📊 NUE Key Takeaways
Is Nucor Corp. (NUE) a Good Investment?
Nucor's fortress balance sheet (0.32x debt-to-equity, 2.90x current ratio) provides financial security, but declining profitability (EPS -11.1% YoY) amid 5.7% revenue growth signals margin compression and weak returns on capital (ROE 3.5%). The combination of deteriorating profitability per share, commodity steel exposure, and limited free cash flow margins justifies a neutral stance.
Nucor shows solid underlying financial health with strong liquidity, moderate leverage, and strong interest coverage, which gives it resilience in a cyclical steel market. However, profitability looks compressed, EPS is declining despite revenue growth, and free cash flow has turned negative because capital spending is outpacing operating cash generation. The fundamentals support stability, but not a clearly bullish quality trend at this stage.
Nucor Corp. Key Strengths (NUE)
- Fortress balance sheet with minimal leverage (0.32x D/E) and exceptional interest coverage (28.1x)
- Strong liquidity position: 2.90x current ratio with $2.2B cash and low working capital risk
- Solid operating cash flow generation of $886M supporting operational needs
- Positive revenue growth of 5.7% YoY demonstrates market demand in cyclical industry
- Strong balance sheet with low debt-to-equity and substantial equity base
- Healthy liquidity profile with 2.94x current ratio and 1.57x quick ratio
- Positive revenue and net income growth with strong operating cash flow generation
NUE Stock Risks: Nucor Corp. Investment Risks
- Net income and diluted EPS declining despite revenue growth indicates dangerous margin compression
- Extremely weak capital returns: ROE 3.5% and ROA 2.1% reflect poor profitability relative to asset base
- Low free cash flow margin (2.4%) with capex consuming 75% of operating cash flow limits flexibility
- Commodity steel exposure creates earnings volatility and minimal pricing power in competitive markets
- Margin pressure is evident with only 1.9% gross margin and 5.4% net margin
- Free cash flow is negative as capital expenditures exceed operating cash flow
- EPS declined 11.1% year over year, signaling weaker per-share earnings quality
Key Metrics to Watch
- Net margin trajectory and gross margin - determine if compression is temporary or structural
- Return on equity trend - currently insufficient to justify equity capital investment
- Free cash flow generation relative to capex - assess sustainability of capital allocation
- Steel pricing dynamics and input cost inflation - primary near-term profitability drivers
- Free cash flow relative to capital expenditures
- Operating margin and net margin trend
Nucor Corp. (NUE) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 2.4% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. Strong liquidity with a 2.90x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
NUE Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
NUE vs Materials Sector: How Nucor Corp. Compares
How Nucor Corp. compares to Materials sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Nucor Corp. Stock Overvalued? NUE Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Nucor Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Materials sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Nucor Corp. Balance Sheet: NUE Debt, Cash & Liquidity
NUE Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Nucor Corp.'s revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 5% decline. The most recent EPS of $18.00 reflects profitable operations.
NUE Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
NUE Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $7.8B | $156.0M | $0.67 |
| Q3 2025 | $7.4B | $250.0M | $1.05 |
| Q2 2025 | $8.1B | $603.0M | $2.60 |
| Q1 2025 | $7.8B | $156.0M | $0.67 |
| Q3 2024 | $7.4B | $249.9M | $1.05 |
| Q2 2024 | $8.1B | $645.2M | $2.68 |
| Q1 2024 | $8.1B | $844.8M | $3.46 |
| Q3 2023 | $8.8B | $1.1B | $4.57 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Nucor Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
NUE SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Nucor Corp. (CIK: 0000073309)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about NUE
What is the AI rating for NUE?
Nucor Corp. (NUE) has a Combined AI Grade of B from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (B) with 74% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are NUE's key strengths?
Claude: Fortress balance sheet with minimal leverage (0.32x D/E) and exceptional interest coverage (28.1x). Strong liquidity position: 2.90x current ratio with $2.2B cash and low working capital risk. ChatGPT: Strong balance sheet with low debt-to-equity and substantial equity base. Healthy liquidity profile with 2.94x current ratio and 1.57x quick ratio.
What are the risks of investing in NUE?
Claude: Net income and diluted EPS declining despite revenue growth indicates dangerous margin compression. Extremely weak capital returns: ROE 3.5% and ROA 2.1% reflect poor profitability relative to asset base. ChatGPT: Margin pressure is evident with only 1.9% gross margin and 5.4% net margin. Free cash flow is negative as capital expenditures exceed operating cash flow.
What is NUE's revenue and growth?
Nucor Corp. reported revenue of $9.5B.
Does NUE pay dividends?
Nucor Corp. pays dividends, with $129.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find NUE SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Nucor Corp. (CIK: 0000073309) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is NUE's EPS?
Nucor Corp. has a diluted EPS of $3.23.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is NUE's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Nucor Corp. has a B grade with 74% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is NUE stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for NUE: ROE of 3.5% (sector avg: 14%), net margin of 7.8% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is NUE's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Nucor Corp. a combined B grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is NUE's free cash flow?
Nucor Corp.'s operating cash flow is $886.0M, with capital expenditures of $661.0M. FCF margin is 2.4%.
How does NUE compare to other Materials stocks?
Vs Materials sector averages: Net margin 7.8% (avg: 10%), ROE 3.5% (avg: 14%), current ratio 2.90 (avg: 1.6).