ThirdFirst

Quarter

20132014

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period endedSeptember 28, 2013April 5, 2014

Commission file number1-4119

 

 

NUCOR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 13-1860817

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

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

(704) 366-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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 such 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):

 

Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company ¨

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

318,211,045318,465,350 shares of common stock were outstanding at September 28, 2013.April 5, 2014.

 

 

 


Nucor Corporation

Form 10-Q

September 28, 2013April 5, 2014

INDEX

 

         Page 

Part I

  Financial Information
  Item 1  Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings -
Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended April  5, 2014 and Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended September 28,March 30, 2013 and September 29, 2012

   3  
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  -
Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended April 5, 2014 and Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended September 28,March 30, 2013 and September 29, 2012

   4  
    

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 and December 31, 20122013

   5  
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
NineThree Months (39(13 Weeks) Ended September  28,April  5, 2014 and March 30, 2013 and September 29, 2012

   6  
    

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   7  
  Item 2  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   2120  
  Item 3  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   3027  
  Item 4  Controls and Procedures   3129  

Part II

  Other Information  
  Item 1  Legal Proceedings   3229  
  Item 1A  Risk Factors   3229  
  Item 6  Exhibits   3230  

Signatures

   3330  

List of Exhibits to Form 10-Q

   3431  

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Net sales

  $4,940,936   $4,801,206    $14,157,296   $14,977,999    $5,108,444   $4,550,772  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Costs, expenses and other:

         

Cost of products sold

   4,532,393    4,452,473     13,132,412    13,848,809     4,731,242    4,247,556  

Marketing, administrative and other expenses

   125,126    114,392     364,501    334,039     133,434    116,225  

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates

   (2,252  2,261     (2,665  9,093     (4,474  1,172  

Impairment of non-current assets

                30,000  

Interest expense, net

   37,467    40,305     109,186    123,028     40,741    32,491  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   4,692,734    4,609,431     13,603,434    14,344,969     4,900,943    4,397,444  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   248,202    191,775     553,862    633,030     207,501    153,328  

Provision for income taxes

   70,087    61,883     158,749    200,159     77,805    42,600  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net earnings

   178,115    129,892     395,113    432,871     129,696    110,728  

Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

   30,518    19,584     77,582    65,160     18,665    25,939  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders

  $147,597   $110,308    $317,531   $367,711    $111,031   $84,789  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net earnings per share:

         

Basic

  $0.46   $0.35    $0.99   $1.15    $0.35   $0.26  

Diluted

  $0.46   $0.35    $0.99   $1.15    $0.35   $0.26  

Average shares outstanding:

         

Basic

   319,341    318,463     318,979    318,042     319,505    318,686  

Diluted

   319,526    318,520     319,132    318,113     319,768    318,842  

Dividends declared per share

  $0.3675   $0.3650    $1.1025   $1.0950    $0.37   $0.3675  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012 Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Net earnings

  $178,115   $129,892   $395,113   $432,871    $129,696   $110,728  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $0 and $0 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $1,100 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively

               (2,264

Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $0 and $6,200 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0 and $18,800 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively

       10,554        31,961  

Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $500 and $0 for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $300 and $0 for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively

   31,879    61,111    (34,216  59,730  

Other comprehensive loss:

   

Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of ($1,100) and $0 for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively

   (1,871    

Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $200 and $0 for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively

   471      

Foreign currency translation loss, net of income taxes of ($400) and $0 for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively

   (43,477  (50,513
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   31,879    71,665    (34,216  89,427     (44,877  (50,513
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income

   209,994    201,557    360,897    522,298     84,819    60,215  

Comprehensive income attributable to
noncontrolling interests

   (30,518  (19,585  (77,582  (65,097   (18,665  (25,939
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to
Nucor stockholders

  $179,476   $181,972   $283,315   $457,201    $66,154   $34,276  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

  Sept. 28, 2013 Dec. 31, 2012   April 5, 2014 Dec. 31, 2013 

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,722,909   $1,052,862    $1,152,542   $1,483,252  

Short-term investments

   48,476    104,167     100,000    28,191  

Accounts receivable, net

   1,918,165    1,707,317     1,900,293    1,810,987  

Inventories, net

   2,439,847    2,323,641     2,724,194    2,605,609  

Other current assets

   339,480    473,377     432,844    482,007  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   6,468,877    5,661,364     6,309,873    6,410,046  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   4,697,339    4,283,056     4,960,948    4,917,024  

Restricted cash and investments

   393    275,163  

Goodwill

   1,983,617    2,004,538     1,958,967    1,973,608  

Other intangible assets, net

   896,407    959,240     851,013    874,154  

Other assets

   1,045,143    968,698     1,037,210    1,028,451  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $15,091,776   $14,152,059    $15,118,011   $15,203,283  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Current liabilities:

      

Short-term debt

  $38,203   $29,912    $27,072   $29,202  

Long-term debt due within one year

       250,000     3,300    3,300  

Accounts payable

   1,137,352    1,046,713     1,062,572    1,117,078  

Federal income taxes payable

   29,582    —    

Salaries, wages and related accruals

   288,730    279,898     218,916    282,860  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   529,204    423,045     554,526    527,776  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   1,993,489    2,029,568     1,895,968    1,960,216  

Long-term debt due after one year

   4,380,200    3,380,200     4,376,900    4,376,900  

Deferred credits and other liabilities

   854,814    856,917     984,608    955,889  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   7,228,503    6,266,685     7,257,476    7,293,005  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

EQUITY

      

Nucor stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock

   150,968    150,805     151,025    151,010  

Additional paid-in capital

   1,841,499    1,811,459     1,849,737    1,843,353  

Retained earnings

   7,088,630    7,124,523     7,132,776    7,140,440  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes

   22,545    56,761  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

   (35,797  9,080  

Treasury stock

   (1,498,436  (1,501,977   (1,495,586  (1,498,114
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Nucor stockholders’ equity

   7,605,206    7,641,571     7,602,155    7,645,769  

Noncontrolling interests

   258,067    243,803     258,380    264,509  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total equity

   7,863,273    7,885,374     7,860,535    7,910,278  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $15,091,776   $14,152,059    $15,118,011   $15,203,283  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

  Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Operating activities:

      

Net earnings

  $395,113   $ 432,871    $129,696   $110,728  

Adjustments:

      

Depreciation

   390,495    394,690     161,480    130,425  

Amortization

   56,051    53,518     18,432    19,048  

Stock-based compensation

   40,551    42,858     6,088    6,035  

Deferred income taxes

   10,881    (42,548   8,312    11,183  

Distribution from affiliates

   7,708      

Distributions from affiliates

       6,708  

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates

   (2,665  9,093     (4,474  1,172  

Impairment of non-current assets

       30,000  

Loss on assets

   14,000    17,563     9,046      

Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions):

      

Accounts receivable

   (204,540  62,787     (97,183  (90,688

Inventories

   (129,280  41,662     (123,145  (63,222

Accounts payable

   122,520    21,668     7,489    (175

Federal income taxes

   70,210    11,248     56,526    11,654  

Salaries, wages and related accruals

   12,796    (52,561   (59,147  (74,206

Other

   99,800    101,835  

Other operating activities

   36,094    60,149  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

   883,640    1,124,684     149,214    128,811  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

   (887,929  (613,777   (258,058  (330,585

Investment in and advances to affiliates

   (64,762  (66,423   (7,105  (20,678

Repayment of advances to affiliates

   42,000    32,500     3,000    7,500  

Disposition of plant and equipment

   29,328    42,574     4,540    2,958  

Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)

       (763,657   (1,408    

Purchases of investments

   (19,349  (409,403   (100,000    

Proceeds from the sale of investments

   73,428    1,341,913     27,529    73,428  

Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments

   148,725    209,930         148,725  

Changes in restricted cash

   126,045    (38,301       (20,135

Other investing

   4,862      
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

   (547,652  (264,644   (331,502  (138,787
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Financing activities:

      

Net change in short-term debt

   8,331    28,983     (2,130  12,512  

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discount

   999,100      

Repayment of long-term debt

   (250,000    

Bond issuance costs

   (7,625    

Issuance of common stock

       10,515  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

   2,100    4,377     300    500  

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

   (63,318  (66,562   (24,794  (34,594

Cash dividends

   (353,155  (349,538   (118,680  (117,618

Other financing activities

   110    962     (601  109  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   335,543    (371,263

Cash used in financing activities

   (145,905  (139,091
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   (1,484  3,775     (2,517  (1,095
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   670,047    492,552  

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (330,710  (150,162

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

   1,052,862    1,200,645     1,483,252    1,052,862  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of nine months

  $1,722,909   $1,693,197  

Cash and cash equivalents—end of three months

  $1,152,542   $902,700  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Non-cash investing activity:

      

Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases

  $(30,416 $77,764    $(60,864 $(24,590
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


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

 

1.BASIS OF INTERIM PRESENTATION: The information furnished in Item 1I reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods and are of a normal and recurring nature unless otherwise noted. The information furnished has not been audited; however, the December 31, 20122013 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Item 1I should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.2013.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements —In the first quarter of 2013,2014, Nucor adopted new accounting guidance requiring additional disclosures on reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The new accounting guidance requires entities to report either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements these reclassifications for each financial statement line item. Nucor elected to report this information within the notes to the financial statements. This new guidance only impacts disclosures and has no impact on Nucor’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In the first quarter of 2014, Nucor will adopt new accounting guidance, which requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a decrease in net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The newAdoption of the guidance may affect balance sheet classification of certain unrecognized tax benefits and will have nodid not impact on Nucor’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2013, new accounting guidance was issued on foreign currency matters that clarifies the guidance of a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. Under this new standard, a parent company that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity shall release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if a sale or transfer results in complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. This standard is applied prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard does not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, new accounting guidance was issued on joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. Under this new standard, obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements are to be measured as the sum of: (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed with its co-obligors that it will pay and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. This standard is applied prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard does not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — In April 2014, new accounting guidance was issued which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The impact on the Company of adopting the new guidance will depend on the nature, terms and size of business disposals completed after the effective date.

