A Brief Overview
The Metals & Mining industry broadly refers to metals and
minerals extraction (mining) and the primary and secondary
processing of these metals and minerals. The industry is oligarchic
in structure, with a few producers accounting for a lion’s share of
the output.
With respect to volume, iron and steel commands a majority in the
global metal industry, followed by aluminum. The iron and steel
industry includes metal ore exploration and mining services as well
as iron and steel foundries for smelting, rolling, forging,
spinning, recycling, stamping, polishing and plating of iron and
steel products.
The precious metal and minerals industry comprise companies engaged
in the extraction and primary processing of gold, silver, platinum,
diamond, semi-precious stones, uranium and other rare minerals and
ores as well as cultivation of pearls.
The industry is highly cyclical and competitive. Historically, it
has suffered from oversupply (excess of supply over demand). Metal
producers are subject to cyclical fluctuations in prices, general
economic conditions and end-user markets. The tepid global economic
growth outlook has emerged as a major headwind for the global metal
industry. Notwithstanding these near-term challenges, the group’s
long-term dynamics appear attractive.
Within the Zacks Industry classification, the industry is broadly
grouped in the Basic Materials sector (one of 16 Zacks sectors) and
is further sub-divided into three industries at the expanded level:
Mining – Gold, Mining – Iron and Mining – Non-Ferrous. All the
industries within the Basic Materials sector like chemicals, paper,
steel and mining are economically sensitive, but the level of
sensitivity and exposure to different stages of the economic cycle
vary for each industry.
We rank all of the more than 250 industries in the 16 Zacks sectors
based on the earnings outlook for the constituent companies in each
industry. This ranking is available in the Zacks Industry Rank
http://www.zacks.com/rank/industry.php.
The way to look at the complete list of Zacks Industry Rank for the
250+ companies is that the outlook for the top one-third of the
list (Zacks Industry Rank of #85 and lower) is positive, while the
outlook for the bottom one-third (Zacks Industry Rank #170 and
higher) is negative.
For the Mining Industry, Iron Mining barely makes into the top
1/3rd with its Zacks Industry Rank #77, while the Non-Ferrous
(aluminum, copper, etc.) and Gold Mining industries are barely in
the bottom 1/3rd at Zacks Industry Rank of #187 and #182,
respectively. The exact location of the three mining industries on
the Zacks Industry Rank aside, one could safely say that the
near-term outlook for the group is leaning towards a Neutral
outlook.
A Detailed Look into Metals: Performance and Outlook
Steel
The steel industry has steadily recovered from the impact of the
global economic downturn, which slashed crude steel production by
9% in 2009. According to the World Steel Association, world crude
steel production was a record 1,548 Mt in 2012, outperforming the
record set in 2011 by 1.2%. Significant growth in Asia and North
America were instrumental for the annual upside, marred somewhat by
declines in Europe and South America.
During 2012, production in Asia improved 2.7% to 1,012 Mt. China
emerged as the leading steel producing country once again, up 3.1%
year over year and yielding almost 46% of the global output.
Production in Japan, the second largest producer, remained flat
year over year. The United States held the third position,
producing 88.6 Mt of crude steel, up 2.5% annually and accounting
for 6% of the total global output. Production in Europe and South
America were a dampener, declining 2.7% and 3.1%, respectively.
Let’s have a look at the performance and outlook of the end markets
for the industry:
The automotive and construction markets have historically been the
largest consumers of steel. The automotive sector has been
promising in recent times. Auto sales in the U.S. surged 13% to
14.5 million vehicles in Dec 2012, the highest volume attained in
the last five years. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) in
December was 15.4 million vehicles, the second straight month of
above 15 million SAAR in 2012. This performance will likely
generate solid momentum going into 2013.
The robust growth rate in the sector has been fueled by strong
pent-up demand, cheap financing, launch of several redesigned and
fuel-efficient vehicles and rebound in consumer confidence thanks
to a growing belief that the housing market is recovering.
Another major market, the construction sector, has so far been a
drag on the steel companies’ earnings. However, in 2012, the sector
finally started picking up began signaling a recovery evidenced by
solid growth in the major indicators.
The architecture billing index (ABI), an economic indicator that
provides an approximate nine- to twelve-month glimpse into the
future of non-residential construction spending activity, climbed
back into the positive territory with a score of 50.2 in August
after languishing in the negative territory for five consecutive
months. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings and
the score has remained stable till December.
