Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

~~317,051,968~~317,458,256 shares of common stock were outstanding at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012.


	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended				Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended					Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	March 31, 2012		April 2, 2011		June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011

Net sales	$	5,072,594	$	4,833,934	$	5,104,199	$	5,107,809		$	10,176,793	$	9,941,743

Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of products sold		4,692,067		4,410,199		4,704,269		4,458,359			9,396,336		8,868,558
Marketing, administrative and other expenses		107,119		110,704		112,528		130,246			219,647		240,950
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates		6,674		4,210
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates						158		(1,267	)		6,832		2,943
Impairment of non-current assets						30,000		—			30,000		—
Interest expense, net		41,672		42,566		41,051		43,184			82,723		85,750

		4,847,532		4,567,679		4,888,006		4,630,522			9,735,538		9,198,201

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		225,062		266,255		216,193		477,287			441,255		743,542
Provision for income taxes		61,650		85,133		76,626		155,709			138,276		240,842
											��
Net earnings		163,412		181,122		139,567		321,578			302,979		502,700
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		18,308		21,281		27,268		21,805			45,576		43,086

Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders	$	145,104	$	159,841	$	112,299	$	299,773		$	257,403	$	459,614


Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46	$	0.50	$	0.35	$	0.94		$	0.81	$	1.45
Diluted	$	0.46	$	0.50	$	0.35	$	0.94		$	0.81	$	1.44

Average shares outstanding:
Basic		317,689		316,595		317,975		316,811			317,832		316,702
Diluted		317,779		316,874		318,040		317,022			317,910		316,948

Dividends declared per share	$	0.3650	$	0.3625	$	0.3650	$	0.3625		$	0.730	$	0.725

Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)


	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011

Net earnings	$	163,412		$	181,122		$	139,567		$	321,578		$	302,979		$	502,700

Other comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes		(2,264	)		(1,086	)		—			(1,613	)		(2,264	)		(2,699	)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes		10,854			9,060			10,553			9,199			21,407			18,259
Foreign currency translation gain, net of income taxes		54,052			64,126
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes								(55,433	)		8,517			(1,381	)		72,643

								(44,880	)		16,103			17,762			88,203
		62,642			72,100

Comprehensive income		226,054			253,222			94,687			337,681			320,741			590,903
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(18,280	)		(21,287	)		(27,232	)		(21,804	)		(45,512	)		(43,091	)

Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$	207,774		$	231,935		$	67,455		$	315,877		$	275,229		$	547,812


	March 31, 2012			Dec. 31, 2011			June 30, 2012			Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,179,814		$	1,200,645		$	1,111,989		$	1,200,645
Short-term investments		1,198,289			1,362,641			569,421			1,362,641
Accounts receivable, net		1,791,695			1,710,773			1,919,465			1,710,773
Inventories, net		2,258,645			1,987,257			2,406,122			1,987,257
Other current assets		431,042			446,765			479,347			446,765

Total current assets		6,859,485			6,708,081			6,486,344			6,708,081

Property, plant and equipment, net		3,817,402			3,755,604			3,959,279			3,755,604

Restricted cash and investments		586,190			585,833			491,640			585,833

Goodwill		1,855,971			1,830,661			1,988,874			1,830,661

Other intangible assets, net		792,031			784,640			990,224			784,640

Other assets		903,386			905,531			850,205			905,531


Total assets	$	14,814,465		$	14,570,350		$	14,766,566		$	14,570,350


LIABILITIES

Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	$	8,040		$	1,826		$	7,109		$	1,826
Long-term debt due within one year		650,000			650,000			900,000			650,000
Accounts payable		1,188,433			958,645			1,127,471			958,645
Salaries, wages and related accruals		211,988			333,341			255,960			333,341
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		490,586			452,247			466,748			452,247

Total current liabilities		2,549,047			2,396,059			2,757,288			2,396,059

Long-term debt due after one year		3,630,200			3,630,200			3,380,200			3,630,200

Deferred credits and other liabilities		839,516			837,511			846,519			837,511


Total liabilities		7,018,763			6,863,770			6,984,007			6,863,770


EQUITY

Nucor stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		150,574			150,496			150,730			150,496
Additional paid-in capital		1,773,089			1,756,534			1,794,457			1,756,534
Retained earnings		7,140,228			7,111,566			7,135,753			7,111,566
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes		24,494			(38,177	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes								(20,351	)		(38,177	)
Treasury stock		(1,502,801	)		(1,505,534	)		(1,502,425	)		(1,505,534	)

Total Nucor stockholders’ equity		7,585,584			7,474,885			7,558,164			7,474,885

Noncontrolling interests		210,118			231,695			224,395			231,695


Total equity		7,795,702			7,706,580			7,782,559			7,706,580


Total liabilities and equity	$	14,814,465		$	14,570,350		$	14,766,566		$	14,570,350

Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


							Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$	163,412		$	181,122		$	302,979		$	502,700
Adjustments:
Depreciation		131,338			127,229			260,968			256,059
Amortization		16,584			17,437			33,122			34,680
Stock-based compensation		6,835			9,508			37,312			31,531
Deferred income taxes		(21,897	)		4,311			(23,144	)		(22,885	)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates		6,674			4,210			6,832			2,943
Impairment of non-current assets								30,000			—
Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions):
Accounts receivable		(74,627	)		(259,773	)		(76,245	)		(392,950	)
Inventories		(263,153	)		(397,537	)		(152,494	)		(661,337	)
Accounts payable		228,679			216,308			42,394			245,572
Federal income taxes		73,281			76,060			3,364			136,985
Salaries, wages and related accruals		(119,116	)		17,421			(82,991	)		90,366
Other		59,641			51,199			64,389			69,058


Cash provided by operating activities		207,651			47,495			446,486			292,722


Investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(167,329	)		(96,036	)		(383,448	)		(212,893	)
Investment in and advances to affiliates		(38,441	)		(24,475	)		(57,771	)		(49,839	)
Repayment of advances to affiliates								15,000			—
Disposition of plant and equipment		7,953			3,985			21,026			18,409
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)		(58,848	)		—			(746,410	)		—
Purchases of investments		(185,073	)		(140,454	)		(409,403	)		(141,461	)
Proceeds from the sale of investments		349,729			151,005			1,200,153			202,400
Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments		38,350			—			87,115			—
Changes in restricted cash		(38,707	)		21,949			7,078			21,949


Cash used in investing activities		(92,366	)		(84,026	)		(266,660	)		(161,435	)


Financing activities:
Net change in short-term debt		6,158			3,594			5,234			1,357
Issuance of common stock		5,876			2,658			6,156			3,206
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		5,200			(300	)		3,877			(200	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(39,857	)		(29,694	)		(52,812	)		(43,272	)
Cash dividends		(116,325	)		(115,233	)		(232,766	)		(230,561	)
Other financing activities		357			—			670			—


Cash used in financing activities		(138,591	)		(138,975	)		(269,641	)		(269,470	)


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		2,475			3,044			1,159			2,321


Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(20,831	)		(172,462	)		(88,656	)		(135,862	)

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year		1,200,645			1,325,406			1,200,645			1,325,406

Cash and cash equivalents - end of three months	$	1,179,814		$	1,152,944

Cash and cash equivalents - end of six months							$	1,111,989		$	1,189,544

Nucor Corporation – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

During the first quarter of 2012, we began classifying internal fleet and some common carrier costs in cost of products sold in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. We made this change so that all freight costs will be recorded within the same financial statement line item to allow users of our financial statements to better understand our expense structure. This resulted in the reclassification of ~~$14.7~~$16.8 million of these costs from marketing, administrative, and other expenses to cost of products sold in the quarter ended ~~April~~July 2, 2011 ($31.4 million in the first half of 2011) in order to conform to the current year presentation. This reclassification did not have an impact on net earnings for the current or any prior periods.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements – – In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance enhancing disclosure requirements surrounding the nature of an entity’s right to offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. This new guidance requires companies to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to master netting arrangements. The new guidance is effective in January 2013. It is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

In January 2012, Nucor adopted accounting guidance regarding changes to the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements. The new accounting guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. We have elected to report the components of comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of this guidance will impact the presentation of comprehensive income, but will not have an impact on Nucor’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Also in January 2012, Nucor adopted accounting guidance that amends the existing requirements for fair value measurement and disclosure. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and around the sensitivity to changes in inputs of fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the ~~fair value~~ hierarchy. It also requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but whose fair value must be disclosed. ItThe guidance also clarifies and expands upon existing requirements for measurement of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in stockholders’ equity. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting represent approximately ~~50%~~46% of total inventories as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 (47% as of December 31, 2011). If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been ~~$777.7~~$763.2 million higher at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 ~~($763.2 million higher at~~and December 31, ~~2011).~~2011. Use of the lower of cost or market methodology reduced inventories by ~~$4.2~~$5.1 million at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 ($6.8 million at December 31, 2011).