 

2.INVENTORIES: Inventories consisted of approximately 40%36% raw materials and supplies and 60%64% finished and semi-finished products at September 28, 2013 (37%April 5, 2014 (40% and 63%60%, respectively at December 31, 2012)2013). Nucor’s manufacturing process consists of a continuous, vertically integrated process from which products are sold to customers at various stages throughout the process. Since most steel products can be classified as either finished or semi-finished products, these two categories of inventory are combined.

Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting represented approximately 44%46% of total inventories as of September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 (45% as of December 31, 2012)2013). If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been $607.2$639.2 million higher at both September 28, 2013 andApril 5, 2014 ($624.7 million higher at December 31, 2012.2013). Use of the lower of cost or market methodology reduced inventories by $2.7$1.9 million at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($3.52.1 million at December 31, 2012)2013).

 

7


3.PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment wasis recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $6.52$6.78 billion at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($6.166.63 billion at December 31, 2012)2013).

In the third quarter of 2013, a storage dome collapsedIncluded within property, plant and equipment, net at Nucor Steel Louisiana in St. James Parish. As a result, Nucor recorded a partial write downApril 5, 2014 is $24.7 million of assets, net of accumulated depreciation, under a capital lease agreement (none at the facility, including $21.0 millionDecember 31, 2013). The gross amount of property, plant and equipment and $7.0acquired under the capital lease was $25.4 million, of inventory, offset by a $14.0 million insurance receivable that was based on management’s estimate of probable insurance recoveries. The associated net charge of $14.0 millionwhich is not included in marketing, administrative and other expenses incapital expenditures on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.cash flows. Total obligations associated with this capital lease agreement were $24.8 million at April 5, 2014 (none at December 31, 2013), of which $2.1 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $22.7 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities.

 

4.

RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS: As of September 28, 2013,There were no restricted cash consistedor investments as of net proceeds fromApril 5, 2014 or December 31, 2013. In November 2010, Nucor issued $600.0 million in 30-year variable rate Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds, issued in November 2010.the net proceeds of which were accounted for as restricted cash and investments. The restricted cash isand investments were held in a trust account and is to bewere used to partially fund part of the capital costs

associated with the construction of Nucor’s direct reduced iron makingironmaking facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Funds arewere disbursed as qualified expenditures for the construction of the facility arewere made, ($274.9with $128.7 million and $172.6 millionbeing disbursed in the first nine monthsquarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively). There2013. The remaining funds were no restricted investments held asdisbursed over the remainder of September 28, 2013 ($149.8 million at December 31, 2012). Since the restricted cash must be used for the construction of the facility, the entire balance has been classified as a non-current asset.2013.

 

5.GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the ninethree months ended September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 by segment is as follows (in thousands):

 

   Steel Mills   Steel Products  Raw Materials   All Other  Total 

Balance at December 31, 2012

  $407,045    $805,416   $703,225    $88,852   $2,004,538  

Acquisitions

                       

Reclassifications

   88,852              (88,852    

Translation

        (16,059           (16,059

Other

        (4,862           (4,862
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at September 28, 2013

  $495,897    $784,495   $703,225    $   $1,983,617  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Previously Nucor’s steel trading businesses and rebar distribution businesses were reported in the “All other” category. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, these businesses were reclassified to the steel mills segment as part of a realignment of Nucor’s reportable segments to better reflect the way in which they are managed.

   Steel Mills   Steel Products  Raw Materials   Total 

Balance at December 31, 2013

  $495,897    $774,486   $703,225    $1,973,608  

Translation

        (14,641)        (14,641) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at April 5, 2014

  $495,897    $759,845   $703,225    $1,958,967  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nucor completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 20122013 and concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. There have been no triggering events requiring an interim assessment for impairment since the most recent annual impairment testing date.

Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of three5 to 22 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and wereare comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

  Sept. 28, 2013   Dec. 31, 2012   April 5, 2014   December 31, 2013 
  Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 

Customer relationships

  $1,151,156    $375,128    $1,156,979    $325,819    $1,142,958    $407,400    $1,147,786    $391,254  

Trademarks and trade names

   151,909     38,513     152,869     32,653     150,497     42,339     151,332     40,397  

Other

   21,869     14,886     28,610     20,746     22,823     15,526     21,869     15,182  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,324,934    $428,527    $1,338,458    $379,218    $1,316,278    $465,265    $1,320,987    $446,833  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Intangible asset amortization expense infor the thirdfirst quarter of 2014 and 2013 and 2012 was $18.5$18.4 million and $20.4$19.0 million, respectively, and was $56.1 million and $53.5 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $73.9 million in 2013; $70.0$71.3 million in 2014; $68.2$68.4 million in 2015; $66.5$66.7 million in 2016; and $64.8$65.0 million in 2017.2017; and $61.3 million in 2018.

 

6.EQUITY INVESTMENTS: The carrying value of our equity investments in domestic and foreign companies was $913.7$944.9 million at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($855.9936.0 million at December 31, 2012)2013) and is recorded in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

8


DUFERDOFIN NUCOR

Nucor owns a 50% economic and voting interest in Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. (Duferdofin Nucor), 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 September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 was $454.6$463.6 million ($454.1465.4 million at December 31, 2012)2013). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was $50.7$55.0 million at September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, resulting in a basis difference of $403.9$408.6 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 ($326.2331.0 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$2.7 million and $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were $8.5 million and $8.3$2.9 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively.

As of September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of €35.0 million ($47.348.0 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€35.0 million, or $48.2 million, at December 31, 2012)2013). The notes receivable bear interest at 1.69%1.539% 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 onin the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2013.April 5, 2014.

Nucor has issued a guarantee for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement that matures on April 26, 2016. In the second quarter of 2013, Duferdofin Nucor amended the loan agreement, increasing theThe maximum amount that itDuferdofin Nucor can borrow under Facility A tois €122.5 million, (or $164.8 millionand as of September 28, 2013). As of September 28, 2013, itApril 5, 2014, Duferdofin Nucor had €106.0€119.5 million ($143.2163.8 million) outstanding under that facility (€102.0112.0 million, or $134.8$154.4 million, at December 31, 2012)2013). 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 terms of its guarantee. Any indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor to Nucor is 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.

NUMIT

Nucor has a 50% economic and voting interest in NuMit LLC (NuMit). NuMit owns 100% of the equity interest in Steel Technologies LLC, an operator of 24 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.

Nucor’s investment in NuMit at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 was $308.4$326.9 million ($288.4318.4 million as of December 31, 2012)2013). The value of the investment 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 1.17%1.13% as of September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 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 $100.0 million line of credit to Steel Technologies. In the first quarter of 2014 the line of credit was amended to extend the maturity date to April 1, 2015 and decrease the line of credit from $100.0 million to $60.0 million (of which $16.5$14.0 million was outstanding at September 28, 2013) to Steel Technologies LLC.April 5, 2014 and bears interest at 1.36%). As of September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, both the note receivable and the amounts outstanding on the line of credit bear interest at 1.20% to 1.21% and mature on April 1, 2014. The note receivable was classified in other assets and the amount outstanding on the line of credit wasare classified in other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

HUNTER RIDGE

In November 2012, Nucor acquiredhas a 50% economic and voting interest in Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC (Hunter Ridge). Hunter Ridge provides services for the gathering, separation and compression of energy products including natural gas produced by Nucor’s working interest drilling program. Nucor 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 Hunter Ridge at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 was $132.9$135.4 million ($95.4134.5 million at December 31, 2012)2013). The acquisition did not result in a significant amount of goodwill or intangible assets.

9


ALL EQUITY INVESTMENTS

Nucor reviews its equity investments for impairment if and when circumstances indicate that a decline in value below their carrying amounts may have occurred. In the second quarter of 2012, Nucor concluded that a triggering event occurred, requiring assessment for impairment of the equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor due to the continued declines in the global demand for 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 had a recently updated unfavorable forecast of future operating performance that was also a contributing factor. The diminished demand combined with the continued lower than budgeted levels of operating performance significantly impacted the financial results of Duferdofin Nucor through the first half of 2012. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value and recorded a $30.0 million impairment charge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor.

In the fourth quarter of 2012,2013, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment.impairment due to the protracted challenging steel market conditions in Europe. After completing its assessment, the Company determined that the estimated fair value exceeded its carrying amount and that there was no need for additional impairment charges. There has been no significant deterioration in near-term financial projections or any other key assumptions since the most recent impairment analysis was performed.impairment. 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 thirdfirst quarter of 2013,2014, and, therefore, it is reasonably possible that material deviation of future performance from the estimates used in our most recent valuation could result in further impairment of our investment in Duferdofin Nucor. Nucor recorded a $30.0 million impairment charge against its investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the second quarter of 2012.

 

7.CURRENT LIABILITIES: Book overdrafts, included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $103.2$74.4 million at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($53.881.6 million at December 31, 2012)2013). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $117.8$118.7 million at September 28, 2013 ($117.6 million atboth April 5, 2014 and December 31, 2012).2013.

