10-K

2015

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-4119

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)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (704) 366-7000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange      on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.40 per share	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

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 Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $14.08 billion based upon the closing sales price of the registrant’s common stock on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, July 4, 2015.

317,941,228 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding at February 18, 2016.

Documents incorporated by reference include: Portions of the registrant’s 2015 Annual Report (Parts I, II and IV), and portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III) to be filed within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year end.

Nucor Corporation

Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015

Table of Contents

PART I
	Item 1.	Business	1
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	8
	Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	13
	Item 2.	Properties	14
	Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	15
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	15
	Executive Officers of the Registrant		15
PART II
	Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	17
	Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	17
	Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
	Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	17
	Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	19
	Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	19
	Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	19
	Item 9B.	Other Information	19
PART III
	Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	20
	Item 11.	Executive Compensation	20
	Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	20
	Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	20
	Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	20
PART IV
	Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	21
SIGNATURES			25
Index to Financial Statement Schedule			27

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

Nucor Corporation and its affiliates (“Nucor,” the “Company” or “we”) manufacture steel and steel products. The Company also produces direct reduced iron (“DRI”) for use in the Company’s 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 the Company’s operating facilities and customers are located in North America, but Nucor does business outside of North America as well. The Company’s operations include several international trading 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. In 2015, we recycled approximately 16.9 million tons of scrap steel.

General Development of our Business in Recent Years

Nucor has invested significant capital in recent years to improve our cost structure, enhance our operational flexibility and expand our product portfolios to include more value-added, higher-margin offerings. Our investments total more than $6 billion since the economic downturn began in 2009, with approximately two-thirds going to capital expenditures and one-third going to acquisitions. The Company believes that this focus on lowering cost will enable us to execute on our strategy of delivering profitable growth. Expanding our product mix and market diversity will make us less susceptible to imports.

A major emphasis of our cost improvement and operational flexibility plan relates to controlling our raw materials cost. We have a goal of being able to produce in house between six and seven million tons of annual capacity in high-quality scrap substitutes so that we can better control both the cost and reliable sourcing of these raw materials. Our 2,500,000 metric tons-per-year DRI facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana began production in December 2013. Between our DRI plant in Trinidad with an annual capacity of 2,000,000 metric tons and our new facility in Louisiana, we are approximately two-thirds of the way towards that goal. Our DRI production capability gives us the flexibility to optimize Nucor’s overall iron units mix based on current market pricing for scrap and scrap substitutes to provide us with a low cost feedstock for our steel mills.

The DRI production process requires significant volumes of natural gas. To ensure our DRI plant in Louisiana has a sustained advantage from lower natural gas costs, Nucor entered into two long-term, onshore natural gas working interest drilling programs in U.S.-based proven reserves with Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (“Encana”). The natural gas produced by these two programs is sold to third parties to offset our exposure to spot prices of natural gas consumed by the Louisiana DRI facility and our other operations. Beginning in January 2014, Nucor and Encana temporarily suspended drilling of new natural gas wells as a result of current low natural gas prices. This joint decision demonstrates the flexibility of our partnership with Encana to react to short-term market conditions while preserving our ability to manage Nucor’s long-term exposure to higher natural gas prices at our operating divisions that consume natural gas. Nucor retains its contractual rights to resume drilling in a higher natural gas pricing environment.

Of the approximately $4 billion that we have spent since 2009 on capital expenditures, the main focus of that spending has been on projects that further our raw materials and value-added product diversification strategies. Within the steel mills segment, Nucor has deployed significant amounts of capital to expand our product offerings, enhance productivity and improve costs at our existing operations. Many of those steel mill capital projects came out of start-up during the last few years and are beginning to provide returns to Nucor’s stockholders. At our Hertford County, North Carolina plate mill, several expansions made between 2011 and 2013 have positioned the mill to increase its diversity of product offerings that are less exposed to imports. A heat treat line was added at that plate mill to facilitate Nucor’s growth in higher-margin plate products where

