#United States #Charlotte #Financial Performance #Steel Industry #Nucor Corporation

Nucor's Second Quarter of 2026 Performance

Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE), known for its steel production and diverse product portfolio, has announced its consolidated financial results for the second quarter of 2026, marking a strong performance. The company reported net earnings attributable to stockholders of $1.16 billion, translating to $5.04 per diluted share. Notably, when excluding a non-cash, pre-tax benefit of $61 million or $0.20 per diluted share, the adjusted net earnings stood at $1.11 billion, which equates to $4.84 per diluted share. This indicates a significant growth when contrasted with the $743 million, or $3.23 per diluted share, reported in the first quarter of 2026 and with the $603 million, or $2.60 per diluted share, recorded during the same quarter the previous year.

According to Leon Topalian, Nucor's Chair and CEO, the impressive quarterly earnings can be attributed to substantial investments in key sectors within the U.S. economy alongside favorable federal trade policies. These factors combined have driven a consecutive record in steel mill shipments, reinforcing Nucor's leading position in the market with an extensive range of steel products available across North America.

In terms of segment performance, the steel mills experienced a massive leap in earnings, primarily due to increased average selling prices coupled with enhanced shipment volumes. Additionally, the steel products segment saw better earnings because of rising volumes and stable pricing. The raw materials segment also posted higher earnings linked to increased selling prices and shipments.

For the second quarter, Nucor's financial data reveals net sales of $10.40 billion, further illustrating the robust earnings trajectory. The company's earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests were reported at $1.28 billion, with an impressive EBITDA of $2.02 billion.

Nucor's financial stability is commendable, with $2.69 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments available at the end of the second quarter. The company boasts an undrawn $2.25 billion revolving credit facility, which remains in effect until March 2030, confirming its strong position within the North American steel sector, enhanced by high credit ratings (A-/A-/A3) from Standard & Poor's, Fitch Ratings, and Moody's.

The company is also committed to returning capital to its stockholders. In the second quarter, Nucor repurchased approximately 1.53 million shares at an average price of $228.76 per share. Throughout the quarter, it returned close to $479 million to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends. This is a continuation of its shareholder-friendly policies, which include declaring cash dividends consistently; the latest cash dividend of $0.56 per share will be payable on August 11, 2026, marking its 213th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

Looking forward, Nucor anticipates a further increase in consolidated reported earnings for the third quarter of 2026, driven by higher realized pricing across key product categories while maintaining stable volumes. The steel products segment is also expected to contribute significantly to the growth with anticipated increased earnings.

A conference call to discuss these results will take place on July 28, 2026, providing further insights into Nucor’s operational and financial strategies.

About Nucor Corporation

Nucor and its subsidiaries are leading manufacturers of steel and related products, operating across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company's extensive product range includes various forms of steel, such as carbon and alloy steel in bars, beams, sheets, and plates, as well as specialized steel products. Notably, Nucor is also recognized as North America's largest recycler, contributing to both the economy and the environment through its sustainable practices.

Overall, Nucor's impressive second-quarter results not only reflect its strong market position but also highlight its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the steel industry.