Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) issued guidance for its second quarter ending July 4, 2026, projecting earnings of $4.70 to $4.80 per diluted share, according to a press release.

(Consensus is for EPS of $4.20)

The guidance includes an estimated non-cash benefit of approximately $61 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, related to an increase in the value of Nucor's investment in Helion, a fusion energy company, following a capital financing round completed in the second quarter. Excluding this item, adjusted earnings are expected to be in the range of $4.50 to $4.60 per diluted share.

The projected results compare to net earnings of $3.23 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2026 and $2.60 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2025.

Nucor said it expects earnings to increase across all three operating segments compared to the first quarter. The steel mills segment is expected to see the largest gain, driven by higher average selling prices, stable volumes, and approximately $130 million in cash refunds associated with prior periods' raw materials procurement costs. The steel products segment is expected to benefit from increased volumes and slightly higher average realized pricing, while the raw materials segment is projected to see higher earnings due to higher average realized prices.

As of June 17, 2026, Nucor has repurchased approximately 1.12 million shares at an average price of $223.47 per share in the second quarter. Year-to-date through June 17, 2026, the company has returned approximately $630 million to stockholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Nucor plans to release its second quarter earnings after markets close on July 27, 2026, and will host a conference call on July 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.