Nucor Corporation (NUE)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Nucor Corporation (NUE) trades at $220.75 with AI Score 76/100 (Grade A). Nucor Corporation is a leading manufacturer of steel and steel products, operating through Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials segments. Market cap: $50.27B, Sector: Basic materials.
Price live · AI analysis from May 10, 2026NUE stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $181.50 for Nucor Corporation, suggesting 17.8% downside from the current price of $220.75. The AI MoonshotScore is 76/100, indicating a strong bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
NUE: 1/1 perspectives are bullish.
How is this calculated? →Nucor Corporation (NUE) Materials & Commodity Exposure
Nucor Corporation, a prominent steel manufacturer, operates across three segments: Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials. With a focus on sustainable steel production and a diverse product portfolio, Nucor serves key industries like construction and automotive, maintaining a strong position in the North American steel market.
What Is the Investment Thesis for NUE?
Nucor Corporation presents a compelling investment thesis based on its diversified business model, focus on sustainable steel production, and strategic capital allocation. With a market capitalization of $50.27B and a profit margin of 6.8%, Nucor demonstrates financial stability. Growth catalysts include increased infrastructure spending and demand for sustainable steel solutions. Key value drivers include operational efficiency, strategic acquisitions, and a strong balance sheet. Potential risks include cyclical downturns in the steel industry and fluctuations in raw material prices. Nucor's commitment to innovation and customer service positions it for long-term growth and value creation.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
NUE Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $50.27B reflects Nucor's strong market position.
- P/E ratio of 25.0 indicates investor confidence in Nucor's earnings potential.
- Profit margin of 6.8% demonstrates Nucor's ability to generate profits from its operations.
- Gross margin of 14.0% reflects Nucor's efficient cost management.
- Dividend yield of 0.98% provides a steady income stream for investors.
Who Are NUE's Competitors?
NUE is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU AngloGold Ashanti Plc | $84.65 | +4.65% | $42.80B | 49 |
| FNV Franco-Nevada Corporation | $217.58 | +4.36% | $41.96B | 66 |
| MT ArcelorMittal S.A. | $63.40 | +6.99% | $48.25B | 47 |
| GFI Gold Fields Limited | $35.46 | +5.13% | $31.74B | 64 |
| VMC Vulcan Materials Company | $303.19 | +2.77% | $39.34B | 74 |
| FEEXY Ferrexpo plc | $1.65 | +0.00% | $242.70M | 54 |
| FEEXF Ferrexpo plc | $0.39 | +0.00% | $228.65M | 54 |
| MSB Mesabi Trust | $25.59 | -0.62% | $335.74M | 53 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are NUE's Key Strengths?
- Low-cost steel production
- Diversified product portfolio
- Strong distribution network
- Sustainable steelmaking practices
What Are NUE's Weaknesses?
- Cyclical exposure to the steel industry
- Dependence on scrap metal availability
- Exposure to raw material price fluctuations
- Geographic concentration in North America
What Could Drive NUE Stock Higher?
- Infrastructure spending bill driving increased demand for steel.
- Focus on sustainable steel production attracting environmentally conscious customers.
- Potential acquisitions to expand product offerings and market reach.
What Are the Key Risks for NUE?
- Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $15.7M recently.
- Cyclical downturns in the steel industry impacting demand and profitability.
- Fluctuations in raw material prices affecting production costs.
- Trade restrictions and tariffs disrupting global steel markets.
- Rising energy costs increasing production expenses.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for NUE?
- Infrastructure Spending: Increased government investment in infrastructure projects represents a significant growth opportunity for Nucor. The demand for steel in bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects is expected to rise, benefiting Nucor's Steel Mills and Steel Products segments. The market size for infrastructure steel is estimated to reach $50 billion by 2030, with Nucor positioned to capture a significant share through its extensive product portfolio and distribution network.
- Sustainable Steel Production: Growing demand for sustainable steel solutions presents a key growth opportunity for Nucor. The company's focus on electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and scrap-based steelmaking aligns with the increasing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry. The market for green steel is projected to reach $40 billion by 2028, with Nucor leveraging its sustainable practices to gain a competitive advantage.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Nucor's history of strategic acquisitions provides a pathway for growth and market expansion. By acquiring complementary businesses and technologies, Nucor can enhance its product offerings, expand its geographic reach, and improve its operational efficiency. The company has a proven track record of successfully integrating acquisitions, creating value for shareholders. Potential acquisition targets include companies specializing in advanced steel products and sustainable steel technologies.
- Expansion of Value-Added Products: Expanding its portfolio of value-added steel products represents a significant growth opportunity for Nucor. By focusing on higher-margin products such as steel tubing, electrical conduits, and metal building systems, Nucor can increase its profitability and reduce its reliance on commodity steel products. The market for value-added steel products is expected to grow at a rate of 4% annually, driven by demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors.
