Nucor(US:NUE)2026-01-27 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings for Q4 2025 were $1.73 per share, with full-year earnings at $7.71 per share, reflecting a strong performance despite challenges [6][16] - EBITDA for Q4 totaled $918 million, with approximately $4.2 billion for the full year, indicating robust profitability [6][16] - The company returned $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, representing about 70% of net earnings [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel mill segment generated pretax earnings of $516 million in Q4, down roughly 35% from the prior quarter, with an 8% decline in shipment volumes [17] - Steel products segment earnings were $230 million, down from $319 million in Q3, with volume declines attributed to seasonal trends [17][18] - The raw material segment saw pretax earnings of approximately $24 million, down from $43 million, primarily due to scheduled outages [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The foreign import share of the U.S. finished steel market dropped from approximately 25% to 16% year-over-year, indicating a positive impact from trade policies [11][12] - Domestic steel demand is expected to be slightly up relative to 2025, supported by strong backlogs, which are up nearly 40% year-over-year in the steel mill segment [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing long-term growth with shareholder returns, having reinvested $3.4 billion in 2025 and planning for $2.5 billion in CapEx for 2026 [7][19] - Nucor aims to enhance its product mix towards higher-margin products and expand into steel-adjacent businesses, capitalizing on strong demand trends [8][11] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet while pursuing disciplined capital allocation and growth strategies [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about 2026, expecting higher consolidated earnings across all segments due to improved demand and seasonal trends [20][21] - The company anticipates that the full impact of Section 232 tariffs will continue to lower levels of imported steel, benefiting domestic producers [12][14] - Management highlighted the importance of trade policy and its role in supporting the U.S. steel industry, advocating for continued enforcement of existing tariffs [12][56] Other Important Information - Nucor achieved the lowest injury and illness rate in its history in 2025, marking eight consecutive years of improvement in safety performance [4] - The company has a strong liquidity position with $2.7 billion in cash, providing ample support for growth objectives [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx outlook for 2027 and ongoing non-expansionary CapEx - Management indicated that CapEx for 2027 is expected to be around $800 million for maintenance, with West Virginia's project absorbing most of the 2026 CapEx [26][34] Question: Potential expansionary projects - Management noted that growth opportunities are being explored in data centers, energy infrastructure, and towers and structures, with a focus on lower CapEx projects [35][36] Question: EBITDA expectations relative to previous guidance - Management clarified that while the $6.7 billion EBITDA target remains a long-term goal, it may not be achievable in 2027 due to ramp-up complexities [41][46] Question: Spare capacity and market share - Management stated that Nucor operates at about 85% utilization across sheet mills, providing opportunities to capture market share from imports [46] Question: Pricing policy and import risks - Management emphasized that pricing is driven by demand profiles and supply chain conditions, with a robust economy supporting current pricing levels [81][85] Question: M&A strategy and focus areas - Management confirmed that future M&A efforts will focus on adjacencies with steel centricity, targeting sectors like energy and data centers for growth [76][78]