Nucor (NUE) (OKS) (STLD) (PCG) (PEG) (WBMD) (WMT) (NFX) Ratings, Price Targets

Nucor Co. (NUE), Oneok Partners LP (OKS), Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD), PG&E Co. (PCG), Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PEG), Webmd Health (WBMD), Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) and Newfield Exploration Co. (NFX) had ratings and price targets on them adjusted by analysts.
Nucor Co. (NUE) was downgraded by Longbow Research from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Oneok Partners LP (OKS) was downgraded by Credit Suisse from an "Outperform" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) was downgraded by Longbow Research from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

PG&E Co. (PCG) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PEG) was downgraded by Atlantic Equities from an "Overweight" rating to an "Underweight" rating.

Webmd Health Corp (WBMD) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a "Neutral" rating to a "Sell" rating.

Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) was downgraded by Raymond James from a "Strong Buy" rating to a "Market Perform" rating.

Newfield Exploration Co. (NFX) was downgraded by Citigroup from a "Buy" rating to a "Neutral" rating.

Nucor (NUE) (X) (ZX) (AKS) (BTX) (STLD) Get New Coverage

Coverage was initiated on Nucor Co. (NYSE: NUE), U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), China Zenix Auto International (NYSE: ZX), AK Steel Holding Co. (NYSE: AKS), BioTime Inc. (NYSE: BTX) and Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD).

UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) initiated coverage on U.S. Steel (X). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $38.00 on the company.

William Blair initiated coverage on China Zenix Auto International (ZX). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

UBS AG initiated coverage on AK Steel Holding Co. (AKS). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $12.00 on the company.

UBS AG initiated coverage on Nucor Co. (NUE). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $35.00 on the company.

WBB Securities initiated coverage on BioTime Inc. (BTX). They placed a “Speculative Buy” rating and a price target of $6.00 on the company.

UBS AG initiated coverage on Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $13.00 on the company.

SunPower (SPWRA) (NFX) (NUE) (WHR) (STX) Price Targets Changed

SunPower Co. (NASDAQ: SPWRA), Newfield Exploration Co. (NYSE: NFX), Nucor Co. (NYSE: NUE), Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) and Seagate (NYSE: STX) price targets adjusted by analysts.

RBC Capital raised its price target on Newfield Exploration (NFX) from $96.00 to $100.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its price target on Nucor Co. (NUE) to $58.00.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) raised its price target on SunPower Co. (SPWRA) to $122.00.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) lowered its price target on Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) to $82.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Citigroup (NYSE: C) lowered its price target on Seagate (STX) to $23.00. They have a “Buy” rating on the company.

Coverage on (NUE) (SCHN) (STLD) (JDAS) (JNJ) Initiated by Analysts

Analysts initiated coverage on Nucor Co. (NYSE: NUE), Schnitzer Steel (NASDAQ: SCHN), Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD), JDA Software Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: JDAS) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) initiated coverage on Nucor Co. (NUE). They placed a “buy” rating and a price target of $52.00 on the company.

Jefferies initiated coverage on Schnitzer Steel (SCHN). They placed a “buy” rating and a $70.00 price target on the company.

Jefferies initiated coverage on Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD). They placed a “buy” rating and a $20.00 price target on the company.

The Benchmark Company initiated coverage on JDA Software Group, Inc. (JDAS). They placed a “buy” rating and a $40.00 price target on the company.

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) initiated coverage on Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). They placed a “hold” rating and a $73.00 price target on the company.

Nucor Co. closed Friday at $40.93, falling $0.58, or 1.40 percent. Schnitzer Steel closed at $57.96, losing $0.61, or 1.04 percent. Steel Dynamics, Inc. ended the day at $16.23, down $0.21, or 1.28 percent. JDA Software Group, Inc. closed at $32.71, gaining $0.17, or 0.52 percent. Johnson & Johnson closed at $67.57, dropping $0.35, or 0.52 percent.

Nucor (NUE) Faces Cost, Price Volatility

Nucor (NYSE:NUE) is under pressure with the rest of the steel sector as costs mount for raw materials and steel demand slows.

A lot of uncertainty surrounds the steel industry based on the guidance given by the largest steelmaker in the world - ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT). Even after beating estimates for the latest quarter the stock was punished on a weak outlook, dragging down much of the sector with it.