Skyline is a steel foundation distributor serving the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Skyline distributes products to service challenging applications including marine construction, bridge and highway construction, heavy civil construction, storm protection, underground commercial parking, and environment containment projects in the infrastructure and construction industries. Skyline is a significant consumer of H-piling and sheet piling from Nucor-Yamato Steel, and it will become a larger downstream consumer of Nucor’s coiled plate and sheet products.

We have preliminarily allocated the purchase price for Skyline to its individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Our valuations are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained; however, these adjustments are not expected to be material. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Skyline as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):

The preliminary purchase price allocation to the identifiable intangible assets is as follows (in thousands, except years):

The goodwill of $143.2 million is primarily attributed to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and has been allocated to the steel mills segment (see Note 6). Approximately $126.4 million of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Our second quarter 2012 results were negatively impacted by non-cash charges of $8.5 million associated with the Skyline acquisition. These charges include the impact of purchase accounting adjustments and the elimination of profit associated with our steel mills’ sales to Skyline post-acquisition.

4.5.

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS: As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, restricted cash and investments primarily consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of $600.0 million 30-year variable rate Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds in November 2010. The restricted cash and investments are held in a trust account and are to be used to partially fund the capital costs associated with the construction of Nucor’s direct reduced ironmaking facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Funds are disbursed as qualified expenditures for the construction of the facility are made ~~(none in the first quarter of 2012~~($94.9 million and $21.9 million in the first ~~quarter~~six months of ~~2011)~~2012 and 2011, respectively). Restricted investments totaled ~~$474.2~~$424.4 million at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 ($514.3 million at December 31, 2011), and are held in similar short-term investment instruments as described in Note 4 to Nucor’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2011. Interest earned on these investments is subject to the same usage requirements as the bond proceeds. Since the restricted cash, investments and interest on investments must be used for the construction of the facility, ~~which is expected to occur through mid-2013,~~ the entire balance has been classified as a non-current asset.


	Steel Mills		Steel Products		Raw Materials		All Other		Total		Steel Mills		Steel Products		Raw Materials		All Other		Total
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	268,466	$	790,441	$	682,902	$	88,852	$	1,830,661	$	268,466	$	790,441	$	682,902	$	88,852	$	1,830,661
Acquisitions		—		—		11,477		—		11,477		143,190		—		10,658		—		153,848
Translation		—		13,833		—		—		13,833		—		4,365		—		—		4,365

Balance at March 31, 2012	$	268,466	$	804,274	$	694,379	$	88,852	$	1,855,971

Balance at June 30, 2012											$	411,656	$	794,806	$	693,560	$	88,852	$	1,988,874

Nucor completed its annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2011 and concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units.

Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of ~~six~~five to 22 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and are comprised of the following (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011				June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	964,864	$	277,365	$	941,787	$	262,841	$	1,149,093	$	291,841	$	941,787	$	262,841
Trademarks and trade names		124,089		27,224		123,192		25,628		152,991		28,824		123,192		25,628
Other		25,868		18,201		25,868		17,738		27,468		18,663		25,868		17,738

	$	1,114,821	$	322,790	$	1,090,847	$	306,207	$	1,329,552	$	339,328	$	1,090,847	$	306,207

Intangible asset amortization expense for the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 and 2011 was ~~$16.6~~$16.5 million and ~~$17.4~~$17.3 million, respectively, and was $33.1 million and $34.7 million in the first six months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Annual amortization expense is estimated to be ~~$62.8~~$70.2 million in 2012; ~~$58.6~~$71.7 million in 2013; ~~$56.6~~$69.7 million in 2014; ~~$54.7~~$67.8 million in 2015; and ~~$53.1~~$66.2 million in 2016.

Nucor owns a 50% economic and voting interest in Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l., an Italian steel manufacturer, and accounts for the investment (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method, as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members.

Nucor’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 was ~~$500.0~~$433.1 million ($493.9 million at December 31, 2011). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was ~~$56.5~~$46.9 million at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, resulting in a basis difference of ~~$443.5~~$386.2 million due to the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities attributable to Duferdofin Nucor as well as the identification of goodwill ($~~322.5~~304.0 million) and finite-lived intangible assets. This basis difference, excluding the portion

attributable to goodwill, is being amortized based on the remaining estimated useful lives of the various underlying net assets, as appropriate. Amortization expense and other purchase accounting adjustments associated with the fair value step-up were $2.8 million and ~~$2.9~~$3.2 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and was $5.6 million and $6.1 million in the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of ~~€30~~€35 million ($~~40.1~~44.1 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€30 million at December 31, 2011). The notes receivable bear interest at ~~3.08%~~2.34% to 3.12% and will reset annually on September 30 to the twelve-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate (Euribor) plus 1% per year. The principal amounts are due on January 31, 2016. Accordingly, the notes receivable were classified in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012.

Nucor has issued a guarantee for its ownership percentage (50%) of ~~up to~~Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement that matures on October 26, 2013. The maximum amount that Duferdofin Nucor can borrow under Facility A is €112.5 million, and as of ~~Duferdofin Nucor’s credit facilities. As~~June 30, 2012, it had borrowings of ~~March 31, 2012, Duferdofin Nucor had~~ €106.6 million outstanding under ~~these credit facilities. The portion~~that facility. If Duferdofin Nucor fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under Facility A, Nucor could be required to pay 50% of such amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the ~~amount outstanding guaranteed by~~terms of its guarantee. Any indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor to Nucor is ~~€53.3 million ($71.2 million).~~effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor under the Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with the guarantee.

Nucor has a 50% economic and voting interest in NuMit LLC. NuMit owns 100% of the equity interest in Steel Technologies LLC, an operator of 2524 sheet processing facilities located throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Nucor accounts for the investment in NuMit (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members. The acquisition did not result in a significant amount of goodwill or intangible assets.

The value of Nucor’s investment in NuMit at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 was ~~$263.0~~$272.2 million ($259.3 million as of December 31, 2011)~~. The value of the investment~~, which is comprised of the purchase price of approximately $221.3 million plus subsequent additional capital contributions and equity method earnings less distributions since acquisition. Nucor also has recorded a $40.0 million note receivable from Steel Technologies LLC that bears interest at ~~1.48%~~1.37% as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and resets quarterly to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 90 basis points. The principal amount is due on October 21, 2014. In addition, Nucor has extended a ~~$120.0~~$130.0 million line of credit (of which ~~$92.5~~$87.5 million was outstanding at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012) to Steel Technologies. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, the amounts outstanding on the line of credit bear interest at ~~1.91%~~1.87% and mature on April 1, ~~2012. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, the line of credit agreement was amended to extend the maturity date to April 1, 2013 and increase the line of credit to $130.0 million.~~2013. The note receivable was classified in other assets and the amount outstanding on the line of credit was classified in other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Nucor reviews its equity investments for impairment if and when circumstances indicate that a decline in value below ~~its~~their carrying ~~amount~~amounts may have occurred. In the ~~fourth~~second quarter of ~~2011,~~2012, Nucor

concluded ~~it had~~that a triggering event had occurred requiring assessment for impairment of ~~its~~the equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor due to the continued declines in the global demand for ~~steel.~~steel, the escalated economic and political turmoil in Europe and continued operating performance well below budgeted levels through the first half of 2012. Duferdofin Nucor’s recently updated unfavorable forecast of future operating performance was also a contributing factor. The diminished demand ~~had~~combined with the continued lower than budgeted levels of operating performance has significantly impacted the financial results of Duferdofin Nucor ~~from 2009~~ through ~~2011.~~the first half of 2012. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value ~~approximated its carrying amount~~ and ~~that there was no~~recorded a $30.0 million impairment ofcharge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor. The assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected revenues and the discount rate. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, and, therefore, it is reasonably possible that based on actual performance in the near term the estimates used in our second quarter valuation ~~as of December 31, 2011~~ could change and result in anfurther impairment of our investment.

8.9.

DERIVATIVES: Nucor uses derivative financial instruments from time-to-time primarily to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process as well as to scrap, copper and aluminum purchased for resale to its customers. In addition, Nucor uses derivatives from time-to-time to partially manage its exposure to changes in interest rates on outstanding debt instruments and uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions.

Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Any resulting changes in fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, or recognized in net earnings, as appropriate.