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greater strength and abrasion resistance is required. The heat treat line allows us to improve the product mix allocation between our two plate mills and five sheet mills to improve margins at those facilities. Also at the Hertford County mill, we commissioned a vacuum tank degasser and began operating a normalizing line. The final components of Nucor’s $290 million project at our South Carolina, Nebraska and Tennessee bar mills to expand our special bar quality (“SBQ”) and wire rod production capabilities by approximately one million tons were completed in 2015. Our South Carolina bar mill is producing wire rod on its new mill, and our Nebraska mill is now using the fifth strand at its melt shop caster and its upgraded rolling mill. Our Tennessee mill added a second ladle metallurgy furnace, a fourth strand at its melt shop caster and a new quality assurance line. These SBQ projects are an important component of our strategy because they allow us to produce engineered bar for more demanding applications that are less exposed to imports while maintaining our position as a low-cost commodity bar producer by shifting production to our other bar mills. In 2014, our Berkeley County, South Carolina mill successfully started up its nearly $100 million capital project that allows us to produce wider and thinner high-strength steel grades that can be used in a wide range of end use markets, including metal buildings, rail cars, water heaters, automotive, heavy equipment and motor lamination.

Nucor’s steel mills segment has also grown significantly in recent years through the acquisitions of Gallatin Steel Company (“Gallatin”) and Skyline Steel LLC (“Skyline”). Nucor acquired Gallatin in 2014 for a cash purchase price of $779 million. Located on the Ohio River in Ghent, Kentucky, Gallatin has an annual sheet steel production capacity of approximately 1,800,000 tons. This acquisition is strategically important as it expands Nucor’s footprint in the midwestern United States market. The acquisition of Skyline in 2012 for $675 million was an important strategic investment as it paired Skyline’s leadership position in the steel piling distribution market with our Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (“Nucor-Yamato”) joint venture’s position as the market leader in steel piling manufacturing. To build upon the synergies in the piling market serviced by Skyline, Nucor-Yamato invested $115 million in a project to broaden its range of hot-rolled piling products. Completed in late 2014, this project added several new sheet piling sections, which expanded our product offerings to include wider piling sections that are lighter and stronger, covering more area at a lower installed cost. We recently announced a $75 million quench and self-tempering project at Nucor-Yamato, which is expected to be commissioned during the second half of 2016. Upon completion, the mill will be the sole North American producer of certain high-strength, low-alloy structural sections.

Segments

Nucor reports its results in three segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. Net sales to external customers, intercompany sales, depreciation expense, amortization expense, earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, assets and capital expenditures by segment for each of the three fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 are set forth in Note 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference. The steel mills segment is Nucor’s largest segment, representing approximately 67% of the Company’s sales to external customers in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Principal Products Produced

In the steel mills segment, Nucor produces and distributes sheet steel (hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanized), plate steel, structural steel (wide-flange beams, beam blanks, H-piling and sheet piling) and bar steel (blooms, billets, concrete reinforcing bar, merchant bar, wire rod and SBQ). Nucor manufactures steel principally from scrap steel and scrap steel substitutes using electric arc furnaces, continuous casting and automated rolling mills. Nucor’s equity method investments in Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. and NuMit LLC are included in the steel mills segment. Also included in the steel mills segment are our distribution and international trading companies that buy and sell steel and steel products that Nucor and other steel producers have manufactured. 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 wire and wire mesh. In the raw materials segment, the Company produces DRI; brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, HBI and DRI;

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supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal. The raw materials segment also includes our natural gas working interest drilling programs with Encana and Nucor’s equity method investment in Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC.

Markets and Marketing

The steel mills segment sells its products primarily to steel service centers, fabricators and manufacturers located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere in the world. Nucor produces hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanized sheet steel in standard grades and to customers’ specifications while maintaining inventories to fulfill anticipated orders. We estimate that approximately 60% of our sheet steel sales in 2015 were to contract customers. The balance of our sheet steel sales was made in the spot market at prevailing prices at the time of sale. The proportion of tons sold to contract customers at any given time depends on a variety of factors, including our consideration of current and future market conditions, our strategy to appropriately balance spot and contract tons in a manner to meet our customers’ requirements while considering the expected profitability, our desire to sustain a diversified customer base, and our end-use customers’ perceptions about future market conditions. These sheet sales contracts permit price adjustments to reflect changes in the current market-based indices and/or raw material costs near the time of shipment. These sheet sales contracts typically have terms ranging from six to twelve months. Steel contract sales outside of our sheet operations are not significant.