 

8.DERIVATIVES: Nucor periodically uses derivative financial instruments 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 periodically uses derivatives 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 of Derivative Instruments

 

     Fair Value at      Fair Value at 
  

Balance Sheet Location

  April 5,
2014
 Dec. 31,
2013
 

Liability derivatives designated ashedging instruments:

     

Commodity contracts

  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  $(1,400)  $  

Commodity contracts

  Deferred credits and other liabilities   (900)     
    

 

  

 

 

Total liability derivatives designated ashedging instruments

     (2,300)     
  

Balance Sheet Location

  Sept. 28,
2013
 Dec. 31,
2012
 

Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

          

Commodity contracts

  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  $(453 $(303  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (430)   (553) 

Foreign exchange contracts

  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (34  (15  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (19)   (2) 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

Total liability derivatives not designatedas hedging instruments

     (449)   (555) 

Total liability derivatives

    $(487 $(318    $(2,749)  $(555) 
    

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

10


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

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

       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)
 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships

         
         
  Statement of  Earnings
Location
   Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
   Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
  Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 
    Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
   Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
  Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
 

Commodity contracts

   Cost of products sold    $    $    $    $(10,554 $    $  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

      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)
       Amount of Gain
or (Loss),
net of tax,
Recognized in OCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
   Amount of Gain
or (Loss),
net of tax,
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI  into
Earnings
(Effective Portion)
   Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships

             
           
Statement of  Earnings
Location
   Nine Months
(39 weeks) Ended
 Nine Months
(39 weeks) Ended
 Nine Months
(39 weeks) Ended
    Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 
  Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
 Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
 Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
  Statement of Earnings
Location
   April 5,
2014
 March 30,
2013
 April 5,
2014
 March 30,
2013
 April 5,
2014
   March 30,
2013
 

Commodity contracts

   Cost of products sold    $    $(2,264 $    $(31,961 $    $500     Cost of products sold    $(1,871 $    $(471 $    $    $  
    

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

       Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on  Derivatives 
        Three Months (13 weeks) Ended  Nine Months (39 weeks) Ended 

Derivatives Not Designated as

Hedging Instruments

  Statement of
Earnings Location
   Sept. 28,
2013
  Sept. 29,
2012
  Sept. 28,
2013
   Sept. 29,
2012
 

Commodity contracts

   Cost of products sold    $(789 $(1,454 $4,193    $(231

Foreign exchange contracts

   Cost of products sold     134    (25  253     146  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $(655 $(1,479 $4,446    $(85
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the first quarter of 2012, Nucor settled all of its open natural gas forward purchase contracts that were previously in place. These settlements affected earnings over the periods specified in the original agreements throughout the remainder of 2012.

       Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on  Derivatives 
       Three Months (13 weeks) Ended 

Derivatives Not Designated as

Hedging Instruments

  Statement of
Earnings  Location
   April 5,
2014
   March 30,
2013
 

Commodity contracts

   Cost of products sold    $1,233    $2,509  

Foreign exchange contracts

   Cost of products sold     153     116  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $1,386    $2,625  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that wereare measured at fair value as of September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 and December 31, 20122013 (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)
 

As of April 5, 2014

      

Assets:

      

Cash equivalents

  $981,719   $981,719    $   $  

Short-term investments

   100,000    100,000           
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,081,719   $1,081,719    $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

      

Foreign exchange and commodity contracts

  $(2,749 $    $(2,749 $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

      

Assets:

      

Cash equivalents

  $1,269,465   $1,269,465    $   $  

Short-term investments

   28,191    28,191           
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,297,656   $1,297,656    $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

      

Foreign exchange and commodity contracts

  $(555 $    $(555 $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

       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)
 

As of September 28, 2013

      

Assets:

      

Cash equivalents

  $1,590,572   $1,590,572    $   $  

Short-term investments

   48,476    48,476           

Restricted cash

   393    393           
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,639,441   $1,639,441    $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

      

Foreign exchange and commodity contracts

  $(487 $    $(487 $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012

      

Assets:

      

Cash equivalents

  $830,011   $830,011    $   $  

Short-term investments

   104,167    104,167           

Restricted cash and investments

   275,163    275,163           
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,209,341   $1,209,341    $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

      

Foreign exchange and commodity contracts

  $(318 $    $(318 $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

11


Fair value measurements for Nucor’s cash equivalents short-term investments and restricted cash andshort-term 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, 2012.2013. 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 $4.62$4.69 billion at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($4.244.61 billion at December 31, 2012)2013). The debt fair value estimates are classified under Level 2 because such estimates are based on readily available market prices of our debt at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 and December 31, 2012,2013, or similar debt with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

 

10.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. Of the undiscounted total of $23.7$21.7 million of accrued environmental costs at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($26.522.9 million at December 31, 2012)2013), $7.7$6.2 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($9.56.9 million at December 31, 2012)2013) and $16.0$15.5 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($17.016.0 million at December 31, 2012)2013). 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 April 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007, 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.

On March 25, 2014, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas returned a verdict against Nucor and five other co-defendants in an antitrust litigation brought by plaintiff MM Steel, LP, a steel plate service center located in Houston. The jury returned a verdict of $52.0 million in damages against all defendants jointly and severally, which amount was trebled under the federal antitrust laws in a judgment entered by the court on April 29, 2014. The Company intends to vigorously pursue all available processes to have the judgment vacated or reversed, including appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and it believes that it has valid grounds for either outcome. The Company believes that the evidence against Nucor was insufficient to support any finding that Nucor was involved in a horizontal conspiracy. The Company believes that the trial court wrongly excluded relevant testimony of Nucor’s expert witness. The Company believes that the trial court erred in admitting hearsay evidence. Finally, the Company believes that the trial court did not sufficiently instruct the jury on applicable legal principles. As a result, the Company believes that the likelihood that the judgment will be affirmed is not probable, and, accordingly, it has not recorded any reserves or contingencies related to this legal matter. Although we are defending this lawsuit vigorously, its ultimate resolution is uncertain.

We are from time to time a party to various other 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. Nucor maintains liability insurance for certain risks that is subject to certain self-insurance limits.

 

12


11.DEBT – On July 29, 2013, Nucor issued $500.0 million of 4.00% notes due in 2023 and $500.0 million of 5.20% notes due in 2043. Net proceeds of the issuances were $991.5 million. Costs of $8.5 million associated with the issuances have been capitalized and are amortized over the life of the notes.

During the third quarter of 2013, Nucor amended its $1.50 billion unsecured revolving credit facility. The maturity date was extended from December 2016 to August 2018. Costs of $0.6 million associated with the amendment have been capitalized and are amortized over the life of the extension.

12.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:Stock Options– Stock options may be granted to Nucor’s key employees, officers and non-employee directors with exercise prices at 100% of the market value on the date of the grant. The stock options granted from 2010 through 2013 are generally exercisable at the end of three years and have a term of 10 years. All stock options granted prior to 2010 were fully exercised as of September 28, 2013. New shares are issued upon exercise of stock options.

A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 is as follows (in thousands, except year and per share amounts):

 

      Weighted -   Weighted -     
      Average   Average   Aggregate 
      Exercise   Remaining   Intrinsic 
  Shares   Weighted -
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted -
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   Shares   Price   Contractual Life   Value 

Number of shares under option:

                

Outstanding at beginning of year

   1,543    $39.03         2,089    $40.47      

Granted

   546    $44.51                    

Exercised

                            

Canceled

                            
  

 

         

 

       

Outstanding at September 28, 2013

   2,089    $40.47     8.4 years    $17,409  

Outstanding at April 5, 2014

   2,089    $40.47     7.9 years    $22,213  
  

 

         

 

       

Options exercisable at September 28, 2013

   242    $41.43     6.7 years    $1,783  

Options exercisable at April 5, 2014

   1,012    $39.75     7.5 years    $11,482  
  

 

         

 

       

All expense relatedStock options granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of grant are expensed immediately. Retirement, for purposes of vesting in these stock options, had been recognized asmeans termination of employment after satisfying age and years of service requirements. Stock options granted to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the end of the second quarter of 2013.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 stock options granted to employees who are not retirement-eligible is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for stock options was $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2012, and $8.6 million and $9.5$0.2 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.(none in the first quarter of 2014).

Restricted Stock Units Nucor annually grants restricted stock units (“RSUs”)(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 RSUsunits 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.

13


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 nine monthsquarter of 20132014 is as follows (shares in thousands):

 

  Shares Grant Date
Fair Value
   Shares Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Restricted stock units:

      

Unvested at beginning of year

   1,106   $40.80     1,122   $42.51  

Granted

   789   $44.51           

Vested

   (753 $42.17     (16 $42.61  

Canceled

   (11 $39.08     (6 $40.32  
  

 

    

 

  

Unvested at September 28, 2013

   1,131   $42.49  

Unvested at April 5, 2014

   1,100   $42.52  
  

 

    

 

  

Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)

   10,499      10,484   
  

 

    

 

  

Compensation expense for RSUs was $5.3 million and $4.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $27.5 million and $29.6$4.9 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.2014 ($4.1 million in the first quarter of 2013). As of September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $34.2$24.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.31.8 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-five55 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-five55 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.

14


A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and LTIP for the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 is as follows (shares in thousands):

 

  Shares Grant Date
Fair Value
   Shares Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Restricted stock awards and units:

      

Unvested at beginning of year

   72   $43.72     73   $45.49  

Granted

   122   $47.36     127   $50.35  

Vested

   (121 $46.32     (122 $48.99  

Canceled

                  
  

 

    

 

  

Unvested at September 28, 2013

   73   $45.49  

Unvested at April 5, 2014

   78   $47.93  
  

 

    

 

  

Shares reserved for future grants

   1,238      1,111   
  

 

    

 

  

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 $1.2 million and $0.5 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $4.5 million and $3.62014 ($1.8 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. At September 28, 2013,2013). As of April 5, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.9$1.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.82.2 years.

