BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) share price sinks 9%

BlueScope Steel shares have fallen around 9% on another volatile day.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The BlueScope share price has fallen heavily today
  • It fell 9% today, meaning it’s down more than 11% in 2022
  • UBS still rates the business as a buy, but recognises the changing environment

The BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) share price share price has fallen more than 8% today, making it one of the worst performers in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Looking at the overall performance of the ASX, the ASX 200 fell around 0.8% today.

The steelmaker has actually seen its shares fall by 11% this year, so its fall today represented a majority of the decline that it has seen in 2022.

Graph showing a fall in share price.

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on with the BlueScope Steel share price?

There was no material news out from the company today.

Interestingly, steel prices have been rising in recent days amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to reporting by Bloomberg, several large steel producers in Ukraine have closed because of the war. It's normally a top-five exporter of steel to the EU, so this could cause supplies to tighten further there. Russian steel producers are also facing difficulties to export.

Data from Kallanish Commodities shows that EU steel prices jumped 22% to 1,160 euros a tonne.

However, iron ore prices have also been increasing. Iron ore prices have reportedly reached six-month highs of US$156.

Broker thoughts

UBS has just released a note that acknowledged the increasing costs that BlueScope is facing, which is expected to hurt profitability in FY22 and FY23. But the broker still rates the business as a buy w9th a price target of $25.75 based on a slightly better outlook in the longer-term.

BlueScope share price snapshot and valuation

Based on UBS' latest estimates, the BlueScope share price is now valued at 8x FY23's estimated earnings.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

A businesswoman pulls her glasses down in shock to look at the bad news on her computer.
Share Fallers

Why Bank of Queensland, Brainchip, Pilbara Minerals, and Yancoal shares are sinking today

These ASX shares are being hammered on Tuesday.

Read more »

a middle-aged woman holds up two fingers with a wide mouthed smile on her face and wide open eyes.
Share Fallers

'Top quality': Expert picks 2 ASX 200 shares to buy at a nice discount

These stocks are down but not out. One portfolio manager is convinced they'll make you richer in the long run.

Read more »

a group of business people sit dejectedly around a table, each expressing desolation, sadness and disappointment by holding their head in their hands, casting their gazes down and looking very glum.
Share Fallers

Why Atlantic Lithium, Arafura, Brainchip, and Core Lithium shares are falling

These ASX shares are starting the week in the red.

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Atlantic Lithium, CBA, Piedmont Lithium, and Pilbara Minerals shares are dropping

These ASX shares are ending the week deep in the red.

Read more »

Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.
Share Fallers

Golden buying opportunity for 2 ASX shares slashed last month: Celeste

Here's a pair of businesses that are going pretty strong but whose stock prices are in a dip, ready now…

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why 29Metals, BHP, Helia, and Rio Tinto shares are dropping today

Here's why these ASX shares are weighing on the market's performance on Thursday.

Read more »

a woman holds her hands to her temples as she sits in front of a computer screen with a concerned look on her face.
Share Fallers

Why Nuix, Smartgroup, Ventia, and Woodside shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on the ASX boards on Wednesday.

Read more »

A woman looks distressed as she stares dramatically at her phone
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, Lynas, Megaport, and Universal Store shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Tuesday.

Read more »