The Motley Foolยท2025-06-05 09:10Group 1: Company Overview - Nucor and Steel Dynamics are both U.S. steelmakers that utilize electric arc mini-mills for steel production, which is more flexible than traditional blast furnace technology [2] - Both companies have established businesses selling fabricated steel products, enhancing their resilience during cyclical downturns in the steel industry [5] Group 2: Financial Performance and Dividends - Nucor is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its annual dividend for over 50 consecutive years, while Steel Dynamics has raised its dividend annually for 14 years [6][7] - Nucor's dividend has grown at an annualized rate of approximately 4% over the past decade, while Steel Dynamics' dividend has increased by more than 10% annually [8][9] - Nucor's current dividend yield is around 1.8%, compared to Steel Dynamics' yield of 1.5%, both exceeding the S&P 500 average of 1.3% [11] Group 3: Strategic Differences - Nucor operates as a larger, more deliberate company, while Steel Dynamics is characterized as more aggressive, recently entering the aluminum market [10][12] - The choice between Nucor and Steel Dynamics may depend on investor preferences for dividend growth rates and management aggressiveness [12] Group 4: Market Performance - Nucor's stock has experienced a 40% decline from its 2024 highs, which is considered a normal drawdown, while Steel Dynamics is down approximately 10% over the same period [13]