- International Expansion: Expanding its presence in international markets offers a long-term growth opportunity for Nucor. By establishing operations or partnerships in key regions such as Asia and South America, Nucor can tap into new sources of demand and diversify its revenue streams. The global steel market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, with emerging markets representing a significant growth opportunity for Nucor.
What Opportunities Does NUE Have?
- Increased infrastructure spending
- Growing demand for sustainable steel
- Strategic acquisitions
- Expansion of value-added products
What Threats Does NUE Face?
- Global steel overcapacity
- Trade restrictions and tariffs
- Economic downturns
- Rising energy costs
What Are NUE's Competitive Advantages?
- Low-Cost Production: Nucor's efficient operations and scrap-based steelmaking provide a cost advantage over competitors.
- Diversified Product Portfolio: Nucor offers a wide range of steel and steel products, catering to diverse customer needs.
- Strong Distribution Network: Nucor has a well-established distribution network, ensuring timely delivery of products to customers.
- Sustainable Practices: Nucor's focus on sustainable steel production aligns with increasing environmental concerns and customer preferences.
What Does NUE Do?
Nucor Corporation, founded in 1958 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has evolved into one of the largest and most diversified steel and steel products manufacturers in North America. The company operates through three primary segments: Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials. The Steel Mills segment produces a wide array of steel products, including hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanized sheet steel, plate steel, and bar steel. These products are sold to steel service centers, fabricators, and manufacturers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Steel Products segment focuses on value-added products such as steel tubing, electrical conduits, steel joists, and metal building systems, primarily serving the nonresidential construction sector. The Raw Materials segment is responsible for producing direct reduced iron (DRI), brokering ferrous and nonferrous metals, and processing scrap metal, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for Nucor's steelmaking operations. Nucor serves a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, automotive, construction, energy, and transportation, utilizing its in-house sales force and distribution network. The company's commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices has solidified its position as a leader in the steel industry.
What Products and Services Does NUE Offer?
- Manufactures hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanized sheet steel products.
- Produces plate steel products for various applications.
- Offers wide-flange beams, beam blanks, and H-piling and sheet piling products.
- Manufactures bar steel products, including concrete reinforcing and merchant bars.
- Engages in steel trading and rebar distribution.
- Produces direct reduced iron (DRI) for steelmaking.
- Processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal for recycling.
How Does NUE Make Money?
- Nucor operates through three segments: Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials.
- The company generates revenue by selling steel and steel products to various industries.
- Nucor focuses on efficient operations and cost management to maximize profitability.
- The company utilizes electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and scrap-based steelmaking for sustainable production.
What Industry Does NUE Operate In?
Nucor Corporation operates in the steel industry, which is characterized by cyclical demand, global competition, and increasing focus on sustainability. The industry is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as infrastructure spending, construction activity, and automotive production. Nucor competes with both domestic and international steel producers, including ArcelorMittal S.A. (MT). The company's focus on electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and scrap-based steelmaking positions it favorably in a market increasingly concerned with environmental impact. The steel industry is expected to see moderate growth, driven by infrastructure projects and demand for high-strength, lightweight steel.
Who Are NUE's Key Customers?
- Steel service centers
- Fabricators
- Manufacturers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
- Aluminum can producers
- Secondary aluminum smelters
Net sellingInsider Activity
Over the past six months, Nucor Corporation insiders filed 15 SEC Form 4 transactions — 12 sales and 3 purchases. On net that is roughly 67K shares disposed (about $15.7M), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Nucor Corporation revenue of about $38.65B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $15.77. The estimate reflects 10 contributing analysts.
F-Score 8/9Financial Health
Nucor Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 8/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 5.12 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
ROE 11%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Nucor Corporation stands at 11.2%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 6.5%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. NUE trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 24.98, above the Basic Materials sector average of ~22x. Its free cash flow yield is 1.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 2.90 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 4.7%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Nucor Corporation (NUE) Valuation Context
Valued at $50.27B, NUE is classified as a large-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, NUE's quantitative score of 76/100 is above the peer average of 60/100.
Company Profile
Nucor Corporation operates in the Steel industry within the Basic Materials sector. It is headquartered in Charlotte, US. The company is led by CEO Leon J. Topalian. NUE has traded publicly since 1980.
NUE Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in NUE's long-term prospects, indicating that executives believe the stock is undervalued.
- Community sentiment has leaned bullish, with discussions highlighting NUE's strong position in the steel industry amidst rising demand.
- Analysts have noted potential growth opportunities in infrastructure spending, which could benefit NUE significantly in the coming years.
- NUE's commitment to sustainability initiatives has resonated well with socially conscious investors, enhancing its reputation in the market.
Bear Case
- Concerns over potential economic slowdowns have led some investors to question NUE's growth trajectory in the near term.
