Better-than-expected shipments and margins have prompted Nucor Corp. to increase its earnings guidance for the first quarter ending April 2, 2005.

Nucor now expects first quarter net earnings to be in the range of $1.95 to $2.15 per share, significantly better than the $1.70 to $1.90 per share that the company had previously forecast. The first quarter is typically the weakest quarter of the year due to seasonal softness in the construction market because of weather conditions.

Nucor also anticipates that the second and third quarters of 2005 will be stronger than the first quarter.

Nucor is one of the largest steel producers in the United States and is the nation's largest recycler. Nucor and affiliates manufacture steel products, with operating facilities in fifteen 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.