Nucor forecasts stronger quarterly earnings as steel pricing improves

Nucor ($NUE) expects third-quarter earnings of $5.55–5.65 per share, compared with $5.04 in the preceding quarter and $2.63 a year earlier. The second-quarter figure was $4.84 after excluding a non-cash investment gain. Management expects improved profitability in steel mills and steel products, supported by stronger selling prices and, in products, higher volumes.

The raw-materials segment is expected to weaken. Its comparison also reflects the absence of a substantial procurement refund recorded in the preceding quarter. Nucor said it has returned approximately $1.36 billion to shareholders so far this year. These are preliminary quarterly expectations, not finalized results; the release distinguishes operating improvement from prior-period items that otherwise make the earnings comparison less straightforward.

Sources:

• Nucor — third-quarter guidance, PR Newswire