March 9, 2007 — Improving market conditions, decreasing import levels, and continued reduction of inventory stockpiles are reinforcing Nucor’s expectations for solid earnings through the first quarter.

The company announced earnings expectations in the range of $1.15 to $1.25 per diluted share for the first quarter ending March 31, 2007.

By comparison, Nucor earned $1.21 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2006 and $1.35 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Nucor had previously given only qualitative guidance, reporting expectations of continued solid earnings in the first quarter. Nucor says its new quantitative guidance is consistent with the qualitative guidance previously issued.

The company says that market improvements, decreasing import levels, and the continued decline of excess inventory levels at service centers and OEMs should prompt healthy demand for its products in 2007. The company continues to benefit from industry-leading product line diversification.

Nucor and affiliates manufacture steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada. 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; light gauge steel framing; steel grating and expanded metal; and wire and wire mesh. With the acquisition of Harris Steel Group, Nucor is also involved in the fabrication and placement of concrete reinforcing steel and the design and installation of concrete post-tensioning systems. Nucor is the nation's largest recycler.