10 Cheapest Dividend Aristocrats to Buy Now

8. Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE)

Forward P/E Ratio: 19.38

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) ranks eighth on our list of the best dividend aristocrat stocks. The North Carolina-based steel production company also offers related products to its consumers. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company posted revenue of $7.08 billion, reflecting a decline of over 8% compared to the same period last year. Despite this drop, the company surpassed analysts’ expectations by $348 million. Management acknowledged that steel demand weakened in 2024 but noted that market conditions are starting to improve and are expected to strengthen further in 2025. As the US economy embarks on several steel-intensive megatrends, Nucor, as the nation’s largest and most diversified steel producer, is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is generating strong returns this year, surging by nearly 20% since the start of 2025. The company sets itself apart by expanding into higher-margin specialty products like data center racks and industrial garage doors, which provide stability to its profitability, reducing reliance on the cyclical steel market. Despite recent challenges, the company remains profitable and maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. By strategically utilizing downturns to acquire companies and invest in assets, Nucor is positioning itself well for long-term growth.

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, having raised it by 1.9% in December 2024. The stock’s dividend yield on February 14 came in at 1.6%. The company has attracted investors due to its strong financial health and dividend strategy. It finished the quarter with more than $4 billion in cash and cash equivalents and generated close to $4 billion in operating cash flow for the fiscal year 2024. The company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 52 years.