$NUE · NUCOR CORP
Nucor reported Q3 2026 net earnings of $1.32 billion ($5.80 per diluted share) on net sales of $11.25 billion, up from $607 million ($2.63) in Q3 2025. EBITDA was $2.28 billion. The steel mills segment drove the gains with pre-tax earnings of $1.79 billion, more than double the prior-year period. Q2 2026 adjusted EPS was $4.84 excluding a $0.20 non-cash Helion valuation benefit. The company ended the quarter with $3.64 billion in cash and short-term investments and returned $629 million to shareholders via buybacks and dividends.
- Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders: $1.32B, or $5.80 per diluted share, vs. $607M ($2.63) in Q3 2025.
- Net sales of $11.25B, up 32% YoY from $8.52B in Q3 2025.
- Steel mills segment pre-tax earnings of $1.79B, more than double the $793M in Q3 2025.
- Q2 2026 adjusted EPS was $4.84, excluding a $0.20 non-cash Helion valuation benefit.
- Company repurchased 2.03M shares at $247.04 avg. price; returned $629M to shareholders in Q3.
Extended-hours trading shows NUE at $258.00, up 0.25% from the regular close of $257.35, suggesting a muted initial reaction to results that broadly met expectations. The $58.39B market cap reflects a mature cyclical name where earnings are already well-anticipated.
Nucor's steel mills segment earnings more than doubled YoY while the company returned $1.36B to shareholders in the first nine months, demonstrating exceptional cash generation in a strong demand environment.
Nucor's 32% YoY revenue jump and steel mills segment earnings doubling reflect strong nonresidential construction demand and higher realized pricing, outpacing broader steel-sector recovery trends. The A-/A-/A3 credit ratings remain the strongest in North American steel.
Q4 guidance flags seasonally lower volumes and higher costs in steel mills, plus lower DRI pricing in raw materials. Competitive pressure from imports and sensitivity to prevailing steel prices remain key external risks cited in forward-looking statements.