The following tables summarize information regarding Nucor’s derivative instruments (in thousands):


		Fair Value at							Fair Value at
	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2012			Dec. 31, 2011			Balance Sheet Location	June 30, 2012			Dec. 31, 2011
Asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$	1,790		$	5,071		Other current assets	$	488		$	5,071


Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	—		$	(21,100	)	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	—		$	(21,100	)

Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(113	)		(334	)	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(52	)		(334	)


Total liability derivatives		$	(113	)	$	(21,434	)		$	(52	)	$	(21,434	)

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings


Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Statement of Earnings Location		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)						Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)						Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)					Statement of Earnings Location		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
																					Three Months (13 weeks) Ended								Three Months (13 weeks) Ended								Three Months (13 weeks) Ended
			Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							Three Months (13 weeks) Ended						Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							June 30, 2012				July 2, 2011				June 30, 2012				July 2, 2011				June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011

																			Cost of products sold		$	—			$	(1,613	)		$	(10,553	)		$	(9,199	)		$	—		$	—


Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Statement of Earnings Location																			Statement of Earnings Location		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
				March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011			March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011			March 31, 2012		April 2, 2011					Six Months (26 weeks) Ended								Six Months (26 weeks) Ended								Six Months (26 weeks) Ended
																							June 30, 2012				July 2, 2011				June 30, 2012				July 2, 2011				June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011

			$	(2,264	)	$	(1,086	)	$	(10,854	)	$	(9,060	)	$	500	$	—		Cost of products sold		$	(2,264	)		$	(2,699	)		$	(21,407	)		$	(18,259	)		$	500		$	—


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Statement of Earnings Location	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives						Statement of Earnings Location	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							Three Months (13 weeks) Ended					Six Months (26 weeks) Ended
		March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011				June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011

Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$	(1,350	)	$	4,261		Cost of products sold	$	2,573	$	3,277		$	1,223	$	1,977

Foreign exchange contracts	Cost of products sold		57			(440	)	Cost of products sold		114		(152	)		171		(592	)


Total		$	(1,293	)	$	3,821			$	2,687	$	3,125		$	1,394	$	1,385

During the first quarter of 2012, Nucor settled all of its open natural gas forward purchase contracts that were previously in place. These settlements will affect earnings over the periods specified in the original agreements, none of which expire beyond December 31, 2012. At ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, ~~$31.7~~$21.1 million of net deferred losses on cash flow hedges on these contracts included in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings during the next ~~nine~~six months.

9.10.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands). Nucor does not currently have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.


				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description	Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
As of March 31, 2012
Description											Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Description														Carrying Amount in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,043,632		$	1,043,632	$	—		$	—	$	988,698			$	988,698		$	—			$	—
Short-term investments		1,198,289			1,198,289		—			—		569,421				569,421			—				—
Commodity contracts		1,790			—		1,790			—		488				—			488				—
Restricted cash and investments		586,190			586,190		—			—		491,640				491,640			—				—

Total assets	$	2,829,901		$	2,828,111	$	1,790		$	—	$	2,050,247			$	2,049,759		$	488			$	—


Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(113	)	$	—	$	(113	)	$	—	$	(52	)		$	—		$	(52	)		$	—


As of December 31, 2011
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,012,122		$	1,012,122	$	—		$	—	$	1,012,122			$	1,012,122		$	—			$	—
Short-term investments		1,362,641			1,362,641		—			—		1,362,641				1,362,641			—				—
Commodity contracts		5,071			—		5,071			—		5,071				—			5,071				—
Restricted cash and investments		585,833			585,833		—			—		585,833				585,833			—				—

Total assets	$	2,965,667		$	2,960,596	$	5,071		$	—	$	2,965,667			$	2,960,596		$	5,071			$	—


Liabilities:
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	$	(21,434	)	$	—	$	(21,434	)	$	—	$	(21,434	)		$	—		$	(21,434	)		$	—

Fair value measurements for Nucor’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash and investments are classified under Level 1 because such measurements are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. Our short-term investments are held in similar short-term investment instruments as described in Note 4 to Nucor’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2011. Fair value measurements for Nucor’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are based on published market prices for similar assets or are estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, spot and future commodity prices, and spot and future exchange rates.

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately ~~$4.75~~$4.85 billion at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 ($4.76 billion at December 31, 2011). The debt fair value estimates are classified under Level 2 because such estimates are based on readily available market prices of our debt at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, or similar debt with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

~~10.~~11.

CONTINGENCIES: Nucor is subject to environmental laws and regulations established by federal, state and local authorities and, accordingly, makes provision for the estimated costs of ~~compliance.~~compliance with such laws and regulations. Of the undiscounted total of ~~$30.2~~$29.5 million of accrued environmental costs at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 ($31.4 million at December 31, 2011), ~~$15.2~~$14.5 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($14.4 million at December 31, 2011) and $15.0 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($17.0 million at December 31, 2011). Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates primarily due to unknown conditions, evolving remediation technology, and changing governmental regulations and legal standards.

Nucor has been named, along with other major steel producers, as a co-defendant in several related antitrust class-action complaints filed by Standard Iron Works and other steel purchasers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The majority of these complaints were filed in September and October of 2008, with two additional complaints being filed in July and December of 2010. Two of these complaints have been voluntarily dismissed and are no longer pending. The plaintiffs allege that from January 2005 through 2008, eight steel manufacturers, including Nucor, engaged in anticompetitive activities with respect to the production and sale of steel. The plaintiffs seek monetary and other relief. Although we believe the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them, we cannot at this time predict the outcome of this litigation or estimate the range of Nucor’s potential exposure.

Other contingent liabilities with respect to product warranties, legal proceedings and other matters arise in the normal course of business. Nucor maintains liability insurance for certain risks that arise that are also subject to certain self-insurance limits. Although the outcome of the claims and proceedings against us cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that there are no existing claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except year and per share amounts):


	Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Number of shares under option:
Outstanding at beginning of year		1,156		$	38.26						1,156		$	38.26
Granted		—			—						754		$	35.76
Exercised		(194	)	$	30.34			$	2,666		(203	)	$	30.27		$	2,745
Canceled		—			—						—			—

Outstanding at March 31, 2012		962		$	39.86		7.5 years	$	2,973
Outstanding at June 30, 2012											1,707		$	38.11	8.4 years	$	2,980

Options exercisable at March 31, 2012		160		$	28.86		0.4 years	$	2,264

Options exercisable at June 30, 2012											151		$	28.86	0.2 years	$	1,365

For the 2012 stock option grant, the grant date fair value of $11.40 per share was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

Compensation expense for stock options was ~~$0.3~~$8.9 million and $7.1 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $9.2 million and $7.4 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 ~~($0.3 million in the first quarter of 2011).~~and 2011,

respectively. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense related to options was ~~$1.5~~$1.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over ~~1.2~~0.9 years. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options totaled ~~$5.9~~$0.3 million and $6.2 million in the second quarter and first ~~quarter~~half of ~~2012.~~2012, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units–Nucor annually grants restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The RSUs typically vest and are converted to common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. A portion of the RSUs awarded to senior officers vest upon the officer’s retirement. Retirement, for purposes of vesting in these RSUs only, means termination of employment with approval of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board of Directors after satisfying age and years of service requirements. RSUs granted to non-employee directors are fully vested on the grant date and are payable to the non-employee director in the form of common stock after the termination of the director’s service on the board of directors.

RSUs granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of grant are expensed immediately, and RSUs granted to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the end of the vesting term are expensed over the period through which the employee will become retirement-eligible since these awards vest upon retirement from the Company. Compensation expense for RSUs granted to employees who are not retirement-eligible is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Cash dividend equivalents are paid to participants each quarter. Dividend equivalents paid on units expected to vest are recognized as a reduction in retained earnings.

The fair value of the RSUs is determined based on the closing stock price of Nucor’s common stock on the day before the grant. A summary of Nucor’s RSU activity for the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2012 is as follows (shares in thousands):


	Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock units:
Unvested at beginning of year		962		$	46.09		962		$	46.09
Granted		—			—		1,101		$	35.76
Vested		(37	)	$	50.69		(884	)	$	40.26
Canceled		(6	)	$	43.11		(20	)	$	40.73

Unvested at March 31, 2012		919		$	45.92
Unvested at June 30, 2012							1,159		$	40.81


Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)		13,692					11,834

Compensation expense for RSUs was ~~$4.8~~$20.1 million and $12.2 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $24.9 million and $19.7 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 ~~($7.5 million in the first quarter of 2011).~~and 2011, respectively. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was ~~$19.2~~$37.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of ~~1.4~~2.3 years.