- Community discussions have highlighted volatility in steel prices, which could impact NUE's profitability and market perception.
- Recent bearish sentiment from a portion of the market reflects worries about rising production costs and their effect on margins.
- Insider selling has raised eyebrows, suggesting that some executives may not be as optimistic about the company's short-term outlook.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · January 2026
From the Earnings Call
“At the end of the first quarter, our steel mills backlog was up to 4.7 million tons, a 20% increase from year-end and the highest level we've seen since the second quarter of 2021.”
— Leon Topalian, Chair and CEO
“After achieving approximately 6% growth of shipments in 2025, we expect shipments to grow by more than 5% in 2026.”
— Unknown Executive
NUE Q1 FY2026 earnings call transcript · 2026-04-28
NUE Latest News
-
This Nucor Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 4 Upgrades For Wednesday
benzinga · Jun 24, 2026
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Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights Nucor, Ternium, Gerdau and L.B. Foster
Zacks · Jun 18, 2026
-
Here's Why You Should Add Reliance Stock to Your Portfolio Now
Zacks · Jun 16, 2026
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A Weaker Dollar Could Put These 3 Industrial Stocks Back in Focus
marketbeat.com · Jun 8, 2026
NUE Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for NUE.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $181.50
NUE MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates NUE's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Latest News
This Nucor Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 4 Upgrades For Wednesday
Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights Nucor, Ternium, Gerdau and L.B. Foster
Here's Why You Should Add Reliance Stock to Your Portfolio Now
A Weaker Dollar Could Put These 3 Industrial Stocks Back in Focus
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3 min readLeadership: Leon J. Topalian
CEO
Leon J. Topalian serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation. He has held various leadership positions within Nucor, demonstrating expertise in steel manufacturing and business strategy. Topalian's career at Nucor reflects a deep understanding of the company's operations and culture. His experience spans various aspects of the steel industry, including production, sales, and management. He is known for his focus on innovation, sustainability, and employee engagement.
Track Record: Under Leon J. Topalian's leadership, Nucor has continued to focus on strategic growth initiatives, including investments in new technologies and acquisitions. He has emphasized sustainable steel production and operational efficiency. Topalian has overseen the company's response to market challenges and opportunities, driving Nucor's performance and shareholder value.
Common Questions About NUE (Basic Materials)
What does Nucor Corporation do?
Nucor Corporation manufactures and sells steel and steel products through its Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials segments. The Steel Mills segment produces a variety of steel products, including sheet, plate, and bar steel. The Steel Products segment offers value-added products such as steel tubing and metal building systems. The Raw Materials segment produces direct reduced iron (DRI) and processes scrap metal. Nucor serves diverse industries, including construction, automotive, and energy, with a focus on sustainable steel production.
What do analysts say about NUE stock?
Analysts generally view Nucor Corporation as a well-managed company with a strong market position in the steel industry. Key valuation metrics include the P/E ratio of 25.0 and a dividend yield of 0.98%. Growth considerations include increased infrastructure spending and demand for sustainable steel. Analyst consensus reflects expectations for continued growth and profitability, balanced against potential cyclical downturns in the steel market. No buy/sell advice is given.
What are the main risks for NUE?
The main risks for Nucor Corporation include cyclical downturns in the steel industry, fluctuations in raw material prices, trade restrictions and tariffs, and rising energy costs. Cyclical downturns can reduce demand and profitability. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly scrap metal, can impact production costs. Trade restrictions and tariffs can disrupt global steel markets. Rising energy costs can increase production expenses and reduce competitiveness. These risks are inherent in the steel industry and require careful management.
How does Nucor Corporation compare to competitors in its industry?
Nucor Corporation differentiates itself from competitors like ArcelorMittal S.A. (MT) through its focus on electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and scrap-based steelmaking, providing a cost advantage and aligning with sustainability trends. Nucor's diversified product portfolio and strong distribution network further enhance its competitive position. While ArcelorMittal is a larger global player, Nucor's agility and focus on the North American market provide a distinct advantage in responsiveness and customer service.
What are the key financial metrics investors watch for NUE?
Investors closely monitor several key financial metrics for Nucor Corporation. These include revenue growth, profit margin, gross margin, and return on invested capital (ROIC). Revenue growth indicates the company's ability to expand its market share and increase sales. Profit margin and gross margin reflect the efficiency of its operations and cost management. ROIC measures the effectiveness of its capital allocation decisions. These metrics provide insights into Nucor's financial health and performance.
What are the key factors to evaluate for NUE?
Nucor Corporation (NUE) holds an AI score of 76/100 (high). P/E: 25.0x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $181.50 (-18%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does NUE data refresh on this page?
NUE prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven NUE's recent stock price performance?
Nucor Corporation (NUE) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Low-cost steel production. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Financial metrics are as of the latest reporting period.