Which Steel Company Stood Out Today?

Steel Dynamics kicked things off today with its conference call to provide more details on its last calendar year. Unlike two of its peers, Steel Dynamics turned a profit in 2012 and remains optimistic regarding its position heading into 2013. Nucor , Motley Fool analyst Taylor Muckerman's favorite pick of these four, saw its earnings plummet 51% year over year, but had positive things to say about lower energy costs due to the use of natural gas and higher shipped tonnage than in 2011. How did the other competitors stack up? Watch the video below to find out.

Bullish on steel? You also might like Peabody Energy's potential
The coal industry in the United States has been in a state of flux since the arrival of a cheaper alternative for energy production: natural gas. Exports are becoming a much bigger part of the domestic coal landscape, and Peabody Energy has deals in place to get its cheaper coal from the Powder River and Illinois Basins to India, China, and the EU. For investors looking to capitalize on a rebound in the U.S. coal market, The Motley Fool has authored a special new premium report detailing exactly why Peabody Energy is perhaps most worthy of your consideration. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource -- simply click here now to claim your copy today.

The article Which Steel Company Stood Out Today? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Taylor Muckerman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Ford and Nucor. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.