AKS - Sector: Basic Materials --- Industry: Iron & Steel

[setravis]

AK Steel 1st-quarter profit soars.......
said on Today first-quarter profit rose more than 10 times its year-earlier result on higher steel prices and shipments as well as reduced labor costs.

In its first-quarter earnings release, AK Steel said net earnings were $62.7 million, or 56 cents per share, compared with $6.2 million, or 6 cents per share, a year earlier.

Sales in the quarter rose to $1.72 billion from $1.44 billion last year and steel shipments rose about 4.5 percent to 1.596 million tons, the company said.


52wk Range: 11.11 - 30.28
Volume: 8,449,100
Avg Vol (3m): 3,480,710

Technicals
Record Price High
Most Actives
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
17.87%above 13-day MA
32.61%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 98 

Fundamentals
Reports Earnings
Earnings Expected on Apr 24

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $3,146.07 
P/E Ratio: 265.58 
PEG Ratio: 0.72 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Equal-weight

[setravis]

Worth the time to put up Today's closing chart.......

[shaker340]

Just looking back at some stocks I used to own.  Bought and sold both between $7-8, ....now $33.99(deep deep SIGH)   I sure miss Melf Elf

[setravis]

Press Release Source: AK Steel


AK Steel Announces Second Quarter 2007 Earnings Date
Wednesday June 20, 10:03 am ET


MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AK Steel (NYSE: AKS - News) said today it plans to release second quarter 2007 earnings results at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 24, 2007.


In conjunction with its earnings release, AK Steel will provide live listening access on the Internet to its analyst conference call to be held at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on July 24, 2007. Access to the webcast will be available from the home page of the company's Web site at www.aksteel.com. The webcast will be archived on the company's Web site following the call until August 1, 2007 and will be accessible from the home page.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: AK Steel

[setravis]

Profiting from,
the roll on Metals...
MACD has stayed well above center for a nice span of time, also has the centerline suppressed
1st bounce off the 50-day MA now bouncing off the 13-day MA
Nice action ! 

52wk Range: 11.57 - 37.70
Volume: 4,033,225
Avg Vol (3m): 3,764,260

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
7.83%above 13-day MA
16.41%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 98 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $3,928.40 
P/E Ratio: 57.49 
PEG Ratio: 0.655 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Equal-weight

[setravis]

AK Steel Might Deliver Upside Earnings Surprise.......
The company has apparently been successful in reducing its costs such that it is now possible that they had operating earnings of more than $100 a ton in the second quarter. This could bring earnings to $0.78 a share, a material improvement compared to firm's previous forecast of $0.63 a share and the consensus estimate of $0.68.



52wk Range: 11.57 - 39.95
Volume: 1,544,300
Avg Vol (3m): 3,746,750

Technicals
Record Price High

Last Price Quote is:
3.68%above 13-day MA
13.35%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 97 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Jul 24

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,403.73 
P/E Ratio: 64.45 
PEG Ratio: 0.75 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Equal-weight

[setravis]

AK Steel Might Deliver Upside Earnings Surprise.......
The company has apparently been successful in reducing its costs such that it is now possible that they had operating earnings of more than $100 a ton in the second quarter. This could bring earnings to $0.78 a share, a material improvement compared to firm's previous forecast of $0.63 a share and the consensus estimate of $0.68.

AP
AK Steel Reports Record 2Q Profits
Tuesday July 24, 10:36 am ET
By Terry Kinney, Associated Press Writer 
AK Steel Reports Record 2Q Profits With Labor Troubles Behind It


CINCINNATI (AP) -- AK Steel Holding Corp. said Tuesday that second-quarter earnings more than tripled on record sales and shipments, compared with a year ago when the steelmaker was four months into a yearlong lockout at its biggest plant.

Net income for the three months ended June 30 was $109.9 million, or 98 cents a share, compared with $29.1 million, or 26 cents a share, a year ago. Net sales were a record $1.87 billion on shipments of 1.7 million tons, compared with $1.5 billion on shipments of 1.6 million tons a year ago.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial were looking for profits of 70 cents per share.

Shares rose $1.47, or 3.8 percent, to $40.10 in early trading Tuesday. Shares have sold from $11.57 to $40.48 in the past year.

The company reported a pretax, non-cash charge of $24.7 million related to a new labor agreement at the Middletown Works. Excluding that charge, operating profit was $212.1 million, or $124 per ton.

"AK Steel's excellent second quarter results reflect strong shipment levels and prices for our products, an outstanding operating performance, and our unrelenting efforts to reduce costs," said James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and chief executive of AK Steel.

Net income for the first six months of 2007 was $172.6 million, or $1.55 a share, compared with $35.3 million, or 32 cents a share, a year ago. Sales were $3.59 billion in the first half of the year, compared with $2.93 billion in 2006.

