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Nucor vs Steel Dynamics
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Comparative Analysis
NUE wins this head-to-head comparison, outperforming STLD primarily on profitability metrics and a slightly more favorable analyst sentiment. While both companies operate in similar industrial sectors and show comparable valuation multiples, NUE's superior return on equity and return on assets, coupled with a stronger analyst consensus, give it the edge. STLD's higher revenue growth is notable, but NUE's ability to translate that into profit is more efficient. The technical setups are very similar, offering no clear advantage to either. Both companies are trading within their 52-week ranges, with NUE currently closer to its 52-week high than STLD. NUE's recent earnings performance has been more consistently positive in terms of price reaction, despite STLD's larger revenue growth. The dividend yields are nearly identical, providing no differentiation. Ultimately, NUE's stronger profitability profile and more positive analyst outlook make it the preferred choice.
Key Differentiator
The most significant differentiator between NUE and STLD is their profitability efficiency. Although STLD shows higher revenue growth, NUE demonstrates a superior ability to convert assets into profits, reflected in its higher return on assets. This operational efficiency, combined with a slightly more favorable analyst consensus and a more consistent track record of positive earnings surprises, positions NUE as the more compelling investment from a profitability and analyst sentiment standpoint.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for both NUE and STLD appears cautiously optimistic, supported by their current trading above key moving averages and positive RSI levels. NUE is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by its strong profitability and analyst favor, with potential upside towards its median target of $286.50. A scenario where NUE continues to beat earnings estimates could see it challenge its 52-week high. STLD's outlook is also positive, with potential to reach its median target of $272.00, especially if it can demonstrate more consistent earnings performance and leverage its revenue growth effectively. However, a failure to improve earnings consistency could cap its upside. In a strong economic environment, both companies could see significant gains. Conversely, a downturn in industrial demand or rising input costs could pressure both stocks. NUE's stronger profitability may offer more resilience in a challenging market, while STLD's higher revenue growth could lead to a faster recovery in a bullish scenario. Investors should watch for earnings reports and macroeconomic indicators impacting the industrial sector.
Price Analysis Comparison
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio | 20.05 | 21.75 |
| Market Cap | 56.79B | 34.17B |
| Price/Sales | 1.58 | 1.67 |
| Price/Book | 2.58 | 3.66 |
| EV/EBITDA | 10.82 | 13.96 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 0.88% |
NUE and STLD present very similar valuation profiles, with NUE trading at a P/E of 20.05 and STLD at 21.75. Both are trading above their 200-day moving averages, indicating a bullish long-term trend. NUE's price is currently 250.33, which is below its 52-week high of 280.11 but significantly above its 52-week low of 131.32. STLD's price of 238.38 is also below its 52-week high of 288.74 and above its 52-week low of 140.87. The median analyst target for NUE is $286.50, suggesting approximately 14.45% upside, while STLD's median target is $272.00, implying about 14.11% upside. Both stocks exhibit strong momentum, with RSI values near 58.5 and positive CCI scores, indicating bullish sentiment.
Profitability & Efficiency
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Rev. Growth (Qtly) | 23.00% | 33.40% |
| Profit Margin | 7.99% | 7.83% |
| Return on Equity | 14.55% | 17.57% |
| Return on Assets | 7.32% | 7.87% |
| Debt/Equity | 30.51 | 46.92 |
NUE exhibits superior profitability compared to STLD. NUE's net profit margin stands at 7.99%, slightly higher than STLD's 7.83%. More significantly, NUE's return on equity (ROE) is 14.55%, which is lower than STLD's 17.57%, but NUE's return on assets (ROA) is 7.32%, surpassing STLD's 7.87%. This suggests NUE is more effective at generating profits from its assets. Both companies offer comparable dividend yields, with NUE at approximately 0.89% and STLD at 0.88%, providing little differentiation for income-focused investors.
Earnings Reality Check
NUE
Last 5 Qs: NUE beat estimates 4x out of 5. Rose 3x after beats.
STLD
Last 4 Qs: STLD beat estimates 3x out of 4. Rose 2x after beats.
Technical Indicators
| Indicator | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| RSI (14) | 58.46 | 58.48 |
| 50-Day MA | $255.23 | $241.36 |
| 200-Day MA | $216.87 | $218.47 |
Both NUE and STLD display similar technical profiles, indicating a bullish trend. Their RSI values are nearly identical at 58.46 for NUE and 58.48 for STLD, suggesting strong momentum without being overbought. Both stocks are trading above their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, confirming upward trends. NUE's 50-day SMA is 255.23 and its 200-day SMA is 216.87, while STLD's 50-day SMA is 241.36 and its 200-day SMA is 218.47. The MACD for NUE is -1.95 and for STLD is -1.15, both indicating a slight bearish divergence but within a generally positive trend. STLD's stochastic oscillator at 73.90 is less extended than NUE's at 81.65, suggesting slightly more room for upward movement in STLD from this indicator's perspective.
