Form 8-K Filing

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

July 21, 2005
(Date of earliest event reported)


QUANEX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
 
1-5725
 
38-1872178
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)


 
1900 West Loop South, Suite 1500, Houston, Texas
 
77027
 
  (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)  

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   713-961-4600



Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
  [   ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  [   ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  [   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  [   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

This information shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

On July 21, 2005, Quanex Corporation issued a press release (the "Press Release") providing earnings guidance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2005. The foregoing is qualified by reference to the Press Release which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

    Exhibit 99.1.       Press release dated July 21, 2005


SIGNATURE

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

    QUANEX CORPORATION
(Registrant)

July 25, 2005
(Date)
  /s/   KEVIN P. DELANEY
Kevin P. Delaney
Senior Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary


  Exhibit Index
  99.1 Press release dated July 21, 2005






Quanex Corporation Quarterly Update - Fiscal Third Quarter 2005

EXHIBIT 99.1

Quanex Corporation Quarterly Update - Fiscal Third Quarter 2005

Record Diluted EPS From Continuing Operations To Be Up Some 90% Over Year Ago Results

HOUSTON, July 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Quanex Corporation (NYSE:NX), an industry-leading manufacturer of value-added engineered materials and components for the vehicular products and building products markets, announced today that it expects to report record fiscal third quarter diluted earnings per share from continuing operations when results are announced on August 25, 2005. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are expected to be in the range of $1.60 to $1.65 compared to the $0.82 the Company reported in the year ago quarter, and some 15% higher than the Company's previous guidance on May 26, 2005.

The Vehicular Products segment expects to report record net sales and operating income for the quarter, up significantly compared to year ago results. Operating income for the segment is expected to be considerably higher due to moderating scrap costs and higher base selling prices, partially offset by a decrease in demand. Benefits from the integration of MACSTEEL Monroe continue to bolster the group as well. Primary drivers for the segment are North American light vehicle builds and heavy duty truck builds.

The Building Products segment also expects to report record net sales and operating income for the quarter compared to the year ago period. While weather conditions adversely impacted the door and window components operations early in the quarter, healthy market conditions in the aluminum sheet business and better than expected results at Mikron Industries (acquired 12/09/04) will more than offset the impact. The segment's primary market drivers are housing starts and remodeling activity.

Quanex is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NX. For further information, visit the Company's website at www.quanex.com.

The Quanex Corporation logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1117

Statements that use the words "expect," "should," "may," "could," "will," "might," or similar words reflecting future expectations or beliefs are forward-looking statements. The statements above are based on Quanex's current expectations. Actual results or events may differ materially from this release. Factors that could impact future results may include, without limitation, the effect of both domestic and global economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and the availability and cost of raw materials. For a more complete discussion of factors that may affect the Company's future performance, please refer to the Company's most recent 10-K filing of December 21, 2004, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in particular the sections titled, "Private Securities Litigation Reform Act" contained therein.

CONTACT:  Quanex Corporation
          Jeff Galow
          713/877-5327