Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced its previously approved fourth quarter dividend of $0.10 per common share will be payable on January 17, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2004.

This dividend brings annualized dividend payments to a rate of $0.40 per common share, an increase of 33%. The initiation of a dividend in 2004 and this increase reflect the company's continued commitment to return a portion of its profits directly to its shareholders as the business grows. Steel Dynamics experienced a record year in terms of shipments, revenues, and net income in 2004.

Founded in 1993, Steel Dynamics is a leader in the domestic steel industry. The company owns and operates three steelmaking mini-mills and manufactures a wide range of steel products, including flat-rolled products, such as hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated steels, wide-flange beams and h-piling, rail, and special-bar-quality round bars.