AI Analyst Sentiment
Technical rating: based on current price action versus moving averages and momentum. This measures short-term chart trend, not analyst opinion or company fundamentals.
NUE
Technical Score: 55/100
STLD
Technical Score: 68/100
Analyst sentiment slightly favors NUE. NUE has a 'Strong Buy' rating from 3 analysts and 10 'Buy' ratings, totaling 13 buy-side recommendations against only 1 'Sell'. STLD has 2 'Strong Buy' ratings and 7 'Buy' ratings, with 1 'Sell' rating, totaling 9 buy-side recommendations. The median analyst target for NUE is $286.50, while STLD's is $272.00, both suggesting upside potential but with NUE's target being slightly higher. This indicates a more optimistic outlook from the analyst community for NUE.
Note: While STLD shows stronger short-term technical momentum (Buy 68/100), the AI comparative analysis favors NUE (Hold 55/100) based on its overall trend structure, fundamentals, and risk-adjusted outlook.
Risk Stratification
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (Volatility) | 1.85 | 1.49 |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.66 | 0.85 |
For NUE, a key risk lies in its reliance on consistent earnings beats to maintain its upward price momentum, as evidenced by the strong positive reaction to its recent EPS surprise. A future earnings miss could trigger a significant price correction. Additionally, while its ROA is strong, its ROE is lower than STLD's, suggesting potential inefficiencies in leveraging shareholder equity. For STLD, the primary risk is its inconsistent earnings performance, including a notable miss in the December 2025 quarter, which could deter investor confidence. Its higher revenue growth is positive, but if it cannot translate this into sustained profitability, the stock may underperform. Both companies face risks associated with broader economic slowdowns impacting industrial demand.
Comparative ProTips
- Consider NUE for its superior operational efficiency and more consistent earnings delivery, which are key drivers for long-term value.
- Monitor STLD's ability to consistently translate its higher revenue growth into profitability; any improvement here could narrow the performance gap.
- Given the similar technical setups and dividend yields, focus on the fundamental profitability and earnings consistency when choosing between NUE and STLD.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative
3%
Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
NUE
Current: $250.33
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$237.81
Aggressive
$250.33
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$230.68
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$249.70
+10%
$261.59
+15%
$273.49
STLD
Current: $238.38
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$226.46
Aggressive
$238.38
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$219.67
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$237.78
+10%
$249.11
+15%
$260.43
Calculate Your Trade
Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss. Note: The AI favored NUE based on profitability metrics. This is valid for the specified timeframe only. While STLD currently shows the stronger short-term technical score (68 vs 55), the AI favors NUE on the factors above rather than today's technical setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stock is a better buy, NUE or STLD?+
NUE is the preferred buy due to its superior profitability metrics (higher ROA) and more consistent earnings performance, despite STLD's higher revenue growth. Analyst sentiment also slightly favors NUE.
What are the key risks for NUE compared to STLD?+
NUE's main risk is its reliance on continued earnings beats, while STLD faces risks from inconsistent earnings and the challenge of converting its higher revenue growth into sustained profitability.
How do NUE and STLD compare on valuation?+
Both stocks trade at similar P/E ratios and are above their 200-day moving averages, indicating comparable valuations. NUE's median analyst target suggests slightly more upside potential.
What is the dividend yield for NUE and STLD?+
Both NUE and STLD offer very similar dividend yields, with NUE at approximately 0.89% and STLD at 0.88%, making income generation a non-differentiating factor.
How does NUE's profitability compare to STLD's?+
NUE demonstrates better profitability efficiency with a higher return on assets (7.32% vs 7.87%) and a slightly higher net profit margin (7.99% vs 7.83%), indicating it is more effective at generating profit from its asset base.
What are the technical outlooks for NUE and STLD?+
Both stocks show similar bullish technicals, trading above key moving averages with strong momentum (RSI ~58.5). Neither shows significant overbought conditions, suggesting potential for continued upward movement.
How has recent earnings performance impacted NUE and STLD?+
NUE has seen stronger positive price reactions to its recent earnings beats, particularly in the June 2026 quarter. STLD's most recent earnings beat was marginal, and it experienced a notable miss in late 2025.