Is Nucor Stock Underperforming the Nasdaq?

Company Overview - Nucor Corporation (NUE) is the largest steel producer and recycler in the U.S., valued at $32.4 billion by market cap, and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina [1] - The company operates across steel mills, steel products, and raw materials, producing a wide range of products including sheet and structural steel, joists, girders, and tubing [1] - Nucor's scrap-based, electric-arc furnace model enhances its flexibility and environmental consciousness compared to traditional steelmakers [1] Market Position - NUE is classified as a large-cap stock, with a market cap exceeding $10 billion, highlighting its size, influence, and dominance in the steel industry [2] - The company has integrated operations and a diversified product portfolio, serving sectors such as construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy, positioning it as a resilient leader in the steel industry [2] Stock Performance - NUE stock reached a 52-week high of $166.26 in the last trading session, with a 13.4% gain over the past three months, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 9.1% rise [3] - Year-to-date, NUE shares have risen 41.1%, surpassing the Nasdaq's YTD gains of 21.5%, although the stock has only climbed 6.3% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the Nasdaq's 20.5% returns [4] - The stock has been trading above its 200-day moving average since early July and above its 50-day moving average since late October, indicating a bullish trend [4] Financial Performance - In the third quarter earnings report released on October 27, Nucor reported revenue of $8.52 billion and EPS of $2.63, both exceeding year-ago levels and analyst expectations [5] - The Steel Mills segment contributed significantly to the gains due to higher shipments and robust margins, while the Steel Products and Raw Materials segments experienced sequential dips due to higher costs and softer pricing [5] - Nucor maintains a strong balance sheet with $2.22 billion in cash and an undrawn credit facility, continuing shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks [5]