Nucor vs Steel Dynamics
This page compares Nucor and Steel Dynamics, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral way. Readers gain high‑level insights into operations, strategy, and industry positioning without interpretation. Educational content, not financial advice.
This page compares Nucor and Steel Dynamics, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral way. Readers gain high‑level insights into operations, strat...
Why It's Moving
Nucor Surges on Dividend Hike and Leadership Shuffle Amid Strong Steel Momentum
- Announced a cash dividend increase, marking the 211th consecutive quarterly payout payable February 2026, signaling board confidence in steady cash flows amid steel sector volatility.
- Promoted longtime CFO Stephen Laxton to president and COO as current COO retires, sparking optimism about seamless leadership transition and operational continuity.
- Stock up 10.75% in the past month—beating sector's 4.55%—with analysts issuing Strong Buy ratings and consensus eyeing EPS growth of 71% in the next quarter.
Steel Dynamics surges to 52-week high on analyst upgrades and robust Q3 results signaling steel demand rebound.
- Q3 net sales climbed to $4.8 billion with record 3.6 million tons of steel shipments, driven by metal spread expansion and improved Sinton operations despite lingering import overhang.
- Analysts upbeat: JPMorgan raised target to $190 (neutral), Morgan Stanley to $173 (overweight), fueling 'Moderate Buy' consensus as shares outpace market with 8.48% monthly gain.
- Completed acquisition of remaining 55% in New Process Steel on Dec 1, bolstering value-added metals distribution amid diversification into low-carbon aluminum products.
Nucor Surges on Dividend Hike and Leadership Shuffle Amid Strong Steel Momentum
- Announced a cash dividend increase, marking the 211th consecutive quarterly payout payable February 2026, signaling board confidence in steady cash flows amid steel sector volatility.
- Promoted longtime CFO Stephen Laxton to president and COO as current COO retires, sparking optimism about seamless leadership transition and operational continuity.
- Stock up 10.75% in the past month—beating sector's 4.55%—with analysts issuing Strong Buy ratings and consensus eyeing EPS growth of 71% in the next quarter.
Steel Dynamics surges to 52-week high on analyst upgrades and robust Q3 results signaling steel demand rebound.
- Q3 net sales climbed to $4.8 billion with record 3.6 million tons of steel shipments, driven by metal spread expansion and improved Sinton operations despite lingering import overhang.
- Analysts upbeat: JPMorgan raised target to $190 (neutral), Morgan Stanley to $173 (overweight), fueling 'Moderate Buy' consensus as shares outpace market with 8.48% monthly gain.
- Completed acquisition of remaining 55% in New Process Steel on Dec 1, bolstering value-added metals distribution amid diversification into low-carbon aluminum products.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
Hyundai's American Industrial Build-Out
Hyundai Motor Group is boosting its U.S. investment to $26 billion, targeting automotive, steel, and robotics. This move creates a significant opportunity for American companies that supply, support, and innovate within these expanding industrial sectors.
Published: August 26, 2025
Explore BasketU.S. Protectionism: American Advantage
This carefully selected group of stocks represents companies set to benefit from the new 35% tariff on Canadian imports. Our professional analysts have identified these U.S. businesses as being uniquely positioned to capture greater market share and increase their pricing power as foreign competition becomes more expensive.
Published: July 14, 2025
Explore BasketTrump's Tariff Ripple Effect
These carefully selected stocks represent US companies likely to benefit from expanded tariffs on foreign imports. Our professional analysts have identified domestic manufacturers and steel producers positioned to gain market share as their international competitors face higher costs.
Published: July 11, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
Hyundai's American Industrial Build-Out
Hyundai Motor Group is boosting its U.S. investment to $26 billion, targeting automotive, steel, and robotics. This move creates a significant opportunity for American companies that supply, support, and innovate within these expanding industrial sectors.
Published: August 26, 2025
Explore BasketU.S. Protectionism: American Advantage
This carefully selected group of stocks represents companies set to benefit from the new 35% tariff on Canadian imports. Our professional analysts have identified these U.S. businesses as being uniquely positioned to capture greater market share and increase their pricing power as foreign competition becomes more expensive.
Published: July 14, 2025
Explore BasketTrump's Tariff Ripple Effect
These carefully selected stocks represent US companies likely to benefit from expanded tariffs on foreign imports. Our professional analysts have identified domestic manufacturers and steel producers positioned to gain market share as their international competitors face higher costs.
Published: July 11, 2025
Explore BasketThe Protectionist Pivot
A carefully selected group of US companies positioned to benefit from rising trade barriers and tariffs. These stocks represent businesses with strong domestic operations that may gain advantages as protectionist policies reshape global trade.
Published: July 2, 2025
Explore BasketGreen Building Blocks
Invest in the companies creating essential materials for tomorrow's sustainable buildings. These carefully selected stocks represent producers of eco-friendly building components poised to benefit from stricter environmental codes and growing demand for green construction.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketInvestment Analysis
Nucor
NUE
Pros
- Nucor delivered a strong Q3 2025 earnings beat with EPS of $2.63, surpassing estimates by 18.47%, demonstrating robust profitability.
- The company has a solid market position with a diversified product portfolio, including custom-engineered building products, supporting resilience in steel markets.
- Nucor maintains good financial health, supported by strong cash flow management and a healthy balance sheet, with $1.4 billion year-to-date adjusted net earnings.
Considerations
- Nucor anticipates lower earnings in Q4 2025 due to seasonal demand variations, indicating near-term earnings volatility.
- The stock's beta of around 1.87 suggests higher volatility compared to the broader market, posing greater price fluctuation risks.
- Recent negative EPS guidance for Q4 2025 raises concerns about possible operational or market challenges impacting future profitability.
Steel Dynamics
STLD
Pros
- Steel Dynamics has a lower forward P/E ratio compared to Nucor, indicating relatively more attractive current valuation multiples.
- The company shows solid industry metrics, winning in 8 out of 20 key financial and operational measures versus Nucor.
- Steel Dynamics benefits from a lower beta at about 1.41, suggesting comparatively lower stock price volatility and risk exposure.
Considerations
- Steel Dynamics has a smaller market capitalization around $19 billion, reflecting less scale and market influence than Nucor.
- Enterprise value to EBITDA ratio is higher than Nucor's, indicating potentially less operational efficiency or higher relative valuation.
- Price-to-book ratio is higher than Nucor’s, which may signal a premium valuation and less margin of safety for investors.
Why invest with Nemo?
Zero Commission
Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.
Trusted & Regulated
Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.
6% Interest on Cash
Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.
Discover More Comparisons
Nucor vs ArcelorMittal
Nucor vs ArcelorMittal
Nucor vs Kinross Gold
Nucor vs Kinross Gold
Nucor vs DuPont
Nucor vs DuPont: A neutral comparison