Restricted Stock Awards–Nucor’s Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and Annual Incentive Plan (the “AIP”) authorize the award of shares of common stock to officers subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

The LTIP provides for the award of shares of restricted common stock at the end of each LTIP performance measurement period at no cost to officers if certain financial performance goals are met during the period. One-third of the LTIP restricted stock award vests upon each of the first three anniversaries of the award date or, if earlier, upon the officer’s attainment of age fifty-five while employed by Nucor. Although participants are entitled to cash dividends and may vote such awarded shares, the sale or transfer of such shares is limited during the restricted period.

The AIP provides for the payment of annual cash incentive awards. An AIP participant may elect, however, to defer payment of up to one-half of an annual incentive award. In such event, the deferred AIP award is converted into common stock units and credited with a deferral incentive, in the form of additional common stock units, equal to 25% of the number of common stock units attributable to the deferred AIP award. Common stock units attributable to deferred AIP awards are fully vested. Common stock units credited as a deferral incentive vest upon the AIP participant’s attainment of age fifty-five while employed by Nucor. Vested common stock units are paid to AIP participants in the form of shares of common stock following their termination of employment with Nucor.

A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and LTIP for the first ~~quarter~~six months of 2012 is as follows (shares in thousands):


				Grant Date
	Shares			Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock awards and units:
Unvested at beginning of year		94		$	42.46		94		$	42.46
Granted		122		$	42.20		122		$	42.20
Vested		(133	)	$	41.39		(144	)	$	41.62
Canceled		—			—		—			—

Unvested at March 31, 2012		83		$	43.80
Unvested at June 30, 2012							72		$	43.72


Shares reserved for future grants		1,360					1,360

Compensation expense for common stock and common stock units awarded under the AIP and LTIP is recorded over the performance measurement and vesting periods based on the anticipated number and market value of shares of common stock and common stock units to be awarded. Compensation expense for anticipated awards based upon Nucor’s financial performance, exclusive of amounts payable in cash, was ~~$1.7~~$1.4 million and $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $3.1 million and $4.3 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 ~~($2.4 million in the first quarter of 2011).~~and 2011, respectively. At ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was ~~$1.1~~$0.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of ~~1.9~~1.8 years.


							Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011
Interest expense	$	44,982		$	45,633		$	44,318		$	46,159		$	89,300		$	91,792
Interest income		(3,310	)		(3,067	)		(3,267	)		(2,975	)		(6,577	)		(6,042	)

Interest expense, net	$	41,672		$	42,566		$	41,051		$	43,184		$	82,723		$	85,750

years through 2006. The years 2004 and 2007 are open to the extent net operating losses were carried back. The 2008 to 2011

tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. In 2011 the Canada Revenue Agency completed an audit examination for the periods 2006 to 2008 for Harris Steel Group Inc. and subsidiaries with immaterial adjustments to the income tax returns. The tax years 2008 through 2011 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).


	Attributable to			Attributable to						Attributable to Nucor Corporation			Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			Total
	Nucor Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011	$	7,474,885		$	231,695		$	7,706,580		$	7,474,885		$	231,695		$	7,706,580
Total comprehensive income		207,774			18,280			226,054			275,229			45,512			320,741
Stock options		6,189			—			6,189			15,381			—			15,381
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		13,506			—			13,506			26,029			—			26,029
Amortization of unearned compensation		300			—			300			500			—			500
Dividends declared		(116,441	)		—			(116,441	)		(233,216	)		—			(233,216	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(39,857	)		(39,857	)		—			(52,812	)		(52,812	)
Other		(629	)		—			(629	)		(644	)		—			(644	)

Stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2012	$	7,585,584		$	210,118		$	7,795,702
Stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2012										$	7,558,164		$	224,395		$	7,782,559


										Attributable to Nucor Corporation			Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			Total

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2010	$	7,120,070		$	210,624		$	7,330,694		$	7,120,070		$	210,624		$	7,330,694
Total comprehensive income		231,935			21,287			253,222			547,812			43,091			590,903
Stock options		3,040			—			3,040			10,571			—			10,571
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures		11,156			—			11,156			16,367			—			16,367
Amortization of unearned compensation		500			—			500			900			—			900
Dividends declared		(115,327	)		—			(115,327	)		(230,772	)		—			(230,772	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(29,694	)		(29,694	)		—			(43,272	)		(43,272	)

Stockholders’ equity at April 2, 2011	$	7,251,374		$	202,217		$	7,453,591
Stockholders’ equity at July 2, 2011										$	7,464,948		$	210,443		$	7,675,391

Net interest expense, other income, profit sharing expense, stock-based compensation and changes in the LIFO reserve are shown under Corporate/eliminations. Corporate assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash and investments, allowances to eliminate intercompany profit in inventory, fair value of natural gas hedges, deferred income tax assets, federal income taxes receivable, the LIFO reserve and investments in and advances to affiliates. Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation.


	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011
Net sales to external customers:
Steel mills	$	3,626,139		$	3,448,197		$	3,476,661		$	3,569,786		$	7,102,800		$	7,017,983
Steel products		842,245			732,139			991,444			875,365			1,833,689			1,607,504
Raw materials		482,208			527,463			497,604			555,545			979,812			1,083,008
All other		122,002			126,135			138,490			107,113			260,492			233,248

	$	5,072,594		$	4,833,934		$	5,104,199		$	5,107,809		$	10,176,793		$	9,941,743


Intercompany sales:
Steel mills	$	617,644		$	584,613		$	698,565		$	632,055		$	1,316,209		$	1,216,668
Steel products		16,786			10,014			18,993			14,233			35,779			24,247
Raw materials		2,882,231			2,777,606			2,479,148			2,697,521			5,361,379			5,475,127
All other		2,604			6,425			8,190			9,926			10,794			16,351
Corporate/eliminations		(3,519,265	)		(3,378,658	)		(3,204,896	)		(3,353,735	)		(6,724,161	)		(6,732,393	)

							$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	$	—		$	—

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:
Steel mills	$	390,292		$	402,881		$	336,096		$	645,719		$	726,388		$	1,048,600
Steel products		(33,044	)		(35,895	)		9,202			(10,010	)		(23,842	)		(45,905	)
Raw materials		14,572			60,254			15,116			53,835			29,688			114,089
All other		(569	)		3,203			412			1,074			(157	)		4,277
Corporate/eliminations		(146,189	)		(164,188	)		(144,633	)		(213,331	)		(290,822	)		(377,519	)

	$	225,062		$	266,255		$	216,193		$	477,287		$	441,255		$	743,542


	March 31, 2012			Dec. 31, 2011			June 30, 2012			Dec. 31, 2011
Segment assets:
Steel mills	$	6,680,986		$	6,440,868		$	8,021,836		$	6,440,868
Steel products		2,938,885			2,903,281			2,979,680			2,903,281
Raw materials		3,032,485			2,925,651			3,050,833			2,925,651
All other		205,872			152,107			188,256			152,107
Corporate/eliminations		1,956,237			2,148,443			525,961			2,148,443

	$	14,814,465		$	14,570,350		$	14,766,566		$	14,570,350

~~17.~~18.

EARNINGS PER SHARE: The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011
Basic net earnings per share:
Basic net earnings	$	145,104		$	159,841		$	112,299		$	299,773		$	257,403		$	459,614
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(409	)		(599	)		(422	)		(1,048	)		(830	)		(1,647	)

Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	144,695		$	159,242		$	111,877		$	298,725		$	256,573		$	457,967


Average shares outstanding		317,689			316,595			317,975			316,811			317,832			316,702


Basic net earnings per share	$	0.46		$	0.50		$	0.35		$	0.94		$	0.81		$	1.45


Diluted net earnings per share:
Diluted net earnings	$	145,104		$	159,841		$	112,299		$	299,773		$	257,403		$	459,614
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(409	)		(599	)		(422	)		(1,048	)		(830	)		(1,647	)

Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	144,695		$	159,242		$	111,877		$	298,725		$	256,573		$	457,967


Diluted average shares outstanding:
Basic shares outstanding		317,689			316,595			317,975			316,811			317,832			316,702
Dilutive effect of stock options and other		90			279			65			211			78			246

