Nucor Projects Third Quarter Earnings Growth to $5.65 Per Share

The company’s forecast for the quarter ending October 3, 2026, reflects a shift in market dynamics. Nucor attributes the expected strength in its steel mills segment to higher average selling prices and stable volumes. These gains are projected to outweigh the absence of $130 million in prior-period raw material procurement refunds that bolstered second-quarter results. Meanwhile, the steel products segment is set to benefit from increased volumes and realized pricing. Conversely, the raw materials segment faces a projected decline due to lower pricing and reduced shipment levels.

Corporate expenses are also slated to rise, partly due to the exclusion of a $61 million non-cash valuation benefit from the company's investment in fusion energy firm Helion, which impacted the second quarter. Nucor continues its capital return strategy, having repurchased approximately 2.03 million shares at an average price of $247.04 during the third quarter. Year-to-date, the company has returned $1.36 billion to stockholders through buybacks and dividends. A full review of the quarterly performance is scheduled for October 27, 2026.