Core Viewpoint - Nucor Corporation anticipates a decrease in earnings for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, with expected earnings per diluted share ranging from $2.05 to $2.15, down from $2.60 in Q2 2025 and $1.05 in Q3 2024 [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Guidance - Nucor expects third quarter earnings to be between $2.05 and $2.15 per diluted share [1]. - The company reported net earnings of $2.60 per diluted share in Q2 2025 and $1.05 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [1]. Group 2: Segment Performance - Earnings are projected to decline across all three operating segments compared to Q2 2025 [2]. - The steel mills segment is expected to see lower earnings due to reduced volumes and margin compression [2]. - The steel products segment anticipates decreased earnings due to higher average costs per ton despite stable pricing and volumes [2]. - The raw materials segment is expected to experience lower earnings due to reduced profitability in scrap processing operations [2]. Group 3: Share Repurchase and Returns - Nucor has repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares at an average price of $140.46 per share during the third quarter [3]. - Year-to-date, the company has repurchased approximately 4.8 million shares at an average price of $126.26 per share [3]. - Nucor has returned approximately $985 million to stockholders through share repurchases and dividends year-to-date [3]. Group 4: Upcoming Earnings Release - Nucor plans to release its earnings after market close on October 27, 2025, and will host a conference call on October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [4].

Core Insights - Nucor Corporation (NUE) and Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) are leading steel producers in the U.S., serving critical markets such as construction, automotive, and industrial sectors [1] - U.S. steel prices have declined due to weak demand and high production levels, with hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices falling below $800 per short ton [2] - A comparison of Nucor and Steel Dynamics reveals differing investment prospects amid current market conditions [3] Nucor Corporation (NUE) - Nucor is the largest steel producer in North America, focusing on increasing production capacity to enhance profitability and maintain its low-cost producer status [4] - The company is experiencing strong demand from various sectors, including construction, military, and energy, supported by a healthy order backlog [4] - Nucor has made strategic acquisitions, such as Southwest Data Products and Rytec Corporation, to diversify its offerings and expand into related downstream businesses [5] - The company ended Q2 2025 with liquidity of approximately $3.4 billion and increased its revolving credit facility to $2.25 billion [6] - Nucor has returned around $13.2 billion to shareholders since 2020, with a recent quarterly dividend increase to 55 cents per share [7] - The current dividend yield for Nucor is 1.6%, with a payout ratio of 36% and a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 7.5% [8] - Nucor faces demand weakness in markets such as heavy equipment and agriculture, which accounted for about 28% of its total shipments in 2024 [9][10] Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) - Steel Dynamics employs a customer-focused approach and market diversification, positioning itself for future growth [11] - The company is ramping up operations at its new electric arc furnace flat-rolled steel mill in Sinton, TX, with a capacity of approximately three million tons per year [12] - STLD is investing in value-added flat-rolled steel coating lines and a $2.7 billion low-carbon aluminum flat rolled mill, enhancing its growth strategy [13] - The company generated solid cash flow from operations of $1.8 billion in 2024 and ended Q2 2025 with liquidity of around $1.9 billion [14] - Steel Dynamics raised its quarterly dividend by 9% to 50 cents per share and repurchased shares worth $450 million in the first half of 2025 [15] - The automotive sector is significant for STLD, but a slowdown in global automotive production may impact steel consumption in this market [16] Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, both NUE and STLD stocks have increased by 22.4%, while the Zacks Steel Producers industry rose by 24.1% [17] - STLD trades at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 11.86, while NUE trades at 14.11, indicating a premium for Nucor [18][19] - Steel Dynamics has a higher return on equity of 11.88% compared to Nucor's 6.65%, reflecting more efficient use of shareholder funds [21] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nucor's 2025 sales suggests a 5.3% increase, while EPS is expected to decline by 6.5% [22] - For Steel Dynamics, the 2025 sales estimate implies a 4.5% increase, with EPS expected to decline by 5.9% [26] - Both companies are ramping up growth plans, but STLD appears to have a slight edge due to its attractive valuation, higher dividend growth rate, and superior return on equity [28]

Group 1 - Berkshire Hathaway has consistently regarded Nucor as a fundamental component of value investing [1]