 

13.12.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN: Nucor makes contributions to a Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan for qualified employees based on the profitability of the Company. Nucor’s expense for these benefits was $22.5totaled $18.2 million and $17.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was $49.2 million and $58.1$13.6 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 and 2012,2013, respectively. The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals.

 

14.13.INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME): The components of net interest expense are as follows (in thousands):

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012 Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Interest expense

  $ 38,621   $ 42,954   $ 112,978   $ 132,254    $41,893   $33,680  

Interest income

   (1,154  (2,649  (3,792  (9,226   (1,152  (1,189
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Interest expense, net

  $37,467   $40,305   $109,186   $123,028    $40,741   $32,491  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

15.14.

INCOME TAXES: The effective tax rate for the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 was 28.2%37.5% compared to 32.3%27.8% for the thirdfirst quarter of 2012.2013. The decreaseincrease in the effective tax rate for the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 is due to a charge of $12.8 million which is primarily related to tax legislation changes in the state of New York during the first quarter of 2014. The increase in effective tax rate is also due to the change in relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods, and the impact2013 first quarter rate being lower because of the reversalrecognition of tax reserves due to closingcredits for the year 2012 retroactively extended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of the statute of limitations in the third quarter of 2013.2012. Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2009. The

2010 to 20122013 tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The tax years 20102009 through 20122013 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

15


Current deferred tax assets included in other current assets were $181.4$253.6 million at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($190.4255.5 million at December 31, 2012)2013). Current deferred tax liabilities included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities were $13.6$12.7 million at September 28, 2013 (noneApril 5, 2014 ($14.6 million at December 31, 2012)2013). Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities were $556.8$682.0 million at September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 ($566.1676.2 million at December 31, 2012)2013).

 

16.15.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: The following tables reflect the changes in stockholders’ equity attributable to both Nucor and the noncontrolling interests of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, of which Nucor owns 51% (in thousands):

 

  Attributable to
Nucor Corporation
 Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests
 Total 

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2013

  $7,645,769   $264,509   $7,910,278  

Total comprehensive income

   66,154    18,665    84,819  

Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures

   8,727        8,727  

Amortization of unearned compensation

   200        200  

Dividends declared

   (118,695      (118,695

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

       (24,794  (24,794
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Stockholders’ equity at April 5, 2014

  $7,602,155   $258,380   $7,860,535  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Attributable to
Nucor Corporation
 Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests
 Total 

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2012

  $7,641,571   $243,803   $ 7,885,374    $7,641,571   $243,803   $7,885,374  

Total comprehensive income

   283,315    77,582    360,897     34,276    25,939    60,215  

Stock options

   8,575        8,575     168        168  

Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures

   24,568        24,568     8,547        8,547  

Amortization of unearned compensation

   601        601     201        201  

Dividends declared

   (353,424      (353,424   (117,667      (117,667

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

       (63,318  (63,318       (34,595  (34,595
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Stockholders’ equity at September 28, 2013

  $ 7,605,206   $ 258,067   $ 7,863,273  

Stockholders’ equity at March 30, 2013

  $7,567,096   $235,147   $7,802,243  
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Attributable to
Nucor Corporation
 Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests
 Total 

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011

  $7,474,885   $231,695   $7,706,580  

Total comprehensive income

   457,201    65,097    522,298  

Stock options

   20,052        20,052  

Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures

   31,292        31,292  

Amortization of unearned compensation

   600        600  

Dividends declared

   (350,041      (350,041

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

       (66,562  (66,562

Other

   (645   (645
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Stockholders’ equity at September 29, 2012

  $7,633,344   $230,230   $7,863,574  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

16


17.16.ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME: The following tables reflect the changes in other accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component (in thousands):

 

   

Three Month (13 week) Period Ended

September 28, 2013

 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
   Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

June 29, 2013

  $    $(19,914 $ 10,580    $(9,334

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

        31,879         31,879  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings

                   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income

        31,879         31,879  

September 28, 2013

  $ —    $11,965   $10,580    $22,545  
   

Nine Month (39 week) Period Ended

September 28, 2013

 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
   Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

December 31, 2012

  $    $46,181   $10,580    $56,761  

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

        (34,216       (34,216

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings

                   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income

        (34,216       (34,216

September 28, 2013

  $    $11,965   $10,580    $22,545  

   

Three Month (13 week) Period Ended

September 29, 2012

 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
  Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

June 30, 2012

  $(21,107 $(13,628 $ 14,384    $(20,351

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

       61,111         61,111  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)

   10,554             10,554  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income

   10,554    61,111         71,665  

Other

    (1    (1

September 29, 2012

  $(10,553 $47,482   $14,384    $     51,313  

1 - Includes $10,554 net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Cost of Products Sold for net losses on commodity contracts. The tax impact of this reclassification was $6,200.

   

Nine Month (39 week) Period Ended

September 29, 2012

 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
  Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

December 31, 2011

  $(40,250 $(12,311 $14,384    $(38,177

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

   (2,264  59,730         57,466  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)

   31,961                 31,961  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income

   29,697    59,730         89,427  

Other

       63         63  

September 29, 2012

  $(10,553 $47,482   $14,384    $51,313  

1 - Includes $31,961 net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Cost of Products Sold for net losses on commodity contracts. The tax impact of this reclassification was $18,800.

   

Three Month Period Ended

April 5, 2014

 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
  Foreign Currency
Loss
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

December 31, 2013

  $   $(7,438 $16,518    $9,080  

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

   (1,871  (43,477       (45,348

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings

   471             471  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive loss

   (1,400  (43,477       (44,877

April 5, 2014

  $(1,400 $(50,915 $16,518    $(35,797
   

Three Month Period Ended

March 30, 2013

 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
  Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

December 31, 2012

  $   $46,181   $10,580    $56,761  

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

       (50,513       (50,513

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings

                  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive loss

       (50,513       (50,513

March 30, 2013

  $   $(4,332 $10,580    $6,248  

 

18.17.

SEGMENTS: Nucor reports its results in the following segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. The steel mills segment includes carbon and alloy steel in sheet, bars, structural and plate; steel foundation distributors; steel trading businesses; rebar distribution businesses; and Nucor’s equity method investments in Duferdofin Nucor and NuMit. The steel products segment includes 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. The raw materials segment includes DJJ, a scrap broker and processor; Nu-Iron Unlimited a facilityand Nucor Steel Louisiana, two facilities that producesproduce DRI used by the steel mills; a DRI facility under construction in Louisiana; our natural gas working interests; and Nucor’s equity method investment in Hunter Ridge. Previously Nucor’s steel trading businesses and rebar distribution businesses were reported in an “All other” category. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, these businesses were reclassified to the steel mills segment as part of a realignment of Nucor’s reportable segments to better reflect the way in which they are managed. The segment data for the comparable period has also been reclassified into the steel mills segment in order to conform to the current year presentation. The steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments are consistent with the way Nucor manages its business, which is primarily based upon the similarity of the types of products produced and sold by each segment. Additionally, the composition of assets by segment at December 31, 2012 was reclassified during the third quarter of 2013 to conform with the current quarter presentation. This reclassification between segments did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances.

17


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 and state income taxes receivable, the LIFO reserve and investments in and advances to affiliates.

Nucor’s results by segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012 Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Net sales to external customers:

        

Steel mills

  $3,435,884   $3,319,518   $ 9,901,471   $ 10,682,810    $3,607,764   $3,268,154  

Steel products

   964,153    1,006,366    2,690,604    2,840,055     874,169    789,347  

Raw materials

   540,899    475,322    1,565,221    1,455,134     626,511    493,271  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $4,940,936   $4,801,206   $ 14,157,296   $14,977,999    $5,108,444   $4,550,772  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Intercompany sales:

        

Steel mills

  $652,077   $670,876   $1,924,222   $1,997,879    $708,866   $632,720  

Steel products

   24,909    17,179    75,036    52,958     21,500    19,272  

Raw materials

   2,391,502    2,080,150    6,738,485    7,441,529     2,528,006    2,163,488  

Corporate/eliminations

   (3,068,488  (2,768,205  (8,737,743  (9,492,366   (3,258,372  (2,815,480
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $   $   $   $    $   $  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:

        

Steel mills

  $310,591   $218,367   $819,951   $944,598    $317,797   $272,258  

Steel products

   31,018    (10,252  51,167    (34,094   1,720    (11,924

Raw materials

   (493  14,535    13,261    44,223     8,359    1,536  

Corporate/eliminations

   (92,914  (30,875  (330,517  (321,697   (120,375  (108,542
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $248,202   $191,775   $553,862   $633,030    $207,501   $153,328  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Dec. 31, 2012       April 5, 2014 December 31, 2013 

Segment assets:

        

Steel mills

  $8,137,612   $7,894,974      $8,526,568   $8,365,023  

Steel products

   2,986,752    2,935,146       2,827,821    2,861,403  

Raw materials

   3,746,813    3,400,690       3,982,480    3,956,913  

Corporate/eliminations

   220,599    (78,751     (218,858  19,944  
  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 
  $15,091,776   $14,152,059      $15,118,011   $15,203,283  
  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

18


19.18.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 Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012 Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Basic net earnings per share:

        

Basic net earnings

  $ 147,597   $ 110,308   $ 317,531   $ 367,711    $111,031   $84,789  

Earnings allocated to participating securities

   (518  (412  (1,324  (1,242   (391  (386
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net earnings available to common stockholders

  $147,079   $109,896   $316,207   $366,469    $110,640   $84,403  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Average shares outstanding

   319,341    318,463    318,979    318,042     319,505    318,686  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

  $0.46   $0.35   $0.99   $1.15    $0.35   $0.26  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share:

        

Diluted net earnings

  $147,597   $110,308   $317,531   $367,711    $111,031   $84,789  

Earnings allocated to participating securities

   (518  (412  (1,324  (1,242   (391  (386
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net earnings available to common stockholders

  $147,079   $109,896   $316,207   $366,469    $110,640   $84,403  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Diluted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic shares outstanding

   319,341    318,463    318,979    318,042     319,505    318,686  

Dilutive effect of stock options and other

   185    57    153    71     263    156  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   319,526    318,520    319,132    318,113     319,768    318,842  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

  $0.46   $0.35   $0.99   $1.15    $0.35   $0.26  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

The following stock optionsThere were no shares excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per common share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:antidilutive in either the first quarter of 2014 or the first quarter of 2013.