The ABI readings in the fourth quarter of 2012, in fact, exhibited
the strongest growth since the downturn in early 2008. This
momentum is expected to persist and conditions are expected
improve, albeit at a slow and steady rate.
The American Institute of Architects projects a 5% increase in
spending in 2013 for non-residential construction projects, on the
back of higher construction of commercial facilities, particularly
for hotels followed by industrial construction spending. The
spending is expected to shore up to 7.2% in 2014.
Meanwhile, the residential housing sector is also showing signs of
positive growth with figures at highest levels in more than four
years. In 2012, housing starts totaled 780,000, surging 28% from
2011 and housing permits (an indicator of future demand) escalated
30% to 813,000. Both attained their respective highest level since
2008. Housing completions rose 11% to 651,000 in 2012, the highest
level since 2010.
According to the most recent most issued data, in December housing
starts spiked 37% year over year to a seasonally adjusted annual
rate of 954,000. Building permits were at a seasonally adjusted
annual rate of 903,000, 29% higher than the year-ago figure.
In a nutshell, record-low mortgage rates, rising rents and reduced
prices of properties are luring buyers. These figures reinforce the
belief that U.S. residential construction is finally stabilizing
and is on the road to a much awaited recovery.
Analyzing the fourth quarter results of the major steel companies
in our coverage -- ArcelorMittal (MT),
United States Steel (X), Nucor
(NUE) and AK Steel (AKS) -- we see revenues were
marred by the drop in average steel prices. This does not come as a
surprise as oversupply in the U.S. steel industry and increased
steel imports in the domestic market affected steel prices, which
in turn hurt margins and profits of the steel players. Furthermore,
the gloomy macroeconomic condition in Europe is another area of
concern as it is the largest market for total U.S. exports.
Given the scenario in Europe, ArcelorMittal, the world's largest
steelmaker in terms of volume and Europe’s largest steelmaker,
recently announced its plans to permanently close its plant in
Liege, Belgium owing to the slack demand and weakening European
economy. The company also announced the idling of its liquid phase
in Oct 2011 due to structural over-capacity in Northern Europe. The
production halt at the Liege plant was done to better focus on the
company’s downstream activities, operating five core lines and
seven flexible lines.
However, economic conditions worsened since then and demand for
steel in Europe declined another 8%-9% in 2012 and is currently 29%
below the pre-crisis levels. The Leige business is heavily
dependent on the automotive sector, which faced a major downturn in
2012. Consequently, tepid demand also had a hand in idling of the
facility and ArcelorMittal further stated that it will close six
production lines at Liege that manufacture finished steel products
for the auto industry. It is also closing a coke plant, which
produces fuel for blast furnaces.
Going into 2013, steelmakers expect profits to be affected by
continued increase in steel imports, volatility in steel pricing
along with macroeconomic uncertainty stemming from the recessionary
conditions in Europe and sluggish growth in the emerging
markets.
However, the sector will benefit from the strong momentum in the
automotive markets. The outlook for other key markets --
transportation, energy, industrial and agricultural sectors also
remains favorable. The turnaround in the so-far faltering
construction sector will definitely provide a much-needed impetus
to the sector.
Steelmakers are increasing their consolidation efforts,
particularly in China and India, to derive economies of scale and
other synergies to remain competitive. A major development in this
sector was the recent merger of Japan's largest and the world's
sixth-largest steel maker Nippon Steel Corporation with Sumitomo
Metal Industries to form the world’s second biggest steel firm --
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
(NSSMY). With a combined capacity of 46.1 million tons, it has
replaced China's Hebei Group in the second position, with
production of 44.4 million tons. The merger is targeted to generate
savings in the face of increasingly intense global competition.
China’s recent attempt to bolster its economy by approving 60
infrastructure projects worth more than $150 billion will help
bolster the steel sector. Prices could potentially stabilize on the
back of a rebound in construction activity in the developing
countries, in particular China, India and South Korea. Furthermore,
the sector will reap the benefits of the Federal Reserve’s move to
boost the U.S economy. However, the European debt crisis and its
potential global impact remain headwinds for the industry.
Gold
As per the World Gold Council, 2011 was a milestone year for gold
as global demand for the yellow metal scaled up 0.4% to 4,067.1
tons at an estimated value of $205.5 billion -- the highest tonnage
level with a value exceeding $200 billion since 1997. The increase
was mainly driven by the investment sector, particularly in India,
China and Europe.
