Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) vs Nucor Corporation (NUE)

NUE leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though MLM is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Nucor Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 9, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — MLM vs NUE

growth of $100 · last 30y
MLM +2238.0%NUE +1682.1%MLM compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,338$1,782
MLM NUE

MLM vs NUE: by the numbers

  • NUE is the larger company ($50.62B vs $34.34B market cap).
  • MLM trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.58 vs 22.44 P/E).
  • MLM converts more revenue to profit (38.67% vs 6.82% net margin).
  • NUE grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.67% vs 6.63% CAGR).
  • NUE pays the higher dividend yield (0.99% vs 0.58%).

Which is better, MLM or NUE?

Metric tally: MLM 7 · NUE 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMLM(lower P/E)
GrowthNUE(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeNUE(higher dividend yield)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMLMNUE
P/E ratio13.5822.44
Forward P/E29.7114.25
P/S ratio5.251.52
P/B ratio3.052.42
PEG ratio1.320.86
EV / EBITDA18.6211.69
FCF yield3.00%1.02%

Profitability

MetricMLMNUE
Gross margin29.56%13.98%
Operating margin22.74%10.04%
Net margin38.67%6.82%
ROE22.43%10.87%
ROIC6.87%6.74%

Dividends

MetricMLMNUE
Dividend yield0.58%0.99%
Payout ratio17.61%29.75%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMLMNUE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.63%9.67%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.27%26.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.09%-19.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.85%21.12%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MLM or NUE?
It depends on your goal. value: MLM (lower P/E); growth: NUE (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NUE (higher dividend yield). Across all compared metrics, NUE leads 9 to 7.
Is MLM or NUE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MLM is cheaper: MLM trades at a 13.58 P/E and NUE at 22.44.
Which has grown faster, MLM or NUE?
Over the past five years, NUE grew revenue faster — MLM at a 6.63% CAGR versus NUE at 9.67%.
Does MLM or NUE pay a bigger dividend?
MLM yields 0.58% and NUE yields 0.99% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MLM or NUE more profitable?
MLM runs the higher net margin — MLM at 38.67% versus NUE at 6.82%.
Which has been the better investment, MLM or NUE?
Over the past 10-year, NUE delivered the higher annualized total return — MLM at 12.06% versus NUE at 18.13%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 9, 2026.