 

   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended 
   Sept. 28, 2013   Sept. 29, 2012   Sept. 28, 2013   Sept. 29, 2012 

Anti-dilutive stock options:

  

      

Weighted average shares

        801     183     534  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average exercise price

  $    $42.07    $44.51    $42.07  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

19


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 which could negatively affect our cost of steel production or could result in a delay or cancellation of existing or future drilling within our natural gas working interest drilling programs; (3) critical equipment failures and business interruptions; (4) 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)(5) competitive pressure on sales and pricing, including pressure from imports and substitute materials; (5)(6) impairment in the recorded value of inventory, equity investments, fixed assets, goodwill or other long-lived assets; (6)(7) uncertainties surrounding the global economy, including the severe economic downturn in construction markets and excess world capacity for steel production; (7)(8) fluctuations in currency conversion rates; (8)(9) U.S. and foreign trade policy affecting steel imports or exports; (9)(10) significant changes in laws or government regulations affecting environmental compliance, including legislation orand regulations that result in greater regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that could increase our energy costs and our capital expenditures and operating costs or cause one or more of our permits to be revoked or make it more difficult to obtain permit modifications; (10)(11) the cyclical nature of the steel industry; (11)(12) capital investments and acquisitions and their impact on our performance; and (12)(13) 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, 2012.2013.

Overview

Nucor and its affiliates manufacture steel and steel products. Nucor also produces direct reduced iron (“DRI”)(DRI) for use in its steel mills. Through The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates (“DJJ”)(DJJ), the Company also processes ferrous and nonferrous metals and brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, hot briquetted iron (“HBI”)(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, as well as Nucor’s steel trading businesses and rebar distribution businesses that were moved into the segment in the first quarter of 2013.businesses. 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,

20


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 andincluding our natural gas drilling working interests.

We continue to be pleased with the progress of our new direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in St. James Parish, Louisiana. In late June 2012, Nucor completed the acquisitionfirst quarter of 2014, the Louisiana DRI plant produced 455,000 tons with peak operating rates exceeding 90% of the entire equity interest in Skyline Steel LLC (“Skyline”)name plate capacity while achieving world-class metallization and its subsidiaries for the cash purchase price of approximately $675.4 million. Skyline is a steel foundation manufacturer and distributor serving the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Caribbean. Its steel products are used in marine construction, bridge and highway construction, heavy civil construction, storm protection, underground commercial parking, and environmental containment projects in the infrastructure and construction industries. Skyline is a significant consumer of H-piling and sheet piling from Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, and is a growing downstream consumer of Nucor’s coiled plate and sheet products. Skyline’s results since the acquisition date are included in the steel mills segment’s results.

In August 2012, Nucor sold the assets of Nucor Wire Products Pennsylvania, Inc. Nucor continues to produce wire and mesh products at facilities in Utah, Connecticut and our Laurel LEC Operations in Canada.carbon percentages.

In October 2012,March, a subsidiary of Nucor entered into a long-term agreement with Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (Encana) under which Nucor acquired an undivided 50% working interestjury in U.S.-based proven natural gas reserves. Nucor’s estimated minimum contractual investment is approximately $3.64 billionthe U.S. District Court for the drillingSouthern District of Texas returned a verdict against Nucor and completionfive other co-defendants in an antitrust litigation brought by plaintiff MM Steel, LP, a steel plate service center located in Houston. The jury returned a verdict of natural gas wells over$52.0 million in damages against all defendants jointly and severally, which amount was trebled under the lifefederal antitrust laws in a judgment entered by the court on April 29, 2014. The amount of damages, if any, that Nucor may be required to pay is unknown at this time. Nucor will continue to pursue all available post-trial motions and appeals to seek to have the agreementverdict overturned. We continue to believe that is projectedMM Steel, LP’s claims against Nucor are meritless and that Nucor acted entirely within its legal rights. Accordingly, we have not recorded a charge related to span more than 20 years. Natural gas produced by our working interest drilling programs is sold to offset exposure to the volatility of the price of natural gas we use in our steel production and DRI facilities.

Nucor acquired a 50% economic and voting interest in Hunter Ridge in November 2012. Hunter Ridge provides services for the gathering, separation and compression of energy products including natural gas produced by Nucor’s working interest drilling program. As of September 28, 2013, Nucor’s investment in Hunter Ridge was $132.9 million.

The start-up of operations on our 2,500,000-ton DRI facility in Louisiana could be delayed until the end of the year. Nucor Steel Louisiana was finishing construction of its new DRI plant and preparing to begin production when a storage dome collapsed late in the third quarter. There were no injuries sustained, and there was no environmental impact as a result of the dome collapse.this case.

The average utilization rates of all operating facilities in the steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments were approximately 74%75%, 58%56% and 62%66%, respectively, in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 compared with 75%72%, 61%51% and 65%58%, respectively, in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012.2013.

Results of Operations

Net Sales Net sales to external customers by segment for the thirdfirst quarter of 2014 and first nine months of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Nine Months (26 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended     
  September 28, 2013   September 29, 2012   % Change September 28, 2013   September 29, 2012   % Change   April 5, 2014   March 30, 2013   % Change 

Steel mills

  $3,435,884    $3,319,518     4 $9,901,471    $10,682,810     -7  $3,607,764    $3,268,154     10

Steel products

   964,153     1,006,366     -4  2,690,604     2,840,055     -5   874,169     789,347     11

Raw materials

   540,899     475,322     14  1,565,221     1,455,134     8   626,511     493,271     27
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

Net sales

  $4,940,936    $4,801,206     3 $14,157,296    $14,977,999     -5  $5,108,444    $4,550,772     12
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

Net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 increased 3% over12% from the thirdfirst quarter of 2012.2013. Average sales price per ton decreased 4%increased 3% from $832$798 in the third quarter of 2012 to $801 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2013 whileto $825 in the first quarter of 2014, and total tons soldshipped to outside customers increased 7%8% from the same period last year.

Net sales for the first nine monthsquarter of 2014 increased 4% from the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased 5% fromdue to a 1% increase in the first nine months of 2012. Averageaverage sales price per ton, decreased 6% from $850and, despite severe weather conditions, a 3% increase in total tons shipped to outside customers. Our first quarter of 2014 fiscal period contained six more days than the first quarter of 2013, which was a contributing factor in the increased quarter over quarter shipments. Our first nine monthsquarter of 2012 to $799 in2014 fiscal period contained only one additional day than the first nine monthsfourth quarter of 2013, while total tons sold to outside customers increased 1% over the same period last year.2013.

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

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended     
  Sept. 28, 2013   Sept. 29, 2012   % Change Sept. 28, 2013   Sept. 29, 2012   % Change   April 5, 2014   March 30, 2013   % Change 

Steel production

   5,202     4,819     8  14,912     15,139     -1   5,194     4,818     8
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

Outside steel shipments

   4,640     4,313     8  13,248     13,352     -1   4,600     4,334     6

Inside steel shipments

   719     730     -2  2,211     2,128     4   832     741     12
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

Total steel shipments

   5,359     5,043     6  15,459     15,480     -     5,432     5,075     7
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

Net sales for the steel mills segment increased 4% over10% from the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 due to an 8% increase in tons sold to outside customers, partially offset by a 4% decreaseincrease in the average sales price per ton from $775$756 to $741. Average$783 and a 6% increase in tons sold to outside customers. The sheet and plate products groups experienced the most significant increases in average selling prices decreased infrom the thirdfirst quarter of 2013, as comparedwhile our bar average selling prices remained flat quarter over quarter due to greater import pricing pressure. Our structural products group experienced a slight decrease in average selling prices from the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013. Despite severe weather conditions, which disrupted customer demand and decreased the availability of railcars that deliver raw materials to our mills and shipments to customers, Nucor experienced an improvement in all ofsteel mills segment sales. Service center inventory levels have decreased, which has led to some increased demand from restocking, and our recent capital project expansions have allowed us to broaden our product offerings and market share particularly in the special bar quality, cold rolled and galvanized sheet and plate steel categories (sheet, bar, plate and structural) due to increased imports and excess capacity.products.

As compared toThe steel mills segment net sales increased by 6% from the second quarter of 2013, third quarter sheet steel outside shipments improved by 9% as a result of competitor supply disruptions, customer inventory restocking and some market demand improvement. Structural steel outside shipments improved by 18% over the secondfourth quarter of 2013 due to Nucor-Yamato Steel Company’s (“NYS”) higher production following its 17 day planned outage during the second quartera 3% increase in shipments to external customers and customer inventory restocking. Demand in nonresidential construction markets is slowly improving but continues to lack sustained momentum. The strongest markets continue to be in manufactured goods, including energy and automotive.

