March 17 (Reuters) - Steel Dynamics ( STLD ) forecast

its first-quarter earnings below Wall Street estimates on

Monday, as declining steel prices continue to weigh on margins

of its steel-making segments.

The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company expects its

first-quarter earnings to be between $1.36 and $1.40 per share,

lower than the analysts' estimate of $1.41 per share, according

to data compiled by LSEG.

The company posted first-quarter earnings of $3.67 per

share, a year ago.

The steelmaker expects the drop in steel prices to affect

profit in its fabrication operations segment, but anticipates

increased shipments to offset some of the margin compression in

its larger steel operations segment.

Steel Dynamics ( STLD ) also noted an uptick in order activity for

the quarter, supported by demand from commercial, data center,

manufacturing, warehouse and healthcare sectors.

"The accelerated announcements for meaningful manufacturing

domestic investment and onshoring, coupled with the U.S.

infrastructure program are expected to positively impact

demand," the company said on Monday.

Steel Dynamics ( STLD ) plans to release its first-quarter earnings

after the markets close on April 22.