Nucor vs Steel Dynamics: Which Is the Stronger Buy Today?
Steel Dynamics surged 20% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Nucor gives you more. Nucor (NUE) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Steel Dynamics (STLD) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in NUE
- NUE’s quarterly revenue growth was 21.3%, vs. STLD’s 19.1%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 12.3%, ahead of STLD’s 10.4%.
- NUE’s LTM margin is higher: 10.1% vs. STLD’s 9.9%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how STLD’s fundamentals stack up against those of NUE on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| STLD | NUE | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 21.2 | 17.1 | NUE |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 19.1% | 21.3% | NUE |
| Last 12 Months | 10.4% | 12.3% | NUE |
| Last 3 Year Average | -3.6% | -4.2% | STLD |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 9.9% | 10.1% | NUE |
| Last 3 Year Average | 12.4% | 11.4% | STLD |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 194.1% | 90.6% | STLD |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell NUE Stock and Buy or Sell STLD Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| STLD Return | 71% | 60% | 23% | -2% | 51% | 61% | 700% | <=== | |
| NUE Return | 118% | 17% | 34% | -32% | 42% | 59% | 427% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 11% | 103% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| STLD Win Rate | 67% | 58% | 50% | 67% | 75% | 83% | 67% | <=== | |
| NUE Win Rate | 67% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 67% | 67% | 58% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 67% | 65% | ||
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| STLD Max Drawdown | -21% | -31% | -32% | -27% | -21% | -20% | -25% | ||
| NUE Max Drawdown | -24% | -41% | -26% | -42% | -27% | -18% | -30% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | -13% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 6/3/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read NUE Dip Buyer Analyses and STLD Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about STLD or NUE? Consider portfolio approach.
The Best Investors Think In Portfolios
Single stocks swing wildly, but staying invested matters. A well-built portfolio helps you stay invested, captures upside, and softens the blows from individual stocks.
Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse group of 30 stocks that have collectively delivered stronger upside with reduced volatility compared to the broader indices. Discover the methodology behind these smoother, higher returns by checking the HQ Portfolio performance data.