Market Overview - Investors have maintained a bullish outlook recently, but markets experienced a slight decline as the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting commenced, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all slightly lower than their all-time highs [1] - The S&P 500 closed 0.13% lower after reaching a new 52-week high at the open, while the Nasdaq also saw a 0.07% drop from its new 52-week high [1] Stock Performance - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell by 0.27%, with Nvidia experiencing a 1.64% drop in stock price [2] - Webtoon, a digital comic platform, surged by 36.8% following news of a Disney deal, while Steel Dynamics rose by 7.2%, making it a top performer in the S&P 500 [2] - Warner Bros Discovery was the worst performer, declining by 6.5% after a downgrade from TD Cowen, which changed its rating from Buy to Hold due to unattractive risk/reward dynamics [2][7] Notable Stocks - Warner Bros Discovery's stock has increased by 72.7% year-to-date, despite recent performance issues [3] - Other notable stock movements include APA Corp (+6.9%), Steel Dynamics Inc (+6.2%), and Occidental Petroleum Corp (+5%) [6] - Conversely, Warner Bros Discovery (-6.2%), Paramount Skydance Corp (-5.7%), and Emerson Electric Co (-4.9%) were among the worst performers [6] Acquisition Concerns - Warner Bros Discovery faces uncertainty regarding a potential takeover, with analysts suggesting the stock could "quickly round-trip" if the acquisition does not materialize [7] - Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns over the concentration of media power related to a potential merger involving Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount [8] - Warner Bros, Disney, and Universal have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against a Chinese AI firm, Minimax, amidst these acquisition concerns [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the performance of high-dividend stocks in 2025, highlighting a shift in investor interest towards these stocks due to anticipated interest-rate cuts and the current market conditions affecting dividend payouts [1][2][3]. Dividend Trends - Investors are increasingly attracted to high-dividend stocks as they seek generous payouts, especially as the dividend growth rate has slowed significantly [1][2]. - In Q2, S&P firms announced only $9.8 billion in dividend increases, a notable decrease from $19.5 billion in Q1 [1]. - The three-year annualized dividend growth rate is now comparable to levels seen in 2000, indicating a cautious approach from companies amid economic uncertainties [2]. Company Highlights - **Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM)**: - YTD performance as of September 15 is 21.4% [7]. - The company has a strong history of dividend payments, declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share, maintaining a dividend yield of 3.34% [9]. - **Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE)**: - YTD performance as of September 15 is 23.5% [10]. - Nucor utilizes electric arc furnaces, enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, and has a consistent dividend policy with a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share and a yield of 1.56% [12]. - **Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)**: - YTD performance as of September 15 is 24.2% [13]. - Altria has a strong dividend history, recently increasing its quarterly dividend by 3.9% to $1.06 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 6.49% [15].

Core Insights - Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) has provided third-quarter 2025 earnings guidance, expecting earnings per share in the range of $2.60 to $2.64, an increase from $2.01 in the second quarter and $2.05 in the same quarter last year [1][2][7] Group 1: Earnings and Profitability - The steel operations are anticipated to show improved profitability due to strong shipments and an expansion in metal spread, as scrap raw material costs are expected to decline more than the average realized steel pricing [2][3] - Earnings from metals recycling operations are projected to be significantly stronger in the third quarter compared to the second quarter, with steel fabrication operations also expected to benefit from increased volume and steady metal spread [3] Group 2: Operational Developments - The aluminum division is on track to successfully commission the Columbus, MS, aluminum flat rolled products mill and the San Luis Potosi satellite recycled slab center, with cast houses and hot strip mills operating effectively [4] - As of September 11, 2025, the company has repurchased $185 million, or 1%, of its common stock during the third quarter [4] Group 3: Market Performance - STLD's shares have increased by 16.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 15.4% decline in the industry [5]

Core Points - Insteel Industries Inc. will host its fourth quarter 2025 earnings conference call on October 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET [1] - The financial results for the fourth quarter will be released earlier that day at 6:30 a.m. ET [1] - The conference call will be available for live streaming on the company's website and will also be archived for later replay [1]

Thyssenkrupp says it has received a non-binding, indicative offer for its Steel Europe division from India’s Jindal Steel https://t.co/tntObdUO4a ...

Group 1 - Thyssenkrupp has received a non-binding bid for its steel division from India's Jinal Steel [1]

Core Insights - Investing in Berkshire Hathaway has historically outperformed the S&P 500 and other major indexes, making it a closely watched indicator for investors [1] - Berkshire Hathaway has recently added Nucor, North America's largest steel company, to its equity portfolio, which may attract both income and growth investors [2] Company Overview - Nucor has invested over $15 billion since 2017 to expand its operations, including facility upgrades, new plants, and acquisitions, which are now starting to generate revenue and cash flow [4] - The company expects a significant increase in free cash flow in the latter half of the year due to reduced capital spending and favorable market conditions, as noted by CFO Steve Laxton [5] Financial Performance - Nucor is recognized as a Dividend King, with an expected dividend increase in 2025 marking its 53rd consecutive annual raise, indicating strong income potential for shareholders [6] Investment Considerations - Berkshire Hathaway's 3% stake in Nucor suggests expectations of a recovery in the housing sector, as the company also invested in homebuilders [5][7] - Despite Nucor's potential, it was not included in a list of the top 10 stocks recommended by The Motley Fool Stock Advisor, which may indicate varying opinions on its investment attractiveness [8]