Nucor Corporation (NUE) Stock Investment Calculator & Historical Return Analysis
Nucor Corporation is the largest steel producer in the United States and is North America's largest recycler. It manufactures steel and steel products using electric arc furnaces (EAFs). Investors often view Nucor Corporation as a key player in the market, analyzing its long-term potential through various revenue models, brand recognition, and consistent presence in its industry.
This Nucor Corporation stock investment calculator allows you to explore how a hypothetical investment in NUE might have performed over time. By adjusting the investment amount and time period, you can visualize potential growth, compare outcomes across different market cycles, and better understand the impact of long-term investing.
What if you invested $1000 in NUE on Jan 1, 2020?
Explore hypothetical investment results for stocks, ETFs, and more. See real historical data and share your discoveries.
Understanding Nucor Corporation's Historical Performance
Nucor Corporation's stock performance has historically reflected both broader market trends and company-specific milestones. Like many growth-oriented stocks, NUE has experienced periods of growth driven by innovation and market demand.
When analyzing Nucor Corporation's historical returns, it's important to consider:
- Market cycles: Strong bull markets often amplify returns, while recessions can temporarily suppress performance.
- Business model evolution: Changes in revenue strategies and product lines can significantly impact stability.
- Long-term trends: Over extended periods, compounding can play a larger role than short-term price fluctuations. Try our calculator to explore returns over 5 years or larger investments over 10 years.
This calculator helps you see how these factors might have affected an investment depending on when you entered the market.
Historical Annual Returns
Over the past 40 years, Nucor Corporation has delivered an average annual return of 17.6%. The stock peaked in 2021 with a massive +121.3% gain, while investors faced a downturn in 2024 (-32.5%). Overall, the stock finished in the green 26 times out of 40 years.
Avg Return
+17.6%
Win Rate
65%
26W - 14L
Best
+121.3%
2021
Worst
-32.5%
2024
Performance Consistency
Nucor Corporation Annual Returns by Year
| Year | Annual Return | Start Price | End Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | -13.54% | $1.03 | $0.89 |
| 1987 | +27.94% | $0.91 | $1.16 |
| 1988 | +19.72% | $1.18 | $1.41 |
| 1989 | +31.31% | $1.37 | $1.80 |
| 1990 | +2.00% | $1.83 | $1.86 |
| 1991 | +45.40% | $1.86 | $2.70 |
| 1992 | +86.17% | $2.56 | $4.77 |
| 1993 | +35.49% | $4.78 | $6.47 |
| 1994 | +8.09% | $6.27 | $6.78 |
| 1995 | +4.92% | $6.70 | $7.03 |
| 1996 | -9.58% | $6.99 | $6.32 |
| 1997 | -5.45% | $6.38 | $6.03 |
| 1998 | -10.91% | $6.13 | $5.46 |
| 1999 | +25.40% | $5.58 | $6.99 |
| 2000 | -25.72% | $6.93 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | +39.94% | $4.98 | $6.97 |
| 2002 | -18.74% | $6.80 | $5.52 |
| 2003 | +34.84% | $5.65 | $7.62 |
| 2004 | +88.93% | $7.62 | $14.41 |
| 2005 | +35.75% | $13.89 | $18.85 |
| 2006 | +63.96% | $19.60 | $32.13 |
| 2007 | +13.10% | $32.04 | $36.23 |
| 2008 | -17.63% | $35.47 | $29.22 |
| 2009 | -0.32% | $30.54 | $30.45 |
| 2010 | -5.09% | $31.19 | $29.60 |
| 2011 | -7.11% | $29.87 | $27.74 |
| 2012 | +10.47% | $28.41 | $31.38 |
| 2013 | +22.93% | $32.56 | $40.03 |
| 2014 | -4.24% | $39.54 | $37.86 |
| 2015 | -14.86% | $37.83 | $32.21 |
| 2016 | +55.07% | $31.61 | $49.02 |
| 2017 | +9.44% | $49.09 | $53.73 |
| 2018 | -20.06% | $56.21 | $44.94 |
| 2019 | +10.99% | $45.28 | $50.26 |
| 2020 | +0.30% | $49.22 | $49.37 |
| 2021 | +121.28% | $48.74 | $107.85 |
| 2022 | +18.54% | $106.80 | $126.60 |
| 2023 | +34.52% | $125.88 | $169.34 |
| 2024 | -32.49% | $170.69 | $115.23 |
| 2025 | +44.31% | $113.03 | $163.11 |
Historical annual returns for Nucor Corporation. Data shows year-over-year percentage change in stock price.
Why Use a "What If" Stock Calculator?
Many investors wonder questions such as:
- What if I had invested 5 years ago?
- How does timing affect long-term returns?
- What role does compounding play in stock investments?
A what-if investment calculator answers these questions by turning historical data into practical insights. Rather than focusing on daily price movements, it encourages a long-term perspective, which is especially useful for retirement planning, portfolio comparisons, and financial education.
Key Innovations
- ✓Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) mini-mill model
- ✓Thin-slab casting
Business Segments
- Steel MillsSheet, plate, structural, and bar steel.
- Steel ProductsJoists, deck, tubing, and fasteners.
- Raw MaterialsDirect reduced iron (DRI) and scrap processing.
How to Interpret the Results
The results shown are based on historical performance and are meant for educational and informational purposes only. They do not account for future market conditions, taxes, transaction fees, or individual investment strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results, but historical analysis can help investors understand risk, volatility, and growth potential.
For best use:
- Compare multiple time ranges to see how outcomes differ
- Use consistent assumptions across different stocks
- Combine this tool with fundamental research and diversification principles