Nucor Corporation (NUE) vs Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD)
A side-by-side comparison of Nucor Corporation and Steel Dynamics, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
NUE
Nucor Corporation
$243.63Basic MaterialsAt close: Aug 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
STLD
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
$228.68Basic MaterialsAt close: Aug 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — NUE vs STLD
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yNUE +496.1% (+19.5%/yr)STLD +1010.8% (+27.2%/yr)STLD compounded faster over this window
NUE STLD
NUE vs STLD: by the numbers
- •NUE is the larger company ($55.48B vs $32.78B market cap).
- •NUE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.43 vs 20.73 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NUE converts more revenue to profit (7.99% vs 7.83% net margin).
- •NUE grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.36% vs 9.68% CAGR).
- •NUE pays the higher dividend yield (0.92% vs 0.90%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.43 | 20.73 |
| Forward P/E | 13.37 | 13.63 |
| P/S ratio | 1.54 | 1.61 |
| P/B ratio | 2.52 | 3.51 |
| EV / EBITDA | 10.78 | 13.20 |
| FCF yield | 2.84% | 2.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 15.47% | 14.62% |
| Operating margin | 11.47% | 10.57% |
| Net margin | 7.99% | 7.83% |
| ROE | 13.04% | 17.06% |
| ROIC | 10.13% | 10.79% |
Dividends
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.92% | 0.90% |
| Payout ratio | 29.61% | 25.69% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | NUE | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.36% | 9.68% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 26.02% | 25.18% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -0.04% | 26.72% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.64% | 29.76% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, NUE or STLD?
- NUE has the lower trailing P/E: NUE trades at 19.43 and STLD at 20.73. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, NUE or STLD?
- Over the past five years, NUE grew revenue faster — NUE at a 10.36% CAGR versus STLD at 9.68%.
- Does NUE or STLD pay a bigger dividend?
- NUE yields 0.92% and STLD yields 0.90% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is NUE or STLD more profitable?
- NUE runs the higher net margin — NUE at 7.99% versus STLD at 7.83%.
- How have NUE and STLD total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, NUE delivered 19.70% and STLD delivered 27.34% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Nucor P/E ratioSteel Dynamics P/E ratioNucor dividend yieldSteel Dynamics dividend yieldNucor ROESteel Dynamics ROENucor operating marginSteel Dynamics operating marginNucor revenue growthSteel Dynamics revenue growthNucor free cash flowSteel Dynamics free cash flow
Nucor & Steel Dynamics appear in these rankings
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 August 23, 2026.