		317,779			316,874			318,040			317,022			317,910			316,948


Diluted net earnings per share	$	0.46		$	0.50		$	0.35		$	0.94		$	0.81		$	1.44

~~There~~Stock options to purchase 0.8 million shares of common stock were ~~no shares~~ excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 because their effect would have been ~~antidilutive in either~~anti-dilutive. For the ~~first quarter~~six month period ended June 30, 2012, stock options to purchase 0.4 million shares of ~~2012 or~~common stock on a weighted average basis were also excluded from the ~~first quarter of 2011.~~computation. No shares were excluded for the comparable 2011 periods.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain statements made in this quarterly report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The words “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “will,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are intended to identify those forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s best judgment based on current information, and although we base these statements on circumstances that we believe to be reasonable when made, there can be no assurance that future events will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking information. As such, the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may vary materially from the projected results and expectations discussed in this report. Factors that might cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) the sensitivity of the results of our operations to prevailing steel prices and changes in the supply and cost of raw materials, including pig iron, iron ore and scrap steel; (2) availability and cost of electricity and natural gas; (3) market demand for steel products, which, in the case of many of our products, is driven by the level of nonresidential construction activity in the U.S.; (4) competitive pressure on sales and pricing, including pressure from imports and substitute materials; (5) impairment in the recorded value of inventory, equity investments, fixed assets, goodwill or other long-lived assets; (6) uncertainties surrounding the global economy, including the severe economic downturn in construction markets and excess world capacity for steel production; (7) fluctuations in currency conversion rates; (8) U.S. and foreign trade policy affecting steel imports or exports; (9) significant changes in laws or government regulations affecting environmental compliance, including legislation or regulations that result in greater regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that could increase our energy costs and our capital expenditures and operating costs; (10) the cyclical nature of the steel industry; (11) capital investments and acquisitions and their impact on our performance; and (12) our safety performance.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements, “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Nucor and its affiliates manufacture steel and steel products. Nucor also produces direct reduced iron (“DRI”) for use in its steel mills. Through The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates (“DJJ”), the Company also processes ferrous and nonferrous metals and brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, hot briquetted iron (“HBI”) and DRI. Most of Nucor’s operating facilities and customers are located in North America, but increasingly, Nucor is doing business outside of North America as well. Nucor’s operations include several international trading and sales companies that buy and sell steel and steel products manufactured by the Company and others. Nucor is North America’s largest recycler, using scrap steel as the primary raw material in producing steel and steel products.

Nucor reports its results in three segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. In the steel mills segment, Nucor produces sheet steel (hot and cold-rolled), plate steel, structural steel (wide-flange beams, beam blanks, H-piling and sheet piling) and bar steel (blooms, billets, concrete reinforcing bar, merchant bar and special bar quality). Nucor manufactures steel principally from scrap steel and scrap steel substitutes using electric arc furnaces, continuous casting and automated rolling mills. The steel mills segment also includes Nucor’s equity method investments in Duferdofin Nucor and NuMit LLC. In the steel products segment, Nucor produces steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, fabricated concrete reinforcing steel, cold-finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems, steel grating and expanded metal, and wire and wire mesh. In the raw materials segment, Nucor produces DRI; brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, HBI and DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal. The raw materials segment also includes certain equity method investments.

In late June 2012, Nucor completed the acquisition of the entire equity interest in Skyline Steel LLC (“Skyline”) and its subsidiaries for the cash purchase price of approximately $683.5 million including our most current working capital adjustment estimates. Skyline is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation and will maintain its main office in Parsippany, New Jersey. It is a steel foundation distributor serving the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Skyline distributes steel to service challenging applications including marine construction, bridge and highway construction, heavy civil construction, storm protection, underground commercial parking, and environment containment projects in the infrastructure and construction industries. Skyline’s results since the acquisition date are included in the steel mills segment’s results.

Construction is ~~ongoing~~progressing on our 2,500,000-ton DRI facility in Louisiana. The majority of the equipment should arrive in 2012, and we believe that we are on schedule for completion of construction and beginning of start-up operations in mid-2013. However, weather and other risks, such as low water levels on the Mississippi river due to drought conditions, could cause future construction delays.

~~During the first quarter of 2012, DJJ, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, acquired three metal recycling companies that will strengthen~~Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, a joint venture between Nucor and ~~expand its regional recycling platforms. These acquisitions will provide~~Yamato Kogyo Co. Ltd., has approved an estimated ~~additional annual capacity~~$115 million plan to expand the production of ~~275,000 tons.~~hot rolled sheet piling. This project is expected to be completed at Nucor’s steel mill in Blytheville, Arkansas, in early 2014. The project will add several new sheet piling sections, increasing the single sheet widths by 22% and providing a lighter stronger sheet covering more area at a lower installed cost.

~~During the first quarter of 2012, the~~The average utilization rates of all operating facilities in the steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments were approximately ~~79%~~77%, ~~54%~~59% and ~~65%, respectively, compared with 80%, 52% and 76%~~67%, respectively, in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 compared with 75%, 55% and 74%, respectively, in the first half of 2011. The decrease in the average utilization rate for the raw materials segment in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 as compared to the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011 is due ~~in part~~ to ~~a capacity expansion project at the DRI facility in Trinidad which shut down the facility for almost a month in the first quarter~~decreased flow of ~~2012. Also contributing to the decrease were lower volumes at our~~ scrap into processing facilities ~~caused by excess industry capacity.~~that resulted from significant drops in scrap prices and increased competition for raw materials.

Net SalesNet sales to external customers by segment for the second quarter and first ~~quarters~~six months of 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):


								Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended							Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended							June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011		% Change			June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011		% Change
	March 31, 2012		April 2, 2011		% Change
Steel mills	$	3,626,139	$	3,448,197		5	%	$	3,476,661	$	3,569,786		-3	%	$	7,102,800	$	7,017,983		1	%
Steel products		842,245		732,139		15	%		991,444		875,365		13	%		1,833,689		1,607,504		14	%
Raw materials		482,208		527,463		-9	%		497,604		555,545		-10	%		979,812		1,083,008		-10	%
All other		122,002		126,135		-3	%		138,490		107,113		29	%		260,492		233,248		12	%

Net sales	$	5,072,594	$	4,833,934		5	%	$	5,104,199	$	5,107,809		—		$	10,176,793	$	9,941,743		2	%

Net sales for the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 ~~increased 5%~~decreased slightly from the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011. Average sales price per ton ~~increased~~decreased 6% from ~~$809~~$912 in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011 to ~~$857~~$861 in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, while total tons ~~shipped~~sold to outside customers ~~decreased 1%~~increased 6% from the same period last year.

Net sales for the first six months of 2012 increased 2% over the first six months of 2011 due to the 2% increase in tons sold to outside customers. Average sales price per ton was $859 in both the first six months of 2012 and 2011.

In the steel mills segment, production and sales tons were as follows (in thousands):


								Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended							Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended							June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011		% Change			June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011		% Change
	March 31, 2012		April 2, 2011		% Change
Steel production		5,259		5,219		1	%		5,061		4,667		8	%		10,320		9,886		4	%


Outside steel shipments		4,424		4,418		—			4,264		4,052		5	%		8,688		8,470		3	%
Inside steel shipments		811		782		4	%		938		812		16	%		1,749		1,594		10	%

Total steel shipments		5,235		5,200		1	%		5,202		4,864		7	%		10,437		10,064		4	%

Net sales for the steel mills segment ~~increased 5% over~~decreased 3% from the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011 due to a ~~4% increase~~9% decrease in the average sales price per ton from ~~$789~~$891 to ~~$824 and~~$812, partially offset by a ~~small~~5% increase in tons sold to outside customers. Although residential and nonresidential construction activity remains weak, demand for the steel mills’ products continued to improve in the ~~first~~second quarter in several other important markets. These markets include automotive, heavy equipment, energy and general manufacturing. ~~Increased demand~~

The 1% increase in ~~these markets contributed~~sales from the first half of 2011 to ~~increased pricing~~the first half of 2012 in the steel mills segment was attributable to the 3% increase in tons sold to outside customers offset by the ~~first quarter.~~2% decrease in average sales price per ton.


								Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							Six Months (26 weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 weeks) Ended							June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011		% Change			June 30, 2012		July 2, 2011		% Change
	March 31, 2012		April 2, 2011		% Change
Joist production		64		67		-4	%		75		70		7	%		139		137		1	%
Deck sales		65		72		-10	%		76		79		-4	%		141		151		-7	%
Cold finish sales		138		134		3	%		132		129		2	%		270		263		3	%
Fabricated concrete reinforcing steel sales		250		221		13	%		322		275		17	%		572		496		15	%

The ~~15%~~13% increase in the steel products segment’s sales from the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011 was due to a ~~11%~~4% increase in average sales price per ton from ~~$1,274~~$1,361 to ~~$1,413~~$1,419 and a 4%10% increase in volume. The 14% increase in the steel products segment’s sales for the first half of the year were due to the 7% increase in average sales price per ton from $1,320 to $1,416 and the 7% increase in volume. While both volume and pricing improved over the prior year quarter and first half, sales in the steel products segment remain depressed due to the continued weakness in the nonresidential construction market. Sales of fabricated concrete reinforcing steel increased due to increases in pricing and volume over the ~~first~~second quarter of ~~2011, with increased shipments to markets in the southern United States and Canada.~~2011.

