Nucor Corporation vs Old Dominion Freight Line Inc — how do they compare? Nucor Corporation trades at $230.8 (market cap $52.55B), while Old Dominion Freight Line Inc trades at $231.25 (market cap $48.20B). The key difference: Nucor Corporation and Old Dominion Freight Line Inc are close in size by market cap, and Nucor Corporation pays the higher dividend (0.97%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NUE | ODFL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $52.55B | $48.20B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $266.35 | $248.73 |
52-Week Low | $131.78 | $126.29 |
Enterprise Value | $57.19B | $47.95B |
Dividend Yield | 0.97% | 0.5% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Nucor (NUE) trades at $233.2, down 1.44% over 24 hours, with technical indicators showing a bearish trend near key support at $228. The company reported mixed recent earnings, beating in Q1 2026 but missing in Q4 2025, with Q2 2026 results expected soon. Revenue has stabilized around $32.5B in 2025 after declines from 2022 peaks, while net margins compressed to 5.36%. Analyst sentiment remains positive with a 62.5% buy rating and $263.11 consensus target, supported by strong cash flow and a 53-year dividend growth streak.
NUE offers value with reasonable valuation multiples (P/E 22.89, P/S 1.55) and robust shareholder returns, but faces risks from steel demand volatility and margin pressure. The upcoming Q2 earnings report on July 27, 2026, will be critical for confirming growth trajectory amid economic uncertainties.
Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) trades at $234.79, up 0.41% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamental profitability. The company has consistently beaten earnings expectations in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 results pending. Revenue declined to $5.5B in 2025, but net income margins remain robust at 18.46%. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with a consensus price target of $233.67 and a Hold-heavy rating distribution. Recent news highlights operational strength amid freight market improvements and competitive pressures from Amazon's expansion into LTL shipping.
ODFL presents a balanced outlook with high-quality fundamentals offset by premium valuations. Investment opportunities include industry-leading margins, debt-light balance sheet, and potential upside from freight recovery. Key risks include valuation concerns, competitive threats, and economic sensitivity. The stock's current price near consensus target suggests limited near-term upside, requiring careful entry timing.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Old Dominion Freight Line is the fourth-largest less-than-truckload carrier in the United States, with more than 240 service centers and 9,200-plus tractors. OD is by far one of the most disciplined and efficient providers in the trucking industry, and its profitability and capital returns stand head and shoulders above its peers. Strategic initiatives revolve around increasing network density through market share gains and maintaining industry-leading service via consistent infrastructure investment.
Read more on ODFL →