Market Capitalization Comparison: Steel Dynamics vs. Waters Corp.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Market Cap Comparison: Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD) has a market capitalization of $37.72 billion, compared to Waters Corp. (WAT) at $37.13 billion, highlighting the relative value differences that can influence investor decisions and capital flows.
- Investor Misconception: Many novice investors mistakenly compare stock prices to gauge company value, but market capitalization provides a more accurate assessment of company size, enabling smarter investment choices.
- Market Positioning Impact: Market capitalization not only affects a company's ranking among peers but also determines which mutual funds and ETFs may invest in these stocks, thereby influencing their liquidity and market performance.
- Stock Performance: At Tuesday's close, STLD shares rose approximately 3.8%, while WAT shares fell about 1.6%, reflecting differing market expectations for the future performance of the two companies.
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Analyst Views on STLD
Wall Street analysts forecast STLD stock price to fall
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 270.130
Low
185.00
Averages
190.71
High
195.00
Current: 270.130
Low
185.00
Averages
190.71
High
195.00
About STLD
Steel Dynamics, Inc. is an industrial metals solutions company. Its Steel Operations segment consists of electric arc furnace steel mills that produce steel from ferrous scrap and scrap substitutes, using continuous casting and automated rolling mills, along with numerous steel coating, processing, and warehouse operations. Its Metals Recycling operations include both ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal processing, transportation, marketing, brokerage, and scrap management services throughout the United States and in Central and Northern Mexico. Its Steel fabrication operations include its New Millennium Building Systems joist and deck plants located throughout the United States, and in Northern Mexico. Its Aluminum Operations segment includes the recycled aluminum flat rolled products mill being constructed in Columbus, Mississippi, and two satellite recycled aluminum slab centers in the southwest United States and Central Mexico, and an ancillary recycled aluminum deox-rod facility.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Asset Write-down Impact: The company anticipates a $16 million reduction in estimated earnings due to asset writedowns related to relocating a planned second aluminum recycled slab center from Arizona to Mississippi, reflecting a significant strategic shift in asset allocation.
- Steel Operations Outlook: While Q2 earnings from steel fabrication are expected to be slightly below Q1, overall profitability is projected to improve significantly due to strong demand and metal margin expansion, indicating resilience in market demand.
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- Asset Write-down Impact: The company anticipates a $16 million reduction in estimated earnings due to asset writedowns related to relocating a planned second aluminum recycled slab center from Arizona to Mississippi, reflecting a significant strategic shift in asset allocation.
- Steel Operations Outlook: While Q2 earnings from steel fabrication are expected to be slightly below Q1, overall profitability is projected to improve significantly due to strong demand and metal margin expansion, indicating resilience in market demand.
- Competitor Performance: In contrast, Nucor forecasts Q2 earnings of $4.50-$4.60 per share, exceeding analyst expectations, highlighting disparities in profitability among industry players that may pressure Steel Dynamics' market performance.
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