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NUE vs RS
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Nucor Corporation (NUE) vs. Reliance, Inc. (RS) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Nucor (NUE) is North America's largest steel producer and recycler, while Reliance (RS) is a diversified metals service center and distributor rather than a steel manufacturer.
- Nucor generates roughly twice Reliance's revenue, but Reliance's asset-light distribution model has produced steadier margin stability through recent steel price cycles.
- Both companies have reported improving demand into 2026, with Reliance posting 13 consecutive quarters of shipment growth above the industry average.
- Nucor carries the strongest credit ratings in the North American steel sector and has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, while Reliance recently increased its dividend by 4%.
- Relative performance diverged over the past year, with Reliance shares advancing more strongly on a percentage basis than Nucor during recent market activity.
- For the latest headlines and intraday moves, explore the NUE Major News and NUE Today's Price Move pages, along with the RS Major News and RS Today's Price Move pages.
- To see which automated strategies are currently favored by quantitative models, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Nucor Corporation (NUE) and Reliance, Inc. (RS) are two of the most closely followed names in the North American metals complex, yet they occupy different rungs of the value chain. Nucor is a primary steel producer operating electric arc furnace (EAF) mills, while Reliance is a service-center operator that buys, processes, and distributes metal to thousands of customers. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing cyclical exposure to steel pricing against a more diversified, distribution-led business model. Traders monitoring relative performance and market positioning may find the contrast instructive as steel demand shifts across construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy end markets.
NUE Overview and Recent Performance
Nucor Corporation is North America's largest steelmaker and recycler, with operating facilities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its business spans three segments: steel mills, steel products, and raw materials. In its most recent quarterly report, Nucor posted net sales of roughly $7.69 billion, up about 8.6% year over year, though adjusted earnings came in modestly below consensus as lower sheet and plate prices and reduced mill operating rates weighed on margins. Full-year 2025 revenue reached approximately $32.5 billion.
Recent weeks have been shaped by an improving demand outlook. Management guided for higher earnings across all three segments entering 2026, citing higher volumes and realized prices, particularly in steel mills. The company continues to emphasize its balance-sheet strength, holding the highest credit ratings in the North American steel sector and having increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years. Sentiment has also been supported by project ramp-ups, including a rebar micro-mill in Lexington, North Carolina and new galvanizing and prepaint lines, which are expected to reach positive EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) run rates over the coming year.
RS Overview and Recent Performance
Reliance, Inc., formerly Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., is a diversified metal solutions provider and one of the largest metals service center companies in North America. Rather than producing steel, it purchases metal from mills, processes it, and distributes it across end markets such as non-residential construction, general manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. Full-year 2025 revenue was approximately $14.3 billion.
Reliance's recent market activity has reflected resilient shipment growth. The company has outperformed the broader service-center industry for 13 consecutive quarters, and its most recent results showed a double-digit year-over-year sales increase driven by record shipment volumes. Management has pointed to strength in infrastructure, data centers, energy, and defense, partially offsetting softer commercial aerospace demand. The company raised its dividend by 4% and outlined a disciplined capital expenditure budget while signaling openness to acquisitions. Despite tariff-related pressure on aluminum margins, Reliance has emphasized its ability to pass through costs and maintain an uninterrupted supply chain.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two companies is their business model. NUE is a capital-intensive steel producer whose earnings are highly sensitive to steel prices, mill utilization rates, and raw material costs. RS, by contrast, operates an asset-light distribution model that tends to generate more stable margins through pricing cycles, though it is still exposed to metal prices and spreads.
On growth drivers, Nucor is investing heavily in new capacity and product expansion, which positions it to capture volume growth but also introduces pre-operating costs. Reliance is focused on market-share gains, small-order quick-turn business, and opportunistic acquisitions. Risk profiles also differ: Nucor faces cyclical margin compression and execution risk on major projects, while Reliance faces tariff-driven margin pressure, inventory valuation swings, and concentration in distribution. Market sentiment has favored both names on improving demand, but Reliance's stronger relative performance over the past year reflects investor appreciation for its steadier earnings profile and consistent industry outperformance.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, shipment momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward RS in the current environment. Reliance's 13 consecutive quarters of industry-outperforming shipment growth, improving pricing power, and more defensive distribution model suggest steadier trend consistency than a primary steel producer facing raw-material and margin volatility. That said, NUE offers potentially greater earnings leverage if steel prices and volumes continue to recover, supported by its superior credit profile and dividend record. The favorable outlook is therefore probabilistic rather than definitive, with the balance of recent momentum appearing to favor Reliance while Nucor presents a higher-beta alternative for investors anticipating a sustained steel upcycle.
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.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is NUE is a Hold and RS is a StrongBuy.
NUE in +5.61% Uptrend, advancing for three consecutive days on October 28, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where NUE advanced for three days, in 259 of 341 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
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 NUE as a result. In 56 of 75 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
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 30 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
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 11 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 73%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
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%.
NUE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 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.
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 10 (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 21 (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 Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 55 (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 (2.789) is normal, around the industry mean (2.228). P/E Ratio (21.657) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.759). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.070) 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 62 (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.
RS in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026
The 10-day moving average for RS crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 16 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 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on RS as a result. In 61 of 83 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 RS just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where RS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
RS moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.63% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RS advanced for three days, in 236 of 339 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 234 of 377 cases where RS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RS 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 53%.
RS broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 3 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 59 (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 (3.016) is normal, around the industry mean (2.228). P/E Ratio (25.241) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.759). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.150) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.070) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.301) is also within normal values, averaging (2.301).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 64 (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 Seasonality Score of 85 (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.
NUE | RS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 43 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 55 Fair valued | 59 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 3 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 60 | 64 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 20 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 85 |
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.
NUE's Valuation (55) in the Steel industry is in the same range as RS (59). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to RS’s over the last 12 months.
RS's Profit vs Risk Rating (3) in the Steel industry is in the same range as NUE (21). This means that RS’s stock grew similarly to NUE’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's SMR Rating (60) in the Steel industry is in the same range as RS (64). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to RS’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's Price Growth Rating (10) in the Steel industry is in the same range as RS (39). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to RS’s over the last 12 months.
RS's P/E Growth Rating (20) in the Steel industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NUE (62). This means that RS’s stock grew somewhat faster than NUE’s over the last 12 months.
| NUE | RS | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 73% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 77% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 68% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 22 days ago 62% | 7 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 62% |
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).
NUE’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while RS’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- NUE’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- RS’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.
NUE’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RS’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NUE’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- RS’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
NUE (@Steel) experienced а +2.74% price change this week, while RS (@Steel) price change was +3.83% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Steel industry was +0.60%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.38%, and the average quarterly price growth was +28.85%.
Reported Earning Dates
NUE is expected to report earnings on Feb 01, 2027.
RS is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Steel (+0.60% 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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NUE and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NUE has been closely correlated with STLD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NUE jumps, then STLD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NUE | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUE | 100% | +0.37% | ||
| STLD - NUE | 88% Closely correlated | +1.29% | ||
| RS - NUE | 76% Closely correlated | +1.01% | ||
| CMC - NUE | 72% Closely correlated | +1.18% | ||
| MTUS - NUE | 57% Loosely correlated | +0.19% | ||
| TX - NUE | 56% Loosely correlated | -1.39% | ||
More | ||||
RS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, RS has been closely correlated with STLD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if RS jumps, then STLD could also see price increases.