NUCOR Q1 FY26 earnings call NUE

The combination of Section 232 tariffs and trade remedy orders has effectively reduced imports, with import share of the U.S. finished steel market declining from over 22% in Q1 FY25 to approximately 15% in Q1 FY26. The administration reaffirmed the 50% 232 tariff on steel and implemented changes to derivative steel products, applying tariffs to the full value to close loopholes. These measures aim to ensure a level playing field for domestic producers, though challenges like Canadian government subsidies and North American channels as backdoors remain.

Nucor is strategically positioned to service strong market segments, including data centers, energy, border fence, and infrastructure, supplying up to 95% of the steel needed for a data center. While some markets like consumer cyclicals and traditional office remain softer, overall domestic steel consumption is expected to be stable. The company's diverse portfolio and national reach provide supply chain integration and operating efficiencies unmatched by competitors, ensuring resilience across evolving markets.

Nucor has adopted a 'slow and steady' approach to sheet pricing, managing its order book to match true underlying demand rather than chasing market fluctuations. This strategy, combined with healthy inventory levels and reduced speculative buying, has contributed to keeping imports low, tracking at $4 million or under this year compared to $9 million in 2024. This disciplined approach supports a strong operating environment through 2026 and potentially beyond, with positive signs from service center shipments and HVAC customers.

The long products businesses, including rebar, MBQ, and structural, are experiencing historic backlogs, with customers in non-residential construction and structural fabrication being exceptionally busy. This robust demand is driven by data centers, energy infrastructure, chip plants, and warehousing. Even excluding data center backlog, the overall backlog remains strong, indicating broad-based demand across the enterprise and contributing significantly to Nucor's positive outlook for 2026.

Nucor actively manages its energy costs, which constitute about 10% of steelmaking costs, by hedging natural gas purchases and maintaining long-term power contracts. Recognizing the growing demand for power, particularly from gigawatt-scale data centers, Nucor has invested in advanced nuclear technologies like NuScale Power and Helion. The company advocates for re-embracing nuclear power in the U.S. to ensure a clean, sustainable, and reliable energy supply, with a focus on potentially generating power behind the meter.

The administration's procedures for steel and aluminum producers committed to new capacity in the U.S., related to Proclamation 10984 on vehicle imports, could potentially influence future investments. Nucor notes interest from overseas companies in the U.S. market, driven by its strong economic situation and incentives. The company supports 'melted and made in America' provisions in trade policy, recognizing the domestic industry's health and strength.