## NUE Trading Down While Market Rallies: What Investors Should Watch

Nucor (NUE) finished the latest session at $157.83, declining 1.78% despite the broader market's strength—the S&P 500 gained 0.79%, the Nasdaq advanced 1.38%, and the Dow ticked up 0.14%. Over the past month, NUE shares have returned 8.15%, keeping pace with the Basic Materials sector's 8.18% appreciation but slightly outpacing the S&P 500's 0.87% gain over the same window.

## Upcoming Earnings: Key Expectations

Nucor is set to report its earnings results on January 26, 2026. Analysts project the steel producer will post earnings of $2.07 per share, representing robust year-over-year growth of 69.67%. On the revenue front, consensus estimates call for $7.79 billion, up 10.07% sequentially. For the full fiscal year, projections suggest earnings of $8.11 per share against revenue of $32.6 billion—a -8.88% earnings decline but a +6.06% revenue increase from the prior year.

## Valuation Under the Microscope

Currently, NUE trades at a Forward P/E of 19.82, considerably higher than its industry average of 13.88, suggesting a premium valuation relative to peers. The company's PEG ratio stands at 1.24, contrasting with the Steel - Producers sector average of 0.77. This valuation disparity warrants attention from value-focused investors.

## Industry and Rank Assessment

The Steel - Producers industry, part of the Basic Materials sector, carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 147, placing it in the bottom 41% of all tracked industries. The Zacks Rank system indicates NUE currently holds a #3 (Hold) rating. Historical data shows that stocks with higher Zacks Rankings tend to outperform, with top-tier rated companies delivering average annual returns of +25% since 1988.

Recent analyst estimate revisions have moved 2.84% higher over the past month, potentially signaling improved near-term business momentum. Investors monitoring NUE should remain alert to further estimate changes, as these adjustments often precede meaningful share price moves.