Softer steel prices in North America and Europe point to major challenges going forward for steel companies, as margins will continue to come under pressure.

According to Banco Santander SA, costs of coking coal jumped 68 percent and iron ore 77 percent in the first quarter of 2011.

The steel industry is projected to grow at a 5.9 percent clip this year, says the World Steel Association. Some think that's at the high end of the spectrum.

Pricing will remain a challenge in light of the new pricing system put in place where steelmakers say it's harder to pass on costs to customers because of difficulty in projecting costs.

Expectations are the second half of 2011 will be slow for the industry.

Nucor Corporation participates in the manufacture and sale of steel and steel products in North America and internationally.

Nucor (NUE) closed Wednesday at $44.26, down $0.70, or 1.56 percent.

Nucor (NUE) in the Years Ahead

Nucor (NYSE:NUE) will no doubt be affected by the proposed slowdown in steel production in China which will also affect imports, as China will start rolling blackouts earlier than usual, which always is directed towards the steel industry in the country in the beginning of the process and onwards.

Tightening of the economy is also a major factor as China continues to attempt to rein in inflation after overstimulating the economy by printing too much money.

According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, with one of the consequences being the demand for steel slowing down.

Expectations are steel consumption in China will drop by up to 4.6 percent in 2011, with the minimum outlook being a 2.6 percent drop in consumption.

Higher input costs and product prices are weighing heavily on the industry, and it's not clear how much the industry will be able to past on to their customers before they cut back on buying.

Industry observers see the next five year as being challenging for the industry as far as growth goes.

Nucor Corporation participates in the manufacture and marketing of steel and steel products in North America and around the world.

Nucor (NUE) closed Friday at $42.96, falling $1.32, or 2.98 percent.

Steel's (AKS) (FRD) (NUE) (SUTR) (PKX) and China Demand

For the most part, as goes China so goes the demand for steel, and in that regard it doesn't look good for steel companies like AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS), Friedman Industries Inc. (AMEX:FRD), Nucor (NYSE:NUE), Sutor Technology Group, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SUTR) and POSCO (NYSE:PKX), which are going to be pressured in the years ahead from declining demand from the Middle Kingdom.

According to the China Iron & Steel Association, the Chinese government is pushing to slow down economic growth, which will result in demand for steel in the country to slow down.

Estimates under the current scenario for the steel sector have steel consumption declining in China by a minimum of 2.6 percent to as high as 4.6 percent in 2011.

Globally it doesn't look good for the next five years or so either, as the top estimates are for steel demand to grow at a 5 percent rate annually, although many think it'll be less than that.

In the short term, the U.S. steel industry should ship product at 14 percent above 2010 levels, reaching about 95 million tons in 2011.

All the companies are being affected by soaring iron ore prices and other inputs, which are putting stress on margins and earnings because buyers are hesitating to acquire product at too high of prices; something that will continue for several years.

For the steel industry, there isn't much to be optimistic about, no matter how the situation is spun. It's going to remain tough for some time.

AK Steel Holding Corporation closed Wednesday at $15.47, falling $0.36, or 2.27 percent.

Steel Firms (NUE) (CHOP) (SID) (ROCK) (GNI) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook

The steel sector, even with some strong recent quarters from companies, looks weak, as over the next five years it is projected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, placing downward pressure on steel producers like Nucor (NYSE:NUE), China Gerui Advanced Materials (Nasdaq:CHOP), Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (NYSE:SID), Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:ROCK) and Great Northern Iron Ore Proper (NYSE:GNI). And that's the more positive outlook by most analysts. A large number don't believe growth will even happen at that rate.

A majority of steel companies are being pressured to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is falling completely, because it's not. But rising demand in some segments doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand in some segments, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

Nucor closed Friday at $46.96, gaining $0.47, or 1.01 percent.

Dividend Yields for (TMK) (LNC) (L) (IP) (NUE)

Indicated dividend yields for Standard & Poor's 500 Index companies Torchmark Corp (TMK), Lincoln National Corp (LNC), Loews Corp (L), International Paper Co (IP) and Nucor Corp (NUE) .

These dividend data indicate dividend yields of companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index as of Saturday, April 30. The yield is determined by taking the latest declared dividend, annualized and divided by the price of the stock. Payout ratios are calculated based on latest quarterly dividend paid divided by earnings.

