Nucor Reports $1.32B Q3 2026 Net Earnings

Nucor Corporation reported consolidated net earnings attributable to stockholders of $1.32 billion, or $5.80 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2026. The company reported net sales of $11.25 billion for the quarter ended October 3, 2026. This represents a significant increase compared to the prior year, where net earnings were $607 million, or $2.63 per diluted share, and compared to the second quarter of 2026, where net earnings were $1.16 billion, or $5.04 per diluted share.

By segment, earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests were $1.867 billion for the third quarter. The steel mills segment generated earnings of $1.788 billion, while the steel products segment contributed $465 million. The raw materials segment reported earnings of $105 million. Corporate and eliminations expenses totaled $491 million for the quarter.

At the end of the third quarter, Nucor held $3.64 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The company’s revolving credit facility of $2.25 billion remains undrawn and is set to expire in March 2030. Nucor maintains the strongest credit ratings in the North American steel sector, with A-/A-/A3 ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, and Moody’s, respectively.

Regarding capital returns, Nucor repurchased approximately 2.03 million shares of its common stock during the third quarter at an average price of $247.04 per share. The company also returned approximately $629 million to stockholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends during the quarter. On September 18, 2026, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.56 per share, payable on November 10, 2026. This marks the company’s 214th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

Looking ahead, Nucor expects earnings in the fourth quarter of 2026 to be generally in-line with or modestly higher than the third quarter. The company noted that the first heat at its West Virginia sheet mill was achieved in September, and the second galvanizing line at Nucor Steel Berkeley has recently started up.