KeyBanc Notes Worthington Steel to Acquire Kloeckner
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 16 2026
0mins
KeyBanc notes that Worthington Steel announced it has entered into a Business Combination Agreement to acquire Kloeckner, in what the firm views as a "highly transformative" deal. While KeyBanc is still in the process of refining its estimates, it is possible that Worthington Steel will outline combined EPS power of about $5/share within two to three years. Assuming net leverage about 2.5-times by the end of FY28, Worthington Steel would be trading at 5.0-5.5 times aspirational EBITDA. This would equate to potential for shares to reach/exceed $60, or more than 50% upside, with time if execution successfully unfolds and macro conditions cooperate, the firm argues. KeyBanc has an Overweight rating on Worthington Steel.
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Analyst Views on WS
Wall Street analysts forecast WS stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WS is 39.00 USD with a low forecast of 39.00 USD and a high forecast of 39.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 40.150
Low
39.00
Averages
39.00
High
39.00
Current: 40.150
Low
39.00
Averages
39.00
High
39.00
About WS
Worthington Steel, Inc. is a metal processor that partners with customers to deliver technical and customized solutions. The Company specializes in carbon flat-roll steel processing, electrical steel laminations and tailored-welded solutions. Its value-added processing capabilities include galvanizing, pickling, configured blanking, specialty cold reduction, lightweighting and electrical lamination. The Company operates approximately 38 facilities in seven states and 10 countries. It serves its customers primarily by processing flat-rolled steel coils, which it sources primarily from various North American steel mills, into the precise type, thickness, length, width, shape, and surface quality required by customer specifications. Its steel products include Hot Rolled Steel, cold rolled steel, and galvanized steel. The Company also produces electric motor laminations. The Company serves various end markets, including automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, construction, and energy.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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Worthington Steel (WS) Enters Acquisition Agreement with Kloeckner & Co, Shares Surge 6.9%
- Acquisition Agreement: Worthington Steel Inc has entered into a Business Combination Agreement with Kloeckner & Co, planning a voluntary public offer to acquire all outstanding shares at €11 per share ($12.8), with management support and existing leadership expected to remain post-closing, thereby enhancing the company's market position and future growth potential.
- Stock Surge: Following the acquisition announcement, Worthington Steel's shares jumped 6.9% to $41.43, reflecting positive market expectations and increased investor confidence, which may provide financial support for the company's future developments.
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- Positive Market Reaction: The overall market showed mixed performance, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining around 100 points, demonstrating continued investor interest and confidence in tech stocks, which may create a favorable market environment for Worthington Steel's acquisition plans.
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