Nucor (NUE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 03:11 PM ET Speaker0 Good morning, and welcome to Nucor's First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise, and today's call is being recorded. After the speakers' prepared remarks, I will provide instructions for callers wishing to ask questions. I would now like to introduce Jack Sullivan, Vice President of Nucor Investor Relations. You may begin your call. Thanks, With Greg's retirement, Ben ...

FIRST QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CALL LEON TOPALIAN Chair, President and CEO STEVE LAXTON Executive Vice President and CFO April 29, 2025 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 2 NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The Company uses certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures in this news presentation, including adjusted earnings, EBITDA and Free Cash Flow (FCF). Generally, a non- GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance or financial position that either excludes or ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nucor generated EBITDA of $696 million and earned $0.77 of adjusted EPS in Q1 2025, despite lower results compared to prior quarters [7] - Net earnings were $156 million or $0.67 per share, including pretax charges of $29 million related to facility closures [19] - The company incurred $170 million in pre-operating and startup costs during the quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel mill segment generated adjusted pretax earnings of $241 million, increasing approximately 43% from the prior quarter, with a volume increase of 14% [20] - The bar mill group saw shipments rise 21% compared to the prior quarter and 20% year over year [20] - The steel products segment generated adjusted pretax earnings of $37 million, with backlog growth of nearly 25% across all downstream products [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backlogs rose over 30% in the steel mill segments and nearly 25% in steel products [15] - The company noted steady to improving demand for steel among customers engaged in rebuilding American industry [16] - The structural backlog is at the highest levels in Nucor's history, indicating strong future demand [76] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nucor is focused on long-term growth plans, reinvesting nearly $860 million into the company, with two-thirds allocated to projects commencing operations in the next two years [7] - The company is advancing its "expand beyond" strategy and driving key acquisitions to strengthen and diversify its earnings profile [8] - Nucor aims to maintain a strong investment-grade credit quality and has raised $1 billion in senior notes to pre-fund upcoming debt maturities [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing a robust order book and healthy demand across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing and infrastructure projects [16][78] - The company is well-positioned to capture domestic steel demand growth, with expectations for earnings to be meaningfully higher in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 [31] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties but emphasized Nucor's strong capabilities and financial strength to navigate these challenges [17] Other Important Information - Nucor's greenhouse gas emission intensity is among the lowest in the global steel industry, and the company is advancing cleaner energy sources [18] - The company has made several acquisitions since 2022 to expand its construction products capabilities, establishing four distinct platforms with higher growth potential [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide clarity on the magnitude of startup costs for 2025? - Management indicated that startup costs for the balance of the year would be similar to previous quarters, around $160 million to $170 million [36] Question: What are the expected utilization rates for the Brandenburg mill by year-end 2025? - Management expressed confidence in achieving EBITDA positive run rates by summer and highlighted significant production achievements [39] Question: Can you provide guidance on the second quarter outlook? - Management refrained from providing specific quantitative guidance but acknowledged strong order entry rates and backlogs [50] Question: How is Nucor mitigating tariff impacts on raw materials? - Management emphasized a diversified raw material supply strategy and noted that the impact of tariffs on raw materials is minimal [54] Question: What is the impact of Section 232 on downstream products? - Management noted that the extension of Section 232 is having a positive impact, with imports dropping below 20% for the first time in years [64] Question: Can you clarify the adjusted EPS compared to guidance? - The beat in adjusted EPS was driven primarily by volume increases in the steel segment, particularly in bar and sheet products [87] Question: What contributed to the gross margin squeeze? - Management identified higher energy costs and increased scrap costs as contributing factors to the margin squeeze [90] Question: Is there any speculation for tariffs included in the $3 billion CapEx? - Management confirmed that the CapEx does not include any speculation for tariffs [94]

