Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

Is Nucor Corporation (NUE) the Best Construction Stock To Buy According to Analysts?

We recently published an article on the 7 Best Construction Stocks To Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we will look at where Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) ranks among the best construction stocks to buy according to analysts.

The recent 50 basis point rate cut has given a significant boost to the market and put a lot of industries into focus. The construction industry could also benefit significantly from the cuts as lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs, increase demand for real estate, encourage infrastructure investment, and boost consumer spending. This leads to more construction projects and supports overall growth in the sector.

According to a Research and Markets report, the U.S. construction industry is set to grow by 5.6% in 2024, reaching $1.27 trillion, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.7% through 2028, reaching $1.53 trillion. The growth is supported by government policies focused on infrastructure development and efforts to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. Despite some cost pressures, major projects such as data centers and infrastructure investments are expected to drive industry growth.

Population Shifts and Industry Trends Reshape U.S. Construction Outlook

According to FMI corporation’s 2024 North American Engineering and Construction Outlook: Third Quarter, U.S. construction in 2024 is expected to surpass $2 trillion for the first time, a 6% increase from 2023. However, growth is projected to slow to around 3-5% annually over the next five years.

In residential construction, a mixed trend is emerging, with single-family home construction projected to grow by 7%, while multifamily construction may decline by 25%. Non-residential construction is set for 6% growth, driven by public safety and manufacturing sectors, each seeing over 20% growth. Heavy civil sectors, like power and transportation, are expected to rise by 8%.

The report emphasizes the influence of population shifts on construction activity, especially as people move from states like California and New York to Texas and Florida, which could boost construction in those regions. Despite future slowing growth, FMI noted that the upcoming five years will still mark some of the highest levels of construction spending since 1965.

The report discusses how political backing for renewable energy, electric transportation, and power systems will persist, with grid planners projecting a 5% annual growth rate through 2028. Data center power needs are expected to triple by 2030, while the oil and gas sector continues to expand infrastructure.

Infrastructure spending will remain elevated, although growth may slow as Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds taper off after 2026. Bridge investments are leading highway construction projects, and future political discussions may increase funding for infrastructure.

Moreover, the EPA has identified a $630 billion funding gap for wastewater infrastructure, and the U.S. will need $650 billion over 20 years to improve water systems, mainly for repairing distribution networks. Federal funding from the IIJA and programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act will help support these projects. Investments in dams and coastal protection are also growing, focusing on environmental protection and resilience.

Our Methodology

For this article, we identified nearly 40 construction stocks through ETFs and stock screeners with a market cap of over $5 billion. We narrowed our list to 7 stocks with the highest average analyst price target, as of September 25. Finally, we also mentioned the hedge fund sentiment around each stock which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of over 900 elite hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE)

Average Analyst Price Target Upside: 16.13%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40 

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is one of the most prominent players in the American steel industry and is the leading recycler of scrap metal across North America. The company has a diverse product portfolio that includes rebar, structural steel, carbon steel plates, and specialty steel for various industries, including automotive and construction.

Since its inception, the company has significantly expanded through strategic acquisitions and mergers. In June, the company announced the acquisition of Rytec Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high-speed commercial doors, in an all-cash deal valued at $565 million. This price reflects approximately 12.5 times Rytec’s projected EBITDA for 2024. Rytec specializes in high-speed spiral rolling doors for several applications, including warehouses and cold storage.

Leon Topalian, Nucor’s (NYSE:NUE) chair, president, and CEO, said that this acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to diversify beyond core steel operations and expand into complementary downstream markets. He emphasized the potential for cross-selling with the company’s other businesses and the improvement of its product offerings in the commercial sector.

In April, the company announced the acquisition of Southwest Data Products, Inc. (SWDP) for $115 million. SWDP specializes in manufacturing and installing data center infrastructure. This is another one of the company’s acquisitions that supports its strategy to diversify beyond steel production.

In Q2, 40 hedge funds had stakes worth $520.506 million in Nucor (NYSE:NUE). Balyasny Asset Management owns 421,458 shares of the company, worth $66.62 million, and is the largest shareholder of the company, as of June 30.

It is one of the best construction stocks to buy according to analysts as 15 analysts have covered it with an average price target of $174, which shows an upside of 16.13%. On September 13, Seaport Global analyst Martin Englert reiterated a Buy rating for the company stock with a $170 price target.

Overall, NUE ranks 6th on our list of the best construction stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of NUE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is promising and trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Read Next: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA ‘Has Become A Wasteland’.

Disclosure. None. This article was originally published on Insider Monkey.

AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

The whispers are turning into roars.

Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore.

It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.

From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.

Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:

Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.

Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.

We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.

This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.

Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.

Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.

AI is at a similar inflection point.

We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)

The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.

But with so many choices, how do you find the hidden gem – the company poised for explosive growth?

That’s where our expertise comes in.

We’ve got the answer, but there’s a twist…

Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today, it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.

That’s the potential you’re looking at. This isn’t just about a decent return – we’re talking about a 10,000% gain over the next decade!

Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.

This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.

It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.

They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.

Here’s the catch (it’s a good one): To uncover this sleeping giant, you’ll need our exclusive intel.

We want to make sure none of our valued readers miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity!

That’s why we’re slashing the price of our Premium Readership Newsletter by a whopping 70%.

For a ridiculously low price of just $29, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single restaurant meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

 

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $29.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a year later!

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…