Steel Dynamics forecasts first-quarter profit below estimate amid falling steel prices

March 17 (Reuters) - Steel Dynamics STLD.O 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 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 plans to release its first-quarter earnings after the markets close on April 22.