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.

Compare

Total returnNUE vs STLD

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NUE +496.1% (+19.5%/yr)STLD +1010.8% (+27.2%/yr)STLD compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$596$1,111
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

MetricNUESTLD
P/E ratio19.4320.73
Forward P/E13.3713.63
P/S ratio1.541.61
P/B ratio2.523.51
EV / EBITDA10.7813.20
FCF yield2.84%2.89%

Profitability

MetricNUESTLD
Gross margin15.47%14.62%
Operating margin11.47%10.57%
Net margin7.99%7.83%
ROE13.04%17.06%
ROIC10.13%10.79%

Dividends

MetricNUESTLD
Dividend yield0.92%0.90%
Payout ratio29.61%25.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNUESTLD
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.

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.