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NUE vs STLD
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Nucor Corporation (NUE) vs. Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- NUE is the larger of the two producers, with roughly $10.4 billion in second-quarter 2026 net sales versus about $6.1 billion for STLD.
- Both companies have benefited from higher U.S. steel prices and reduced import competition tied to Section 232 tariffs, driving record shipments and improved margins.
- STLD is diversifying into aluminum flat-rolled products, a growth pillar still posting operating losses as it ramps, while NUE leans on large steel capacity expansion and downstream acquisitions.
- Recent relative performance has been broadly similar over the past year, though STLD shares saw a sharper near-term reaction after third-quarter earnings came in slightly below estimates.
- To dig deeper into these names, explore the NUE Major News and NUE Today's Price Move pages, along with STLD Major News and STLD Today's Price Move.
- For automated, data-driven trading perspectives across many securities, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
NUE (Nucor Corporation) and STLD (Steel Dynamics, Inc.) are two of North America's largest domestic steel producers, making this stock comparison especially relevant for investors tracking industrial, materials, and tariff-sensitive sectors. Both operate efficient, largely scrap-based electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mills and have benefited from a similar macro backdrop of rising steel prices and tightening import supply. Yet their growth strategies differ meaningfully, giving traders and long-term investors distinct trade-offs in market positioning. Comparing their recent performance, catalysts, and risk profiles helps clarify which name offers more favorable relative positioning in the current environment.
NUE Overview and Recent Performance
Nucor Corporation, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is North America's largest recycler and a diversified manufacturer of steel and steel products, spanning sheet, plate, bars, beams, and downstream fabricated goods. Recent weeks have reflected strong operational momentum: the company reported a second consecutive record for quarterly steel mill shipments of roughly 7.1 million tons, with second-quarter adjusted earnings of $4.84 per share on about $10.4 billion in revenue. Management guided third-quarter earnings to a range of $5.55 to $5.65 per share, supported by higher realized pricing. Sentiment has also been shaped by expansion efforts, including the large West Virginia sheet mill and acquisitions such as Southwest Data Products and Rytec Corporation, which broaden Nucor's exposure to data center and commercial end markets.
STLD Overview and Recent Performance
Steel Dynamics, Inc., headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, operates a circular manufacturing model producing lower-carbon steel, is a major metals recycler, and is building a new aluminum flat-rolled products platform. The company has posted record steel shipments in recent quarters, reaching 3.8 million tons in the third quarter, with steel mill utilization of about 92% versus an estimated 80% industry rate. Third-quarter adjusted earnings of $5.26 per share came in slightly below consensus, and the shares retreated following the report amid ongoing questions about the aluminum ramp, which still recorded an operating loss. Management has cited a fabrication backlog up roughly 50% year over year and an eventual $650 million to $700 million through-cycle EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) target for aluminum, framing the near-term drag as transitional.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names is strategic focus. NUE is centered on scale and diversification within steel and downstream steel products, while STLD is pursuing a more transformative move into aluminum flat-rolled products alongside its core steel and recycling operations. On momentum, both have ridden the same tariff-driven repricing of steel, but STLD carries additional execution risk tied to its aluminum commissioning, whereas NUE faces ramp risk on its West Virginia mill. In terms of profitability, STLD has historically posted high mill utilization and value-added spreads, while NUE offers greater revenue scale and a larger downstream footprint. Risk profiles differ accordingly: aluminum losses and ramp timing weigh on STLD, while project execution and raw material cost dynamics are notable variables for NUE.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward NUE in the current environment. Its steadier earnings trajectory, strong third-quarter guidance, and momentum from record shipments present a more consistent trend profile, whereas STLD carries near-term uncertainty from its earnings shortfall and the still-unprofitable aluminum ramp. That said, the differentiation is probabilistic rather than absolute: STLD retains a potentially larger long-term catalyst if aluminum execution accelerates. The AI's preference reflects relative trend and stability factors rather than a fixed or permanent ranking, and either name could shift standing as new data emerges.
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 Buy and STLD is a StrongBuy.
NUE in +1.66% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on October 29, 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 Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
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%.
NUE may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 216 of 297 cases where NUE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 73%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NUE moved out of overbought territory on November 03, 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 48 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 32 of the 48 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 67%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NUE as a result. In 51 of 75 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NUE turned negative on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 65%.
NUE moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
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%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 71, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady 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 Valuation Rating of 50 (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 (2.514) is normal, around the industry mean (2.084). P/E Ratio (19.520) is within average values for comparable stocks, (32.382). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.073) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.657) is also within normal values, averaging (2.301).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 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.
STLD's RSI Oscillator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for STLD moved out of oversold territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 22 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 20 of the 22 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
The 10-day moving average for STLD crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 17 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 88%.
Following a +2.73% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where STLD advanced for three days, in 261 of 333 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
STLD may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 260 of 325 cases where STLD 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 Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on STLD as a result. In 65 of 87 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for STLD turned negative on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 52 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 71%.
STLD moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where STLD 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 63%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 71, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 50 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. STLD’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 60 (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 (3.392) is normal, around the industry mean (2.084). P/E Ratio (20.154) is within average values for comparable stocks, (32.382). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.050) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.010) settles around the average of (0.073) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.693) is also within normal values, averaging (2.301).
NUE | STLD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 50 Fair valued | 60 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 24 | 10 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 60 | 50 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 44 | 55 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 52 | 45 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
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 (50) in the Steel industry is in the same range as STLD (60). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to STLD’s over the last 12 months.
STLD's Profit vs Risk Rating (10) in the Steel industry is in the same range as NUE (24). This means that STLD’s stock grew similarly to NUE’s over the last 12 months.
STLD's SMR Rating (50) in the Steel industry is in the same range as NUE (60). This means that STLD’s stock grew similarly to NUE’s over the last 12 months.
NUE's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Steel industry is in the same range as STLD (55). This means that NUE’s stock grew similarly to STLD’s over the last 12 months.
STLD's P/E Growth Rating (45) in the Steel industry is in the same range as NUE (52). This means that STLD’s stock grew similarly to NUE’s over the last 12 months.
| NUE | STLD | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 69% | 4 days ago 76% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 75% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 65% | 4 days ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 63% | 4 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 76% | 12 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 62% | 5 days ago 63% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 71% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 73% | 4 days ago 80% |
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 1 FA rating(s) are green while STLD’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- NUE’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- STLD’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 STLD’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NUE’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- STLD’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
NUE (@Steel) experienced а -10.55% price change this week, while STLD (@Steel) price change was -11.12% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Steel industry was -4.93%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.91%, and the average quarterly price growth was +11.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
NUE is expected to report earnings on Feb 01, 2027.
STLD is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Steel (-4.93% 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% | -0.29% | ||
| STLD - NUE | 88% Closely correlated | +0.45% | ||
| RS - NUE | 79% Closely correlated | +0.71% | ||
| CMC - NUE | 72% Closely correlated | +0.10% | ||
| CLF - NUE | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.69% | ||
| MTUS - NUE | 61% Loosely correlated | +5.65% | ||
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STLD and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, STLD has been closely correlated with NUE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 89% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if STLD jumps, then NUE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To STLD | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STLD | 100% | +0.45% | ||
| NUE - STLD | 89% Closely correlated | -0.29% | ||
| RS - STLD | 78% Closely correlated | +0.71% | ||
| CMC - STLD | 74% Closely correlated | +0.10% | ||
| CLF - STLD | 62% Loosely correlated | +1.69% | ||
| MTUS - STLD | 61% Loosely correlated | +5.65% | ||
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