Nucor (NUE)
NYSEMaterialsSteelSnapshot 2026-07-07
$227.44+1.57%
Close 2026-07-07 · 1-day change
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Track NUE free→Intact: The reason to own it still holds.
Nucor is growing earnings strongly across steel segments. Net earnings rose from $156M to $743M in one year. The company returns capital steadily with $0.56 dividend per share and $250M in buybacks. Steel pricing outlook and demand support earnings growth.
Earnings guidance is soft and CEO retirements may disrupt execution. Steel industry cycles could pressure margins. Growth investments progress but remain uncertain.
The price is about 2% below our fair value near $232, reflecting roughly 10% revenue growth expected by analysts. Our fair value is below the Street median, indicating some caution versus consensus optimism.
Breaks if: Capital returned falls below $250M in any quarter through 2026-Q1
Maintain consistent quarterly dividends and execute share repurchase programs to return capital to shareholders.
Standing thesis, reviewed periodically — not a price target or advice.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Nucor consistently declared quarterly dividends, reaching the 212th consecutive dividend in 2026-Q1, and repurchased shares regularly, returning approximately $250M in 2026-Q1. The company is delivering on its capital return commitments.
“Nucor repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares and declared a $0.56 per share dividend, the 212th consecutive quarterly dividend.”
“Nucor repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares and declared a $0.56 per share dividend, the 211th consecutive quarterly dividend.”
“Returned nearly $1 billion to shareholders year-to-date through repurchases and dividends.”
“Repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares and declared a $0.55 per share dividend, the 209th consecutive quarterly dividend.”
“Repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares and declared a $0.55 per share dividend, the 208th consecutive quarterly dividend.”
“Declared a $0.55 per share dividend, the 207th consecutive quarterly dividend, and repurchased 2.1 million shares.”
Breaks if: Net earnings fall below $156M in any quarter through 2026-Q1
Focus on growing earnings in steel mills, steel products, and raw materials segments through volume, pricing, and capital investments.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders grew from $156M in 2025-Q1 to $743M in 2026-Q1, with operating income rising from $285M to $1,096M. Steel mills segment earnings increased substantially, reflecting delivery on management's growth focus.
“All three of our operating segments reported sequential earnings growth, driven by strong demand and capital investments.”
“We brought several major projects online, which are beginning to deliver meaningful earnings contributions.”
“We continue to execute on Nucor’s strategy of growing our core steelmaking capabilities and expanding downstream.”
“Earnings in the second quarter of 2025 increased across all three of our reporting segments.”
“Earnings in the second quarter of 2025 are expected to increase across all three operating segments.”
“While steel demand softened throughout 2024, market conditions are starting to improve and should gain momentum.”
Breaks if: Pre-operating costs rise above $170M in any quarter through 2026-Q1
Advance major capital projects including new mills and facilities to strengthen earnings power and market position.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 6 quarters. Management highlighted ramp-up of major projects contributing to earnings. Pre-operating costs declined from $170M in 2025-Q1 to $108M in 2026-Q1, indicating progress in project execution. The trajectory shows delivery on growth investments.
“Growing contributions from recent capital investments are driving earnings growth.”
“Brought several major projects online, including rebar micro-mill and coating complex, beginning to deliver earnings.”
“Ramping up production at two recently completed bar mill projects and advancing sheet steel production and coating projects.”
“Setting another safety record in the first half of 2025 while executing growth projects.”
Breaks if: Steel mills segment earnings fall below $231M in any quarter through 2026-Q1
Focus on growing earnings in steel mills, steel products, and raw materials segments through volume, pricing, and capital investments.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders grew from $156M in 2025-Q1 to $743M in 2026-Q1, with operating income rising from $285M to $1,096M. Steel mills segment earnings increased substantially, reflecting delivery on management's growth focus.
“All three of our operating segments reported sequential earnings growth, driven by strong demand and capital investments.”
“We brought several major projects online, which are beginning to deliver meaningful earnings contributions.”
“We continue to execute on Nucor’s strategy of growing our core steelmaking capabilities and expanding downstream.”
“Earnings in the second quarter of 2025 increased across all three of our reporting segments.”
“Earnings in the second quarter of 2025 are expected to increase across all three operating segments.”
“While steel demand softened throughout 2024, market conditions are starting to improve and should gain momentum.”