AK Steel operated its largest mill, the Middletown Works, with replacement workers and salaried personnel throughout the second quarter of 2006. Locked-out hourly production and maintenance workers ratified a new agreement in March that goes through September 2011, and the mill has been operating with about 1,000 fewer workers than under the old contract.

The company said it will use cash reserves to pay $150 million in debt due in February 2009. About $225 million of the original $450 million in notes was redeemed in March, and another $75 million in May.

"Enhancing shareholder value by reducing our debt to strengthen our balance sheet continues to be a high priority for AK Steel," Wainscott said.

AK announced on Monday that it will make a $70 million contribution to its pension fund this month, ahead of schedule. About 32,000 former employees or their surviving spouses receive benefits.

AK Steel makes flat-rolled carbon steel and stainless and electrical steel used in cars and appliances. The company's headquarters and largest mill are in Middletown, about 30 miles north of Cincinnati, and it has smaller plants in Zanesville, Mansfield and Coshocton, Ohio; Ashland, Ky.; Rockport, Ind.; and Butler, Pa.

AK Steel: http://www.aksteel.com

[setravis]

AK Steel Reports Record 2Q Profits

Rock on AKS.......
Earnings up last 4 quarters.

52wk Range: 11.57 - 41.87
Volume: 5,072,075
Avg Vol (3m): 3,797,470

Technicals
MACD - Bullish

Last Price Quote is:
5.71%above 13-day MA
14.75%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 97 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,272.37 
P/E Ratio: 62.53 
PEG Ratio: 0.76 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Equal-weight

[setravis]

Two weeks ago the stock hit a 52-week high
and since then has pulled back substantially.
I believe this dip to be a good buy opportunity...JMHO of course...

52wk Range: 13.94 - 41.87
Volume: 1,887,600
Avg Vol (3m): 3,411,990

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
-1.97%below 13-day MA
-1.79%below 50-day MA
RS Rating: 80 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $3,803.13 
P/E Ratio: 25.60 
PEG Ratio: 0.55 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Equal-weight

[setravis]

Two weeks ago the stock hit a 52-week high
and since then has pulled back substantially.
I believe this dip to be a good buy opportunity...JMHO of course...

Oversold (Long Recommendation).......
This stock is oversold. Good ratings from Schwab, GS and Barrons !

52wk Range: 11.57 - 41.87
Volume: 1,740,000
Avg Vol (3m): 3,501,090

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
2.84%above 13-day MA
-1.68%below 50-day MA
RS Rating: 82 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $3,594.69 
P/E Ratio: 24.20 
PEG Ratio: 0.525 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Equal-weight

[setravis]

AP
Sector Snap: Steel Producers
Tuesday August 21, 12:17 pm ET 
Steel Producers Up With Broader Market Rise and Credit Suisse Outlook for Strong Demand


NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of steel producers rose Tuesday, buoyed by the broader market and better rating on the sector from a Credit Suisse analyst.
Analyst Michael Shillaker upgraded the steel sector to "Overweight" from "Market Weight," saying a current steel destocking trend points to an upcoming period of accelerating demand growth. The analyst said 2008 and 2009 could be robust years for steel prices and volumes.


Global demand growth drivers such as urban development, infrastructure rebuilding, commodity and energy shortages are likely to continue, added Shillaker.

The analyst noted he might be a bit early with his call, and said investors could use the next couple of months to slowly build up positions. He particularly recommends Arcelor Mittal.

Shares of the company, which is currently working toward a combination of Mittal Steel Co. with Arcelor SA, rose 76 cents to $57.28.

Chaparral Steel Co. shares picked up 55 cents at $84.66. Nucor Corp. shares rose 89 cents to $50.50, while United States Steel Corp. shares jumped $3.54, or 4.2 percent, to $87.90.

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. shares added $2.51, or 5.3 percent, at $48.88, AK Steel Holding Corp. shares rose 63 cents to $32.62 and Allegheny Technologies Inc. shares jumped $3.20, or 3.4 percent, to $97.27.

Arcelor Mittal shares climbed $1.34, or 2.4 percent, to $57.86 and Steel Dynamics Inc. jumped $1.34, or 3.5 percent, to $39.33. Worthington Industries Inc. shares added 23 cents at $20.68.

[setravis]

Two weeks ago the stock hit a 52-week high
and since then has pulled back substantially.
I believe this dip to be a good buy opportunity...JMHO of course...

Oversold (Long Recommendation).......
This stock is oversold. Good ratings from Schwab, GS and Barrons !

