ZACKS·2026-01-28 18:25Core Insights - Commercial Metals Company (CMC) and Nucor Corporation (NUE) are leading steel producers in the U.S. with strong domestic operations and similar business models, benefiting from a recovery in steel prices [1] Group 1: Commercial Metals Company (CMC) - CMC reported revenues of $2.12 billion in Q1 of fiscal 2026, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth driven by demand in the North America Steel Group and Construction Solutions Group, though partially offset by weak market conditions in Europe [2] - The company achieved earnings per share of $1.84 in the quarter, a significant year-over-year increase of 142%, surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimates for earnings and revenues [3] - CMC completed two major acquisitions in December 2025, which are expected to enhance results in Q2 of fiscal 2026 and position the company as a leading player in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions [4] - The company anticipates operational synergies of $25-$30 million from the acquisitions by year three, although it will incur acquisition-related expenses in Q2 of fiscal 2026 [5] - CMC launched the Transform, Advance, Grow Program in September 2024, aiming for an annualized EBITDA benefit of $150 million for fiscal 2026 [6] Group 2: Nucor Corporation (NUE) - NUE reported revenues of $7.69 billion in Q4 of 2025, an 8.6% year-over-year increase, with steel mill sales totaling 4,602,000 tons, up 0.5% year-over-year [7] - The company expects earnings to rise across all segments in Q1 of 2026, particularly in the Steel Mills segment due to higher volumes and prices [8] - NUE is executing growth projects to meet significant end-market demand, supported by a healthy order backlog and recent acquisitions aimed at expanding its product offerings [10][11] Group 3: Financial Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CMC's fiscal 2026 earnings is $7.34 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 134.5%, while the 2027 estimate suggests a slight dip of 1.5% [12] - For NUE, the fiscal 2026 earnings estimate is $11.51 per share, reflecting a year-over-year jump of 49.3%, with a 2027 estimate of $13.79 indicating growth of 19.8% [13] - CMC's stock has gained 56.3% over the past year, outperforming NUE's 44.7% increase [14] - CMC is trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 10.49X, lower than its five-year median, while NUE is at 14.86X, higher than its five-year median [16] Group 4: Investment Outlook - Both CMC and NUE are well-positioned to benefit from the recovery in steel prices, but CMC has shown stronger price performance and a more attractive valuation, making it a potentially smarter investment choice [18] - CMC currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), while NUE has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [19]