As per the most recent data available, gold demand stood at 1084.6
tons in third quarter 2012, down 11% from the historic high level
in the third quarter of 2011. Strong ETF inflow and higher demand
from central banks was offset by declines in demand for jewelry,
investment and in the technology sectors due to higher prices.
Almost 68% of the decline stemmed from a steep drop in the bar and
coin segment.
In absolute terms, gold demand in the quarter was valued at $57.6
billion, down 14% from the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Average
gold price in the quarter stood at $1,652, down 3% year over
year.
Central banks remained the primary purchasers of gold, accounting
for around 9% of total gold demand at 97.6 tons. Investment demand
declined 16%, mainly due to a drop in bar and coin investment. Gold
demand in the technology sector was 108.2 tons, a 6% annual decline
due to higher gold prices, weak consumer demand, uncertainty in
Europe and substitution to more affordable alternatives.
Jewelry demand dipped 2% to 448.8 tons due to higher price levels
as well as unfavorable economic conditions. China, Saudi Arabia, US
and European markets saw declines. On the contrary, jewelry demand
was strong in India, a major consumer of gold and accounted for 30%
of global demand. Despite record high prices, demand was on the
rise thanks to improving sentiment, stock building and positive
price expectations.
Demand for gold in China, another major market, decreased 5% to
123.8 tons as consumers cut back spending given the slow economic
growth. Demand in the U.S market was affected as customers are
trending toward lower carat gold, particularly with the penetration
of 10-carat and other alternative metals.
Mine production dipped 1% to 731.6 tons in the quarter. Mine
workers’ strike in South Africa, disappointing results for a number
of operations, lower-than-expected growth at new or recovering
mines affected production during the quarter. Recycling activity
decreased 2% to 460.7 tons, bringing the total supply to 1,188.3
tons, down 2% year over year.
Gold prices in 2011 ranged from a low of $1,310 per ounce to a high
of $1,895 per ounce, with an average gold price of $1,572 per
ounce. The record gold price of $1,895 per ounce was attained in
September, 33% higher than the 2010 peak of $1,421 per ounce in
November.
In 2012, gold prices have has ranged from $1,540 per ounce to
$1,791.75 per ounce, with an average of $1,669.03 per ounce. Gold
prices had a solid run in the first three quarters of 2012.
Continuing concerns about Europe’s financial problems and China’s
reduced economic growth forecast led to the climb.
Furthermore, the announcement of a third round of quantitative
easing led to a surge in gold prices. However, in the fourth
quarter, prices fell from $1,776 per ounce to $1,657 per ounce, a
6.7% drop. Despite a weak fourth quarter gold stood at $1657.5 per
ounce at 2012 end, up 8.3% and marked the 12th year of annual
gains.
The official sector is expected to continue to be a net buyer of
gold in 2013. However, high gold prices and economic uncertainties
will likely keep a check on demand for jewelry. Demand in the
technology sector will be dampened due to high prices and the shift
toward lower cost substitutes.
A climb in gold prices has not always translated into increased
revenues for all the gold miners, as they have to deal with
increased cash costs and production issues. As prices for gold rise
further, gold giants such as Barrick Gold (ABX)
and Goldcorp (GG), being unhedged producers of
gold, will enjoy significant leverage to gold prices.
The cost increases need to be controlled in order to rake in
profits. On the other hand, gold producers like Newmont
Mining (NEM) and Kinross Gold (KGC) are
expected to suffer from lower ore grades that subdue production
levels, increase mining costs and negate the benefits of rising
gold prices.
Ironically, rising gold prices has not had the same effect on the
share prices of the gold companies. Investors prefer alternative
financial products that allow them to invest in gold rather than
investment in gold companies per se. These companies may be
entangled in labor issues, escalating cost and other risks.
Gold remains a coveted asset given its long-term supply and demand
dynamics and influenced by macroeconomic factors. The value and
wealth preservation attributes of gold continue to lure investors
and consumers, and is considered a safe investment. Concerns
regarding economic growth in developed countries have made gold an
attractive and safe investment option.
Gold prices will continue its rally in 2013, driven by investment
and buying of gold by the central banks as a reserve portfolio
asset. Strength in Indian markets, which alone consumes nearly
45%−50% of the world’s gold, should also provide support.