Financial Performance - For the quarter ended March 2025, Nucor reported revenue of $7.83 billion, a decrease of 3.8% compared to the same period last year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) was $0.77, down from $3.46 in the year-ago quarter [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.22 billion by +8.52%, while the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.68 by +13.24% [1] Key Metrics - Total steel products sales amounted to 1,048 KTon, exceeding the average estimate of 972.77 KTon by four analysts [4] - The average steel product price per ton was $2,294, slightly below the average estimate of $2,338.66 [4] - Sales tons to outside customers for total steel mills reached 5,226 KTon, surpassing the average estimate of 4,751.93 KTon [4] Stock Performance - Nucor's shares have returned -5.1% over the past month, compared to a -4.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Performance - Nucor reported consolidated net earnings of $156 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, for Q1 2025, down from $845 million, or $3.46 per diluted share, in Q1 2024[2][5]. - Adjusted net earnings for Q1 2025 were $179 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, compared to $287 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, in Q4 2024[2][5]. - Net sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $7,830 million, a decrease of 3.8% from $8,137 million in the same period last year[34]. - Cost of products sold increased to $7,225 million, up 9.2% from $6,614 million year-over-year[34]. - Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders were $156 million, down 81.5% from $845 million in the prior year[34]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share were both $0.67, compared to $3.46 in the same quarter last year[34]. - EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was $696 million, a decline of 53.7% from $1,503 million in the previous year[43]. Sales and Shipments - Consolidated net sales for Q1 2025 were $7.83 billion, an 11% increase from $7.08 billion in Q4 2024 but a 4% decrease from $8.14 billion in Q1 2024[7]. - Total shipments to outside customers in Q1 2025 were 6,830,000 tons, a 10% increase compared to Q1 2024[7][31]. - The average sales price per ton in Q1 2025 decreased by 12% compared to Q1 2024, while the average scrap cost per gross ton used was $394, a 6% decrease from Q1 2024[7][8]. Costs and Expenditures - Pre-operating and start-up costs for growth projects were approximately $170 million in Q1 2025, up from $125 million in Q1 2024[9]. - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $859 million, an increase from $670 million in the same period last year[40]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to $34,699 million, up from $33,940 million at the end of 2024[37]. - Total liabilities rose to $13,584 million, compared to $12,523 million at the end of the previous year[37]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $3,156 million from $4,558 million at the end of the previous quarter[40]. Shareholder Actions - Nucor repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares at an average price of $133.17 per share during Q1 2025, with $806 million remaining for future repurchases[12]. Future Outlook - The company expects earnings in Q2 2025 to increase across all segments, with the largest increase anticipated in the steel mills segment[17].

Core Insights - Nucor Corporation reported consolidated net earnings of $156 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, for Q1 2025, a significant decrease from $845 million, or $3.46 per diluted share, in Q1 2024 [1][8] - Adjusted net earnings for Q1 2025 were $179 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, after excluding one-time charges of $29 million related to facility closures [1][2][8] - The company experienced solid demand for steel products despite market volatility, supported by a healthy balance sheet and diverse product portfolio [3] Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales for Q1 2025 were $7.83 billion, an 11% increase from $7.08 billion in Q4 2024, but a 4% decrease from $8.14 billion in Q1 2024 [4][8] - Average sales price per ton decreased by 2% from Q4 2024 and 12% from Q1 2024 [4] - Total shipments to outside customers increased by 13% compared to Q4 2024 and 10% compared to Q1 2024, totaling 6,830,000 tons [4][21] Segment Performance - Earnings from the steel mills segment were $231 million in Q1 2025, down from $1,102 million in Q1 2024, while steel products segment earnings were $288 million, down from $512 million [12] - The raw materials segment saw earnings of $29 million, an increase from $9 million in Q1 2024 [12] - Overall operating rates at steel mills were 80% in Q1 2025, up from 74% in Q4 2024 but down from 82% in Q1 2024 [7] Cost and Expenses - The average scrap cost per gross ton used was $394, a 3% increase from $381 in Q4 2024 but a 6% decrease from $421 in Q1 2024 [5] - Pre-operating and start-up costs for growth projects were approximately $170 million in Q1 2025, compared to $164 million in Q4 2024 and $125 million in Q1 2024 [6] Financial Strength - Nucor had $4.06 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2025, with an undrawn revolving credit facility increased to $2.25 billion [9] - The company maintains strong credit ratings in the North American steel sector, with stable outlooks from major rating agencies [9] Shareholder Returns - Nucor repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares at an average price of $133.17 per share during Q1 2025, with $806 million remaining for future repurchases [10] - A cash dividend of $0.55 per share was declared, marking the 208th consecutive quarterly cash dividend [11] Outlook - Earnings for Q2 2025 are expected to increase across all operating segments, with the largest growth anticipated in the steel mills segment due to higher average selling prices [13]

