Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) Faces Earnings Pressure but Remains Optimistic for 2026

Core Viewpoint - Nucor Corporation is facing challenges in its fourth-quarter earnings guidance, which is below analyst expectations, but remains optimistic about recovery in 2026 due to improving order backlogs [2][4][6] Financial Performance - Nucor's projected earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter is between $1.65 and $1.75, which is below the consensus estimate of $2.18 [2][6] - The company's current stock price is $160.69, reflecting a decrease of 0.97% or $1.57 [5] - Nucor's market capitalization is approximately $36.78 billion [5] Operational Segments - The anticipated decline in earnings is attributed to seasonal pressures and fewer shipping days, affecting all three operating segments: steel mills, steel products, and raw materials [3] - In the steel mills segment, earnings are expected to decrease due to lower volumes and margin compression, particularly in sheet products [3] - The steel products segment faces challenges with lower volumes and higher average costs per ton, although improved average pricing may provide some relief [3] Shareholder Actions - Nucor has continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately 0.7 million shares in the fourth quarter at an average price of $145.23, bringing total repurchases for the year to about 5.4 million shares [4][6] Market Outlook - Despite current challenges, Nucor remains optimistic about a recovery in 2026, driven by improving order backlogs [4][6]