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CLF vs NUE
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) vs. Nucor (NUE) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) is an integrated, blast-furnace-focused steelmaker in turnaround mode, while Nucor (NUE) is a diversified, low-cost electric-arc-furnace producer with a stronger profitability profile.
- Nucor has delivered significantly stronger relative performance, with shares up roughly 86% over the past year versus a far more modest gain for Cleveland-Cliffs.
- Cleveland-Cliffs is gaining momentum on recovering steel prices and improving margins, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) more than doubling sequentially in its latest quarter.
- Nucor commands a premium valuation supported by consistent profitability, a record dividend track record, and an active pipeline of capacity-growth and acquisition projects.
- Both companies are leveraged to hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel prices, which have recovered above roughly $1,300 per short ton, a broad tailwind for the entire sector.
- For more detail on these names, explore CLF Major News and CLF Today's Price Move, as well as NUE Major News and NUE Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are currently positioning across the market, visit the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor are two of the largest steel producers in North America, yet they represent sharply different business models and risk profiles within the same cyclical industry. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders evaluating how to position around a recovering steel-price cycle, shifting trade policy, and differing approaches to capital allocation. Cleveland-Cliffs appeals to those seeking a potential earnings turnaround at a lower price point, while Nucor attracts investors prioritizing profitability stability, dividend reliability, and longer-term capacity growth. Understanding their relative performance and market positioning can help clarify which name better aligns with a given risk tolerance and investment horizon.
CLF Overview and Recent Performance
Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) is a vertically integrated steel producer that operates blast furnaces and direct-reduced-iron facilities, supplying flat-rolled steel primarily to the automotive, construction, and industrial markets. The company has spent recent quarters working through a cost- and demand-driven earnings trough, reporting net losses earlier in 2026 before a noticeable inflection. In its most recent quarter, adjusted EBITDA more than doubled sequentially to roughly $612 million, aided by higher selling prices, recovering shipment volumes, and lower unit costs. Management has pointed to strengthening automotive pull and rising average selling prices above $1,100 per net ton as key drivers, with further margin gains expected as contractual price lags catch up. Sentiment has improved as a result, though the company still carries elevated long-term debt and faces upcoming labor-contract negotiations with the United Steelworkers.
NUE Overview and Recent Performance
Nucor (NUE) is North America's largest steel recycler and a diversified manufacturer using electric-arc-furnace technology, which generally offers a lower-cost and more flexible production model. The company has posted consistently profitable quarters, including record steel-mill shipment volumes of roughly 7.1 million tons in back-to-back periods, supported by demand from infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and data-center construction. Nucor's shares have rallied more than 80% over the past year, outpacing the broader steel-producer industry. Recent growth has been driven by higher realized steel prices, completed capacity projects, and acquisitions such as Southwest Data Products and Rytec Corporation. The company is also advancing large-scale projects, including a new West Virginia sheet mill, while returning significant capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page is a curated hub of automated trading strategies. Tickeron maintains hundreds of AI-powered trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, but only a select group earns a place in this section. The featured robots are chosen for their suitability to current market conditions, and each bot operates with its own distinct trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, statistics, and set of tickers it trades. This diversity allows users to review bots aligned with different objectives, from shorter-term momentum approaches to longer-horizon strategies. For traders interested in how automation interprets names like CLF and NUE, exploring the Trending AI Robots page can offer an additional, data-driven perspective.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly on cost structure, profitability, and financial resilience. Nucor's electric-arc-furnace model supports steadier margins and a strong balance sheet, reinforced by its standing as a long-running dividend grower. Cleveland-Cliffs' integrated blast-furnace operations carry higher fixed costs and greater operating leverage, meaning earnings swing more dramatically with steel prices and volumes. On growth, Nucor is investing heavily in new capacity and downstream acquisitions, while Cleveland-Cliffs is focused on margin recovery, debt reduction, and a modernization project at its Middletown Works facility. From a risk standpoint, Cleveland-Cliffs faces higher leverage and labor-negotiation uncertainty, whereas Nucor's primary exposures are cyclical steel demand and project-ramp execution. Recent momentum favors Nucor, but Cleveland-Cliffs offers more pronounced upside sensitivity if the current pricing recovery persists.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, balance-sheet strength, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor Nucor (NUE) in the current environment. The combination of sustained profitability, robust relative price momentum, and a diversified growth pipeline presents a more consistent trend profile than Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF), whose improving fundamentals remain tied to a cyclical recovery and carry higher financial and operational leverage. That said, Cleveland-Cliffs' sharp earnings inflection could warrant closer monitoring, as AI models often respond to strengthening momentum and estimate revisions. The overall signal leans toward Nucor for stability and trend quality, while Cleveland-Cliffs may appeal to more aggressive, cycle-sensitive positioning.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
CLF and NUE provide steel products to the US market. NUE is the largest producer of steel in the US, with an enterprise value of $37B which dwarfs CLF’ $17B. NUE primarily uses electric arc technology to smelt and shape their iron and steel. CLF is using blast furnace technology. Analysts suggest that because blast furnaces cannot respond to the ups and downs of this cyclical industry quite as well as an electric arc furnace can, that investors will tend to get more of a bang for their buck with the companies using electric arc methods. CLF produces mostly rolled steel and sells the larges st block of its products to carmakers. NUE produces significant amounts of flanged steel beams, steel fasteners, and other products used in non-residential construction, electrical conduits, tubing, and so forth. CLF offers some of those same products but on a smaller scale. Due to its more robust vertical integration and other factors, the profit margins and operating margins of NUE tend to look better.