Torchmark Corp (TMK) has a dividend yield of 0.96 percent on a declared dividend of $0.16. The payout ratio is 8.2 percent.

Lincoln National Corp (LNC) has a dividend yield of 0.64 percent on a declared dividend of $0.05. The payout ratio is 4.7 percent.

Loews Corp (L) has a dividend yield of 0.56 percent on a declared dividend of $0.06. The payout ratio is 11.2 percent.

International Paper Co (IP) has a dividend yield of 3.40 percent on a declared dividend of $0.26. The payout ratio is 27.8 percent.

Nucor Corp (NUE) has a dividend yield of 3.09 percent on a declared dividend of $0.36. The payout ratio is 71.8 percent.

Nucor (NUE) (WOR) (SUTR) (CRS) (GSI) Pressured on Low Growth Steel Outlook

The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WOR), Sutor Technology Group, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SUTR), Carpenter Technology (NYSE:CRS), Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and General Steel Holdings, (NYSE:GSI); although they traded a little stronger Thursday.

A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry positively.

The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

It also looks like the U.S. economy is starting to sputter again, and that's not good news for the steel industry either.

Insteel (IIIN) (CHOP) (NUE) (MT) Close Mixed on Cost, Growth Concerns

The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Insteel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:IIIN), China Gerui Advanced Materials (Nasdaq:CHOP), Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), which closed mixed on Tuesday. And that's the more positive outlook by the majority of analysts. Many don't think growth will even happen at those modest levels.

A majority of steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing. A number of weak economies around the world could cut also into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

Of course there a large varieties of companies with steel exposure, and each segment of the sector can represent strengths or weaknesses. So each unit and company will have to be watched closely for performance of course.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand as it attempts to work through the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

Some winners will emerge, but over time it's not easy to pick any one that's going to stand out. Some have looked to larger companies who may be able to navigate through the higher costs better, but we'll see if that's the case, as it isn't always that simple because of the wide variety of products and costs and pricing power with each one.

Nucor (NUE) (CMC) (CPSL) (MT) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook

The steel industry, even with some strong recent quarters, looks weak, as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of about 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like Commercial Metals Company (NYSE:CMC), China Precision Steel, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSL), Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), even with a couple of decent quarterly results coming from their peers, like Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD). And that's the more positive outlook by the majority of analysts. Many don't think growth will happen even at that rate.

A majority of steel companies are being pressured to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings as the price of inputs and commodities jump.

That's not to say steel demand is falling, because it's not. But the slowly rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is experiencing at this time. A number of weak economies around the world could also cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin the outlook for the steel industry in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of better demand, as it attempts to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from the producers.

ArcelorMittal closed Thursday at $36.50, gaining $0.39, or 1.08 percent. Nucor ended the session at $46.15, falling $0.33, or 0.71 percent. China Precision Steel, Inc. closed at $1.55, up $0.01, or 0.65 percent. Commercial Metals Company closed at $16.47, rising $0.04, or 0.24 percent.

Nucor's (NUE) Profits Soar Five Times in 1Q

Not long after Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) reported a stellar quarter, surprising analysts, Nucor Corp. (NYSE:NUE) has followed it up with a solid quarter as well, with profits soaring by about five times what they were in the same quarter last year.

Net earnings were $159.8 million, or 50 cents a share, compared with a profit of $31 million, or 10 cents a share, last year.

Sales climbed 32 percent to $4.83 billion, due to a 22 percent increase in the average sales price per ton and a 9 percent increase in shipments.

Analysts were looking for earnings of 36 cents a share and revenue of $4.47 billion.

The company said, "Profitability improved significantly as we progressed through the quarter, as utilization rates increased and as price increases for steel mill products caught up with higher raw material costs. Although we are seeing some signs of market weakness that may impact results near the end of the second quarter, we expect second quarter results to be an improvement over the first quarter. We continue to see slow, steady improvement in real demand in certain end markets.

"This is most evident in products sold to the manufacturing/industrial sector, including special bar quality products, sheet and plate. We are keeping a watchful eye on imports as any measurable increase in import levels will be a threat to current market stability, particularly in the sheet markets. The most challenging markets for our products continue to be those associated with residential and non-residential construction. We will provide quantitative earnings guidance later in the quarter."

