Steel Winners & Losers: Steel Dynamics

Shares of Steel Dynamics (STLD Quote) led steel producers higher Tuesday after the company beat analysts' fourth-quarter expectations and posted a positive cash flow despite the ongoing recession.

Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Steel Dynamics reported an adjusted loss of 33 cents per share late Monday. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had expected a loss of 38 cents per share.

Steel Dynamics shares surged 16% in afternoon trading Tuesday. It closed at $11.78, up 15%, or $1.54. The stock has ranged from $5.18 to $40.92 over the past year. Citi Investment Research analyst Brian Yu maintained his Buy rating on the stock, noting that the company posted a positive operating cash flow. He also said the company's utilization rate is likely to rise, the stock's valuation is attractive and the fourth quarter "likely marks the worst quarter."

Shares of other steel makers also rose. Pittsburgh-based United States Steel (X Quote) climbed $2.03, or 6.9%, to close at $31.49. Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor (NUE Quote) gained 6.25%, to $39.80. Irving, Texas-based Commercial Metals (CMC Quote) added 75 cents, to $ 11.85....