The 7% decrease in sales from the first nine months of 2012 to the first nine months of 2013 in the steel mills segment was attributable to a 7% decrease3% increase in the average sales price per tonton. The bar, sheet and plate products groups all had higher average selling prices from $804 to $747,the fourth quarter of 2013 levels. Our sheet and a 1% decreaseplate products groups had several announced price increases in tons sold to outside customers.the first quarter of 2014, and our sheet mills also benefited from competitor supply disruptions that began in the first quarter of 2014.

Tonnage data for the steel products segment is as follows (in thousands):

 

  Three Months (13 weeks) Ended Nine Months (39 weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 weeks) Ended     
  Sept. 28, 2013   Sept. 29, 2012   % Change Sept. 28, 2013   Sept. 29, 2012   % Change   April 5, 2014   March 30, 2013   % Change 

Joist production

   86     78     10  248     217     14

Joist sales

   92     71     30

Deck sales

   90     80     13  242     221     10   87     69     26

Cold finish sales

   113     118     -4  359     388     -7   138     122     13

Fabricated concrete reinforcing steel sales

   305     343     -11  813     915     -11   239     228     5

The 4% decrease11% increase in the steel products segment’s sales from the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 was due to a 4% decrease13% increase in volume andpartially offset by a slight2% decrease in average sales price per ton, from $1,371$1,380 to $1,369. The 5% decrease$1,348. In spite of severe weather conditions in the steel products segment’s sales for the first nine monthsquarter of the year was due to a 5% decrease in volume2014, which disrupted construction activity and a 1% decrease in average sales price per ton from $1,384 to $1,374. Salesexacerbated conditions in the steelseasonally weaker performance of our fabricated construction products segment remain depressedbusinesses, sales volumes improved significantly. The tonnage increase was partly due to the continued weaknessfact that the first quarter of fiscal 2014 contained six more days than the first quarter of the previous year, but it is also due to the small but noticeable improvement in thedemand within nonresidential construction market. Sales of fabricated concrete reinforcing steel decreasedmarkets in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 due to an 11% decrease in volume partially offset by an increase in pricing.2014.

The sales for the raw materials segment increased 14% over the third quarter of 2012 and 8%27% over the first nine months of 2012 primarily due to increased volumes at DJJ’s recycling and brokerage businesses and at our natural gas drilling working interests. In the third quarter of 2013 because of increases in third party sales volume within DJJ’s brokerage operations, and to a lesser extent within their scrap processing operations. In the first quarter of 2014, approximately 82%77% of outside sales in the raw materials segment were from the brokerage operations of DJJ, and approximately 13%15% of the outside

22


sales were from the scrap processing facilities (85% and 13%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2012). In the first nine months of 2013, approximately 83% of outside sales for the raw materials segment were from the brokerage operations of DJJ and approximately 13% of outside sales were from the scrap processing facilities (85% and 13%12%, respectively, in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012)2013). Additionally, our natural gas drilling working interest sales volumes increased from the first quarter of 2013 and had higher sales prices due to the impact of the extreme winter weather conditions on natural gas pricing.

Gross Margins For the thirdfirst quarter of 2013 ,2014, Nucor recorded gross margins of $408.5$377.2 million (8%(7%), compared to $348.7$303.2 million (7%) in the thirdfirst quarter of 2012. The2013. In addition to the fact that there were six more days in the first quarter of 2014, gross margin was impacted by the 7% increase in tons shipped to outside customers, partially offset by the 4% 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 decreased 2%increased 5% from $380$379 in the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 to $372$398 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2014 and increased 6% from $377 in the fourth quarter of 2013; however, metal margin per ton also decreased. Despiteincreased from the decrease in metalfirst quarter of 2013. Metal margin per ton was lower in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2013, but total metal margin dollars increased in the thirdfirst quarter of 2014 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012 due to the 8% increase in shipmentstons sold to outside customers in the steel mills segment. Metal margins in the third quarter of 2013 were unchanged from the second quarter of 2013.customers. Metal margin is the difference between the selling price of steel and the cost of scrap and scrap substitutes.

Scrap prices are driven by the global supply and demand for scrap and other iron based raw materials used to make steel. Scrap prices were relatively flat throughoutDuring the thirdfirst quarter of 2013.2014, scrap prices experienced minor fluctuations. As we begin the fourthsecond quarter we have seen scrap prices remain consistent with the third quarter. We currently expectof 2014, there continues to be low volatility in scrap prices in the fourth quarter.prices.

 

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 margins weremargin was impacted by a LIFO creditcharge of $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2014, compared with a charge of $18.0 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2013 compared withand a creditcharge of $84.0$17.4 million in the thirdfourth quarter of 2012.2013. The current year LIFO charge is consistent with management’s expectations of increasing costs in inventory at December 31, 2014 relative to prior year-end.

 

Nucor’s gross margins were negatively impactedSteel mill energy costs increased approximately $5 per ton in the thirdfirst quarter of 2012 by $28.2 million in inventory related purchase accounting adjustments associated with2014 over the acquisitionfirst quarter of Skyline.

Energy costs decreased2013 and increased approximately $3$7 per ton from the thirdfourth quarter of 2012 due2013. These increases were attributable mainly to lowerincreased natural gas and electricity unit costs stemming from the harsh winter weather conditions which drove up energy demand and higher production volumes.

Gross margins at our rebar fabrication businesses increased significantly in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to the third quarter of 2012 due to higher average sales prices and the effects of management initiatives that have resulted in lower costs, better selling strategies and improved supplier relationships.

For the first nine months of 2013, Nucor recorded gross margins of $1.02 billion (7%), compared to $1.13 billion (8%) in the first nine months of 2012. The gross margin was impacted by the following factors:

In the steel mills segment, the average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used decreased 10% from $418 in the first nine months of 2012 to $376 in the first nine months of 2013; however, metal margins also decreased as a result of the 6% decrease in average sales price per ton.

Nucor’s gross margins in the first nine months of 2012 were negatively impacted by $36.8 million of inventory related purchase accounting adjustments associated with our acquisition of Skyline.

Gross margin was affected by a LIFO credit of $84.0 million in the first nine months of 2012. There was no LIFO charge or credit recorded in the first nine months of 2013.

Gross margins at our rebar fabrication businesses increased significantly in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the first nine months of 2012 due to the reasons described above.costs.

 

Gross margins related to DJJ’s scrap processing operations decreased significantlyincreased during the first nine monthsquarter of 2014 compared to both the first quarter of 2013 comparedand the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase was due to increased third party sales volumes and margins.

Our Nucor Steel Louisiana DRI facility experienced start-up costs of $20.7 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012 due to the continued difficult conditions in the scrap processing industry. Gross margins at DJJ’s scrap processing facilities were also impacted by excess shredding capacity and weather-related effects2014 compared with start-up costs of $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2013, that reduced the flow of scrap into our scrap processing operations.which negatively impacted gross margins.

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, increased $10.3 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012, and decreased $6.2$6.0 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 compared to the first nine months of 2012. Profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs decreased $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the second quarter of 2013 due to increased profitability of the annual restricted stock unit grant and the stock option grant that occurred in the second quarter of 2013.Company.

The increaseAlso included in marketing, administrative and other expenses in the first nine monthsquarter of 2013 as compared2014 is a $9.0 million charge related to the same perioddisposal of assets within the steel mills segment (none in the prior year is due primarily to the inclusion of Skyline’s results for the entire first nine months of 2013 as compared to only being included after its June 2012 acquisition date during the first nine months of 2012.

In the third quarter of 2013, a storage dome collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana in St. James Parish. As a result, Nucor recorded a partial write down of assets at the facility, including $7.0 million of inventory and $21.0 million of property, plant and equipment, offset by a $14.0 million insurance receivable that was based on management’s estimate of probable insurance recoveries. The net $14.0 million charge on the Nucor Steel Louisiana assets is included in marketing, administrative and other expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. In the third quarter of 2012, Nucor sold the assets of Nucor Wire Products Pennsylvania, Inc. The resulting loss of $17.6 million is also recorded in marketing, administrative and other expenses.2013).

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Equity in (Earnings) Losses of Unconsolidated AffiliatesEquity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to losses of $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2013. The equity method investment earnings, includingresults included amortization expense and other purchase accounting adjustments were $2.3 million and a loss of $2.3 millionadjustments. The improvement in the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were earnings of $2.7 million and a loss of $9.1 million in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in the equity method investment earnings is primarily due to a slight decrease in losses at Duferdofin Nucor and higher equity method earnings at NuMit and earnings at Hunter Ridge during thecompared to last year’s first nine months of 2013 (none in the first nine months of 2012).

Impairment of Non-current Assets Nucor incurred a $30.0 million impairment charge in the second quarter of 2012 (none in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013). The entire 2012 charge related to the impairment of Nucor’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor.quarter.

In the fourth quarter of 2012,2013, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment.impairment due to the protracted challenging steel market conditions in Europe. After completing its assessment, the Company determined that the estimated fair value exceeded its carrying amount and that there was no need for further impairment. There has been no

significant deterioration in near-term financial projections or any other key assumptions since the most recent impairment analysis was performed. However, steelSteel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the first nine monthsquarter of 2013,2014, and, therefore, it is reasonably possible that material deviation of future performance compared tofrom the estimates used in our most recent valuation could result in further impairment of our investment in Duferdofin Nucor. Nucor that could haverecorded a material effect on our results.$30.0 million impairment charge against its investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the second quarter of 2012.

