Friedman Industries (FRD) vs Steel Dynamics (STLD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Friedman Industries (FRD) has outperformed Steel Dynamics (STLD) over the past year, gaining 111.9% versus a gain of 64.0%. Over five years, STLD leads with a +278.3% price change compared with +239.3% for FRD. Steel Dynamics is the larger company by market cap ($33.55 billion vs $310.1 million), about 108.2 times the size.
On valuation, Friedman Industries trades at a lower trailing P/E (11.2x vs 21.2x for Steel Dynamics). Steel Dynamics offers the higher dividend yield (0.88% vs 0.37%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FRD | STLD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $42.99 | $234.09 |
| Market cap | $310.08M | $33.55B |
| 1-day change | +1.69% | -1.71% |
| YTD return | +109.81% | +38.15% |
| 1-year return | +111.88% | +64.01% |
| 5-year return | +239.31% | +278.30% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 11.20 | 21.22 |
| Forward P/E | — | 11.97 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.84 | $11.03 |
| Dividend yield | 0.37% | 0.88% |
| Annual dividend | $0.16 | $2.06 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $18.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +3.63% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $1.19B |
| Gross margin | — | 13.16% |
| Operating margin | — | 8.12% |
| Net margin | — | 6.52% |
| 52-week high | $48.77 | $288.74 |
| 52-week low | $16.55 | $140.87 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -11.85% | -18.93% |
| Analyst consensus | — | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | — | +15.75% |
| Average volume | 74.97K | 1.11M |
| Shares outstanding | 7.21M | 143.33M |
| Employees | 381 | 14,400 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Steel/Iron Ore | Steel/Iron Ore |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Steel Dynamics is about 108.2 times larger than Friedman Industries by market value ($33.55B vs $310.08M).
- FRD has outperformed STLD by 47.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Steel Dynamics trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.2x vs 11.2x trailing P/E).
About Friedman Industries
FRD stock →Friedman Industries, Incorporated engages in the manufacture and processing of steel products in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Flat-Roll Products and Tubular Products.
Industrials · Steel/Iron Ore · 381 employees
About Steel Dynamics
STLD stock →Steel Dynamics, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a steel producer and metal recycler in the United States. It operates through four segments: Steel Operations, Metals Recycling Operations, Steel Fabrication Operations, and Aluminum Operations.
Industrials · Steel/Iron Ore · 14,400 employees
FRD vs STLD FAQ
Which is bigger, Friedman Industries or Steel Dynamics?
Steel Dynamics (STLD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $33.55B compared with $310.08M for Friedman Industries (FRD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FRD or STLD?
FRD returned +111.88% over the past 12 months, compared with +64.01% for STLD (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FRD or STLD?
FRD has the lower trailing P/E at 11.2, versus 21.2 for STLD. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Friedman Industries or Steel Dynamics?
Steel Dynamics has the higher yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.37% for Friedman Industries.
Are Friedman Industries and Steel Dynamics in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Steel/Iron Ore industry within the Industrials sector.