Highlights
- Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in United States Steel during the fourth quarter.
- Hedge funds and institutional investors collectively own over 80% of the company’s stock.
- The company posted a quarterly loss, but maintains a structured dividend strategy.
Institutional Investment Activity
United States Steel Co. (NYSE:X) has experienced a series of institutional adjustments in recent months. Rhumbline Advisers expanded its stake in the company by 0.5% during the fourth quarter, bringing its total holdings to over 624,000 shares, valued at approximately $21 million. This increase represents a minor yet strategic shift in its overall portfolio.
Other financial firms have also altered their stakes in United States Steel. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings by 26.4%, securing nearly 477,000 shares. Capital Advisors Inc. OK entered with a new position, and the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its stake by 0.8%, reflecting a continued presence in the company’s stock. Additional adjustments include Byrne Asset Management LLC, which increased its holdings substantially, reinforcing institutional interest. Overall, financial institutions collectively hold approximately 81.92% of United States Steel's publicly traded shares.
Stock Performance and Market Trends
United States Steel shares recently opened at approximately $37, with fluctuations between a low of $26 and a high of $48 over the past year. The company maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, along with a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.55, reflecting a structured approach to liquidity management.
The stock’s fifty-day moving average stands at $35, while its two-hundred-day moving average remains around $36. These figures indicate a moderate level of price stability over recent months. United States Steel currently holds a market capitalization exceeding $8 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.46. The company's beta value, recorded at 1.86, suggests a stock performance that fluctuates in line with broader market conditions.
Earnings Report and Dividend Strategy
United States Steel's most recent earnings report revealed a per-share loss of $0.18, which was below projections. The company’s net margin stands at 2.46%, while return on equity is recorded at 4.27%. Despite this, the company maintains an annualized dividend payout of $0.20 per share, offering a dividend yield of approximately 0.53%. The next quarterly dividend distribution is scheduled for March 12th.
While financial challenges remain, the company continues to generate steady revenue and maintains a structured approach to shareholder returns through dividends. Projections for the current fiscal year estimate an earnings per share of approximately 1.43.
Company Profile and Business Operations
United States Steel Corporation operates within multiple segments, including North American Flat-Rolled, Mini Mill, U.S. Steel Europe, and Tubular Products. The company is a key producer of flat-rolled and tubular steel products, serving industries across North America and Europe. The Flat-Rolled division provides a variety of steel solutions, including slabs, strip mill plates, sheets, and tin mill products, reinforcing the company's role in steel manufacturing and supply.
With continued institutional participation, structured financial strategies, and an established presence in the industry, United States Steel remains an important player in the evolving steel market.