Interest Expense (Income)Net interest expense for the thirdfirst quarter of 2014 and first nine months of 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

 

   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended  Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended 
   Sept. 28, 2013  Sept. 29, 2012  Sept. 28, 2013  Sept. 29, 2012 

Interest expense

  $38,621   $42,954   $112,978   $132,254  

Interest income

   (1,154  (2,649  (3,792  (9,226
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

  $37,467   $40,305   $109,186   $123,028  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

In the third quarter of 2013 gross interest expense decreased 10% from the third quarter of 2012 due to a decrease in average debt outstanding and a decrease in the average interest rate on our debt. Gross interest income decreased due to a decrease in the average interest rate earned on investments combined with decreased average investments.

   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
   April 5, 2014  March 30, 2013 

Interest expense

  $41,893   $33,680  

Interest income

   (1,152  (1,189
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

  $40,741   $32,491  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

In the first nine monthsquarter of 2013,2014, gross interest expense decreased 15%increased 24% from the first nine months of 2012prior year due mainlyprimarily to a decrease20% increase in average debt outstanding and a decrease in the average interest rate. Gross interest income decreased due to a decrease in the average interest rate earned on investments combined with decreased average investments.outstanding.

Earnings Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment for the thirdfirst quarter of 2014 and first nine months of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended 
  Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012 Sept. 28, 2013 Sept. 29, 2012   April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013 

Steel mills

  $310,591   $218,367   $819,951   $944,598    $317,797   $272,258  

Steel products

   31,018    (10,252  51,167    (34,094   1,720    (11,924

Raw materials

   (493  14,535    13,261    44,223     8,359    1,536  

Corporate/eliminations

   (92,914  (30,875  (330,517  (321,697   (120,375  (108,542
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $248,202   $191,775   $553,862   $633,030    $207,501   $153,328  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment forincreased from the thirdfirst quarter of 2013 increased significantlydue to higher sales volume, higher average sales prices and higher metal margin resulting from the third quarter of 2012 due primarily to the higher volume, higher total metal margin dollars and lower per unit energy costs caused by increased production volume.factors discussed above. Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment decreased from $336.8 million in the thirdfourth quarter of 2013 improved significantly compared with the second quarter of 2013 mainly due to better pricing and volume for sheet steel and increased profitability in structural steel due to NYS’s higher outside sales tons following a planned 17 day outage in the second quarter. Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the first nine months of 2013 decreased from the first nine months of 2012 due to lower sales prices, lower shipments to external customers, lower metal margins and the $84.0 million LIFO credit in 2012 (none in 2013). Partially offsetting those factors were decreased profit sharing and other incentive compensation coststypical seasonality in the first nine monthsquarter. The profitability of 2013,the steel mills segment in the first quarter of 2014 benefited from improved results from the NuMit and both the $36.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments relatedDuferdofin Nucor equity method investments as compared to the Skyline acquisitionfirst quarter of 2013. Partially offsetting these increases were the significant increase in energy costs and the $30.0$9.0 million impairment charge related to Duferdofin Nucor that wereloss recorded in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012. Although2014 related to the disposal of assets within the steel mill segment. Though an improvement from the first quarter of 2013, first quarter of 2014 performance in the steel mills segment was negatively impacted by severe weather conditions are slowly improving from historically low levels,and imports. Nonresidential construction, the nonresidential construction market continuessector to lack sustained momentum. The strongest end markets continue to bewhich greater than 50% of our business is tied, is showing small but noticeable signs of improvement in manufactured goods, including energy and automotive.demand.

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in24


In the steel products segment, increasedoperating results improved from the first quarter of 2013 but decreased when compared with earnings of $31.0 million reported in the thirdfourth quarter and first nine months of 2013 as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2012. The steel product’s segment loss in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 was impacted by the $17.6 million loss on the sale of assets of Nucor Wire Products Pennsylvania Inc.2013. Although the average sales price and volume fordecreased in the segment were lower than last year’s thirdfirst quarter andof 2014 over the comparable periods, there was a 13% increase in volumes from the first nine months, profitability atquarter of 2013. First quarter steel products shipments to outside customers decreased 1% from the fourth quarter of 2013 due to normal seasonal slowdowns in the first quarter. Profitability in our joist, deck, building systems and cold finish and rebar fabrication operations increased inimproved from the thirdfirst quarter and first nine months of 2013 as compared to the respective periods in the prior year. The largest increase was2013. Even though volumes in our rebar fabrication businesses which experienced higher average sales pricesincreased from the first quarter of 2013, the rebar fabrication results worsened slightly quarter over quarter due to decreased pricing and margins, particularly within the effects of management initiatives that have resulted in lower costs, better selling strategies and improved supplier relationships. The steel products segment has had operating profits for five of the last six quarters.Canadian operations.

The profitability of our raw materials segment decreased significantly in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013increased from the third quarter and first nine months of 2012. Third quarter of 2013 earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests also decreased from the second quarter of 2013. The charges related to the net $14.0 million write down of inventory and property, plant and equipment as a result of the dome collapse at Nucor Steel Louisiana contributed to much of the decrease in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 compared to the prior year, and most of the decrease between the second and third quarters of 2013. The difficult conditions in the scrap processing industry continued in the third quarter of 2013, which has had a negative impact on the profitability of the scrap processing operations of DJJ since the first quarter of 2012. During this time, excess shredding capacity has increased competition for raw materials while the selling price of scrap has decreased in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the first nine months of 2012. An unplanned 18 day outage at our Trinidad DRI facility in the first quarter of 2013 due to improved third party sales volumes and margins within DJJ’s scrap processing businesses. Our natural gas working interest drilling investment results also contributedimproved due to lower profitability for the raw materials segment in the first nine months of 2013 as comparedincreased sales volumes and higher sales prices due to the first nine monthsimpact of 2012.the extreme winter weather conditions on natural gas pricing. These improvements were partially offset by increased start-up costs quarter over quarter at our Nucor Steel Louisiana facility, which began producing DRI in December 2013.

Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interests represent the income attributable to the noncontrolling partners of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily NYS,Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (NYS) of which Nucor owns 51%. The increasedecrease in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily attributable to the decreased earnings of NYS, which were due to lower selling prices and margins in the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2012 was driven by increased sales tons at NYS partially offset by a slight decrease in metal margins. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the first nine months of 2013 increased over the first nine months of 2012 due mainly to improved metal margins partially offset by a decrease in sales tons.2013. 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 nine monthsquarter of 2012,2014 and 2013, 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 TaxesTheNucor had an effective tax rate was 28.2%of 37.5% in the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 compared to 32.3%with 27.8% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2012.2013. The expected rate for the full year of 20132014 will be approximately 29.3%32.6% compared with 30.5%26.0% for the full year of 2012.2013. The decreaseincrease in the effective tax rate for the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 is due to a charge of $12.8 million which is primarily related to tax legislation changes in the state of New York during the first quarter of 2014. The increase in the effective tax rate is also due to the change in relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods, and the impact2013 first quarter rate being lower because of the reversalrecognition of tax reserves due to closingcredits for the year 2012 retroactively extended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of the statute of limitations in the third quarter of 2013.2012.

We estimate that in the next twelve months our gross uncertain tax positions, which totaled $68.9 million at April 5, 2014 exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $13.5$12.2 million as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2009. The 2010 to 20122013 tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The tax years 20102009 through 20122013 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 $147.6 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2013 compared to consolidated net earnings of $110.3$111.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the thirdfirst quarter of 2012.2014 compared to consolidated net earnings of $84.8 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2013. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 3%was 2% in the first quarter of 2014 and 2% in the third quartersfirst quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Nucor reported consolidated net earnings of $317.5 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2013, compared to consolidated net earnings of $367.7 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2012. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 2% in the first nine months of 2013 and the first nine months of 2012.2013. Return on average stockholders’ equity was approximately 6% and 4% in the first nine monthsquarter of both2014 and 2013, and 2012.respectively.

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Outlook Although weWe currently expect stabilitysome improvement in metal margins, we typically experience lower shipping volumessecond quarter of 2014 earnings from the first quarter of 2014, excluding the impact of the tax and disposal of assets charges incurred in the fourth quarter duefirst quarter. We anticipate improved performance at both our steel mills and fabricated construction product businesses (rebar fabrication, joist and decking and pre-engineered metal buildings), although imports are expected to seasonal factors. Additionally, we expect extended planned outages during the fourth quartercontinue to pressure pricing and margins at our SBQ millsteel mills. We remain cautiously optimistic about the small but noticeable improvement in Norfolk, Nebraska, our sheet millthe nonresidential construction markets in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and our structural mill in Blytheville, Arkansas in preparation for our previously announced capital expansion projects at those facilities. As a result, we currently expect to see moderately lower earnings for the fourth quarter of 2013.2014.

Nucor’s largest exposure to market risk is via our steel mills and steel products segments. Our largest single customer in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 represented approximately 5%6% 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.