Furthermore, recovery in China could contribute to the rise in the
prices of gold. The Eurozone debt crisis and the geopolitical risks
in the Middle East will pose as important drivers for a sustained
demand for gold as a safe haven.
Aluminum
The aluminum industry is highly cyclical, with prices subject to
worldwide supply and demand.
Alcoa (AA), the world leader in the production of
primary aluminum, kicked off the fourth quarter earnings season
with a revenue decline of 1.5% due to lower realized metal price.
On an adjusted basis, the company reported earnings per share of 6
cents reversing its year-ago loss of 18 cents per share earned in
the year ago quarter. The company’s midstream and downstream
businesses delivered profits and its cost-cutting measures also
supported the results.
Alcoa is optimistic for 2013 and expects global demand for aluminum
to increase 7%, up from 6% growth in 2012. The company projects
9%-10% global growth in the aerospace sector this year. Its growth
forecast for the other markets are -- automotive (1%-4%),
commercial transportation (2%-7%), packaging (2%-3%), building and
construction (4%-5%) and industrial gas turbine (3%-5%). Alcoa
remains firm on the long-term prospects for aluminum and envisions
global demand for aluminum to double by 2020.
Alcoa’s positive long-term outlook notwithstanding, prices have
been under pressure, prompting companies to cut back on production.
Alcoa’s results have suffered because of the decline in realized
aluminum prices. BHP Billiton (BHP) and
Rio Tinto (RIO) have either sold or halted
development of aluminum projects following a decline in aluminum
prices.
In 2012, BHP sold its 33.3% stake in the Guinea Alumina joint
venture to its partners and also halted bauxite exploration at its
Boffa-Santou-Houda site in Guinea. The company also abandoned plans
to build a smelter in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rio is set
to divest 13 aluminum assets, including its Gove operations in
Australia. Alcoa is looking to buy mines used in the manufacture of
aluminium from BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.
Alcoa is aggressively slashing costs and pursuing strategies to
move down its cost curves in its upstream businesses. The company
remains committed to achieving its target of moving down the cost
curve 10 percentage points in smelting and 7 percentage points in
refining by 2015. The company completed planned closure or
curtailments of 531,000 metric tons, or 12% of its highest-cost
system smelting capacity, to enhance its competitive position.
This trend will likely continue until aluminum prices recover.
Energy prices and other input costs are expected to pose challenges
for the aluminum industry, though oil prices have been on the
downside lately. In addition to the curtailments, the company will
step up activities to reduce the escalating cost of raw
materials.
In the medium to long term, aluminum consumption is expected to
improve on a global basis. The revival is palpable in the
automotive and packaging industries, one of the key consumer
markets. The automobile market is also becoming increasingly
aluminum-intensive, benefiting from its recyclability and
light-weight properties. The global push to improve fuel efficiency
in vehicles is expected to more than double demand for aluminum in
the auto industry by 2025.
Further, the surge in copper prices last year has triggered a
switch among manufacturers to aluminum. Automobiles, air
conditioners and industrial components manufacturers are now
shifting their focus to the more economical metal. In response to
the upsurge in automotive demand, Alcoa has invested $300 million
in expansion projects at its Davenport, Iowa rolled products
plant.
We expect aluminum demand to increase over the next three years,
outstripping supply growth. As a result, the aluminum market is
likely to witness deficits for a prolonged period. This provides a
backdrop supportive of high alumina and aluminum prices. China and
India are witnessing rapid industrialization.
The China stimulus plan will also work as positives for underlying
aluminum demand. Leading aluminum producers such as Alcoa and
Aluminum Corporation of China, or
Chalco (ACH) should also benefit from the
improving demand outlook.
Copper
Copper is a major industrial metal with its price strongly
depending on the economic growth outlook. The metal’s strong
cyclical leverage accounts for its nickname “Dr. Copper.”
The metal’s popularity in industrial usage is due to its high
ductility, malleability and thermal and electrical conductivity,
along with its resistance to corrosion. In terms of consumption,
copper holds the third place after iron and aluminum. Construction
is the single largest market for copper, followed by electronics
and electronic products, transportation, industrial machinery, and
consumer and general products.
Copper prices witnessed record high levels from 2006 through most
of 2008 as limited supplies, growing demand from China and other
emerging economies led to the surge in copper prices and low level
of inventories. In December 2008, copper prices dipped to a low of
$1.26 per pound due to reduced consumption, turbulence in the U.S.
financial markets and concerns about the global economy.
