Sep. 8, 2006 — Nucor Corp. announced that it expects earnings to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.60 per diluted share for the third quarter ending September 30, 2006.

By comparison, Nucor earned $0.93 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2005 and $1.45 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2006. The company says its current earnings expectations are based on the continuation of strong business conditions.

Nucor had not previously issued numerical guidance for the third quarter, but had given qualitative guidance during the second quarter earnings conference call, stating that third quarter earnings were expected to be equal to or better than the $1.45 per diluted share earned in the second quarter. The company says that its quantitative guidance for the third quarter of $1.50 to $1.60 earnings per diluted share is consistent with the qualitative guidance previously issued.

Nucor and its affiliates manufacture steel products, with operating facilities in seventeen 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. Nucor is the nation's largest recycler.