FirstSecond

Quarter

2014

 

 

 

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 endedAprilJuly 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

318,465,350318,843,007 shares of common stock were outstanding at AprilJuly 5, 2014.

 

 

 


Nucor Corporation

Form 10-Q

AprilJuly 5, 2014

INDEX

 

         Page 

Part I

  

Financial Information

  

Item 1

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings -
Three Months (13 Weeks) and Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended AprilJuly 5, 2014 and March 30,June 29, 2013

   3  
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income -
Three Months (13 Weeks) and Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended AprilJuly 5, 2014 and March 30,June 29, 2013

   4  
    

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
AprilJuly 5, 2014 and December 31, 2013

   5  
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
ThreeSix Months (13(26 Weeks) Ended AprilJuly  5, 2014 and March 30,June 29, 2013

   6  
    

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   7  
  

Item 2

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   2022  
  

Item 3

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   2730  
  

Item 4

  

Controls and Procedures

   2932  

Part II

  

Other Information

  
  

Item 1

  

Legal Proceedings

   2932  
  

Item 1A

  

Risk Factors

   2932  
  

Item 6

  

Exhibits

   3033  

Signatures

   3033  

List of Exhibits to Form 10-Q

   3134  

 

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   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Net sales

  $5,108,444   $4,550,772    $5,291,075   $4,665,588   $10,399,519   $9,216,360  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Costs, expenses and other:

        

Cost of products sold

   4,731,242    4,247,556     4,875,208    4,352,463    9,606,450    8,600,019  

Marketing, administrative and other expenses

   133,434    116,225     132,813    123,150    266,247    239,375  

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates

   (4,474  1,172  

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

   (3,202  (1,585  (7,676  (413

Interest expense, net

   40,741    32,491     44,391    39,228    85,132    71,719  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   4,900,943    4,397,444     5,049,210    4,513,256    9,950,153    8,910,700  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   207,501    153,328     241,865    152,332    449,366    305,660  

Provision for income taxes

   77,805    42,600     74,930    46,062    152,735    88,662  
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings

   129,696    110,728     166,935    106,270    296,631    216,998  

Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

   18,665    25,939     19,894    21,125    38,559    47,064  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders

  $111,031   $84,789    $147,041   $85,145   $258,072   $169,934  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings per share:

        

Basic

  $0.35   $0.26    $0.46   $0.27   $0.80   $0.53  

Diluted

  $0.35   $0.26    $0.46   $0.27   $0.80   $0.53  

Average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

   319,505    318,686     319,693    318,903    319,597    318,796  

Diluted

   319,768    318,842     319,981    319,023    319,872    318,934  

Dividends declared per share

  $0.37   $0.3675    $0.37   $0.3675   $0.74   $0.735  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

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

Net earnings

  $129,696   $110,728  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (44,877  (50,513
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   84,819    60,215  

Comprehensive income attributable to
noncontrolling interests

   (18,665  (25,939
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to
Nucor stockholders

  $66,154   $34,276  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended  Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
   July 5, 2014  June 29, 2013  July 5, 2014  June 29, 2013 

Net earnings

  $166,935   $106,270   $296,631   $216,998  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Net unrealized income (loss) on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $100 and $0 for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(1,000) and $0 for the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively

   238        (1,633    

Reclassification adjustment for (income) loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net income, net of income taxes of $(100) and $0 for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $100 and $0 for the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively

   (238      233      

Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $0 and ($200) for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(400) and ($200) for the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively

   31,845    (15,582  (11,632  (66,095
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   31,845    (15,582  (13,032  (66,095
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   198,780    90,688    283,599    150,903  

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (19,894  (21,125  (38,559  (47,064
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders

  $178,886   $69,563   $245,040   $103,839  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

  April 5, 2014 Dec. 31, 2013   July 5, 2014 Dec. 31, 2013 

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,152,542   $1,483,252    $1,067,561   $1,483,252  

Short-term investments

   100,000    28,191     100,000    28,191  

Accounts receivable, net

   1,900,293    1,810,987     2,071,439    1,810,987  

Inventories, net

   2,724,194    2,605,609     2,738,658    2,605,609  

Other current assets

   432,844    482,007     517,132    482,007  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   6,309,873    6,410,046     6,494,790    6,410,046  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   4,960,948    4,917,024     4,971,813    4,917,024  

Goodwill

   1,958,967    1,973,608     1,971,452    1,973,608  

Other intangible assets, net

   851,013    874,154     842,445    874,154  

Other assets

   1,037,210    1,028,451     1,030,388    1,028,451  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $15,118,011   $15,203,283    $15,310,888   $15,203,283  
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Current liabilities:

      

Short-term debt

  $27,072   $29,202    $42,414   $29,202  

Long-term debt due within one year

   3,300    3,300     11,300    3,300  

Accounts payable

   1,062,572    1,117,078     1,124,077    1,117,078  

Federal income taxes payable

   29,582    —    

Salaries, wages and related accruals

   218,916    282,860     276,660    282,860  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   554,526    527,776     562,775    527,776  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   1,895,968    1,960,216     2,017,226    1,960,216  

Long-term debt due after one year

   4,376,900    4,376,900     4,368,900    4,376,900  

Deferred credits and other liabilities

   984,608    955,889     978,749    955,889  
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   7,257,476    7,293,005     7,364,875    7,293,005  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

EQUITY

      

Nucor stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock

   151,025    151,010     151,172    151,010  

Additional paid-in capital

   1,849,737    1,843,353     1,867,948    1,843,353  

Retained earnings

   7,132,776    7,140,440     7,160,952    7,140,440  

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

   (35,797  9,080     (3,952  9,080  

Treasury stock

   (1,495,586  (1,498,114   (1,495,298  (1,498,114
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Nucor stockholders’ equity

   7,602,155    7,645,769     7,680,822    7,645,769  

Noncontrolling interests

   258,380    264,509     265,191    264,509  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total equity

   7,860,535    7,910,278     7,946,013    7,910,278  
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $15,118,011   $15,203,283    $15,310,888   $15,203,283  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Operating activities:

      

Net earnings

  $129,696   $110,728    $296,631   $216,998  

Adjustments:

      

Depreciation

   161,480    130,425     326,429    258,390  

Amortization

   18,432    19,048     36,265    37,575  

Stock-based compensation

   6,088    6,035     33,752    34,043  

Deferred income taxes

   8,312    11,183     (5,121  12,304  

Distributions from affiliates

       6,708     11,504    7,708  

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates

   (4,474  1,172  

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

   (7,676  (413

Loss on assets

   9,046         9,046      

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

      

Accounts receivable

   (97,183  (90,688   (249,196  (70,785

Inventories

   (123,145  (63,222   (130,463  36,087  

Accounts payable

   7,489    (175   90,460    (44,724

Federal income taxes

   56,526    11,654     14,100    3,709  

Salaries, wages and related accruals

   (59,147  (74,206   (1,672  (35,332

Other operating activities

   36,094    60,149     19,270    29,414  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

   149,214    128,811     443,329    484,974  
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

   (258,058  (330,585   (446,798  (621,306

Investment in and advances to affiliates

   (7,105  (20,678   (68,491  (43,485

Repayment of advances to affiliates

   3,000    7,500     15,000    30,500  

Disposition of plant and equipment

   4,540    2,958     12,858    10,145  

Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)