Core Viewpoint - Nucor Corporation is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results on April 28, with weaker selling prices likely impacting performance [1][8]. Financial Performance - Nucor has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 27.2% [1]. - The company posted a significant earnings surprise of 90.6% in the last reported quarter [1]. - The consensus estimate for first-quarter adjusted earnings is between 50 cents and 60 cents per share, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents [4][5]. Revenue Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter consolidated revenues is $7,215.4 million, reflecting an 11.3% year-over-year decline [7]. - The average sales price per ton for the steel mills unit is estimated at $923, indicating a 16.7% year-over-year decrease, while the steel products segment is pegged at $2,204 per ton, showing a 15.5% year-over-year decline [11]. Market Conditions - U.S. steel prices have seen a sharp decline, with benchmark hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices dropping over 40% last year, closing near $700 per short ton [9]. - Recent price hikes and tariffs have increased HRC prices to above $900 per short ton, but these benefits are not expected to reflect in first-quarter performance due to weak demand [10]. Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for Nucor is +6.17%, indicating a potential earnings beat [4]. - Nucor currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [5].

Core Viewpoint - Nucor (NUE) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.68 per share, reflecting an 80.4% decline year over year, with revenues projected at $7.22 billion, a decrease of 11.3% compared to the previous year [1] Earnings Projections - Analysts have revised the consensus EPS estimate upward by 2.9% over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment of initial projections [1][2] Revenue Estimates - The forecast for 'Net sales to external customers- Steel products' is $2.27 billion, down 9.7% year over year [4] - 'Net sales to external customers- Steel mills' is estimated at $4.45 billion, reflecting a 13.9% decrease from the same quarter last year [4] Sales Metrics - 'Net sales to external customers- Raw materials' is projected to reach $488.50 million, showing an 8.2% increase year over year [5] - The total sales tons to outside customers (Steel) from Steel Mills is estimated at 4,751.93 KTon, compared to 4,676 KTon reported in the same quarter last year [5] Price Projections - The 'Average Steel Product Price per ton' is expected to be $2,338.66, down from $2,608 per ton a year ago [6] - The 'Average sales price per ton (Steel) - Total Steel Mills' is projected at $924.59, compared to $1,108 per ton in the same quarter last year [7] Product-Specific Sales Estimates - 'Sales in Tons Outside Customers - Tubular products' is expected to be 219.70 KTon, up from 208 KTon year over year [7] - 'Sales in Tons Outside Customers - Other steel products' is projected at 217.62 KTon, compared to 142 KTon last year [8] - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Bars' is estimated to reach 1,433.08 KTon, compared to 1,344 KTon in the previous year [8] - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Structural' is projected at 436.78 KTon, slightly up from 431 KTon last year [9] - 'Sales Tons to outside customer (Steel) - Plate' is expected to be 454.26 KTon, compared to 384 KTon year over year [9] Stock Performance - Nucor shares have declined by 14.1% over the past month, contrasting with a 6.6% decline in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [11]

Core Insights - Nucor (NUE) is positioned to continue its earnings-beat streak, having achieved an average surprise of 48.53% over the last two quarters [1][4]. Earnings Performance - In the last reported quarter, Nucor's earnings were $1.22 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.64 per share, resulting in a surprise of 90.63% [2]. - For the previous quarter, Nucor was expected to post earnings of $1.40 per share but delivered $1.49 per share, achieving a surprise of 6.43% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Nucor's earnings estimates have been trending higher, supported by its history of earnings surprises [4]. - The company currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.17%, indicating a bullish outlook from analysts regarding its earnings prospects [7]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) suggests a strong possibility of another earnings beat in the upcoming report [7]. Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [5]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [6].

Group 1 - Nu E Power Corp. has settled outstanding indebtedness totaling $275,000 through the issuance of 833,333 common shares to creditors at prices of $0.30 and $0.40 per share [1] - The debt settlement transaction was completed on April 10, 2025, and the shares issued are subject to a hold period of four months and one day [2] - Nu E Power Corp. focuses on developing, constructing, and operating clean and renewable energy infrastructure across North America, with a goal of developing up to 2GW of renewable energy projects in Canada by 2030 [3]