Howmet Aerospace Inc vs Nucor Corporation — how do they compare? Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $273.5 (market cap $108.82B), while Nucor Corporation trades at $231 (market cap $52.55B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 2.1× Nucor Corporation's market cap, and Nucor Corporation pays the higher dividend (0.97%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HWM | NUE | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $108.82B | $52.55B |
Sector | Industrials | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $283.23 | $266.35 |
52-Week Low | $171.00 | $131.78 |
Enterprise Value | $111.07B | $57.19B |
Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 0.97% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $271.98, down 0.17% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.22 exceeding the $1.11 estimate. Financials show robust profitability, including a 20.22% net income margin and 33.98% ROE, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 63.21 appear elevated. Recent news highlights commercial aerospace demand driving growth, with shares gaining 249% since May 2024 according to FXEmpire on July 15, 2026.
The outlook remains positive due to sustained aerospace demand and analyst consensus favoring buys, but risks include high valuation sensitivity and market volatility. Upside to the $317.63 price target offers potential, yet investors should weigh premium multiples against earnings growth momentum and sector cyclicality.
Nucor (NUE) trades at $231.86, down 2.01% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $263.11. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026 with EPS of $3.23 versus $2.82 forecast, though Q4 2025 missed. Revenue trends show recovery from $30.7B in 2024 to $32.5B in 2025, with net income margin improving to 6.82% in 2026 projections. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a debt-to-asset ratio of 20.23% in 2025 and recently announced a joint venture to support AI power infrastructure.
Outlook remains positive driven by higher steel prices and strategic expansions, but risks include cyclical demand weakness and volatile cash flows. Analyst sentiment is bullish with 62.5% buy ratings, supporting potential upside from current levels, though investors should monitor execution on Q2 2026 earnings expected at $4.45 EPS.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →Nucor Corp manufactures steel and steel products. The company also produces direct reduced iron for use in its steel mills. The operations include international trading and sales companies that buy and sell steel and steel products manufactured by the company and others. The operating business segments are: steel mills, steel products and raw materials, the steel mills segment derives maximum revenue.
Read more on NUE →