Our plate, structural, reinforcing and merchant bar steel come in standard sizes and grades, which allows us to maintain inventory levels of these products to meet our customers’ expected orders. In addition, our bar mill group manufactures hot-rolled SBQ products to exacting specifications primarily servicing the automotive, energy, agricultural, heavy equipment and transportation sectors. Almost all of our plate, structural, rebar, merchant bar and SBQ steel sales occur in the spot market at prevailing market prices.

In 2015, approximately 86% of the shipments made by our steel mills segment were to external customers. The balance of the steel mills segment’s shipments went to our piling distributor and our downstream joist, deck, rebar fabrication, fastener, metal buildings and cold finish operations.

In the steel products segment, we sell steel joists and joist girders, and steel deck to general contractors and fabricators located throughout the United States and Canada. We make these products to the customers’ specifications and do not maintain inventories of these finished steel products. The majority of these contracts are firm, fixed-price contracts that are in most cases competitively bid against other suppliers. Longer-term supply contracts may or may not permit us to adjust our prices to reflect changes in prevailing raw materials costs. We sell and install fabricated reinforcing products primarily on a construction contract bid basis. These products are used by contractors in constructing highways, bridges, reservoirs, utilities, hospitals, schools, airports, stadiums and high-rise buildings. We manufacture cold finished steel, steel fasteners, steel grating, wire and wire mesh in standard sizes and maintain inventories of these products to fulfill anticipated orders. We sell cold finished steel and steel fasteners primarily to distributors and manufacturers located throughout the United States and Canada.

We market products from the steel mills and steel products segments mainly through in-house sales forces. We also utilize our internal distribution and trading companies to market our products abroad. The markets for these products are largely tied to capital and durable goods spending and are affected by changes in general economic conditions.

In the raw materials segment, we process ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal for use in our steel mills and for sale to various domestic and international external customers. We also broker ferrous and nonferrous metals and scrap substitutes, supply ferro-alloys, and provide transportation, material handling and other services to users of scrap metals. Our primary external customers for ferrous scrap are electric arc furnace steel mills and foundries that use ferrous scrap as a raw material in their manufacturing process. External customers purchasing nonferrous scrap metal include aluminum can producers, secondary aluminum smelters, steel mills and other processors and consumers of various nonferrous metals. We market scrap metal products and related services to

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our external customers through in-house sales forces. In 2015, approximately 11% of the ferrous and nonferrous metals and scrap substitutes tons we processed were sold to external customers. We used the balance in our steel mills.

Also within the raw materials segment are our DRI plants in Trinidad and Louisiana that produce iron inputs exclusively for use in the Nucor mills, as well as our natural gas working interest drilling programs. All natural gas produced by the working interest drilling programs is and will be sold to outside parties.

Competition

We compete in a variety of steel and metal markets, including markets for finished steel products, unfinished steel products and raw materials. These markets are highly competitive with many domestic and foreign firms participating, and, as a result of this highly competitive environment, we find that we primarily compete on price and service.

Our electric arc furnace steel mills face many different forms of competition, including integrated steel producers (who use iron ore converted into liquid form in a blast furnace as their basic raw material instead of scrap steel), other electric arc steel furnace mills, foreign imports and alternative materials. Large integrated steel producers have the ability to manufacture a wide variety of products but face significantly higher energy costs and are often burdened with higher capital and fixed operating costs. Electric arc furnace steel mill producers such as Nucor are sensitive to increases in scrap prices but tend to have lower capital and fixed operating costs compared with integrated steel producers.

Excess global steelmaking capacity, particularly in non-market economies, continues to be a significant challenge for Nucor and the entire U.S. steel industry. With the U.S. economy performing better than most other economies around the world, the U.S. steel market is the destination of choice for global steel producers. Finished imports last year captured 29% market share, the second consecutive year that figure was at a historically high level. While imports were down slightly from 2014, they were still 27% higher than they were in 2013. These imports, which are often artificially-priced, make it very difficult for Nucor to maintain sales prices and profit levels.

