Nucor Corp. announced that its Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 stock split. The stock split will be carried out by issuing one additional share of common stock for each share held by stockholders of record on September 30, 2004. The additional shares will be distributed to stockholders on or about October 15, 2004. Nucor common stock's par value will remain at $.40 per share. The stock split is intended to broaden interest in Nucor's common stock and improve its marketability.

In a separate action, Nucor's Board of Directors increased the regular quarterly cash dividend 24% to $.26 per share (pre-split), from $.21 per share. This cash dividend is payable on November 11, 2004 to stockholders of record on September 30, 2004, and is Nucor's 126th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

On the record date of the stock split, the Board of Directors' prior authorization to repurchase shares of Nucor's common stock will increase 100% from approximately 4.2 million shares (15 million shares authorized less 10.8 million shares repurchased to date) to approximately 8.4 million shares.

Nucor's stock split and the increase in dividend for the second time this year were considered appropriate by Nucor's Board of Directors in view of record results and the favorable long-term business outlook for Nucor.

Nucor is the largest steel producer in the United States and is the nation's largest recycler. Nucor and affiliates manufacture steel products, with operating facilities in fourteen states. Products include carbon and alloy steel bars, beams, sheet and plate; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; and light gauge steel framing.