- U.S. Steel (X +13.5%) soars the day after its Q4 earnings crushed expectations and reporting a strong quarter and year despite extreme headwinds, providing confidence that it can handle whatever 2015 brings.
- Although the company warned that low oil prices and the strong U.S. dollar could negatively impact its business in 2015, it said the potential for higher consumer spending could help lift demand.
- Credit Suisse calls it “another impressive quarter within the context of a challenging operating environment” but maintains a Market Perform rating and $31 price target on the stock.
- UBS keeps its rating at Neutral but cuts its price target to $25 from $32, saying X's competitive position worsens as imports ramp up, oil capex falls and iron ore prices weaken while conceding that guidance provides some validation that the Carnegie project is delivering more sustainable operating profit than in the past (Briefing.com).
- Cowen maintains an Outperform rating and $40 target.