Competition from foreign steel and steel product producers presents unique challenges for us. Imported steel and steel products often benefit from government subsidies, either directly or indirectly through government-owned enterprises or government-owned or controlled financial institutions. China, which accounts for almost half of the steel produced annually in the world, is the prime example of how some foreign governments impact the global steel market. Nucor believes that Chinese producers, many of which are government-owned in whole or in part, benefit from their government’s manipulation of foreign currency exchange rates and from the receipt of government subsidies, which allow them to sell their products below cost. Other foreign governments utilize similar tactics to artificially lower their steel production costs. These distorting trade practices are widely recognized as being unfair and have been challenged successfully as violating world trade rules. In 2015, the U.S. government made preliminary determinations of injury in three flat-rolled steel trade cases involving corrosion resistant, cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel products. All three cases are expected to be finalized in 2016. China’s continued treatment as a non-market economy in trade disputes in 2016 and beyond is vital for the continued assertive enforcement of world trade rules. China was a government-run, non-market economy in 2001 when it entered its Protocol of Accession to the World Trade Organization (“Protocol”), and China remains a government-run, non-market economy today. The main objective of the Protocol was to encourage, and in some cases to require, China to make market-based economic reforms. However, over the past 15 years, China has failed to take the required steps to establish that it is a market economy under U.S. law. Therefore, the United States has no reason to change its treatment of China as a non-market economy when only one of the relevant provisions of the Protocol expires in December 2016. By treating China as a non-market economy in antidumping cases, the Commerce Department can assume that Chinese prices and costs are distorted, and uses other methodologies to calculate antidumping duties. This often results in appropriately higher duties against Chinese products in order to offset its unfair trade practices.

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Aggressive trade practices, left unchallenged, seriously undermine the ability of Nucor and other domestic producers to compete on price. Competition from countries with subsidized production costs has significantly contributed to the exodus of manufacturing jobs from the United States. When such an exodus occurs, the U.S. economy is weakened and Nucor’s customer base is diminished. Rigorous trade law enforcement is critical to our ability to maintain our competitive position against foreign producers that engage in unlawful trade practices. Nucor has been active in calling on policymakers to enforce global trade agreements.

We also experience competition from other materials. Depending on our customers’ end use of our products, there are sometimes other materials, such as concrete, aluminum, plastics, composites and wood that compete with our steel products. When the price of steel relative to other raw materials rises, these alternatives become more attractive to our customers.

Competition in our scrap and raw materials business is also vigorous. The scrap metals market consists of many firms and is highly fragmented. Firms typically compete on price and geographic proximity to the sources of scrap metal.

Backlog

In the steel mills segment, Nucor’s backlog of orders was approximately $1.17 billion and $1.56 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Order backlog for the steel mills segment includes only orders from external customers and excludes orders from our downstream businesses. Nucor’s backlog of orders in the steel products segment was approximately $1.35 billion and $1.49 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The majority of these orders will be filled within one year. Order backlog within our raw materials segment is not significant because the majority of the raw materials that segment produces are used internally.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

For the past decade, Nucor has focused on securing access to low-cost raw material inputs as they are the Company’s largest expense. Nucor’s broad, balanced supply chain is an important strength which allows us to reduce the cost of our steelmaking operations, create a shorter supply chain and have greater optionality over our metallics inputs. Our investment in DRI production facilities and scrap yards, as well as our access to international raw materials markets, provides Nucor with significant flexibility in optimizing our raw materials costs. Additionally, having a significant portion of our raw materials supply under our control minimizes risk associated with the global sourcing of raw materials, particularly since a good deal of scrap substitutes comes from regions of the world that have historically experienced greater political turmoil. Continued successful implementation of our raw material strategy, including key investments in DRI production, coupled with the scrap brokerage and processing services performed by our team at DJJ, give us greater control over our metallic inputs and thus help us mitigate the risk of significant price fluctuations in input costs.

The primary raw materials for our steel mills segment are ferrous scrap and scrap substitutes such as pig iron, DRI and HBI. On average, it takes approximately 1.1 tons of scrap and scrap substitutes to produce a ton of steel. As of December 31, 2015, DJJ operated approximately 70 scrap recycling facilities, and our annual scrap processing capability exceeded five million tons. DJJ acquires ferrous scrap from numerous sources including manufacturers of products made from steel, industrial plants, scrap dealers, peddlers, auto wreckers and demolition firms. We purchase pig iron as needed from a variety of sources and operate DRI plants in Trinidad and Louisiana with respective capacities of 2,000,000 and 2,500,000 metric tons annually. The primary raw material for our DRI facilities is iron ore, which we purchase from various international suppliers.

