Citi cuts Bluescope Steel rating to neutral, retains AUD26.50 target

Published 07/05/2025, 09:24
Citi cuts Bluescope Steel rating to neutral, retains AUD26.50 target

On Wednesday, Citi analysts revised their stance on Bluescope Steel Ltd. (BSL:AU) (OTC:BLSFF), downgrading the stock from Buy to Neutral while maintaining a price target of AUD26.50. The decision comes as the company’s shares have demonstrated significant outperformance along with a rebound in risk appetite in the market. Despite Bluescope Steel’s solid operational performance and its current trading at a valuation discount compared to its U.S. counterparts, Citi has identified several macroeconomic challenges on the horizon.

According to Citi, the U.S. steel industry is facing increased import pressures, and forward pricing for steel in the U.S. is showing signs of softening. Additionally, Bluescope Steel’s Asia export spreads are lingering below long-term averages due to elevated exports of Chinese steel. These factors contribute to the growing macro headwinds that could impact the company’s future performance.

Bluescope Steel has notably surpassed both the underlying steel prices and the broader sector’s performance, leading Citi to reassess the risk-reward balance for the stock. The analysts underscored that while the company’s valuation remains appealing, the potential challenges ahead warrant a more cautious outlook.

The financial metrics highlighted by Citi include Bluescope Steel’s trading at 0.86 times Price/Net Asset Value (P/NAV) and 4.3 times the forecasted FY27 Enterprise Value/Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EV/EBITDA). These figures reflect the company’s market position and financial health in relation to its industry peers.

The maintained price target of AUD26.50 by Citi suggests that while the immediate outlook for Bluescope Steel may be tempered by external factors, the company’s fundamental value is recognized. Bluescope Steel’s current market dynamics and financial ratios will continue to be monitored by investors as they assess the company’s trajectory in a changing economic landscape.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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