Core 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]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Steel Producers industry is positioned to benefit from rising steel prices, supported by a resilient non-residential construction market and strong automotive demand [1][2] - The industry serves various end-use sectors, including automotive, construction, and industrial machinery, with steel being a critical component [3] Current Market Dynamics - U.S. steel prices have increased due to tightened supply from tariffs on imports and higher demand, with benchmark hot-rolled coil prices rising from around $700 per short ton to above $900 per short ton [4] - The automotive market is expected to rebound, driven by the adoption of electric vehicles and government incentives, while non-residential construction remains strong due to infrastructure projects [5] Challenges - A slowdown in China's economy has negatively impacted steel demand, particularly in the real estate sector, which accounts for approximately 40% of China's steel consumption [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Steel Producers industry has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector, with a decline of 45.5% over the past year [10] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 8.04X, below the S&P 500's 15.56X and the sector's 11.52X, indicating potential undervaluation [13] Key Players - **Nucor Corporation**: Expected to benefit from the non-residential construction market and automotive sector, with a focus on production capacity and shareholder returns [18][19] - **Steel Dynamics, Inc.**: Experiencing strong order activity and expanding capacity through new projects, including a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace [20][21] - **United States Steel Corporation**: Focused on operational efficiency and expanding its mini mill segment, with positive customer feedback on new product quality [24][26]