   (1,408       (38,466    

Purchases of investments

   (100,000       (100,000  (19,390

Proceeds from the sale of investments

   27,529    73,428     27,529    73,428  

Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments

       148,725         148,725  

Changes in restricted cash

       (20,135       55,355  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

   (331,502  (138,787   (598,368  (366,028
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Financing activities:

      

Net change in short-term debt

   (2,130  12,512     13,212    1,796  

Repayment of long-term debt

       (250,000

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

   300    500     2,700    1,700  

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

   (24,794  (34,594   (37,877  (57,266

Cash dividends

   (118,680  (117,618   (237,369  (235,280

Other financing activities

   (601  109     (1,123  109  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash used in financing activities

   (145,905  (139,091   (260,457  (538,941
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   (2,517  (1,095   (195  (2,400
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (415,691  (422,395

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

   1,483,252    1,052,862  
  

 

  

 

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (330,710  (150,162

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

   1,483,252    1,052,862  
  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of three months

  $1,152,542   $902,700  
  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of six months

  $1,067,561   $630,467  
  

 

  

 

 

Non-cash investing activity:

      

Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases

  $(60,864 $(24,590  $(96,023 $(20,537
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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 I1 reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented and are of a normal and recurring nature unless otherwise noted. The information furnished has not been audited; however, the December 31, 2013 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 I1 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, 2013.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements — In the first quarter of 2014, Nucor adopted 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. Adoption of the guidance did not impact 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 doesdid 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 doesdid 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.

In May 2014, new accounting guidance was issued that will supersede nearly all existing accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The new guidance provides that an entity recognizes revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The amendments are effective for the Company for all annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating adoption methods and the impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements.

7


2.INVENTORIES: Inventories consisted of approximately 36%37% raw materials and supplies and 64%63% finished and semi-finished products at AprilJuly 5, 2014 (40% and 60%, respectively, at December 31, 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 46%45% of total inventories as of AprilJuly 5, 2014 (45% as ofand December 31, 2013).2013. If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been $639.2 million higher at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($624.7 million higher at December 31, 2013). Use of the lower of cost or market methodology reduced inventories by $1.9$1.8 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($2.1 million at December 31, 2013).

 

7


3.PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment is recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $6.78$6.93 billion at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($6.63 billion at December 31, 2013).

Included within property, plant and equipment, net at AprilJuly 5, 2014 is $24.7$24.1 million of assets, net of accumulated depreciation, under a capital lease agreement (none at December 31, 2013). The gross amount of property, plant and equipment acquired under the capital lease was $25.4 million, which is not included in capital expenditures on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Total obligations associated with this capital lease agreement were $24.8$24.2 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 (none at December 31, 2013), of which $2.1 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $22.7$22.1 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities.

As discussed in Note 7 to Nucor’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2013, in the third quarter of 2013 one of three storage domes collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana in St. James Parish. As a result, Nucor recorded a partial write down of assets at the facility, including $21.0 million of property, plant and equipment and $7.0 million of inventory, offset by a $14.0 million insurance receivable that was based on management’s current estimate of probable insurance recoveries. The associated net charge of $14.0 million was included in marketing, administrative and other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings in 2013. We are continuing to investigate the cause or causes of the 2013 dome collapse at Nucor Steel Louisiana and as a result, Nucor may record additional insurance proceeds and/or incur additional charges.

 

4.RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS: There were no restricted cash or investments as of AprilJuly 5, 2014 or December 31, 2013. In November 2010, Nucor issued $600.0 million in 30-year Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds, the net proceeds of which were accounted for as restricted cash and investments. The restricted cash and investments were held in a trust account and were used to partially fund the capital costs associated with the construction of Nucor’s direct reduced ironmaking facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Funds were disbursed as qualified expenditures for the construction of the facility were made, with $128.7$204.2 million being disbursed in the first quartersix months of 2013. The remaining funds were disbursed over the remainder of 2013.

 

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

 

  Steel Mills   Steel Products Raw Materials   Total   Steel Mills   Steel Products Raw Materials   Total 

Balance at December 31, 2013

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

Translation

        (14,641)        (14,641)         (2,156       (2,156
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Balance at April 5, 2014

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

Balance at July 5, 2014

  $ 495,897    $772,330   $703,225    $1,971,452  
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Nucor completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2013 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.

8


Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of 5 to 22 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and arewere comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

  April 5, 2014   December 31, 2013   July 5, 2014   December 31, 2013 
  Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 

Customer relationships

  $1,142,958    $407,400    $1,147,786    $391,254    $1,151,532    $423,011    $1,147,786    $391,254  

Trademarks and trade names

   150,497     42,339     151,332     40,397     151,188     44,219     151,332     40,397  

Other

   22,823     15,526     21,869     15,182     22,823     15,868     21,869     15,182  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,316,278    $465,265    $1,320,987    $446,833    $1,325,543    $483,098    $1,320,987    $446,833  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Intangible asset amortization expense forin the firstsecond quarter of 2014 and 2013 was $18.4$17.8 million and $19.0$18.6 million, respectively, and was $36.3 million and $37.6 million in the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $71.3$71.6 million in 2014; $68.4$68.6 million in 2015; $66.7$66.9 million in 2016; $65.0$65.2 million in 2017; and $61.3$61.5 million in 2018.

 

6.EQUITY INVESTMENTS: The carrying value of our equity investments in domestic and foreign companies was $944.9$937.3 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($936.0 million at December 31, 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 AprilJuly 5, 2014 was $463.6$456.7 million ($465.4 million at December 31, 2013). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was $55.0$55.9 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014, resulting in a basis difference of $408.6$400.8 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 ($331.0328.4 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 $2.7 million and $2.9$2.8 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and were $5.4 million and $5.7 million in the first quartersix months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of AprilJuly 5, 2014, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of €35.0 million ($48.047.6 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€35.0 million, or $48.2 million, at December 31, 2013). The notes receivable bear interest at 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 in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of AprilJuly 5, 2014.

Nucor has issued a guaranteeguarantees for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement that maturesas well as the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility, which mature on April 26, 2016.2016 and April 22, 2016, respectively. The maximum amount that Duferdofin Nucor can borrow under Facility A is €122.5 million, and as of AprilJuly 5, 2014, Duferdofin Nucor had €119.5€113.5 million ($163.8154.3 million) outstanding under that facility (€112.0 million, or $154.4 million, at December 31, 2013). The guarantee under the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility was issued in the second quarter of 2014, and as of July 5, 2014, Duferdofin Nucor had the maximum borrowing amount of €60.0 million ($81.6 million) outstanding under that facility. If Duferdofin Nucor fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under Facility A or the Standby Medium Long Term Credit Facility, Nucor could be required to pay 50% of such amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of its guarantee.guarantees. Any indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor to Nucor is effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor under the Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement.both financing agreements. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with the guarantee.these guarantees.