However, copper prices have since improved based on the strong
demand from emerging markets and limited supply. In 2011, London
Metal Exchange (LME) spot-copper prices ranged from $3.08 per pound
to a record high of $4.60 per pound, with an average of $4.00 per
pound.
In the first quarter of 2012, LME spot copper prices averaged $3.77
per pound. However, during the second quarter of 2012, LME spot
copper prices averaged $3.57 per pound and dipped further to $3.50
in the third quarter. This drop reflected concerns regarding a
slowdown in the Chinese economy, Europe’s sovereign debt crisis,
and a slowing U.S. economy.
During fourth-quarter 2012, LME spot copper prices averaged $3.59
per pound. Overall in 2012, LME spot copper prices averaged $3.61
per pound, a 10% drop from 2011.
The drop in price has hurt the results of copper producers like
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) and
Southern Copper (SCCO) and Newmont. Struggling
with declining copper prices, Freeport has recently taken a major
stride to venture into the U.S. energy space as part of the
company’s strategy to diversify from its bread-and-butter copper
mining business. The company is set to buy Plains
Exploration & Production (PXP) and McMoRan
Exploration (MMR) for roughly $9 billion.
Freeport’s copper business has been affected by the sluggish global
economy. Demand from key end-markets, including construction
materials and electronics, remains weak due to the overall economic
softness. The buyouts are expected to provide new opportunities for
the company.
Notwithstanding the current volatility in prices, we have a
long-term bullish stance on copper, supported by its widespread
use, limited supplies from existing mines and the absence of
significant new development projects. Prices will be influenced by
demand from China and emerging markets, economic activity in the
U.S. and other industrialized countries, the timing of new supplies
of copper and production levels of mines and copper smelters.
Companies that have a high leverage to copper prices will benefit
immensely from the potential demand for the metal in the developing
markets.
Overall Industry Outlook
Cost inflation in the sector is expected to be a headwind for metal
and mining companies over the next several years, driven by a
number of factors viz. labor, energy, ore grades, currencies,
supply constraints and taxes. Global economic uncertainties,
softening commodity prices, higher input costs are increasing the
pressure on company margins.
To combat this, mining and metals companies are reviewing their
portfolios to identify underperforming assets and shut down or
divest these high cost and non-core assets. Industry consolidation,
automation technology, owner-operated mines and investment in
energy assets are some of the steps that companies are taking to
mitigate the impact of rising costs.
Growth in the emerging markets, particularly China and India, was a
major driver of metals demand over the last few years. However, of
late, demand in China has slowed down. China’s recent $150 billion
infrastructure stimulus has helped improve the sentiment somewhat
and holds promise for the metals and mining industry going
forward.
In the developed world, persistent recessionary conditions in
Europe will have residual effects elsewhere. The U.S. Federal
Reserve also appears to be actively engaged in sustaining the U.S
economy’s momentum, which will hopefully jumpstart growth once
again.
This synchronized global economic slowdown is the biggest headwind
for the metals space overall at present. That said, the long-term
picture remains a lot more promising as the emerging market
economies are expected to get back in shape with the help of
expected fiscal and monetary stimuli.
ALCOA INC (AA): Free Stock Analysis Report
BARRICK GOLD CP (ABX): Free Stock Analysis Report
ALUMINUM CP-ADR (ACH): Free Stock Analysis Report
AK STEEL HLDG (AKS): Free Stock Analysis Report
BHP BILLITN LTD (BHP): Free Stock Analysis Report
FREEPT MC COP-B (FCX): Free Stock Analysis Report
GOLDCORP INC (GG): Free Stock Analysis Report
KINROSS GOLD (KGC): Free Stock Analysis Report
MILLENNIAL MEDA (MM): Free Stock Analysis Report
ARCELOR MITTAL (MT): Free Stock Analysis Report
NEWMONT MINING (NEM): Free Stock Analysis Report
(NSSMY): ETF Research Reports
NUCOR CORP (NUE): Free Stock Analysis Report
PLAINS EXPL&PRD (PXP): Free Stock Analysis Report
RIO TINTO-ADR (RIO): Free Stock Analysis Report
SOUTHERN COPPER (SCCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
UTD STATES STL (X): Free Stock Analysis Report
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