In June 2010, Nucor entered into an agreement with Encana that involves drilling and completing onshore natural gas wells in the United States. Nucor entered into a second and more extensive drilling agreement with Encana in late 2012 that is projected to span more than 20 years. Natural gas produced by these working interest drilling programs is sold to offset our exposure to spot prices of natural gas consumed by our Louisiana DRI

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facility and our other operations. Starting in January 2014, Nucor and Encana temporarily suspended drilling new natural gas wells as a result of current low natural gas prices. Under its agreements with Encana, Nucor retains its contractual rights to resume drilling in a higher natural gas pricing environment.

The primary raw material for our steel products segment is steel produced by Nucor’s steel mills.

DJJ generally purchases ferrous and nonferrous scrap for sale to external customers from the same variety of sources it purchases ferrous scrap for use as a raw material in Nucor’s steel mills. DJJ does not purchase a significant amount of scrap metal from a single source or from a limited number of major sources. The availability and price of ferrous scrap and other metallic inputs such as iron ore are affected by changes in the global supply and demand for steel and steel products.

Energy Consumption and Costs

Our steel mills are large consumers of electricity and natural gas. Our DRI facilities in Trinidad and Louisiana are also large consumers of natural gas. Consequently, we use a variety of strategies to manage our exposure to price risk of natural gas, including cash flow hedges and our natural gas working interest drilling programs.

Historically, manufacturers in the United States have benefited from relatively stable and competitive energy costs that have allowed them to compete on an equal footing in the increasingly global marketplace. The availability and prices of electricity and natural gas are influenced today, however, by many factors including changes in supply and demand, advances in drilling technology and, increasingly, changes in public policy relating to energy production and use. Because energy is such a significant cost for Nucor, we strive continually to make our operations in all three of our business segments more energy efficient. We also closely monitor developments in public policy relating to energy production and consumption. When appropriate, we work to shape those developments in ways that we believe will allow us to continue to be a competitive producer of steel and steel products in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Our business operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect the environment. The principal federal environmental laws include the Clean Air Act that regulates air emissions; the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) that regulates water discharges; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) that addresses solid and hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) that governs releases of, and remediation of, sites contaminated by hazardous substances. Our operations are also subject to state laws and regulations that are patterned on these and other federal laws.

We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the provisions of all federal and state environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business operations. However, both federal and state laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, making compliance with them increasingly expensive and burdensome. In many instances the total costs of compliance are not readily quantifiable because compliance is so engrained in our operating philosophy that these costs are simply considered part of our standard operating procedures.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) recently issued a final rule for the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (“NAAQS”). The impact of the new Ozone NAAQS on Nucor is expected to be minimal and will create no adverse impacts. USEPA also issued a final rule regarding the Clean Power Plan (“CPP”). While the CPP is directed at electric generating units Nucor expects indirect impact through increased electric costs. There are ongoing legal challenges to the CPP which will likely delay any potential adverse impacts to us. Even after resolution of these legal challenges, we expect the impacts will be spread over a significant timeframe, further mitigating these impacts on Nucor’s operations. Despite this atmosphere of constant regulatory change, at this time we do not believe that compliance with these new environmental regulations will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

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The USEPA has recently revised the rules and definitions with respect to recycling and disposal of solid wastes. The new rules require states to develop new programs and certification processes that will be forthcoming during the next year. We do not expect these rules to have any adverse impact on Nucor’s ability to recycle steel or to continue recycling wastes that are routinely handled at our facilities.

Nucor uses electric arc furnaces (“EAF”) to recycle scrap metal into new steel products. These EAFs use electricity as their primary source of energy. As the new greenhouse gas (“GHG”) regulations, air toxics rules and new emissions standards recently imposed on electric utilities are fully implemented it is reasonable to expect that the cost of electricity produced by these utilities will increase. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for more information about the potential impact of GHG regulations on Nucor’s business.

The CWA regulates water discharges and withdrawals. Nucor maintains discharge and withdrawal permits as appropriate at its facilities under the national pollutant discharge elimination system program of the CWA and conducts its operations in compliance with those permits. Nucor also maintains permits from local governments for the discharge of water into publicly owned treatment works where available.

RCRA establishes standards for the management of solid and hazardous wastes. RCRA also addresses the environmental impact of contamination from waste disposal activities and from recycling of and storage of most wastes. While Nucor believes it is in substantial compliance with these regulations, past waste disposal activities that were legal when conducted but now may pose a contamination threat are periodically discovered. These activities and off-site properties that USEPA has determined are contaminated, for which Nucor may be potentially responsible at some level, are quickly evaluated and corrected. While Nucor has conducted and is in the final stages of completing some cleanups under RCRA, these liabilities either are identified already and being resolved or have been fully resolved.

Because Nucor long ago implemented environmental practices that have resulted in the responsible disposal of waste materials, Nucor is also not presently considered a major contributor to any major cleanups under CERCLA for which Nucor has been named a potentially responsible party. Nucor continually evaluates these types of potential liabilities and, if appropriate, maintains reserves sufficient to remediate the identified liabilities. Under RCRA, private citizens may also bring an action against the operator of a regulated facility for potential damages and payment of cleanup costs. Nucor is confident that its system of internal evaluation and due diligence has sufficiently identified these types of potential liabilities so that compliance with these regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition beyond that already reflected in the reserves established for them.

The primary raw material of Nucor’s steelmaking operations is scrap metal. The process of recycling scrap metal brings with it many contaminants such as paint, zinc, chrome and other metals that produce air emissions which are captured in specialized emission control equipment. This filtrant (EAF dust) is classified as a listed hazardous waste under the RCRA. Because these contaminants contain valuable metals, this filtrant is recycled to recover those metals. Nucor sends all but a small fraction of the EAF dust it produces to recycling facilities that recover the zinc, lead, chrome and other valuable metals from this dust. By recycling this material, Nucor is not only acting in a sustainable, responsible manner but is also substantially limiting its potential for future liability under both CERCLA and RCRA.

Nucor operates an aggressive and sustainable environmental program that incorporates the concept of individual employee as well as management responsibility for environmental performance. All of Nucor’s steelmaking operations are ISO 14001 certified. Achieving ISO 14001 certification means that each of Nucor’s steel mills has put an environmental management system in place with measurable targets and objectives, such as reducing the use of oil and grease and minimizing electricity use, and has implemented site-wide recycling programs. These environmental management systems make environmental commitment each Nucor teammate’s responsibility. Nucor’s environmental program maintains a high level of ongoing training, commitment, outreach and visibility.

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Capital expenditures at our facilities that are associated with environmental regulation compliance for 2016 and 2017 are estimated to be less than $100 million per year.

Employees

Nucor has a simple, streamlined organizational structure to allow our employees to make quick decisions and to innovate. Our organization is highly decentralized, with most day-to-day operating decisions made by our division general managers and their staff. We have slightly more than 100 employees in our executive office. The vast majority of Nucor’s approximately 23,700 employees are not represented by labor unions.

Available Information

Nucor’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, are available on our website at www.nucor.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after Nucor files these reports electronically with, or furnishes them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Except as otherwise stated in these reports, the information contained on our website or available by hyperlink from our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other documents we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Many of the factors that affect our business and operations involve risk and uncertainty. The factors described below are some of the risks that could materially negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our industry is cyclical and both recessions and prolonged periods of slow economic growth could have an adverse effect on our business.

Demand for most of our products is cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions. Our business supports cyclical industries such as the commercial construction, energy, metals service centers, appliance and automotive industries. As a result, downturns in the United States economy or any of these industries could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. While the United States has recently experienced modest growth in the general economy and steel demand in this country is stronger than in many parts of the world, the global and domestic steel industries continue to face significant challenges. These challenges are caused by global overcapacity in the steel industry and ongoing uncertainties in other regions of the world. These situations can contribute to weaker end-markets and depressed demand for domestically produced steel and steel products, potentially resulting in extraordinary volatility in our financial results.

The economic outlook for our industry remains uncertain both in the United States and globally. While we believe that the long-term prospects for the steel industry remain bright, we are unable to predict the duration of the current economic conditions that are contributing to reduced demand for domestically produced steel and steel products well below the 2007 pre-recession levels. Future economic downturns or a prolonged slow-growth or stagnant economy could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Overcapacity in the global steel industry could increase the level of steel imports, which may negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The current global steelmaking capacity exceeds the current global consumption of steel. During periods of global economic weakness this overcapacity is amplified because of weaker global demand. This excess capacity often results in manufacturers in certain countries exporting significant amounts of steel and steel products at prices that are at or below their costs of production. In some countries the steel industry is subsidized or owned in whole or in part by the government, giving imported steel from those countries certain cost advantages. These imports, which are also affected by demand in the domestic market, international currency conversion rates and

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domestic and international government actions, can result in downward pressure on steel prices, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Overcapacity has also led to greater protectionism as is evident in raw material and finished product border tariffs put in place by China, Brazil and other countries.

In particular, steel production in China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of steel, continues to exceed Chinese demand. According to the China Iron & Steel Association, China’s total annual crude steel capacity is 1.2 billion metric tons, while Chinese apparent steel demand was only 645 million metric tons in the first 11 months of 2015. This rising overcapacity and slowdown in demand in China has resulted in a further increase in imports of artificially low-priced steel and steel products to the United States and world steel markets. Steel and steel products which would otherwise have been consumed by the local steel customers could then be displaced into global markets, putting our steel and steel products at a competitive disadvantage. A continuation of this unbalanced growth trend or a significant decrease in China’s rate of economic expansion could result in increasing steel exports from China.

Producers in the world steel market could pursue additional export opportunities as a result of the current abundance of ocean freight capacity and lower fuel costs. Furthermore, the domestic steel market could experience a contraction in exports at the same time as imports grow due to weakening conditions in Europe and policies of foreign governments that result in overvaluing the U.S. dollar against other foreign currencies. Furthermore, the planned addition of new capacity in the United States could exacerbate the issue of overcapacity domestically as well as globally.

Competition from other producers, imports or alternative materials may adversely affect our business.

We face strong competition from other steel producers and imports that compete with our products on price and service. The steel markets are highly competitive and a number of firms, domestic and foreign, participate in the steel and raw materials markets. Depending on a variety of factors, including raw materials cost and availability, energy, technology, labor and capital costs, government control of currency exchange rates and government subsidies of foreign steel producers, our business may be materially adversely affected by competitive forces.

In many applications, steel competes with other materials, such as concrete, aluminum, composites, plastic and wood. Increased use of these materials in substitution for steel products could have a material adverse effect on prices and demand for our steel products.

Since 2011, automobile producers have begun taking steps towards complying with new Corporate Average Fuel Economy mileage requirements for new cars and light trucks that they produce. As automobile producers work to produce vehicles in compliance with these new standards, they may reduce the amount of steel or begin utilizing alternative materials in cars and trucks to improve fuel economy, thereby reducing demand for steel and resulting in further over-supply of steel in North America. Certain automakers have begun to use greater amounts of aluminum and smaller proportions of steel in some models since 2015.

The results of our operations are sensitive to volatility in steel prices and the cost of raw materials, particularly scrap steel.

We rely to an extent on outside vendors to supply us with raw materials, including both scrap and scrap substitutes that are critical to the manufacture of our products. Although we have further vertically integrated our business by constructing our DRI facilities in Trinidad and Louisiana and also acquiring DJJ, we still must purchase most of our primary raw material, steel scrap, from numerous other sources located throughout the United States. Although we believe that the supply of scrap and scrap substitutes is adequate to operate our facilities, prices of these critical raw materials are volatile and are influenced by changes in scrap exports in response to changes in the scrap, scrap substitutes and iron ore demands of our global competitors. At any given time, we may be unable to obtain an adequate supply of these critical raw materials with price and other terms acceptable to us. The availability and prices of raw materials may also be negatively affected by new laws and

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regulations, allocation by suppliers, interruptions in production, accidents or natural disasters, changes in exchange rates, worldwide price fluctuations, and the availability and cost of transportation. Many countries that export steel into our markets restrict the export of scrap, protecting the supply chain of some foreign competitors. This trade practice creates an artificial competitive advantage for foreign producers that could limit our ability to compete in the U.S. market.