9


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 2425 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 AprilJuly 5, 2014 was $326.9$324.8 million ($318.4 million as of December 31, 2013). Nucor also has recorded a $40.0 million notetwo notes receivable from Steel Technologies LLC thatLLC. The first note receivable of $40.0 million bears interest at 1.13% as of AprilJuly 5, 2014, and it resets quarterly to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 90 basis points. The second note receivable of $44.0 million was issued on May 2, 2014. It bears interest at 1.43% as of July 5, 2014. The principal amount isamounts of these notes receivable are due on October 21, 2014.2014 and May 1, 2015, respectively. In addition, Nucor has extended a $60.0 million line of credit (of which $15.0 million was outstanding at July 5, 2014) to Steel Technologies. InTechnologies LLC. As of July 5, 2014, the first quarter of 2014amounts outstanding on the line of credit was amended to extend the maturity date tobear interest at 1.36% and mature on April 1, 2015 and decrease the line of credit from $100.0 million to $60.0 million (of which $14.0 million was outstanding at April 5, 2014 and bears interest at 1.36%).2015. As of AprilJuly 5, 2014, both the notenotes receivable and the amounts outstanding on the line of credit are classified in other current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

HUNTER RIDGE

Nucor has 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 AprilJuly 5, 2014 was $135.4$136.7 million ($134.5 million at December 31, 2013).

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 fourth quarter of 2013, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for 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 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 first quartersix months of 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 $74.4$166.2 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($81.6 million at December 31, 2013). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $118.7$118.9 million at both AprilJuly 5, 2014 and($118.7 million at December 31, 2013.2013).

 

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.

10


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 
   

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)     

Liability derivatives not designated ashedging instruments:

     

Commodity contracts

  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (430)   (553) 

Foreign exchange contracts

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

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liability derivatives not designatedas hedging instruments

     (449)   (555) 

Total liability derivatives

    $(2,749)  $(555) 
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

10


      Fair Value at 
   

Balance Sheet Location

  July 5,
2014
  Dec. 31,
2013
 

Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

   �� 

Commodity contracts

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

Commodity contracts

  Deferred credits and other liabilities   (900    

Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments

     (2,300    

Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

     

Commodity contracts

  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (757  (553

Foreign exchange contracts

  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (132  (2
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

     (889  (555

Total liability derivatives

    $(3,189 $(555
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships

  

Statement of
Earnings Location

 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),
net of tax,
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 
 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Commodity contracts

  Cost of products sold $238   $   $238   $   $   $  
   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
      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

 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),
net of tax,
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 
       Six Months
(26 weeks) Ended
 Six Months
(26 weeks) Ended
 Six Months
(26 weeks) Ended
 
  Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
 Three Months
(13 weeks) Ended
   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 
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    $(1,871 $    $(471 $    $    $    Cost of products sold $(1,633 $   $(233 $   $   $  
    

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

11


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

      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

  Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives 
  Three Months (13 weeks) Ended   Six Months (26 weeks) Ended 
  Statement of
Earnings  Location
   April 5,
2014
   March 30,
2013
    July 5,
2014
 June 29,
2013
   July 5,
2014
 June 29,
2013
 

Commodity contracts

   Cost of products sold    $1,233    $2,509    Cost of products sold  $(795 $2,473    $438   $4,982  

Foreign exchange contracts

   Cost of products sold     153     116    Cost of products sold   (201  2     (48  118  
    

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

    $1,386    $2,625      $(996 $2,475    $390   $5,100  
    

 

   

 

     

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

9.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that arewere measured at fair value as of AprilJuly 5, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (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 $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

11


      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 July 5, 2014

      

Assets:

      

Cash equivalents

  $919,447   $919,447    $   $  

Short-term investments

   100,000    100,000           
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,019,447   $1,019,447    $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

      

Foreign exchange and commodity contracts

  $(3,189 $    $(3,189 $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

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 for Nucor’s cash equivalents and short-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, 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 $4.69$4.76 billion at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($4.61 billion at December 31, 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 AprilJuly 5, 2014 and December 31, 2013, or similar debt with the same maturities, rating and interest rates.

 

12


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 $21.7$20.7 million of accrued environmental costs at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($22.9 million at December 31, 2013), $6.2$4.5 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($6.9 million at December 31, 2013) and $15.5$16.2 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($16.0 million at December 31, 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. Five of the eight defendants have entered into settlement agreements with the plaintiffs, which agreements are in the process of court approval. Although we believe the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, andwe will continue to vigorously defend against them, but 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 litigationlawsuit 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 federalseverally. On June 1, 2014, pursuant to antitrust laws inproviding for treble damages, the court awarded a judgment entered byto MM Steel jointly and severally against the court on April 29, 2014.defendants in an amount totaling $160.8 million after including costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company intends to vigorously pursue all available processes to havehas appealed 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.to have the judgment vacated or reversed. 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 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.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 are generally exercisable at the end of three years and have a term of 10 years. New shares are issued upon exercise of stock options.

13


A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first quartersix months of 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except year and per share amounts):

 

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

Number of shares under option:

                

Outstanding at beginning of year

   2,089    $40.47         2,089    $40.47      

Granted

                 469    $50.63      

Exercised

                            

Canceled

                            
  

 

         

 

       

Outstanding at April 5, 2014

   2,089    $40.47     7.9 years    $22,213  

Outstanding at July 5, 2014

   2,558    $42.33     8.1 years    $21,023  
  

 

         

 

       

Options exercisable at July 5, 2014

   1,272    $40.28     7.2 years    $13,037  
  

 

       

Options exercisable at April 5, 2014

   1,012    $39.75     7.5 years    $11,482  
  

 

       

For the 2014 stock option grant, the grant date fair value of $17.48 per share was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

Exercise price

  $50.63  

Expected dividend yield

   2.92

Expected stock price volatility

   45.00

Risk-free interest rate

   2.03

Expected life (years)

   6.5  

Stock options granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of grant are expensed immediately.immediately since these awards vest upon retirement from the Company. Retirement, for purposes of vesting in these stock options, means termination of employment after satisfying age and years of service requirements. StockSimilarly, stock options 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.retirement-eligible. 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 $0.2$7.6 million and $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.6 million and $8.6 million in the first quartersix months of 2014 and 2013, (none in the first quarterrespectively. As of 2014).July 5, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to options was $0.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over 3 years.

Restricted Stock UnitsNucor annually grants restricted stock units (RSUs) to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The RSUs typically vest and are converted to common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. A portion of the RSUs awarded to senior officers vest upon the officer’s retirement. Retirement, for purposes of vesting in these units 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.

14


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 quartersix months of 2014 is as follows (shares in thousands):

 

  Shares Grant Date
Fair Value
   Shares Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Restricted stock units:

      

Unvested at beginning of year

   1,122   $42.51     1,122   $42.51  

Granted

            655   $50.63  

Vested

   (16 $42.61     (704 $44.51  

Canceled

   (6 $40.32     (8 $40.42  
  

 

    

 

  

Unvested at April 5, 2014

   1,100   $42.52  

Unvested at July 5, 2014

   1,065   $46.19  
  

 

    

 

  

Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)

   10,484      11,868   
  

 

    

 

  

Compensation expense for RSUs was $4.9$17.6 million and $18.1 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $22.5 million and $22.2 million in the first quartersix months of 2014 ($4.1 million in the first quarter of 2013).and 2013, respectively. As of AprilJuly 5, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $24.4$39.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.82.8 years.

Restricted Stock AwardsNucor’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 55 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 55 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.

 

1415


A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and LTIP for the first quartersix months of 2014 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

   73   $45.49     73   $45.49  

Granted

   127   $50.35     127   $50.35  

Vested

   (122 $48.99     (133 $48.91  

Canceled

                  
  

 

    

 

  

Unvested at April 5, 2014

   78   $47.93  

Unvested at July 5, 2014

   67   $47.93  
  

 

    

 

  

Shares reserved for future grants

   1,111      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$1.9 million and $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3.1 million and $3.3 million in the first quartersix months of 2014 ($1.8 million in the first quarter of 2013). As of Apriland 2013 respectively. At July 5, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $1.3$1.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.22.0 years.

 

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 totaled $18.2was $22.0 million and $13.6$13.1 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and was $40.2 million and $26.7 million in the first quartersix months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals.

 

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

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Interest expense

  $41,893   $33,680    $ 45,878   $40,676   $87,771   $74,356  

Interest income

   (1,152  (1,189   (1,487  (1,448  (2,639  (2,637
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Interest expense, net

  $40,741   $32,491    $44,391   $39,228   $85,132   $71,719  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

14.INCOME TAXES: The effective tax rate for the firstsecond quarter of 2014 was 37.5%31.0% compared to 27.8%with 30.2% for the firstsecond quarter of 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate for the firstsecond quarter of 2014 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2013 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, andperiods. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently examining Nucor’s 2012 federal income tax return. Management believes that the 2013 first quarter rate being lower because of the recognition of creditsCompany has adequately provided for the year 2012 retroactively extended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.any adjustments that may arise from this audit. Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2009. The 2010, to2011, and 2013 tax years also are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.IRS. The tax years 2009 through 2013 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

 

1516


Current deferred tax assets included in other current assets were $253.6$259.4 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($255.5 million at December 31, 2013). Current deferred tax liabilities included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities were $12.7$13.5 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($14.6 million at December 31, 2013). Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities were $682.0$675.3 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 ($676.2 million at December 31, 2013).

 

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   Attributable to
Nucor Corporation
 Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests
 Total 

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2013

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

Total comprehensive income

   66,154    18,665    84,819     245,040    38,559    283,599  

Stock options

   7,617        7,617  

Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures

   8,727        8,727     19,556        19,556  

Amortization of unearned compensation

   200        200     400        400  

Dividends declared

   (118,695      (118,695   (237,560      (237,560

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

       (24,794  (24,794       (37,877  (37,877
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Stockholders’ equity at April 5, 2014

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

Stockholders’ equity at July 5, 2014

  $7,680,822   $265,191   $7,946,013  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  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

   34,276    25,939    60,215     103,839    47,064    150,903  

Stock options

   168        168     8,575        8,575  

Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures

   8,547        8,547     18,789        18,789  

Amortization of unearned compensation

   201        201     400        400  

Dividends declared

   (117,667      (117,667   (235,545      (235,545

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

       (34,595  (34,595       (57,266  (57,266
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Stockholders’ equity at March 30, 2013

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

Stockholders’ equity at June 29, 2013

  $7,537,629   $233,601   $7,771,230  
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

1617


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

 

   

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  
   Three Month (13 week) Period Ended
July 5, 2014
 
   

Gains and Losses on

Hedging Derivatives

  Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

April 5, 2014

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

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

   238    31,845         32,083  

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

   (238           (238
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

       31,845         31,845  

July 5, 2014

  $(1,400 $(19,070 $16,518    $(3,952

   Six Month (26 week) Period Ended
July 5, 2014
 
   

Gains and Losses on

Hedging Derivatives

  Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

December 31, 2013

  $   $(7,438 $16,518    $9,080  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

   (1,633  (11,632       (13,265

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

   233             233  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,400  (11,632       (13,032

July 5, 2014

  $(1,400 $(19,070 $16,518    $(3,952

18


   Three Month (13 week) Period Ended
June 29, 2013
 
   Gains and Losses on
Hedging Derivatives
   Foreign Currency
Gain (Loss)
  Adjustment to Early
Retiree Medical Plan
   Total 

March 30, 2013

  $    $(4,332 $10,580    $6,248  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

        (15,582       (15,582

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

                   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

        (15,582       (15,582

June 29, 2013

  $    $(19,914 $10,580    $(9,334

   

Six Month (26 week) Period Ended

June 29, 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 income (loss) before reclassifications

        (66,095       (66,095

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

                   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

        (66,095       (66,095

June 29, 2013

  $    $(19,914 $10,580    $(9,334

 

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 and Nucor Steel Louisiana, two facilities that produce DRI used by the steel mills; our natural gas working interests; and Nucor’s equity method investment in Hunter Ridge. 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.

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, 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.

19


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

 

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

Net sales to external customers:

   

Steel mills

  $3,607,764   $3,268,154  

Steel products

   874,169    789,347  

Raw materials

   626,511    493,271  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $5,108,444   $4,550,772  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Intercompany sales:

   

Steel mills

  $708,866   $632,720  

Steel products

   21,500    19,272  

Raw materials

   2,528,006    2,163,488  

Corporate/eliminations

   (3,258,372  (2,815,480
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:

   

Steel mills

  $317,797   $272,258  

Steel products

   1,720    (11,924

Raw materials

   8,359    1,536  

Corporate/eliminations

   (120,375  (108,542
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $207,501   $153,328  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   April 5, 2014  December 31, 2013 

Segment assets:

   

Steel mills

  $8,526,568   $8,365,023  

Steel products

   2,827,821    2,861,403  

Raw materials

   3,982,480    3,956,913  

Corporate/eliminations

   (218,858  19,944  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $15,118,011   $15,203,283  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended  Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
   July 5, 2014  June 29, 2013  July 5, 2014  June 29, 2013 

Net sales to external customers:

     

Steel mills

  $3,674,140   $3,197,433   $7,281,904   $6,465,587  

Steel products

   1,035,923    937,104    1,910,092    1,726,451  

Raw materials

   581,012    531,051    1,207,523    1,024,322  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $5,291,075   $4,665,588   $10,399,519   $9,216,360  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Intercompany sales:

     

Steel mills

  $742,200   $639,425   $1,451,066   $1,272,145  

Steel products

   26,542    30,855    48,042    50,127  

Raw materials

   2,443,492    2,183,495    4,971,498    4,346,983  

Corporate/eliminations

   (3,212,234  (2,853,775  (6,470,606  (5,669,255
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $   $   $   $  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:

     

Steel mills

  $368,138   $237,102   $685,935   $509,360  

Steel products

   42,612    32,073    44,332    20,149  

Raw materials

   (9,635  12,218    (1,276  13,754  

Corporate/eliminations

   (159,250  (129,061  (279,625  (237,603
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $241,865   $152,332   $449,366   $305,660  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   July 5, 2014  Dec. 31, 2013       

Segment assets:

     

Steel mills

  $8,572,357   $8,365,023    

Steel products

   2,999,733    2,861,403    

Raw materials

   3,952,359    3,956,913    

Corporate/eliminations

   (213,561  19,944    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   
  $15,310,888   $15,203,283    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

18


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

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Basic net earnings per share:

        

Basic net earnings

  $111,031   $84,789    $147,041   $85,145   $258,072   $169,934  

Earnings allocated to participating securities

   (391  (386   (487  (419  (878  (805
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings available to common stockholders

  $110,640   $84,403    $146,554   $84,726   $257,194   $169,129  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Average shares outstanding

   319,505    318,686     319,693    318,903    319,597    318,796  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

  $0.35   $0.26    $0.46   $0.27   $0.80   $0.53  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share:

        

Diluted net earnings

  $111,031   $84,789    $147,041   $85,145   $258,072   $169,934  

Earnings allocated to participating securities

   (391  (386   (487  (419  (878  (805
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net earnings available to common stockholders

  $110,640   $84,403    $146,554   $84,726   $257,194   $169,129  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic shares outstanding

   319,505    318,686     319,693    318,903    319,597    318,796  

Dilutive effect of stock options and other

   263    156     288    120    275    138  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   319,768    318,842     319,981    319,023    319,872    318,934  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

  $0.35   $0.26    $0.46   $0.27   $0.80   $0.53  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

There20


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

   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
   July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013 

Anti-dilutive stock options:

        

Weighted average shares

        546          276  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average exercise price

  $    $44.51    $    $44.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1921


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.; (5) competitive pressure on sales and pricing, including pressure from imports and substitute materials; (6) impairment in the recorded value of inventory, equity investments, fixed assets, goodwill or other long-lived assets; (7) uncertainties surrounding the global economy, including the severe economic downturn in construction markets and excess world capacity for steel production; (8) fluctuations in currency conversion rates; (9) U.S. and foreign trade policy affecting steel imports or exports; (10) significant changes in laws or government regulations affecting environmental compliance, including legislation and 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; (11) the cyclical nature of the steel industry; (12) capital investments and their impact on our performance; and (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, 2013.

Overview

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

Nucor reports its results in three segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. In the steel mills segment, Nucor produces sheet steel (hot and cold-rolled), plate steel, structural steel (wide-flange beams, beam blanks, H-piling and sheet piling) and bar steel (blooms, billets, concrete reinforcing bar, merchant bar and special bar quality). Nucor manufactures steel principally from scrap steel and scrap steel substitutes using electric arc furnaces, continuous casting and automated rolling mills. The steel mills segment also includes Nucor’s equity method investments in Duferdofin Nucor and NuMit, as well as Nucor’s steel trading businesses and rebar distribution 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,

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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 including our natural gas drilling working interests.

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We continue to be pleased with the progress of our new direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in St. James Parish, Louisiana. In the first quarter of 2014, theThe Louisiana DRI plant produced 455,000 tons with peak operating rates exceeding 90% ofunderwent a three week outage in the name plate capacitysecond quarter to implement adjustments that will improve yield and conversion costs. The Louisiana DRI plant has continued to exceed our volume expectations while achieving world-class metallization and carbon percentages.producing excellent quality DRI units.

In March, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas returned a verdict of $52.0 million in damages against Nucor and five other co-defendants, jointly and severally, in an antitrust litigationlawsuit 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 to $160.8 million (inclusive of costs and attorneys’ fees) under the federal antitrust laws in a judgment enteredawarded by the court on April 29,June 1, 2014. The amountNucor has appealed the judgment to the U.S. Court 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 motionsAppeals for the Fifth Circuit and appeals to seek to have the verdict overturned. We continue to believebelieves that MM Steel, LP’s claims against Nucor are meritless and that Nucor acted entirely within its legal rights. Accordingly,Nucor believes that the likelihood that the judgment will be affirmed is not probable, and, accordingly, we have not recorded a chargeany reserves or contingencies related to this case.legal matter.

The average utilization rates of all operating facilities in the steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments were approximately 75%77%, 56%61% and 66%64%, respectively, in the first quartersix months of 2014 compared with 72%73%, 51%56% and 58%61%, respectively, in the first quartersix months of 2013.

Results of Operations

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

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended       Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014   March 30, 2013   % Change   July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   % Change July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   % Change 

Steel mills

  $3,607,764    $3,268,154     10  $3,674,140    $3,197,433     15 $7,281,904    $6,465,587     13

Steel products

   874,169     789,347     11   1,035,923     937,104     11  1,910,092     1,726,451     11

Raw materials

   626,511     493,271     27   581,012     531,051     9  1,207,523     1,024,322     18
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Net sales

  $5,108,444    $4,550,772     12  $5,291,075    $4,665,588     13 $10,399,519    $9,216,360     13
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Net sales for the firstsecond quarter of 2014 increased 12% from13% over the firstsecond quarter of 2013. Average sales price per ton increased 3%4% from $798$799 in the firstsecond quarter of 2013 to $825$831 in the firstsecond quarter of 2014, andwhile total tons shipped to outside customers increased 8% from9% over the same period last year.

Net sales for the first quartersix months of 2014 increased 4% from13% over the fourth quarterfirst six months of 2013 due to a 1% increase in the average2013. Average sales price per ton and, despite severe weather conditions, a 3% increaseincreased 4% from $798 in the first half of 2013 to $828 in the first half of 2014, while 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 thecustomers increased quarter9% over quarter shipments. Our first quarter of 2014 fiscal period contained only one additional day than the fourth quarter of 2013.last year.

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

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended       Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014   March 30, 2013   % Change   July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   % Change July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   % Change 

Steel production

   5,194     4,818     8   5,324     4,892     9  10,518     9,710     8
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Outside steel shipments

   4,600     4,334     6   4,646     4,274     9  9,246     8,608     7

Inside steel shipments

   832     741     12   831     751     11  1,663     1,492     11
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Total steel shipments

   5,432     5,075     7   5,477     5,025     9  10,909     10,100     8
  

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Net sales for the steel mills segment increased 10% from15% over the firstsecond quarter of 2013 due to a 4%6% increase in the average sales price per ton from $756$746 to $783$789, and a 6%9% increase in tons shipped to outside customers. Our sheet, bar, structural and plate products all experienced higher average sales

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prices in the second quarter of 2014 compared with the second quarter of 2013 due to stronger demand and new product offerings. Volumes for sheet products also increased during the second quarter in part due to supply disruptions at some of our domestic competitors. Steel mill sales were negatively impacted by a planned three week outage at Nucor-Yamato Steel related to a capital project that will expand its sheet piling production capabilities. The outage resulted in lower shipments for structural steel in the second quarter of 2014 as compared with the first quarter of 2014. Though average sales prices increased for the steel mills segment in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the second quarter of 2013, imports continued to apply downward pressure on pricing during the second quarter of 2014, preventing a larger increase in average sales prices from occurring. In its most recent monthly report, the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System reported a 31.8% increase in year-to-date 2014 U.S. imports of steel mill products from the same period in 2013.

The 13% increase in sales from the first half of 2014 to the first half of 2013 in the steel mills segment was attributable to the 7% increase in tons sold to outside customers. The sheet and plate products groups experienced the most significant increases in average selling prices from the first quarter of 2013, while 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 first quarter of 2013. 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 steel 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 products.

The steel mills segment net sales increased by 6% from the fourth quarter of 2013 due to a 3% increase in shipments to external customers and a 3%the 5% increase in the average sales price per ton. The bar, sheet and plate products groups all had higher average selling priceston from the fourth quarter of 2013 levels. Our sheet and plate products groups had several announced price increases$751 in the first quarterhalf of 2014, and our sheet mills also benefited from competitor supply disruptions that began2013 to $786 in the first quarterhalf of 2014.

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

 

  Three Months (13 weeks) Ended       Three Months (13 weeks) Ended Six Months (26 weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014   March 30, 2013   % Change   July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   % Change July 5, 2014   June 29, 2013   % Change 

Joist sales

   92     71     30   97     91     7  189     162     17

Deck sales

   87     69     26   101     83     22  188     152     24

Cold finish sales

   138     122     13   133     124     7  271     246     10

Fabricated concrete reinforcing steel sales

   239     228     5   321     280     15  560     508     10

The 11% increase in the steel products segment’s sales fromfor the firstsecond quarter of 2014 over the second quarter of 2013 was due to a 13%an 11% increase in volume that was partially offset by a 2%slight decrease in average sales price per ton from $1,380$1,374 to $1,348. In spite$1,367. The 11% increase in the steel products segment’s sales for the first half of severethe year was due to a 12% increase in volume partially offset by a 1% decrease in average sales price per ton from $1,377 to $1,358. The improvement in sales for the steel products segment in the second quarter and first half of 2014 compared with the same periods in the prior year is due to improving conditions in the nonresidential construction markets. Though conditions in the nonresidential constructions markets have improved, the improvements are from historically low levels. Sales for the steel products segment in the second quarter of 2014 increased from the first quarter of 2014 due to higher volumes resulting from improved weather conditions from the harsh conditions experienced in the first quarter of 2014, which disrupted construction activity and exacerbated conditions in the seasonally weaker performance of our fabricated construction products businesses, sales volumes improved significantly. The tonnage increase was partly due to the fact 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 demand within nonresidential construction markets in 2014.

The sales for the raw materials segment increased 27% over9% from the firstsecond quarter of 2013 becauseand 18% from the first half of increases in third party sales volume within2013 primarily due to increased volumes at our natural gas drilling working interests and DJJ’s recycling and brokerage operations, and to a lesser extent within their scrap processing operations.businesses. In the firstsecond quarter of 2014, approximately 77%79% of outside sales in the raw materials segment were from the brokerage operations of DJJ and approximately 15%12% of the outside

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sales were from the scrap processing facilities (85%(83% and 12%14%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2013). In the first half of 2014, approximately 78% of outside sales for the raw materials segment were from the brokerage operations and approximately 14% of outside sales were from the scrap processing facilities of DJJ (84% and 13%, respectively, in the first quarterhalf of 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.

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Gross Margins For the firstsecond quarter of 2014 , Nucor recorded gross margins of $377.2$415.9 million (7%(8%), compared to $303.2with $313.1 million (7%) in the firstsecond quarter of 2013. In addition to the fact that there were six more days in the first quarter of 2014,The gross margin was impacted by a 4% increase in average sales price per ton and a 9% increase in tons shipped to outside customers, along with the following factors:

 

In the steel mills segment, the average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used increased 5%2% from $379$377 in the firstsecond quarter of 2013 to $398$384 in the firstsecond quarter of 2014 and increased 6% from $377 in the fourth quarter of 2013;2014; however, metal margin per ton also increased from the first 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 first quarter of 2014 as compared to the fourthsecond quarter of 2013 due to the increase in tons soldaverage selling prices and volumes. The average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton decreased 4% from $398 in the first quarter of 2014 to outside customers.$384 in the second quarter of 2014; however, metal margins per ton also increased from the first quarter of 2014. 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. During the first quarter of 2014, scrapScrap prices experienced minor fluctuations. As we begina gradual decline during the second quarter of 2014 there continues to bewith low volatility. As we begin the third quarter, we expect continued low volatility in scrap prices.

 

Nucor’s gross margins arecan be 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,year-over-year, primarily within raw material inventory in the steel mills segment. Gross margin was impacted by aNo LIFO charge or credit was recorded for the second quarter of $14.5 million2014 or 2013.

Gross margins in the steel products segment increased in the second quarter of 2014 over the second quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014 due in large part to the improving conditions in the nonresidential construction markets. Though conditions in the nonresidential construction markets are improving, the improvement is from historically low levels. Our deck, rebar, cold finish, and building systems operations experienced margin improvement in the second quarter of 2014 compared with a chargethe second quarter of $18.0 million2013. Our joist, deck, rebar and building systems operations experienced margin improvement in the second quarter of 2014 compared with the first quarter of 2013 and a charge of $17.4 million in the fourth quarter of 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.2014.

 

Steel mill energy costs increased $1 per ton in the second quarter of 2014 over the second quarter of 2013 due to increased natural gas and electricity unit costs.

Our Nucor Steel Louisiana DRI facility experienced significant operational losses, including start-up costs of $19.4 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared with start-up costs of $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2013, which negatively impacted gross margins.

For the first half of 2014, Nucor recorded gross margins of $793.1 million (8%), compared to $616.3 million (7%) in the first half of 2013. The gross margin was impacted by a 4% increase in average sales price per ton and a 9% increase in shipments to external customers in the first six months of 2014 as compared to the first six months of 2013. Gross margins were also impacted by the following factors:

In the steel mills segment, the average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used increased 3% from $378 in the first half of 2013 to $391 in the first half of 2014; however, metal margins also increased.

Gross margins in the steel products segment increased in the first half of 2014 over the first half of 2013 for the reasons described above.

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Gross margins were negatively impacted by a $14.5 million and $18.0 million LIFO charge in the first half of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Energy costs increased approximately $5$3 per ton in the first quarterhalf of 2014 over the first quarterhalf of 2013 and increased approximately $7 per ton from the fourth quarter of 2013. These increases were attributabledue mainly to increased natural gas and electricity unit costs stemming from the harsh winter weather conditions whichin the first quarter of 2014 that drove up energy demand and costs.

 

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

Our Nucor Steel Louisiana DRI facility experienced significant operational losses, including start-up costs of $20.7$40.1 million in the first quarterhalf of 2014 compared with start-up costs of $3.8$9.2 million in the first quarterhalf of 2013.

Within the raw materials segment, DJJ’s gross margins for the first half of 2014 improved significantly over the first half of 2013, which negatively impacted gross margins.particularly within DJJ’s recycling business. Third party sales volumes and margins have improved significantly year-over-year despite the impact of recent price declines in both ferrous and nonferrous markets.

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 $6.0$8.9 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the second quarter of 2013, and increased $14.9 million in the first half of 2014 compared to the first half of 2013, due to the increased profitability of the Company. Profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs increased $16.2 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 20132014 due to increased profitabilitythe annual restricted stock unit grant and the stock option grant that occurred in the second quarter of the Company.2014.

Also includedIncluded in marketing, administrative and other expenses in the first quarterhalf of 2014 is a $9.0 million charge related to the disposal of assets within the steel millsmill segment (none in the first quarterhalf of 2013).

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Equity in (Earnings) LossesEarnings 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 results includedearnings, including amortization expense and other purchase accounting adjustments.adjustments, were $3.2 million and $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.7 million and $0.4 million in the first half of 2014 and 2013, respectively. The improvementincrease in the equity method investment earnings is primarily due to a slight decrease in losses at Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. and higher equity method earnings at NuMit LLC during both the second quarter and the first half of 2014 compared to last year’s first quarter.with the respective prior year periods.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for 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 impairment. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the first quarterhalf of 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.

Interest Expense (Income) Net interest expense for the second quarter and first quarterhalf of 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Interest expense

  $41,893   $33,680    $45,878   $40,676   $87,771   $74,356  

Interest income

   (1,152  (1,189   (1,487  (1,448  (2,639  (2,637
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Interest expense, net

  $40,741   $32,491    $44,391   $39,228   $85,132   $71,719  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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In the firstsecond quarter of 2014, gross interest expense increased 24%13% from the prior yearsecond quarter of 2013 due primarily to a 20%23% increase in average debt outstanding. Gross interest income increased 3% due mainly to increases in average investments outstanding.

In the first half of 2014, gross interest expense increased 18% from the first half of 2013 due to a 22% increase in average debt outstanding. Gross interest income remained flat between the first half of 2014 and 2013.

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

 

  Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended   Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended Six Months (26 Weeks) Ended 
  April 5, 2014 March 30, 2013   July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 July 5, 2014 June 29, 2013 

Steel mills

  $317,797   $272,258    $368,138   $237,102   $685,935   $509,360  

Steel products

   1,720    (11,924   42,612    32,073    44,332    20,149  

Raw materials

   8,359    1,536     (9,635  12,218    (1,276  13,754  

Corporate/eliminations

   (120,375  (108,542   (159,250  (129,061  (279,625  (237,603
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $207,501   $153,328    $241,865   $152,332   $449,366   $305,660  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment for the second quarter and first six months of 2014 increased significantly from the second quarter and first quartersix months of 2013 due to higher sales volume, higher average sales prices and higher metal marginmargins resulting from the factors discussed above. 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 products. These higher value product offerings benefited the profitability of the steel mills segment in the second quarter and first half of 2014. Structural steel shipments and earnings were negatively impacted by the planned three week outage at Nucor-Yamato Steel related to a capital project that will expand its sheet piling production capabilities. The improved results of the steel mills segment were achieved despite imports being at levels not seen since 2006. Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment decreasedfor the second quarter of 2014 increased from $336.8 millionthe first quarter of 2014 due to higher average sales prices, higher volumes and higher metal margins. Market conditions improved in the fourthsecond quarter of 2013 due to2014 as the typical seasonalityweather conditions improved from the severe conditions experienced in the first quarter. quarter of 2014.

The profitability of the steel mills segment in the second quarter and first quarterhalf of 2014 also benefited from improved results from the NuMit and Duferdofin Nucor equity method investments as compared towith the first quarter of 2013.respective prior year periods. Partially offsetting these increasesfactors were the significant increase inincreased energy costs and thea $9.0 million loss recorded in the first quarter of 2014charge related to the disposal of assets within the steel mill segment. Though an improvement frommills segment in the first quarter of 2013, first quarterhalf of 2014 performance(none in the steel mills segment was negatively impacted by severe weather conditions and imports. Nonresidential construction, the sector to which greater than 50%first half of our business is tied, is showing small but noticeable signs of improvement in demand.2013).

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In the steel products segment, operating results improvedearnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests increased significantly from the second quarter and first half of 2013. Profitability at our deck, rebar, cold finish and building systems operations increased in the second quarter and first half of 2014 compared with the respective periods in the prior year. The steel products segment has benefited from the improving conditions in the nonresidential construction markets. Though conditions in the nonresidential construction markets are improving, the improvement is from historically low levels. Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel products segment increased significantly from the first quarter of 2013 but decreased when compared with earnings of $31.0 million reported2014 due to typical seasonality that occurs in the fourthsecond quarter of 2013. Althoughas improved weather conditions benefit nonresidential construction markets. This seasonality was exacerbated in the average sales price decreasedcurrent year due to extreme weather conditions that were experienced in the first quarter of 2014 over the comparable periods, there was a 13% increase in volumes from the first quarter 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 operations improved from the first quarter of 2013. Even though volumes in our rebar fabrication businesses increased from the first quarter of 2013, the rebar fabrication results worsened slightly quarter over quarter due to decreased pricing and margins, particularly within the Canadian operations.2014.

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The decrease in profitability of our raw materials segment increased fromfor the second quarter and first half of 2014 as compared to the second quarter and first half of 2013 is due primarily to increased operational losses, which included increased start-up costs, at our new Louisiana DRI facility. The Louisiana DRI plant underwent a three week outage in the second quarter to implement adjustments that will improve yield and conversion costs. Partially offsetting the losses at the Louisiana DRI plant was increased profitability from DJJ’s brokerage and scrap processing operations due to improved third party salesincreased volumes and margins within DJJ’s scrap processing businesses. Ourmargin improvement, and increased profitability from our natural gas working interest drilling investment results also improved due to increased sales volumes and higher sales prices due to the impact of 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.investment.

Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interests represent the income attributable to the noncontrolling partners of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (NYS), of which Nucor owns 51%. The decrease in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the second quarter of 2014 as compared to the second quarter of 2013 was primarily attributable to a planned three week outage this quarter associated with a capital project. The decrease in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the decreased earningsfirst half of NYS, which were due to2014 from the first half of 2013 is mainly the result of lower selling prices and margins in the first quarter of 2014 as compared towith the first quarter of 2013 and the planned three week outage mentioned above. Selling prices and margins at NYS in the second quarter of 2014 increased over both the first quarter of 2014 and the second quarter of 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 quartersix months of 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 TaxesNucor had an effective tax rate of 37.5%31.0% in the firstsecond quarter of 2014 compared with 27.8%30.2% in the firstsecond quarter of 2013. The expected rate for the full year of 2014 will be approximately 32.6%32.3% compared with 26.0% for the full year of 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate for the firstsecond quarter of 2014 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2013 is primarily due to the change in relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods. The increase in the expected rate for the full year of 2014 as compared to the full year of 2013 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 increase2014 and the $21.3 million favorable non-cash out-of-period adjustment to deferred tax balances in the effective tax rate is also due to the change in relative proportionsfourth quarter of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods, and the 2013 first quarter rate being lower because of the recognition of credits for the year 2012 retroactively extended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.2013.

We estimate that in the next twelve months our gross uncertain tax positions, which totaled $68.9$68.5 million at AprilJuly 5, 2014 exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $12.2 million as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations.limitations, substantially all of which would impact the effective tax rate.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently examining Nucor’s 2012 federal income tax return. Management believes that the Company has adequately provided for any adjustments that may arise from this audit. Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2009. The 2010, to2011, and 2013 tax years also are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.IRS. The tax years 2009 through 2013 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 $111.0$147.0 million, or $0.35$0.46 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2014 compared with consolidated net earnings of $85.1 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2013. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 3% and 2% in the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Nucor reported consolidated net earnings of $258.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, in the first quarterhalf of 2014, compared to consolidated net earnings of $84.8$169.9 million, or $0.26$0.53 per diluted share, in the first quarterhalf of 2013. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales was 2% in both the first quarterhalf of 2014 and 2% in the first quarter of 2013. Return on average stockholders’ equity was 6%approximately 7% and 4% in the first quarterhalf of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Outlook We currently expect someto see a stronger improvement in secondearnings for the third quarter of 2014. Although non-residential construction markets remain at historically low levels, they are improving at a moderate pace. We therefore expect further increased operating profits in our downstream products businesses. Steel mill profitability is also expected to improve in the third quarter of 2014 earnings from the first quarter of 2014, excluding the impact of the taxas our Nucor-Yamato Steel division has no planned outage and disposal of assets charges incurred in the first quarter. We anticipate improved performance at both our steel millssheet and fabricated construction product businesses (rebar fabrication, joist and decking and pre-engineered metal buildings), although imports are expected toplate margins continue to pressurebenefit from positive pricing and margins at our steel mills.trends. We remain cautiously optimistic about the small but noticeablealso expect improvement in the nonresidential construction marketsperformance of the Louisiana DRI facility in 2014.the third quarter, with profitable performance anticipated by the end of the year.

Nucor’s largest exposure to market risk is via our steel mills and steel products segments. Our largest single customer in the first quarterhalf of 2014 represented approximately 6%5% of sales and consistently pays within terms. In the raw materials segment, we are exposed to price fluctuations related to the purchase of scrap steel and iron ore. Our exposure to market risk is mitigated by the fact that our steel mills use a significant portion of the products of this segment.

Liquidity and capital resources

Cash provided by operating activities was $149.2$443.3 million in the first quarterhalf of 2014, compared with cash provided by operating activities of $128.8$485.0 million in the first quarterhalf of 2013. The year over year increaseyear-over-year decrease is primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities, which were ($257.5) million in the first half of 2014 compared with ($81.6) million in the first half of 2013. The change in operating assets and liabilities was partially offset by higher net earnings which included increased levels of depreciation expense, offset byexpense. The funding of our working capital increased over the prior year period due mainly to increases in accounts receivable and inventories and a decrease in accounts payable. Accounts receivable increased due to increased outside shipments in the second quarter of 2014 over the fourth quarter of 2013, as well as an increase in the sales price per ton during that same period. There was also an increase in cash used to purchase inventory during the first half of 2014 as inventory tons on hand increased approximately 3% from year-end 2013 to the end of the second quarter of 2014 resulting from improved customer demand. Cash used to purchase inventories decreased from year-end 2012 to the end of the second quarter of 2013 as inventory tons on hand decreased slightly and scrap cost per ton in ending inventory decreased. The decrease in cash used to fund accounts payable during the first half of 2014 is due to a significant decrease in accrued plant and equipment purchases and a decrease in scrap cost per ton in ending inventory from year-end 2013 to the end of the second quarter. Partially offsetting the net decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities which were ($178.7)was the $79.6 million increase in net earnings from the first quarterhalf of 2014 compared with ($156.5) million in the first quarter of 2013. Depreciation expense increased in the first quarter of 2014 compared2013 to the first quarterhalf of 20132014. The higher net earnings included $68.0 million of additional depreciation expense over the first half of 2013. The increase in depreciation expense is primarily due to the completion of our DRI facility in Louisiana and additional 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 inventories offset somewhat by an increase in federal income taxes payable. Inventory increased due to an increase in inventory tons on hand and an increase in scrap prices compared to the first quarter of 2013. Federal income taxes payable increased as a result of higher earnings.

The current ratio was 3.33.2 at the end of the firstsecond quarter of 2014 and 3.3 at year-end 2013. Accounts receivable and inventories increased 14% and 5%, respectively, since year end,year-end, while quarterly net sales increased 4% fromfor the fourthsecond quarter of 2013. The increases in accounts receivable and inventories are due to2014 increased tons shipped to outside customers and the increased cost of raw materials in the current year as compared toby 8% from the fourth quarter of 2013. In the firstsecond quarter of 2014, total accounts receivable turned approximately every five weeks and inventories turned approximately every seven weeks, which is consistent with accounts receivable and inventory turnover rates of the firstsecond quarter of 2013. The current ratio was positively impacted by a 23% decrease in salaries, wages and related accruals from year end 2013 which was largely attributable to the payout of profit sharing and other incentive compensation during the first quarter of 2014.turnover. The current ratio was also impacted by the neta 23% decrease in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments from year end caused byyear-end 2013. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments is primarily attributable to their use in capital project spending and the payment of cash dividends, capital expenditures and other items discussed below.dividends.

Cash used in investing activities more than doubledincreased $232.3 million over the prior year period. ThisThe largest factor contributing to the increase in cash used in investing activities was due to purchasesthe net decrease of investments of $100.0$330.6 million in the first quarter of 2014 and a decrease in proceeds from the sale of investments and restricted investments (net of $194.6purchases) and changes in restricted cash from 2013. Additionally, cash used to fund several small acquisitions was $38.5 million quarter over quarter. These increases were partially offset byin the first half of 2014 compared with none in 2013. Partially offsetting those changes was a $174.5 million decrease in capital expenditures in large part due to the completion of $72.5 million. The decrease in capital expenditures relates primarily to decreased capital expenditures at our Louisiana DRI facility in Louisiana, which became operational in December 2013.and reduced spending with our natural gas working interest drilling program.

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Cash used in financing activities indecreased by $278.5 million from the first quarterhalf of 2014 increased 5% compared2013 due primarily to the first quarterrepayment of 2013 primarily due to lower levels of short-term debt, resulting from payments madea $250.0 million note in the first quarter of 2014 compared to increased borrowings in the first quarter ofJune 2013.

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 robuststrong at $1.25$1.17 billion as of AprilJuly 5, 2014. Our $1.50$1.5 billion revolving credit facility is undrawn and does 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 AprilJuly 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 AprilJuly 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 for 2014 are projected to be approximately $600 million compared to $1.2 billion in 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 FebruaryJune 2014, Nucor’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on Nucor’s common stock of $0.37 per share payable on May 12,August 11, 2014 to stockholders of record on March 31,June 30, 2014. This dividend is Nucor’s 164th165th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

Funds provided from operations, cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and new borrowings under our 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, 2013. There were no interest rate swaps outstanding at AprilJuly 5, 2014.

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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 its exposure to changes in the price of gas consumed by its Louisiana DRI facility. In addition to its natural gas needs at the new DRI facility in Louisiana, Nucor is also a substantial consumer of natural gas at its steel mill operations. In 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, 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 threesix months ended AprilJuly 5, 2014, the volume of natural gas sold from our natural gas working interest drilling program was approximately 68%72% of the volume of natural gas purchased for consumption in our domestic steelmaking facilities and our DRI facilities.facility in Louisiana.

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. ThisWe believe 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 (loss) income (loss) on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and recognized into earnings in the same period as the underlying physical transaction. At AprilJuly 5, 2014, accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (loss) included $1.4 million in unrealized net-of-tax losses for the fair value of these derivative instruments. Changes in the fair values of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings each period. The following table presents the negative effect on pre-tax earnings of a hypothetical change in the fair value of derivative instruments outstanding at AprilJuly 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   10% Change   25% Change 

Natural gas

  $570    $1,425    $455    $1,136  

Aluminum

   1,260     3,164     2,129     5,323  

Copper

   294     736     278     694  

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.

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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 AprilJuly 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 trebledsubject to trebling under the federal antitrust laws inlaws. On June 1, 2014, the court awarded a judgment entered byjointly and severally against the court on April 29, 2014.defendants totaling $160.8 million after trebling and including costs and attorneys’ fees. Although the Company intends to vigorously pursue all available processes to have the judgment vacated or reversed, includinghas filed an appeal towith 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 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, 2013.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description of Exhibit

10  Arrangement with Daniel R. DiMiccoNucor Corporation Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 25, 2014) (#)
  10.1Form of Award Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants (#)
  10.2Employment Agreement of Chad Utermark (#)
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 AprilJuly 5, 2014, filed on May 14,August 13, 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.

(#)Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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: May 14,August 13, 2014

 

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NUCOR CORPORATION

List of Exhibits to Form 10-Q – AprilJuly 5, 2014

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description of Exhibit

10  Arrangement with Daniel R. DiMiccoNucor Corporation Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 25, 2014) (#)
  10.1Form of Award Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants (#)
  10.2Employment Agreement of Chad Utermark (#)
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 AprilJuly 5, 2014, filed on May 14,August 13, 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.

(#)Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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