The sales for the raw materials segment decreased 9%10% from the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011 primarily ~~because~~due to pricing, while the 10% decrease in sales from the first half of 2011 was impacted by both lower pricing and volume. These decreases ~~in volume caused by~~are due to intensified competition ~~from~~caused by excess shredding capacity in the ~~industry.~~industry and to the significantly lower scrap pricing experienced in the second quarter of 2012. In the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, approximately ~~83%~~87% of outside sales in the raw materials segment were from the brokerage operations of DJJ and approximately ~~16%~~11% of the outside sales were from the scrap processing facilities ~~(85%~~(86% and 13%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2011). In the first half of 2012, approximately 85% of outside sales for the raw materials segment were from the brokerage operations of DJJ and approximately 14% of outside sales were from the scrap processing facilities (86% and 14%, respectively, in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011).

The “All other” category includes the steel trading businesses. The ~~period over period decrease~~increase in sales in both the second quarter and first half of 2012 is due to ~~decreased volume~~increased volumes partially offset by ~~higher~~lower prices.

Gross Margins For the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, Nucor recorded gross margins of ~~$380.5~~$399.9 million (8%), compared to ~~$423.7~~$649.5 million ~~(9%~~(13%) in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011. The gross margin was impacted by a 6% decrease in average sales price per ton along with the following factors:

In the steel mills segment, the average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used ~~increased 5%~~decreased 4% from ~~$424~~$444 in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011 to $427 in the second quarter of 2012. Because the decrease in the average sales price per ton was greater than the decrease in the scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton, there was a decrease in metal margin dollars in the second quarter of 2012 as compared to the second quarter of 2011. The average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used in the second quarter of 2012 decreased 4% from $445 in the first quarter of 2012, and metal margins increased 1%slightly from ~~$441 in~~ the ~~fourth~~first quarter of ~~2011; however, metal margin dollars also increased over both the first and fourth quarters of 2011.~~2012. Metal margin is the difference between the selling price of steel and the cost of scrap and scrap substitutes. Metal margins in the second quarter of 2011 were at the highest level they had been since 2008, but we were not able to obtain those same levels in the second quarter of 2012 due to several factors negatively impacting markets in which our steel mills, especially our sheet mills, operate. Increased imports, excess domestic capacity and economic uncertainty affecting steel buyer confidence placed downward pressure on metal margins as the second quarter of 2012 progressed. This decline is evidenced by the fact that the profitability of our sheet mills in April 2012 was more than double their profitability in June 2012.

Scrap prices are driven by the global supply and demand for scrap and other iron based raw materials used to make steel. ~~During~~The downward trend in scrap prices, which occurred throughout the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, ~~scrap prices remained relatively flat and we did not experience the normal seasonal increase~~appears to have bottomed in early July with a pick-up in scrap ~~prices. As we begin the second quarter there continues to be low volatility in scrap prices.~~export activity and other market factors.

Nucor’s gross margins are significantly impacted by the application of the LIFO method of accounting. LIFO charges or credits for interim periods are based on management’s current estimates of both inventory costs and quantities at year-end. The actual amounts will likely differ from these estimated amounts, and such differences may be significant. Annual charges or credits are largely based on the relative changes in cost and quantities year over year, primarily within raw material inventory in the steel mills segment. Gross margin was impacted by a LIFO ~~charge~~credit of $14.5 million in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, compared with a charge of ~~$31.0~~$32.0 million in the second quarter of 2011.

For the first half of 2012, Nucor recorded gross margins of $780.5 million (8%), compared to $1.07 billion (11%) in the first half of 2011. The gross margin was impacted by the following factors:

Marketing, Administrative and Other Expenses The major component of marketing, administrative and other expenses is profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs. These costs, which are based upon and fluctuate with Nucor’s financial performance, decreased ~~$5.8~~$24.2 million in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 compared to the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011, and decreased $30.0 million in the first half of 2012 compared to the first half of 2011 due to the decreased profitability of the Company. Profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs increased ~~$10.7~~$8.1 million in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 compared to the ~~fourth~~first quarter of ~~2011.~~2012 due to the annual restricted stock unit grant and the stock option grant that occurred in the second quarter of 2012.

Equity in Losses (Earnings) of Unconsolidated AffiliatesEquity method investment losses, including amortization expense and other purchase accounting adjustments, were ~~$6.7~~a loss of $0.2 million and ~~$4.2~~earnings of $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, and were losses of $6.8 million and $2.9 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in the equity method investment losses is primarily due to increased losses at Duferdofin Nucor ~~S.r.l, while the equity method earnings at NuMit LLC were~~S.r.l., partially offset by slightly higher ~~than last year’s first quarter.~~equity in earnings generated by NuMit LLC. The markets served by Duferdofin Nucor have been negatively affected by the ~~global~~escalated economic ~~recession.~~and political turmoil in Europe, which resulted in an impairment of Nucor’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor, as discussed below.

Impairment of Non-current Assets Nucor incurred a $30.0 million impairment charge in the second quarter of 2012 (none in the second quarter and first half of 2011). The entire charge related to the impairment of Nucor’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor.

Nucor reviews its equity investments for impairment if and when circumstances indicate that a decline in value below its carrying amount may have occurred. In the ~~fourth~~second quarter of ~~2011,~~2012, Nucor concluded ~~it had~~that a triggering event had occurred requiring assessment for impairment of ~~its~~the equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor due to the continued declines in the global demand for ~~steel.~~steel, the escalated economic and political turmoil in Europe, the continued operating performance well below budgeted levels through the first half of 2012. Duferdofin Nucor’s recently updated unfavorable forecast of future operating performance was also a contributing factor. The diminished demand ~~had~~combined with the continued lower than budgeted levels of operating performance has significantly impacted the financial results of Duferdofin Nucor ~~from 2009~~ through ~~2011.~~the first half of 2012. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value ~~approximated its carrying amount~~ and ~~that there was no~~recorded a $30.0 million impairment ofcharge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, and, therefore, it is reasonably possible that based on actual performance in the near term the estimates used in our second quarter valuation ~~as of December 31, 2011~~ could change and result in anfurther impairment of our investment.

Interest Expense (Income)Net interest expense for the second quarter and first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):


							Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011
Interest expense	$	44,982		$	45,633		$	44,318		$	46,159		$	89,300		$	91,792
Interest income		(3,310	)		(3,067	)		(3,267	)		(2,975	)		(6,577	)		(6,042	)

Interest expense, net	$	41,672		$	42,566		$	41,051		$	43,184		$	82,723		$	85,750

In the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 gross interest expense decreased 1%4% from the ~~prior year~~second quarter of 2011 due to a slight decrease in average debt ~~outstanding.~~outstanding and higher capitalized interest. Gross interest income increased ~~because~~in part due to increases in interest income from loans issued to related parties.

In the first half of 2012 gross interest expense decreased 3% from the first half of 2011 due to a slight decrease in average debt outstanding and higher capitalized interest. Gross interest income increased due to increases in average investments outstanding and the average interest rate earned on investments.

Earnings Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment for the second quarter and first ~~quarters~~half of 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):


							Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended
	Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended						June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011			June 30, 2012			July 2, 2011
	March 31, 2012			April 2, 2011
Steel mills	$	390,292		$	402,881		$	336,096		$	645,719		$	726,388		$	1,048,600
Steel products		(33,044	)		(35,895	)		9,202			(10,010	)		(23,842	)		(45,905	)
Raw materials		14,572			60,254			15,116			53,835			29,688			114,089
All other		(569	)		3,203			412			1,074			(157	)		4,277
Corporate/eliminations		(146,189	)		(164,188	)		(144,633	)		(213,331	)		(290,822	)		(377,519	)

	$	225,062		$	266,255		$	216,193		$	477,287		$	441,255		$	743,542

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment decreased ~~slightly over~~48% from the second quarter of 2011 and 31% from the first half of 2011. Metal margin dollars decreased from both the second quarter and first half of ~~last year despite~~2011 resulting from the ~~fact that~~factors described above. Other factors impacting the profitability of the steel mills segment ~~benefited~~were the impairment charge related to Duferdofin Nucor, the purchase accounting adjustments related to Skyline, and the slightly increased equity in losses from ~~higher metal margins~~unconsolidated affiliates. The market conditions that have impacted the steel mills segment include an import surge across most products that began late in 2011 and ~~lower energy costs. Improvements~~continued through the first half of 2012, undercutting seasonal pricing momentum that is normally experienced early in ~~demand~~the year. In addition, U.S. sheet steel markets have been negatively impacted by new domestic supply that began ramping up production in ~~the~~2011, while a combination of political and economic uncertainty is beginning to affect steel buyer confidence for all products. Markets such as automotive, heavy equipment, energy and general manufacturing ~~sectors contributed to increased pricing in this segment. This improvement was offset by an increase in equity in losses from unconsolidated affiliates~~remain improved, primarily benefiting demand for special bar quality, sheet and ~~other miscellaneous items.~~plate products.