Markets most under pressure continue to be those in relationship to residential and non-residential construction.

Nucor was trading at $46.23, gaining $0.25, or 0.54 percent, as of 12:30 PM EDT.

Steel Companies Nucor (NUE) (GGB) (WOR) (CPSL) Get Boost from Consumption Report, (STLD)

Investors have suddenly become steel industry and company believers after the performance of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Nasdaq:STLD) and the release of estimates for glow steel production by the World Steel Association, which pushed up the share prices of Nucor (NYSE:NUE), Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WOR), China Precision Steel, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB) Wednesday.

Steel Dynamics gave as its reason for the optimism as growing backlogs in the company’s structural and rail division, but quietly added some of that could have been weather-related.

Also the projected global steel consumption growth of 5.9 percent didn't included the potential devastating effect the slowdown in Japan will have, as it's the largest consumer of steel in the world. Without that, the numbers are pretty meaningless. And it will take time, as with everything related to Japan at this time, before we know the full impact on steel and other sectors.

Gerdau S.A. closed Wednesday at $12.14, gaining $0.32, or 2.71 percent. China Precision Steel, Inc. ended the day at $1.54, up $0.01, or 0.65 percent. Worthington Industries, Inc. closed at $21.00, jumping $0.34, or 1.65 percent. Nucor closed the session at $46.48, rising $0.78, or 1.71 percent.

Steel Firms US Steel (X) (MT) (PKX) (NUE) Jump on Steel Dynamics' Strength

Even though the results of Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) gave steel stocks like ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), POSCO (NYSE:PKX), Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and US Steel (NYSE:X) a big boost Tuesday, overall, the steel industry looks weak over the next five years, as it is expected to grow at a pace of 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers. And that's the more optimistic outlook by analysts. Most don't think growth rate will be that high.

Most steel companies are being forced to raise prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities rise.

That's not to say steel demand is dropping, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin this in a positive manner. The industry will struggle for years even in the midst of strong demand, as they attempt to work out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from producers.

As for Steel Dynamics, it admits bad weather in February could have been the reason for the jump in March shipments. Even if steel companies in general have a good quarter to report, it's very doubtful it has changed the outlook over the next several years. It could be a chance to make some quick money though.

Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) closed at $18.46, gaining $1.00, or 5.73 percent. US Steel closed at $52.74, rising $2.25, or 4.46 percent. Nucor closed at $45.70, jumping $0.92, or 2.05 percent. POSCO ended the session at $110.50, increasing $2.41, or 2.23 percent. ArcelorMittal closed at $34.96, gaining $0.75, or 2.19 percent.

Nucor (NUE) (ZEUS) (STLD) (X) (SCHN) Drop as Commodities Correct

A general correction in commodities prices spurred by the plunge in oil prices pressured the steel sector as well, with Olympic Steel (Nasdaq:ZEUS), Steel Dynamics (Nasdaq:STLD), Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and Schnitzer Steel Industries (NASDAQ:SCHN) all closing down Tuesday.

Crude oil prices for May delivery were down as much as 63 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.62 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract was at $106.01 at 10:14 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday, it dropped $3.67 to $106.25. Prices fell 5.9 percent on April 11 and 12.

The U.S. raised its crude-oil price estimate for 2011 to an average $106.38 a barrel from $101.77 in March, according to the Energy Department’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.

Schnitzer Steel Industries closed Tuesday at $60.59, falling $0.76, or 1.24 percent. Nucor closed at $45.21, down $1.05, or 2.27 percent. Steel Dynamics closed at $18.21, dropping $0.21, or 1.14 percent. Olympic Steel ended the session at $50.52, declining $1.20, or 2.32 percent.

Steel's (PKX) (NUE) (X) (AKS) Pressured on Low Growth Outlook

The steel industry is uninspiring as over the next five years it is expected to grow at a pace of 5 percent or less annually, putting downward pressure on steel producers like POSCO (NYSE:PKX), Nucor (NYSE:NUE), US Steel (NYSE:X) and AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS). And that's the more positive outlook from some analysts.

Many steel companies are being forced to increase prices on their products in order to protect margins and earnings, as the price of inputs and commodities continue to surge.