CLF in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 05, 2026
CLF moved above its 50-day moving average on October 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 32 of 33 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CLF as a result. In 61 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CLF just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where CLF's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
The 10-day moving average for CLF crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The 50-day moving average for CLF moved above the 200-day moving average on September 18, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +7.63% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CLF advanced for three days, in 260 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 173 of 216 cases where CLF Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 80%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CLF moved out of overbought territory on October 20, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 23 of the 29 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 79%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 52 of 65 cases where CLF's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CLF declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 83%.
CLF broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 19, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 24 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.415) is normal, around the industry mean (2.170). P/E Ratio (-8.742) is within average values for comparable stocks, (34.879). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.010) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.057) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.346) is also within normal values, averaging (2.301).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CLF’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CLF’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock worse than average.
NUE in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on September 21, 2026
NUE may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 33 of 37 cases where NUE's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 89%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where NUE's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NUE as a result. In 55 of 75 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NUE just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where NUE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
NUE moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for NUE crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Following a +1.46% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NUE advanced for three days, in 260 of 342 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 67 cases where NUE's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 55%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NUE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The Aroon Indicator for NUE entered a downward trend on October 09, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. NUE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 54 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.649) is normal, around the industry mean (2.170). P/E Ratio (20.567) is within average values for comparable stocks, (34.879). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.057) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.657) is also within normal values, averaging (2.301).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
CLF | NUE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 24 Undervalued | 54 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 25 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 94 | 60 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 12 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 91 | 63 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CLF's Valuation (24) in the Steel industry is in the same range as NUE (54). This means that CLF’s stock grew similarly to NUE’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's Profit vs Risk Rating (25) in the Steel industry is significantly better than the same rating for CLF (100). This means that NUE’s stock grew significantly faster than CLF’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's SMR Rating (60) in the Steel industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CLF (94). This means that NUE’s stock grew somewhat faster than CLF’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's Price Growth Rating (12) in the Steel industry is in the same range as CLF (40). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to CLF’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's P/E Growth Rating (63) in the Steel industry is in the same range as CLF (91). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to CLF’s over the last 12 months.
| CLF | NUE | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 79% | 4 days ago 69% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 80% | 4 days ago 55% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 73% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 79% | 4 days ago 74% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 82% | 4 days ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 81% | 6 days ago 76% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 83% | 19 days ago 62% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 89% | 6 days ago 89% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 80% | 4 days ago 43% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CLF’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while NUE’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CLF’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- NUE’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CLF’s TA Score shows that 7 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NUE’s TA Score has 7 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CLF’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 4 bearish.
- NUE’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
CLF (@Steel) experienced а +14.69% price change this week, while NUE (@Steel) price change was +0.71% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Steel industry was -3.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.52%, and the average quarterly price growth was +21.77%.
Reported Earning Dates
CLF is expected to report earnings on Feb 15, 2027.
NUE is expected to report earnings on Oct 26, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Steel (-3.92% weekly)The steel industry includes manufacturers of steel and steel-related products. Companies use iron ore and scrap steel to produce steel. The industry also includes companies involved in mining and marketing of steel products. Along with serving some of the domestic markets, U.S. steel output has, over the years, been used by international economies as well. Competition from imported steel has also increased over time. The industry could be susceptible to business cycles, since the element is an important input in industrial production. Some of the globally-renowned steel behemoths include Nucor Corporation, Vale, and ArcelorMittal SA.
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