Ternium: Can Regional Barriers Keep Margins Safe?

  • Ternium thrives as a regional steel spread player, balancing iron ore costs against HRC prices and exposure to nearshoring and potential market protection in Mexico and Brazil. The stock's valuation reflects expectations for margin normalization; upside exists if steel spreads recover, but downside risk remains if spreads stay compressed. Key risks include exposure to open markets vulnerable to Chinese dumping, legal liabilities in Brazil, and currently negative free cash flow yield due to cyclical headwinds.