Nucor(US:NUE)2025-10-28 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nucor generated EBITDA of approximately $1.3 billion and earned $2.63 of EPS in Q3 2025, exceeding guidance due to stronger shipments from steel mills and favorable corporate adjustments [4][15] - Net earnings for Q3 were $607 million, in line with Q2's adjusted EPS of $2.60 and above last year's Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.49 [15] - Year-to-date adjusted net earnings reached approximately $1.4 billion or $5.98 per share, with returns to shareholders totaling nearly $1 billion, representing 72% of net earnings [5][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel mill segment generated $793 million of pre-tax earnings, a decrease of 6% from the prior quarter, with improved results in bar and structural steel but lower profitability in sheet and plate [16] - Steel products segment pre-tax earnings were $319 million, down from $392 million in Q2, but external shipments increased 4% quarter-over-quarter [18] - The raw materials segment realized pre-tax earnings of approximately $43 million, compared to $57 million in the prior quarter, primarily due to lower pricing [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for long products remains strong, with bar products backlog at the end of Q3 being 35% higher year-over-year [17] - The Dodge Construction Network forecasts a 30% increase in data center construction in 2025, indicating strong growth potential in this sector [11] - Finished steel imports decreased nearly 11% year-to-date through August, supported by federal actions [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nucor is focused on prudent capital management, balancing long-term growth with shareholder returns, and has reinvested $807 million into growth projects nearing completion [5][6] - The company is in the final phase of a multi-year capital investment campaign, with four major projects expected to be completed by the end of the year [6] - Nucor aims to optimize its full portfolio to provide comprehensive solutions, enhancing its competitive position in the steel industry [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects lower consolidated earnings in Q4 due to seasonal effects and scheduled outages, with a decline in realized pricing primarily in the sheet segment [24] - The company anticipates stable domestic steel demand in 2026, with confidence in capturing a healthy share of that demand [24] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term growth potential in data centers and infrastructure spending, despite some softness in residential construction and agricultural machinery [22][92] Other Important Information - Nucor's long-term credit ratings were upgraded to A3 by Moody's, making it the only major North American steel producer with this distinction [5] - The company has returned approximately $1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks year-to-date [20] - Nucor is not planning to build any more greenfield facilities in the near term, focusing instead on adjacent spaces and megatrends in the U.S. economy [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Nucor's shipments are growing faster than the industry; what specific products are gaining share? - Management highlighted the importance of safety and the restructuring of the plate group, which is ramping up faster than anticipated, contributing to market share growth [26][27] Question: Are there specific products particularly exposed to data centers? - Nucor supplies a wide range of products for data centers, including insulated metal panels, joists, and decking, with significant growth in joist and deck shipments [31] Question: How should we think about square foot growth in warehouses versus data centers? - Management noted that while warehousing is expected to remain flat, data centers are projected to grow at double-digit rates over the next several years [36][43] Question: What contributed to the increase in conversion costs? - Conversion costs were affected by slab costs and planned outages, but year-over-year costs are down 5% [44] Question: Can you elaborate on the decision regarding the Seattle mill? - The Seattle mill will continue operating, but Nucor will not replace it with a micromill, as they can supply from other mills [58][60] Question: What is the status of the West Virginia sheet investment? - The West Virginia sheet mill is about 75% complete, with capital spending at a similar level, and is expected to be a significant asset for Nucor [70][71]