Nucor Shares Surge on Strong Earnings Trading Volume Ranks in Top 500 by Daily Turnover

Nucor Corp (NUE) rose 1.64% on July 30, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.38 billion, down 35.28% from the prior day. The stock’s performance followed strong earnings results and strategic updates. The company reported second-quarter EBITDA of $1.3 billion and earnings of $2.60 per diluted share, driven by higher selling prices and stable realized pricing. Shareholder returns totaled $329 million in the quarter, with $758 million returned in the first half of the year. Capital expenditures reached $954 million, aligning with its $3 billion annual target.

The Steel Mills segment generated $843 million in pretax earnings, more than tripling the prior quarter’s results, while the Steel Products segment saw a 28% increase in pretax earnings. Raw Materials segment pretax earnings rose 95% quarter-over-quarter. However, Nucor warned of margin compression in the Steel Mills segment for Q3 and preoperating costs of $136 million in the second quarter. The company also faces challenges from unfairly traded imports, particularly in corrosion-resistant and rebar products, and potential tariff impacts on raw material costs.

Despite robust demand and a 30% year-on-year increase in Steel Mills backlog, Nucor’s pricing environment remains stable with lag effects in margin realization. Strategic projects, including new facilities in Lexington and Kingman, are nearing completion, positioning the company for future growth. The firm’s debt-to-capital ratio stands at 24%, with $2.5 billion in cash, supporting its investment-grade credit profile. Analysts noted that while near-term challenges persist, Nucor’s diverse capabilities and market positioning could drive long-term resilience.

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