Universal Stainless Announces Base Price Increase on Premium Products

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (USAP) raises base prices by 7-12% on premium products to support specialty steel markets.

Market Research Analyst

The recent announcement by Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. regarding the base price increase of 7 – 12% on premium products is a strategic move that reflects the current state of the specialty steel market. The decision to adjust prices can be attributed to several factors, including rising raw material costs, energy expenses and the need to sustain investment in production capabilities to meet market demand.

From a market perspective, this price increase could indicate a robust demand for specialty steel products, which may lead to increased revenue for the company. However, it's also essential to consider the competitive landscape. If competitors do not follow suit with similar price increases, Universal Stainless & Alloy Products may risk losing market share. The price hike might also affect the purchasing decisions of key customers, especially if they operate in cost-sensitive industries.

Long-term, the company's ability to maintain profit margins while investing in production capabilities could position it favorably if the demand for specialty steel continues to grow. However, stakeholders should monitor the company's quarterly financials to assess the impact of this pricing strategy on sales volume and overall profitability.

Financial Analyst

A base price increase in the range of 7 – 12% is quite significant and is likely to have a positive impact on Universal Stainless & Alloy Products' gross margins, assuming that sales volume remains stable or grows. It's important to note that the company has decided to maintain its current material and energy surcharges, which suggests that they are managing to pass on the increased costs to their customers without absorbing them internally, a positive sign for their financial health.

Investors should closely watch the company's next earnings report to evaluate the effectiveness of this pricing strategy. If the increase translates into higher net income without a substantial loss in market share, it could be viewed favorably by the market. On the other hand, if the price increase leads to a significant drop in sales, the stock could be negatively affected.

Additionally, the company's commentary on continued investments to support specialty steel markets is a signal that they are focusing on long-term growth. This strategy could potentially lead to an expanded product offering and increased market penetration, contributing to shareholder value over time.

Commodity Analyst

The price increase by Universal Stainless & Alloy Products falls within a broader context of commodity price fluctuations and the volatility of the steel market. Specialty steels often have cyclical demand patterns that correlate with industrial and construction activity. The price adjustment could be a response to these macroeconomic factors, as well as a reaction to the cost pressures from raw materials such as iron ore, nickel and chromium, which are crucial in the production of specialty steel.

Understanding the commodity market dynamics is essential for stakeholders as it provides insights into potential future price adjustments and supply chain considerations. If the input costs continue to rise, further price adjustments could be expected. Conversely, if commodity prices stabilize or fall, the company might face pressure to reduce prices, impacting profitability.

The company's decision to implement a price increase immediately suggests a confidence in their market positioning and negotiation power with customers. Stakeholders should consider the implications of this move on the company's ability to navigate raw material cost volatility and its resilience against potential downturns in the steel market.

BRIDGEVILLE, Pa., Feb. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAP) today announced a base price increase of 7 – 12% on premium products. The increase goes into effect immediately. Current material and energy surcharges will remain in effect.

Brian Kane, Vice President Sales & Marketing, commented “The price adjustment is necessary to continue investments needed to support the demand from specialty steel markets.”

About Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., established in 1994 and headquartered in Bridgeville, PA, manufactures and markets semi-finished and finished specialty steels, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, tool steel and certain other alloyed steels. The Company's products are used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, and heavy equipment manufacturing. More information is available at www.univstainless.com.

Forward-Looking Information Safe Harbor

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks include, among others, the Company’s ability to maintain its relationships with its significant customers and market segments; the Company’s response to competitive factors in its industry that may adversely affect the market for finished products manufactured by the Company or its customers; the Company’s ability to compete successfully with domestic and foreign producers of specialty steel products and products fashioned from alternative materials; changes in overall demand for the Company’s products and the prices at which the Company is able to sell its products in the aerospace industry, from which a substantial amount of our sales is derived; the Company’s ability to develop, commercialize, market and sell new applications and new products; the receipt, pricing and timing of future customer orders; the impact of changes in the Company’s product mix on the Company’s profitability; the Company’s ability to maintain the availability of raw materials and operating supplies with acceptable pricing; the availability and pricing of electricity, natural gas and other sources of energy that the Company needs for the manufacturing of its products; risks related to property, plant and equipment, including the Company’s reliance on the continuing operation of critical manufacturing equipment; the Company’s success in timely concluding collective bargaining agreements and avoiding strikes or work stoppages; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; the Company’s ongoing requirement for continued compliance with laws and regulations, including applicable safety and environmental regulations; the ultimate outcome of the Company’s current and future litigation matters; the Company’s ability to meet its debt service requirements and to comply with applicable financial covenants; risks associated with conducting business with suppliers and customers in foreign countries; public health issues, including COVID-19 and its uncertain impact on our facilities and operations and our customers and suppliers and the effectiveness of the Company’s actions taken in response to these risks; risks related to acquisitions that the Company may make; the Company’s ability to protect its information technology infrastructure against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches; the impact on the Company’s effective tax rates from changes in tax rules, regulations and interpretations in the United States and other countries where it does business; and the impact of various economic, credit and market risk uncertainties. Many of these factors are not within the Company’s control and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance suggested herein. Any unfavorable change in the foregoing or other factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, the Company operates in an industry sector where securities values may be volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Certain of these risks and other risks are described in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, copies of which are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company.

CONTACTS:	Christopher M. Zimmer	Steven V. DiTommaso	June Filingeri
	President and	Vice President and	President
	Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer	Comm-Partners LLC
	(412) 257-7604	(412) 257-7661	(203) 972-0186

Why did Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. announce a base price increase?

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. announced a base price increase of 7-12% on premium products to support the demand from specialty steel markets.

When does the price increase go into effect?

The price increase goes into effect immediately.

Who commented on the price adjustment?

Brian Kane, Vice President Sales & Marketing, commented on the price adjustment.