel products and improve the margins of steel companies.
How to Play the Industry
As you can see, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the steel industry over the long haul. We particularly recommend stocks such as ArcelorMittal which sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Stocks such as Ternium S.A. (TX - Free Report) and Angang Steel Company Limited are also good bests with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
However, the glut in cheap imports and slowdown in China will continue to weigh on the industry. In this scenario, staying away from stocks with an unfavorable Zacks Rank should be the right strategy. We strongly suggest steering clear from or getting rid of stocks with a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) including LB Foster Co. (FSTR - Free Report) and Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. (USAP - Free Report) .
Check out our latest Steel Industry Outlook for more on the current state of affairs in this market from an earnings perspective, and how the trend is shaping up for the future.
Confidential from Zacks
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Steel Industry Shows Resilience: Time to Invest?
Steel is used in every important industry, from energy, construction, automotive and transportation to infrastructure, packaging and machinery. Over the past few years, the steel industry has been reaping the benefits of accelerating growth in the developing economies. Asia, particularly China, was the principal growth driver. However, the slowdown in China has added an element of uncertainty to the outlook.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the broader steel industry, both in the short and the long term. Here, we discuss some of the key reasons and what investors in the steel sector can look forward to in the coming months and years.
Construction Sector Remains a Pillar of Strength
Amid a volatile U.S. stock market, uncertainty surrounding the Fed rate hike, aftermath of Brexit and volatile oil prices, the homebuilding market remains a pillar of strength for the economy and the steel industry as well. The housing and construction sector is the largest consumer of steel, accounting for almost half of the total consumption. Positives like an improving economy, modest wage growth, low unemployment levels, low interest rates, positive consumer confidence and a tight supply situation raise optimism about the sector’s performance in 2016.
The US Architecture Billings Index (ABI), an economic indicator that provides an approximately 9-to-12-month glimpse into the future of non-residential construction spending activity, has been at 50 or better for 21 of the last 24 months indicating reliable, manageable, sustainable growth in architectural activity. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) anticipates spending in the non-residential building sector to climb 8.3% this year followed by a 6.7% climb next year. Nucor Corporation (NUE - Free Report) and Commercial Metals Company (CMC - Free Report) are the leading steel suppliers to the non-residential construction sector.
The Dodge Momentum Index grew 1.3% in August to 134.9 from its revised July reading of 133.2. It is a monthly measure of the first report for non-residential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for non-residential buildings by a full year. The Index has increased for 5 straight months, marking the longest such streak since the end of 2012 into 2013. The Momentum Index is currently 16% higher over Aug 2015, suggesting that despite sluggish economic data and the uncertainty surrounding the November elections, developers are moving ahead with their plans for new projects.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that the home builder sentiment index (HMI) for newly constructed single-family homes in August rose two points to 60 from a downwardly revised reading of 58 in July. New construction and new home sales are on an upward trend which is helping to bolster builder sentiment.
Over the long haul, as the urban population increases worldwide, the need for steel to build skyscrapers and public transport infrastructure should see an uptrend as well. Emerging economies will continue to be major demand drivers due to the huge amount of steel required for urbanization and industrialization. Hence, demand for steel is expected to remain strong in the years to come. Companies like United States Steel Corp. (X - Free Report) , ArcelorMittal (MT - Free Report) , Nucor and Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD - Free Report) would benefit from the momentum in construction.
Automotive Sector in Top Gear
The automotive sector, which is the second-largest steel consumer, is showing significant promise despite threats from other materials. Besides giving a boost to the already rising U.S. auto sales, cheap oil has backed a recovery in the European auto market. The rising sales trend is expected to continue in 2016 on the back of falling fuel prices, low interest rates, enhanced job security, rising wages and household wealth, improving consumer confidence, residual pent-up demand, attractive deals and vehicle launches.
Moreover, the high average age of light vehicles on U.S. roads is resulting in large replacement demand for cars as well as car parts. The average age is estimated to rise to 11.5 years by 2017 and 11.7 years by 2019 from 11.4 years at the end of 2013, according to forecasts by IHS Automotive. This will benefit auto parts manufacturers and retailers.
The auto industry in Asian countries, particularly China and India, are also projected to flourish over the next five to seven years. China is the biggest and fastest growing auto market in the world in terms of number of vehicles sold. With automakers cashing in on strong demand, steel is expected to get a proportional boost in the years to come. ArcelorMittal and AK Steel Holding Corporation generate a large portion of their revenues from auto companies.
Indian Steel Sector to Be a Major Driver
India, though currently the fourth largest producer of steel in the world, is expected to record exponential growth in the future, This will be fueled by increasing urbanization and projected growth in the infrastructure, automobile and real estate sectors.
The country’s comparatively low per capita steel consumption and the anticipated rise in consumption due to increased infrastructure construction, along with the thriving automobile and railways sectors, offer huge scope for growth. In fact, as per the World Steel Association, steel demand in the sub-continent is projected to grow 5.4% in 2016 through 2017 to attain a peak of 88.3 Mt in 2017.
Steady Growth in Developed Economies
Developed economies are expected to witness a stable recovery momentum, albeit at a slow pace. Steel demand in these regions will grow 1.7% in 2016 and 1.1% in 2017. In the EU, steel demand is recovering in tandem with generally improving economic sentiments and investment conditions. Demand is projected to grow 1.4% in 2016 and another 1.7% in 2017. In the U.S., an improving job market and a strong housing sector will support growth in steel demand of 3.2% in 2016 and 2.7% in 2017.
Imposing Anti-Dumping Duties
U.S. steel companies have been hammered by a tide of cheap imports over the past few years that largely contributed to the slump in steel prices. Low costs of production have allowed overseas producers to sell their products at cheaper rates, leading to an industry-wide price decline.
Big U.S. steel producers – U.S Steel, AK Steel, Nucor, Steel Dynamics and ArcelorMittal USA -- retaliated by filing anti-dumping petitions in Jul 2015 with the U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) and the DOC, alleging illegal dumping of cold-rolled steel that is used to make automotive products and appliances, among others. The regulator found that imports of cold-rolled steel flat products have caused or threatened to cause material injury to the U.S. steel industry and thus imposed hefty anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty on these imports.
In a similar development, earlier this month, The USITC made its final determinations on anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of certain hot-rolled steel flat products by seven countries (Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, the U.K. and Turkey) into the American market. Hot-rolled steel is used in appliances, automotive products, heavy machinery, machine parts, commercial construction and transportation equipment.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative findings, the DOC will now issue countervailing duty orders on imports of hot-rolled steel products from Brazil and South Korea and anti-dumping duty orders on imports from Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey and the U.K. These actions are expected to assist American steel makers defend their turf against illegally dumped steel products and improve the margins of steel companies.
How to Play the Industry
As you can see, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the steel industry over the long haul. We particularly recommend stocks such as ArcelorMittal which sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Stocks such as Ternium S.A. (TX - Free Report) and Angang Steel Company Limited are also good bests with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
However, the glut in cheap imports and slowdown in China will continue to weigh on the industry. In this scenario, staying away from stocks with an unfavorable Zacks Rank should be the right strategy. We strongly suggest steering clear from or getting rid of stocks with a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) including LB Foster Co. (FSTR - Free Report) and Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. (USAP - Free Report) .
Check out our latest Steel Industry Outlook for more on the current state of affairs in this market from an earnings perspective, and how the trend is shaping up for the future.
Confidential from Zacks
Beyond this Industry Outlook, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>>