8-K

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

October 18, 2004
(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

[   ]	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(b))
[   ]	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 October 18, 2004, Quanex Corporation issued a press release (the "Press Release") providing earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004. 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.

(c)     Exhibit 99.1. Press release dated October 18, 2004

Exhibit Index
99.1	Press release dated October 18, 2004

SIGNATURE

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

	QUANEX CORPORATION (Registrant)
October 19, 2004 (Date)	/s/   RAYMOND A. JEAN RAYMOND A. JEAN Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

Quanex Corporation Quarterly Update -- 2004 Fiscal Fourth Quarter

Expects Record Fourth Quarter Net Sales and Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations

HOUSTON, Oct. 18, 2004 (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 fourth quarter net sales and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations when results are reported on December 2, 2004. Improved "same store" results, together with results from the Company's acquisitions of MACSTEEL Monroe and TruSeal Technologies, will contribute to what is expected to be record income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations are expected to be $1.00 to $1.10, which includes an estimated charge of $.50 for LIFO. This LIFO charge is larger than expected due to the run-up in raw material costs experienced during the third calendar quarter.

The Vehicular Products segment expects to report record fourth quarter net sales and operating income compared to the year ago period. Excluding the excellent operating results of Monroe, operating income for the segment is expected to be up in the quarter, due to slightly higher volumes and an improved spread. The segment's primary market drivers 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 compared to last year's fourth quarter. Excluding TruSeal's robust operating results in the fourth quarter, operating income for the segment is expected to be up, the result of improved market conditions at its aluminum sheet business and excellent performance at its door and window components business. The segment's primary market drivers are housing starts and remodeling expenditures.

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 29, 2003 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in particular the sections titled "Private Securities Litigation Reform Act" contained therein.

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

CONTACT:  Quanex Corporation
          Jeff Galow
          (713) 877-5327

          Valerie Calvert
          (713) 877-5305