Shares of Metals Producers Rise With Broader Market on Rate Cut Hopes
52wk Range: 11.57 - 41.87
Volume: 2,982,700
Avg Vol (3m): 3,452,360
Market Cap: 4.59B
P/E (ttm): 30.65
EPS (ttm): 1.34

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
9.51%above 13-day MA
13.30%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 93 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,458.53 
P/E Ratio: 30.02 
PEG Ratio: 0.62 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral

[setravis]

AP
Sector Glance: Industrial Metals
Tuesday September 4, 4:19 pm ET 
Shares of Metals Producers Rise With Broader Market on Rate Cut Hopes


NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of some industrial metals producers rose Tuesday, following the broader market up on hopes that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month.
Citi analyst John H. Hill, in a client note, said shares of industrial metals miners have been jittery lately, as investors react to the market's mood swings on a possible Federal Reserve rate cut.

 
Many investors and analysts believe the Fed will cut its key interest rate to help the credit market, which is facing diminished liquidity. Chairman Ben Bernanke has said the central bank will do everything it can to keep the markets in check.

Industrial metals prices are closely linked to expectations of global economic growth, as demand for these metals tends to rise during periods of expansion.

Hill said industrial metals that are in high demand in developing China -- which includes copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum -- should be protected against dramatic downturns in the U.S. economy.

Copper for December delivery fell $9.10 to end at $3.306 per pound on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Here's a look at how shares of some industrial metals producers performed Tuesday.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. shares rose $3.63, or 4.2 percent, to $91.05, and BHP Billiton Ltd. shares added $1.07 to $64.22.

Rio Tinto PLC shares surged $9.30, or 3.4 percent, to $284.10, and Century Aluminum Co. shares added $1.21, or 2.5 percent, to $50.39.

Chaparral Steel Co. shares rose 18 cents to $85.68, and Worthington Industries Inc. shares added 39 cents to $21.55.

[setravis]

• UPDATE - AK Steel settles retiree suit, shares jump !


AP
AK Steel to Settle Suit Over Health Care
Monday October 8, 9:18 am ET 
AK Steel to Settle Lawsuit Over Plan to Charge Retirees With Some Health Care Costs


WEST CHESTER, Ohio (AP) -- AK Steel Holding Corp. has agreed to settle a lawsuit over a plan to charge retirees from its Middletown Works plant some of the cost of health care benefits, the company said Monday.
The agreement calls for AK Steel to transfer its health care obligations for the covered retirees to a Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association trust, which will be managed by the retirees, the company said.

The settlement covers about 4,600 retirees and must be approved by the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, where the retirees had filed their suit.

AK Steel will initially fund the trust with a contribution of $468 million, and with three subsequent annual contributions of $65 million each, the company said.

The initial contribution will take place in the first quarter of 2008, the company said.


Stock was oversold and took a great bounce off support.
Indicators looking very nice.
Price action with some great looking volume.


52wk Range: 12.63 - 44.98
Volume: 1,912,500
Avg Vol (3m): 3,186,590

Technicals
Record Price High
Close Above the 13-day MA
Most Actives
Percentage Gainer
Price Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
12.19%above 13-day MA
20.22%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 93 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,790.70 
P/E Ratio: 32.25 
PEG Ratio: 0.655 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral

[setravis]

Two weeks ago the stock hit a 52-week high
and since then has pulled back substantially.
I believe this dip to be a good buy opportunity...JMHO of course...

Oversold (Long Recommendation).......
This stock is oversold. Good ratings from Schwab, GS and Barrons !

Shares of Metals Producers Rise With Broader Market on Rate Cut Hopes
52wk Range: 11.57 - 41.87
Volume: 2,982,700
Avg Vol (3m): 3,452,360
Market Cap: 4.59B
P/E (ttm): 30.65
EPS (ttm): 1.34

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
9.51%above 13-day MA
13.30%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 93 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,458.53 
P/E Ratio: 30.02 
PEG Ratio: 0.62 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral

Press Release Source: AK Steel


Webcast Alert: AK Steel Announces Third Quarter 2007 Earnings Webcast
Tuesday October 16, 7:30 am ET


WEST CHESTER, Ohio, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AK Steel (NYSE: AKS - News) announces the following Webcast:

    What:     AK Steel's Third Quarter 2007 Conference Call

    When:     October 23, 2007 @ 11:00 a.m. Eastern

    Where:    www.aksteel.com

    How:      Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the
              address above.

The webcast will be archived on the company's Web site following the call until October 30, 2007 and will be accessible from the home page. This webcast is copyrighted by AK Steel. All rights reserved. Any form of copying, rebroadcast, webcast or other distribution without express written permission is prohibited.

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: AK Steel
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52wk Range: 13.94 - 51.19
Volume: 969,400
Avg Vol (3m): 3,334,410

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
8.00%above 13-day MA
20.25%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 95 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Oct 23

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $5,521.90 
P/E Ratio: 37.18 
PEG Ratio: 0.74 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral