Compare Nucor Corporation (NUE) vs Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Nucor Corporation vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? Nucor Corporation trades at $272.2 (market cap $62.54B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $257.2 (market cap $22.70B). The key difference: Nucor Corporation is far larger — about 2.8× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.36%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NUE | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $62.54B | $22.70B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Technology |
52-Week High | $274.74 | $256.04 |
52-Week Low | $131.78 | $191.68 |
Enterprise Value | $66.95B | $26.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 2.36% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Nucor (NUE) trades at $272.63, up 0.23% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and strong resistance near $280. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $4.84 versus $4.46, driven by record steel shipments and higher prices. Revenue trends show recovery from 2024 lows, with 2026 projections at $36.1B. The stock is near its consensus price target of $279.63, with analyst sentiment leaning bullish (59% buy ratings).
Outlook: Nucor benefits from resilient steel demand and operational efficiency, but faces risks from tariff policies and cyclical industry pressures. The current P/E of 21.76 is reasonable given earnings growth, though net margins have compressed from 2022 peaks. Investors should monitor Q3 2026 results against the $5.72 EPS estimate for continued momentum.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $256.04, up 1.3% on the day, with a bullish technical trend supported by moving averages and strong support at $252. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.35, beating estimates, driven by record corrugated shipments and contributions from the Greif acquisition, though net income margins face pressure from rising costs. A $1.50 dividend for H1-2026 reflects management's confidence, with a consensus price target of $269.33 suggesting modest upside.
Outlook: PKG benefits from robust demand and strategic acquisitions, but cost headwinds and a high P/E of 33.08 pose valuation risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 34.6% buy ratings, indicating cautious optimism amid margin compression and economic uncertainties. Key risks include freight and input cost inflation, competitive pricing pressure, and execution of integration synergies.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Nucor Corporation
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 →About Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →
