UPDATE: Steel Dynamics Provides Q2 2012 Earnings Guidance: $0.15-0.20 vs $0.24 Est

Steel Dynamics, Inc, STLD Friday, provided second quarter earnings guidance in the range of $0.15 to $0.20 per diluted share. Second quarter 2012 estimated results are somewhat lower than the $0.20 per diluted share reported for the first quarter 2012 (which included January refinancing charges of $0.03 per diluted share), and lower than the $0.43 per diluted share reported for the second quarter of 2011. Despite relatively stable sheet steel demand, including strength in the automotive, energy, construction equipment and agricultural sectors, the company's somewhat softer earnings estimate is primarily the result of decreased sheet steel pricing attributable to supply-side pressures from increased imports and increased domestic steel capacity.