They are transferring coverage of the steel sector to Sal Tharani from Aldo Mazzaferro. Firm is also downgrading their coverage view for the sector to Neutral from Attractive due to the re-emergence of various risks-both perceived and real, such as rising dollar, “China fear”, weak economic data out of the developed and emerging markets, and softness in steel and scrap prices. They believe that negative news flow in the near term would keep multiples compressed, and wait for a better opportunity to get more constructive on the sector.

Nucor and US Steel remain Buy rated stocks. However, they are removing US Steel from Conviction Buy List and also upgrading STLD to Buy, replacing CMC, which is now rated Neutral. In the near term, the firm see smore upside in mini-mills due to a sharper drop in scrap prices than steel, which should expand their metal margins. Worthington and Gibraltar remain Sell rated stocks.

A sharp correction in steel equities, primarily driven by the macro concerns and decline in oil prices, has created selective investment opportunities. Valuations of some of these stocks reflect a doomsday scenario, which the firm believes is not what longer-term fundamentals suggest.

Goldman has lowered their steel price estimates by an average of 6% for 2H-2008 and 2009. Earnings estimates are now 1% and 7% lower than earlier estimates for 2008 and 2009, respectively. The biggest change they have made is in multiples which they are lowering to reflect near-term risk aversion by investors. Firm’s target prices have been cut by an average of 18% across coverage universe.

Notablecalls: This looks like bottoming action to me. The bids wanted situation we saw yesterday will reverse itself as I feel the shorts have gotten somewhat ahead of themselves.

Tags for this Post:
Aldo Mazzaferro, China, Gibraltar, Goldman Sachs, Market Commentary, metal margins, Nucor, Oil Prices, steel, steel equities, steel price estimates, steel sector, STLD, U.S. Steel