That's not to say steel demand is declining, because it's not. But rising demand doesn't guarantee rising profits, as the industry is finding out. Weak economies around the world could cut into demand if steel prices and products rise to prohibitive levels.

There's no way to spin this positively. The industry will struggle for years, even in the midst of strong demand as they try to figure out the balance between steel demand, rising inputs, and ability for companies and countries to afford price increases from them.

AK Steel Holding closed Friday at $15.78, falling $0.40, or 2.47 percent. US Steel closed at $52.80, down $0.91, or 1.69 percent. Nucor ended the session at $46.42, dropping $1.05, or 2.21 percent. Posco closed at $112.50, falling $0.05, or 0.04 percent.

U.S. Steel (X) (AKS) (NUE) (RS) Take Breather After Strong Quarter

The pressure on steel companies like United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:X), A.K. Steel Holding Corp. (NYSE:AKS), Nucor Corp. (NYSE:NUE) and Reliance Steel and Aluminum (NYSE:RS) should be just that, as the sector retreated after finishing off a strong first quarter.

Bridget Freas, a Morningstar Inc. market analyst covering the steel and aluminum sector, said, “They had a run-up in share prices in the last couple of days, so what we’re seeing now is most likely just a correction.”

Most analysts seeing the overall industry doing well as they approach earnings season.

Strong demand and the resultant ability to charge higher prices have driven the steel companies up recently, which should continue on, especially as Japan starts to rebuild.

Taking into account U.S. Steels fixed cost structure, along with higher steel prices, suggests they could reveal a good quarter when they report.

U.S. Steel closed Thursday at $53.94, falling $2.37, or 4.21 percent. AK Steel closed at $15.78, dropping $0.50, or 3.07 percent.

US Steel (NYSE:X), AK Steel (NYSE:AKS), Nucor (NYSE:NUE). Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX), Southern Copper (Nasdaq:SCCO) Move Up on China Data

Data from China has has share prices of steel and copper companies soaring today, as US Steel (NYSE:X), AK Steel (NYSE:AKS), Nucor (NYSE:NUE). Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) and Southern Copper (Nasdaq:SCCO) are all up significantly so far in the trading day.

Steel Dynamics (Nasdaq:STLD) was one company that is moving up for different reasons, as Goldman Sachs' (NYSE:GS) positive comments on the company and increase in share price outlook is moving the share price of Steel Dynamics up.

For the steel sector, the movement was based largely on the announcement by Wuhan Steel that they would be boosting prices on its products by $45.50 a ton beginning in March.

Copper companies are getting their boost from China's release of copper import data which showed in January they had increased imports of copper by 25 percent over last year, to 364,240 tons. higher copper prices are also contributing to the performance.

Southern Copper was trading at $44.93, up $0.53, up $1.19 percent, as of 2:11 PM EST. AK Steel was at $16.20, up $0.39, or 2.47 percent. Freeport was at $56.01, gaining $2.49, or 4.65 percent. Nucor was at $48.26, increasing $0.45, or 0.94 percent. US Steel was trading at $60.23, up $1.31, or 2.22 percent. Steel Dynamics was at $19.50, up $0.68, or 3.61 percent.

Shares of US Steel (NYSE:X), AK Steel (NYSE:AKS), Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC) Come Crashing Down

Shares of steel producers US Steel (NYSE:X), AK Steel (NYSE:AKS) and Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC) ended down significantly Friday, as concerns over a stronger US dollar and the possible reversal of rising steel prices motivated investors to take profits while they're still on the table.

Other steel companies were down to end the week, but the above three plunged the most.

Electric-arc furnace operators like Nucor (NYSE:NUE) and Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) weren't under as much pressure, with STLD actually ended slightly up, and Nucor finishing down a little. Lower scrap prices helped prop them up some.

ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT) was also closed down on Friday, but not as drastic as the top three.

ArcelorMittal closed Friday at $36.14, dropping $0.27, or 0.74 percent. Nucor closed at $47.97, falling $0.24, or 0.50 percent. Commercial Metals ended the session at $16.83, down $0.34, or 1.98 percent. AK Steel closed at $15.84, down $0.49, or 3.00 percent. US Steel ended the day at $58.17, losing $2.47, or 4.07 percent. Steel Dynamics closed at $18.95, gaining $0.03, or 0.17 percent.