~~In the~~The steel products segment ~~losses before income taxes~~had its first profitable quarter since 2008. Nucor’s fabricated construction products – joist and ~~noncontrolling interests decreased from~~decking, rebar fabrication, and pre-engineered metal buildings – returned to profitability as a result of market share gains, improved pricing, and effective management of costs. Despite the ~~first quarter of 2011 but increased from the fourth quarter of 2011. Demand~~return to profitability, demand in this segment remains depressed due to the continued ~~weakness~~very

challenging conditions in the nonresidential construction market, but we believe that the construction market at a minimum has stabilized. Our construction products business experienced a normal seasonal slowdown in the first quarter of 2012 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.market. Tons shipped to outside customers at both our joist and ~~desk~~deck businesses in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 ~~decreased 7% and 17%, respectively,~~increased only 1% from the ~~fourth~~second quarter of 2011, but sales price per ton increased 13% and 5%, respectively. At our rebar fabrication businesses, shipments to outside customers increased 17% in the second quarter of 2012 from the second quarter of 2011. ~~Our~~Volumes of backlog at our rebar fabrication businesses ~~incurred continued losses~~ during the ~~first~~second quarter ~~of 2012 as they completed lower priced work from backlog. However,~~have decreased slightly with the increased shipments during the quarter, but the backlog pricing ~~and volumes of backlog have increased from last year’s first and fourth quarters.~~has increased.

The profitability of our raw materials segment, particularly The David J. Joseph Company, decreased significantly from the second quarter and first ~~quarter~~half of 2011 primarily due to continued margin compression at the scrap processing operations.

Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interests represent the income attributable to the noncontrolling partners of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (“NYS”) and Barker Steel Company, Inc., of which Nucor owns 51% and 90%, respectively. The ~~decrease~~increase in noncontrolling interests was primarily attributable to the ~~decreased~~increased earnings of NYS, which were due to ~~decreased volumes~~improved cost management and changes in ~~the first quarter of 2012~~product mix as compared to the second quarter and first ~~quarter~~half of 2011. Under the NYS limited partnership agreement, the minimum amount of cash to be distributed each year to the partners is the amount needed by each partner to pay applicable U.S. federal and state income taxes. In the first ~~quarters~~six months of 2012, ~~and 2011,~~ the amount of cash distributed to noncontrolling interest holders exceeded the earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests based on mutual agreement of the general partners; however, the cumulative amount of cash distributed to partners was less than the cumulative net earnings of the partnership.

Provision for Income TaxesNucor had an effective tax rate of ~~27.4%~~35.4% in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 compared with ~~32.0%~~32.6% in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2011. The ~~change~~effective tax rate in the first six months of 2012 was 31.3% compared with 32.4% in the first six months of 2011. The expected rate ~~between~~for the ~~periods is primarily~~full year of 2012 will be approximately 31.8% compared with 31.2% for the ~~result~~full year of ~~a first~~2011. The increase in the effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2012 is due to the tax impact of recording the Duferdofin Nucor impairment charge fully in the quarter. The effective tax rate for the first six months of 2012 was favorably impacted by a non-cash out-of-period adjustment ~~of $12.6 million stemming from~~related to the recognition of a deferred tax asset related to state tax credit carryforwards and anthe adjustment of tax expense to previously filed ~~returns. The expected rate for~~returns amounting to $12.6 million in the ~~full year~~first quarter of ~~2012 will be approximately 31.6% compared to 31.2% for the full year of 2011.~~ 2012.

We estimate that in the next twelve months our gross uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $13.0 million as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2006. The years 2004 and 2007 are open to the extent net operating losses were carried back. The 2008 to 2011 tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. In 2011 the Canada Revenue Agency completed an audit examination for the periods 2006 to 2008 for Harris Steel Group Inc. and subsidiaries with immaterial adjustments to the income tax returns. The tax years 2008 through 2011 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

Net Earnings Attributable to Nucor Stockholders and Return on EquityNucor reported consolidated net earnings of ~~$145.1~~$112.3 million, or ~~$0.46~~$0.35 per diluted share, in the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 compared to consolidated net earnings of ~~$159.8~~$299.8 million, or ~~$0.50~~$0.94 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2011. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 2% and 6% in the second quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Nucor reported consolidated net earnings of $257.4 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012, compared to consolidated net earnings of $459.6 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, in the first half of 2011. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 3% and 5% in ~~both~~ the first ~~quarters~~half of 2012 and ~~2011.~~2011, respectively. Return on average stockholders’ equity was 8%approximately 7% and 9%13% in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Outlook ~~Our results~~We currently expect to see a modest reduction in earnings exclusive of the impairment and Skyline-related charges for the ~~first~~third quarter of 2012 reflect a flattening in the favorable pricing and margin trends that began mid-quarter and an unexpected margin weakness in our raw materials business. The deterioration in steel mill pricing and margin trends as compared to our earlier expectations is due to a resurgence in imports and increased competition from new and restarted2012. Continued slow domestic ~~sheet mill supply. For the second quarter of 2012, we currently expect only a modest improvement in earnings.~~growth, coupled with continued or worsening global economic uncertainty may both become increasing negative factors. We believe that the construction ~~markets will remain~~market continues to be very ~~challenging,~~challenging.

We expect third quarter results to benefit from lower scrap costs in transit and in inventory combined with ~~evidence~~the positive impact on steel mill customer buying patterns if scrap prices stabilize. It is worth noting several positive factors for sheet steel that should drive favorable pricing momentum by the end of ~~only slight improvements at this time. End markets~~the third quarter. The positive factors include recent reductions in sheet steel imports and shuttered and reduced operating rates by newer domestic market entrants. Markets such as automotive, heavy equipment, energy and general manufacturing ~~have continued to experience improvements in~~remain improved, primarily benefiting demand ~~primarily benefitting~~for special bar quality, sheet and plate products.

Nucor’s largest exposure to market risk is via our steel mills and steel products segments. Our largest single customer in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 represented approximately 5% of sales and consistently pays within terms. In the raw materials segment, we are exposed to price fluctuations related to the purchase of scrap steel and iron ore. Our exposure to market risk is mitigated by the fact that our steel mills use a significant portion of the products of this segment.

Cash provided by operating activities was ~~$207.7~~$446.5 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012, an increase of 53% compared with cash provided by operating activities of ~~$47.5~~$292.7 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by a decrease in cash used in operating activities related to changes in operating assets and liabilities of ~~$201.0~~$310.7 million period over period, partially offset by the ~~$14.7~~$199.7 million decrease in net earnings period over ~~period.~~period, which includes the non-cash charge of $30.0 million for impairment of non-current assets. The funding of working capital (primarily inventories and accounts receivable) decreased from the prior year due to the rapid increase in scrap prices and sales price per ton from the year-end of 2010 to the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011. ~~Increases in scrap~~Scrap prices decreased and average sales price per ton ~~were~~increased more ~~moderate~~moderately between the year-end of 2011 and the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012.

The current ratio was ~~2.7~~2.4 at the end of the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012 and 2.8 at year-end 2011. Accounts receivable and inventories increased 5%12% and ~~14%~~21%, respectively, since ~~year-end, while quarterly net sales increased 5% from the fourth quarter of 2011.~~year-end. The increases in accounts receivable and inventories are due to the acquisition of Skyline, higher sales prices and increased tons shipped to outside customers ~~and the increased cost of raw materials~~ in the current year as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. In the ~~first~~second quarter of 2012, total accounts receivable turned approximately monthly and inventories turned approximately every ~~five to~~ six weeks. These turnover rates are consistent with Nucor’s historical performance. The current ratio was also impacted by a 58% decrease in short-term investments which were sold primarily to provide funding for the ~~24%~~Skyline acquisition. In addition, there was an 18% increase in accounts payable, which is primarily attributable to the ~~increased cost~~acquisition of ~~raw materials combined with~~Skyline, the ~~10%~~ increase in steel production, and the resulting increase in inventory tons over last year’s fourth quarter. ~~In addition, the~~The ratio was ~~positively~~also impacted by a ~~36%~~23% decrease in salaries, wages and related accruals, and a 38% increase in long-term debt due within one year, from year-end ~~2011, which~~2011. The decrease in salaries, wages and related accruals was largely attributable to the payout of profit sharing and other incentive compensation during the first quarter of ~~2012.~~2012, while the increase in long-term debt due within one year is the result of the reclassification to current liabilities of a $250.0 million note payable that is due in June 2013.

