JPMorgan analyst Michael Gambardella noted that ArcelorMittal (MT) raised its hot-rolled sheet pricing by $40 per ton, to $600 per ton, last night and he continues to think that supply cuts in the U.S. from both capacity curtailments and lower imports should support higher U.S. steel prices. The Trump administration's impact on trade could be "much quicker and more meaningful" than its infrastructure plans, said Gambardella, who raised his price targets on several stocks in the U.S. steel industry. He increased his target on AK Steel (AKS) to $11 from $8.50, on Nucor (NUE) to $70 from $59, on Steel Dynamics (STLD) to $41 from $31, on U.S. Steel (X) to $37 from $29 and on Cliffs Natural (CLF) to $10 from $7, while keeping Overweight ratings on all five stocks.

JPMorgan raised the firm's price target on Nucor to $195 from $180 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The analyst expects improved earnings quarter-over-quarter in Q1 on higher realized lagged contract pricing and seasonally stronger shipments, namely for sheet products. The firm feels integrated steel mills could see better than expected auto shipments offset weak service center activity while mini mills should see further easing in downstream earnings driven by both seasonality and realized pricing yet to stabilize.

Deutsche Bank downgraded ArcelorMittal (MT) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $31, down from $34. The stock has recovered after the cyclical crunch last year, supported by the removal of some overhang risks - including the Kazakhstan mill divestment post the severe accident and possible involvement in the U.S. Steel (X) bidding process - as well as the rebound in the cycle and intensified share buybacks, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm adds however that the demand rebound in many core markets remains soft, as Chinese data remains weak and continues to weigh on steel and iron ore markets.