Liquidity and capital resources

Cash provided by operating activities was $883.6$149.2 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2013, a decrease of 21%2014, compared with cash provided by operating activities of $1.12 billion$128.8 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012. Changes2013. The year over year increase is primarily due to higher net earnings which included increased levels of depreciation expense, offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities, which were ($28.5)178.7) million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 compared with $186.6($156.5) million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2012. The primary driver of this decrease was changes2013. Depreciation expense increased in accounts receivable and inventory. Accounts receivable and cash used to purchase inventory decreased during the first nine monthsquarter of 20122014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 due to the decreasecompletion of our DRI facility in average sales price per tonLouisiana and in scrap prices during that period. There was a significantadditional assets related to our natural gas drilling working interests. The funding of our working capital increased over the prior year period due mainly to an increase in accounts receivable and cash usedinventories offset somewhat by an increase in federal income taxes payable. Inventory increased due to purchase inventory during the first nine months of 2013. While scrap prices have remained relatively flat during the period, there was a 5%an increase in inventory tons on hand from year-end of 2012. Additionally, even thoughand an increase in scrap prices compared to the average sales price per ton decreased from year-end of 2012, outside sales tons in the thirdfirst quarter of 2013 were significantly2013. Federal income taxes payable increased as a result of higher than in the fourth quarter of 2012. Also affecting cash provided by operating activities was a $37.8 million decrease in earnings period over period, and the prior year also includes a $30.0 million non-cash charge for the impairment of non-current assets during the first nine months of 2012. This decrease was partially offset by a $53.4 million increase in deferred income taxes.earnings.

The current ratio was 3.23.3 at the end of the thirdfirst quarter of 20132014 and 2.8 at year-end 2012.2013. Accounts receivable and inventories increased 12% and 5%, respectively, since year-end,year end, while quarterly net sales increased 11%4% from the fourth quarter of 2012.2013. The increases in accounts receivable and inventories are due to increased tons shipped to outside customers and the increased cost of raw materials in the current year as compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. In the thirdfirst quarter of 2013,2014, total accounts receivable turned approximately every five weeks and inventories turned approximately every seven weeks. This compares to turns every five weeks, forwhich is consistent with accounts receivable and every six weeks for inventory inturnover rates of the thirdfirst quarter of 2012. Inventory turnover has worsened slightly2013. The current ratio was positively impacted by a 23% decrease in salaries, wages and related accruals from historical rates due mainlyyear end 2013, which was largely attributable to the acquisitionpayout of Skyline, which as a distributor must keep a larger supplyprofit sharing and other incentive compensation during the first quarter of inventory on hand.2014. The current ratio was also impacted by a 64% increasethe net decrease in cash and short-term investments from year end caused by the payment of cash equivalents due mainly to the issuance of $999.1 million (net of discounts) of debt during the quarter.dividends, capital expenditures and other items discussed below.

Cash used in investing activities increased $283.0 million frommore than doubled over the prior year period. The change isThis increase was due primarily to a net decreasepurchases of $775.3investments of $100.0 million in the first quarter of 2014 and a decrease in proceeds received from the sale of investments and restricted investments (net of purchases) and changes$194.6 million quarter over quarter. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash which were mainly used to fund acquisitions and capital expenditures of $72.5 million. The decrease in 2012. In addition, there was a $274.2 million increase in cash used for capital expenditures over 2012 in large part duerelates primarily to the construction ofdecreased capital expenditures at our DRI facility in Louisiana, and the funding of our natural gas working interest drilling program. Partially offsetting the changewhich became operational in net proceeds from investments and capital expenditures was a decrease of $763.7 millionDecember 2013.

Cash used in acquisitions. While Nucor had no acquisitions in the first nine months of 2013, our DJJ team acquired three metal recycling companiesfinancing activities in the first quarter of 2012, and Nucor closed on2014 increased 5% compared to the Skyline acquisition for $683.5 million in the secondfirst quarter of 2012.

Cash provided by financing activities2013 primarily due to lower levels of short-term debt, resulting from payments made in the first nine monthsquarter of 20132014 compared to increased by $706.8 million overborrowings in the first nine months of 2012. During the third quarter, we issued $500.0 million of 4.00% notes due in 2023 and $500.0 million of 5.2% notes due in 2043. The debt issuance effectively refinanced $900.0 million of debt that matured between the fourth quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013. The weighted average interest rate of the new debt is 35 basis points lower than the retired debt, and the new debt also lengthens our debt maturity profile with its weighted average term to maturity of 20 years. Net of discounts, this debt issuance increased cash provided by financing activities by $999.1 million. Partially offsetting the increase due to the debt issuance was a decrease of $250.0 million for the repayment of long-term debt which occurred in the second quarter of 2013. There are currently no long-term debt maturities in the next twelve months. Additionally, over 99% of our long-term debt matures in 2017 and beyond.

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 $1.77$1.25 billion as of September 28, 2013.April 5, 2014. Our $1.5$1.50 billion revolving credit facility is undrawn and was amended and restated during the quarter to extend the maturity date todoes not expire until August 2018. We believe our financial strength is a key strategic advantage among domestic steel producers,

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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 a Baa1 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 September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, our funded debt to total capital ratio was 36%, and we were in compliance with all other covenants under our credit facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility as of September 28, 2013.April 5, 2014.

In challenging market conditions such as we are experiencing today, 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 by prioritizing our capital projects, potentially rescheduling certain projects, and selectively allocating capital to investments with the greatest impact on our long-term earnings power. Capital expenditures increased by 45% from $613.8 million during the first nine months of 2012 to $887.9 million in the first nine months of 2013. Capital expenditures for 20132014 are projected to be approximately $1.1 billion$600 million compared to $947.6 million$1.2 billion in 2012.2013. The decrease in projected 2014 capital expenditures is primarily due to decreased capital expenditures related to our DRI facility in Louisiana and the suspension of drilling new natural gas wells associated with our drilling program that was announced in the fourth quarter of 2013.

In September 2013,February 2014, Nucor’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on Nucor’s common stock of $0.3675$0.37 per share payable on November 8, 2013May 12, 2014 to stockholders of record on September 27, 2013.March 31, 2014. This dividend is Nucor’s 162164ndth consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

Funds provided from operations, cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments restricted cash 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.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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 occasionally makes use of interest rate swaps 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, 2012.2013. There were no interest rate swaps outstanding at April 5, 2014.

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.

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Natural gas produced by Nucor’s working interest drilling program is being sold to third parties to offset ourits exposure to changes in the price of gas consumed by its Louisiana DRI facility. In addition to its future natural gas needs at the new DRI facility scheduled to begin operations later this year,in Louisiana, Nucor is also a substantial consumer of natural gas at its steel mill operations. WeIn future years we expect that the natural gas produced through the drilling program will be sufficient to cover Nucor’s demand at all of its steel mills in the United States plus the demand of its two DRI plants or, alternatively, at three DRI plants.plants, if additional capacity were to be added. However, the natural gas production from the working interest drilling program currently does not completely cover the natural gas usage at our operating facilities. For the ninethree months ended September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, the volume of natural gas sold from our natural gas working interest drilling program was equal to 60%approximately 68% of the volume of natural gas purchased for consumption in our domestic steelmaking and DRI facilities.

Our natural gas working interest drilling program is affected by changes in natural gas prices in an inverse manner to natural gas costs at our DRI and steel mill operations. As natural gas prices increase, our increased energy costs at our DRI and steel mill operations is somewhat mitigated by increased profit from sales of natural gas to third party customers from our natural gas drilling program. Likewise, as natural gas prices decrease, we experience decreased energy costs at our DRI and steel mill operations, but we also experience decreased profit from our natural gas drilling program.

The impact of low natural gas prices associated with our drilling program is limited by the existence of a drilling suspension clause. Nucor is contractually obligated to drill a minimum number of wells per year under the terms of our agreements with Encana; however, we have the right to suspend drilling of new wells at any time after January 1, 2015, if market pricing falls below a pre-established threshold. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nucor and Encana agreed to temporarily suspend drilling new natural gas wells. This joint decision was made due to the current weak natural gas pricing environment. This pause demonstrates the flexibility of our partnership with Encana to react to market conditions to the mutual benefit of both parties while still allowing us to better manage our exposure to natural gas pricing volatility at our operating divisions that consume natural gas.

Nucor also periodically 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 September 28, 2013, there were no amounts inApril 5, 2014, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related toincluded $1.4 million in unrealized net-of-tax losses for the fair value of these derivative instruments as all of our previously held positions have settled.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 September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, 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 

Aluminum

  $1,507    $3,768  

Copper

  $1,832    $4,581  

Commodity Derivative

  10% Change   25% Change 

Natural gas

  $570    $1,425  

Aluminum

   1,260     3,164  

Copper

   294     736  

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 - Nucor is exposed to foreign currency risk through its operations in Canada, Europe, Trinidad and Colombia. We periodically use derivative contracts to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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 September 28, 2013April 5, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On April 19, 2012, MM Steel LP filed an action against Nucor and five other co-defendants in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and has asserted violations of federal antitrust law. On March 25, 2014, the jury returned a verdict of $52.0 million in damages against all defendants jointly and severally, which amount was trebled under the federal antitrust laws in a judgment entered by the court on April 29, 2014. Although the Company intends to vigorously pursue all available processes to have the judgment vacated or reversed, including appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the ultimate resolution of the case is uncertain.

We are from time to time a party to various other 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.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in Nucor’s risk factors from those included in Nucor’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.2013.

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit


No.

  

Description of Exhibit

10Arrangement with Daniel R. DiMicco
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 (unaudited) from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nucor Corporation for the quarter ended September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, filed on November 6, 2013,May 14, 2014, 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.

SIGNATURES

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.

 

NUCOR CORPORATION
By: /s/ James D. Frias
 James D. Frias
 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer

and Executive Vice President

Dated: November 6, 2013May 14, 2014

NUCOR CORPORATION30


NUCOR CORPORATION

List of Exhibits to Form 10-Q – September 28, 2013April 5, 2014

 

Exhibit


No.

  

Description of Exhibit

10Arrangement with Daniel R. DiMicco
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 (unaudited) from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nucor Corporation for the quarter ended September 28, 2013,April 5, 2014, filed on November 6, 2013,May 14, 2014, 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.

 

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