Cash used in investing activities increased ~~slightly~~$105.2 million over the prior year period. Capital expenditures increased ~~$71.3~~$170.6 million in large part due to the construction of our DRI facility in Louisiana. We expect capital spending for this project to increase from about $50 million in 2011 to approximately ~~$450~~$500 million in 2012. ~~The increase in first quarter capital expenditures is also due to the completion of the expansion of our Trinidad DRI plant’s annual capacity from 1,800,000 to 2,000,000 metric tons.~~ This increase in capital expenditures was accompanied by an increase in acquisitions of ~~$58.8~~$746.4 million. While Nucor had no acquisitions in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011, our DJJ team

acquired three metal recycling companies in the first quarter of 2012, and Nucor closed on the Skyline acquisition for $683.5 million in the second quarter of 2012. These investing activities were partially offset by an increase of ~~$154.1~~$816.9 million in net proceeds received from the sale of ~~investments.~~investments and restricted investments which were primarily sold in order to fund the acquisitions.

Cash used in financing activities in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012 remained flat compared to the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011 as financing activities were consistent ~~quarter over quarter.~~with the prior year period.

Nucor’s conservative financial practices have served us well in the past and are serving us well today. Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments position remains robust at ~~$2.38~~$1.68 billion as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, and an additional ~~$586.2~~$491.6 million of restricted cash and investments is available for use in the construction of the DRI facility in Louisiana. Our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility is undrawn and does not expire until December 2016, and 79% of our long-term debt matures in 2017 and beyond. We believe our financial strength is a key strategic advantage among domestic steel producers, particularly during recessionary business cycles. We carry the highest credit ratings of any metals and mining company in North America, with an A rating from Standard and Poor’s and an A2 rating from Moody’s.

Based upon these factors, we expect to continue to have adequate access to the capital markets at a reasonable cost of funds for liquidity purposes when needed. Our credit ratings are dependent, however, upon a number of factors, both qualitative and quantitative, and are subject to change at any time. The disclosure of our credit ratings is made in order to enhance investors’ understanding of our sources of liquidity and the impact of our credit ratings on our cost of funds.

Our credit facility includes only one financial covenant, which is a limit of 60% on the ratio of funded debt to total capitalization. In addition, the credit facility contains customary non-financial covenants, including a limit on Nucor’s ability to pledge the Company’s assets and a limit on consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. As of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, our funded debt to total capital ratio was 35%, and we were in compliance with all other covenants under our credit facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility as of ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012.

In challenging market conditions such as we are experiencing today, ~~we have several additional liquidity benefits.~~our financial strength allows a number of capital preservation options. Nucor’s robust capital investment and maintenance practices give us the flexibility to reduce spending onby prioritizing our ~~facilities to very low levels, but still allows us to allocate~~long list of capital projects, potentially rescheduling certain projects, and selectively allocating capital to investments that will build our long-term earnings power. Capital expenditures increased ~~74%~~80% from ~~$96.0~~$212.9 million during the first ~~quarter~~half of 2011 to ~~$167.3~~$383.4 million in the first ~~quarter~~half of 2012. Capital expenditures for 2012 are projected to be approximately $1.00 billion compared to $440.5 million in 2011.

In ~~February~~June 2012, Nucor’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on Nucor’s common stock of $0.365 per share payable on ~~May 11,~~August 10, 2012 to stockholders of record on ~~March 30,~~June 29, 2012. This dividend is Nucor’s ~~156~~157^th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

Funds provided from operations, cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash and investments and new borrowings under existing credit facilities are expected to be adequate to meet future capital expenditure and working capital requirements for existing operations for at least the next 24 months.

In the ordinary course of business, Nucor is exposed to a variety of market risks. We continually monitor these risks and develop appropriate strategies to manage them.

Interest Rate Risk— - Nucor manages interest rate risk by using a combination of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt. Nucor also makes use of interest rate swaps from time to time in order to manage net exposure to interest rate changes. Management does not believe that Nucor’s exposure to interest rate market risk has significantly changed since December 31, 2011.

Commodity Price Risk— - In the ordinary course of business, Nucor is exposed to market risk for price fluctuations of raw materials and energy, principally scrap steel, other ferrous and nonferrous metals, alloys and natural gas. We attempt to negotiate the best prices for our raw materials and energy requirements and to obtain prices for our steel products that match market price movements in response to supply and demand. Nucor utilizes a raw material surcharge as a component of pricing steel to pass through the cost increases of scrap steel and other raw materials. In periods of stable demand for our products, our surcharge mechanism has worked effectively to reduce the normal time lag in passing through higher raw material costs so that we can maintain our gross margins. When demand for and cost of raw materials is lower, however, the surcharge benefits our sales prices to a lesser extent.

Nucor also uses derivative financial instruments to hedge a portion of our exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process and to hedge a portion of our scrap, aluminum and copper purchases and sales. Gains and losses from derivatives designated as hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and recognized into earnings in the same period as the underlying physical transaction. At ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includes ~~$31.7~~$21.1 million in unrealized net-of-tax losses for the fair value of these derivative instruments. Changes in the fair values of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings each period. The following table presents the negative effect on pre-tax earnings of a hypothetical change in the fair value of derivative instruments outstanding at ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, due to an assumed 10% and 25% change in the market price of each of the indicated commodities (in thousands):


Commodity Derivative	10% Change		25% Change		10% Change		25% Change
Aluminum	$	1,421	$	3,553	$	671	$	1,673
Copper		851		2,127	$	961	$	2,402

Any resulting changes in fair value would be recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, or recognized in net earnings, as appropriate. These hypothetical losses would be partially offset by the benefit of lower prices paid or higher prices received for the physical commodities.

Foreign Currency ~~Risk—~~Risk - Nucor is exposed to foreign currency risk through its operations in Canada, Europe, Trinidad and Australia. We periodically use derivative contracts to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures– As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the evaluation date.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We do not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In addition to the foregoing, in the course of normal compliance evaluation in 2008 at our steel mill in Marion, Ohio, we discovered and self-disclosed to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (the “Ohio EPA”) that the facility had failed to properly permit modifications to its power supply. The Ohio EPA assessed a civil penalty of $466,900 for this violation. We paid $295,520 of this civil penalty in the second quarter of this year. We paid an additional $93,380 during the second quarter to the Ohio EPA to support its clean diesel school bus program, which the Ohio EPA credited against the amount of the civil penalty. The balance of the civil penalty will be satisfied by a $78,000 credit against the penalty for certain testing and ambient air monitoring at the facility that we have committed to perform in the future.

There have been no material changes in Nucor’s risk factors from those included in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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


Delaware		13-1860817
(State or other jurisdiction of		~~(I.R.S. Employer~~
incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1915 Rexford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina		28211
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)


			Page

Part I	~~Part I~~ Financial Information

	Item 1	~~Item 1~~ Financial Statements (Unaudited)

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Three Months (13 Weeks) and Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and ~~April~~July 2, 2011		3

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three Months (13 Weeks) and Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and ~~April~~July 2, 2011		4

		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011		5

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - ~~Three~~Six Months ~~(13~~(26 Weeks) Ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012 and ~~April~~July 2, 2011		6

		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		7

	Item 2	~~Item 2 Management's~~Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		1820

	Item 3	~~Item 3~~ Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		2428

	Item 4	~~Item 4~~ Controls and Procedures		2529

Part II	Other Information

	Item 1	Legal Proceedings		30

	Item 1A	Risk Factors		2630

	Item 4	~~Item 4~~ Mine Safety Disclosures		2630

	Item 6	~~Item 6~~ Exhibits		2630

Signatures				2631

List of Exhibits to Form 10-Q				2732


Accounts Receivable	$	128,004
Inventory		260,473
Other current assets		4,410
Property, plant and equipment		70,100
Goodwill		143,190
Other intangible assets		219,100

Total assets acquired		825,277


Current liabilities		139,433
Deferred credits and other liabilities		2,299

Total liabilities assumed		141,732


Net assets acquired	$	683,545


			Weighted - Average Life
Customer relationships	$	188,000	17 years
Trademarks and trade names		29,500	20 years
Other		1,600	5 years

	$	219,100


Exercise price	$	35.76
Expected dividend yield		4.08	%
Expected stock price volatility		48.99	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.06	%
Expected life (years)		6.5


Exhibit No.		Description of Exhibit

10		Form of Award Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants

12		Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

31		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.1		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101		Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nucor Corporation for the quarter ended ~~March 31,~~June 30, 2012, filed on ~~May 9,~~August 8, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


NUCOR CORPORATION

By:		/s/ James D. Frias
		James D. Frias
		Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
		and Executive Vice President

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company