If our suppliers increase the prices of our critical raw materials, we may not have alternative sources of supply. In addition, to the extent that we have quoted prices to our customers and accepted customer orders for our products prior to purchasing necessary raw materials, we may be unable to raise the price of our products to cover all or part of the increased cost of the raw materials. Also, if we are unable to obtain adequate and timely deliveries of our required raw materials, we may be unable to timely manufacture sufficient quantities of our products. This could cause us to lose sales, incur additional costs and suffer harm to our reputation.

Changes in the availability and cost of electricity and natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions that could adversely affect our business.

Our steel mills are large consumers of electricity and natural gas. In addition, our DRI facilities are also large consumers of natural gas. We rely upon third parties for our supply of energy resources consumed in the manufacture of our products. The prices for and availability of electricity and natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions often are affected by weather, political and economic factors beyond our control, and we may be unable to raise the price of our products to cover increased energy costs. Disruptions in the supply of our energy resources could temporarily impair our ability to manufacture our products for our customers. Increases in our energy costs resulting from regulations that are not equally applicable across the entire global steel market could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

A substantial or extended decline in natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on our natural gas working interest drilling programs.

The financial performance and condition of our natural gas working interest drilling programs are substantially dependent on the prevailing prices of natural gas and liquids. Fluctuations in natural gas or liquids prices could have an adverse effect on the Company’s natural gas operations and financial condition and the value and recovery of its reserves in the working interest drilling programs. Prices for natural gas and liquids fluctuate in response to changes in the supply and demand for natural gas and oil, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond the Company’s control. A substantial or extended decline in the price of natural gas could result in further delay or cancellation of existing or future drilling programs or curtailment in production at some properties, all of which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s revenues, profitability and cash flows.

Our steelmaking processes, DRI processes, and the manufacturing processes of many of our suppliers, customers and competitors are energy intensive and generate carbon dioxide and other GHGs. The regulation of these GHGs through new regulations or legislation in an onerous form could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Carbon is an essential raw material in Nucor’s production processes. As a carbon steel producer, Nucor will be increasingly affected both directly and indirectly if GHG regulations are further implemented. Because our operations are subject to most of these new GHG regulations, we have already begun to feel the impact in the permit modification and reporting processes. Both GHG regulations and recently promulgated NAAQS, which are more restrictive than previous standards, make it significantly more difficult to obtain new permits and to modify existing permits.

These same regulations have indirectly increased the costs to manufacture our products as they have and continue to increase the cost of energy, primarily electricity, which we use extensively in the steelmaking process. The discovery of new natural gas reserves utilizing the practice of horizontal drilling and hydraulic

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fracturing is dampening some of this indirect impact, as some utilities switch fuels to natural gas from coal thereby reducing their emissions significantly. However, because some generating facilities when faced with new regulations are idling facilities instead of converting to natural gas, the resulting reduction in capacity can and will create further pressure on electrical energy prices. The USEPA has recently finalized its CPP, but there are ongoing legal challenges to that regulation. These are regulations intended to reduce GHGs from electric generating units. The increase in electric costs will vary on a state by state basis but will be substantial across all regions. Some states are expected to see increases in excess of 50% for ratepayers. There will be many legal challenges to these new regulations, but the reality is that utility companies are making decisions today that will increase cost because of uncertainty of the outcome of any legal challenges. To the extent that these regulations cause either directly or indirectly an increase in the cost of energy, they will have an impact on Nucor’s competitive position.

The USEPA continues to press forward with new regulations that control GHG and other NAAQS pollutants. Court challenges regarding many of these regulations have diminished to some extent their impact on various operations. Nucor operations have not, however, experienced any relief from these legal actions. Further court challenges to some of the NAAQS revisions may affect our operations, but the impact is likely to be minimal. Because some foreign steel producers are not subject to these same indirect and direct regulatory burdens and their associated cost increases, our products could be at a further competitive disadvantage. In addition to increased costs of production, we could also incur costs to defend and resolve legal claims and other litigation related to new air and water quality regulations and the alleged impact of our operations on the environment.

Environmental compliance and remediation could result in substantially increased costs and materially adversely impact our competitive position.

Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, and we accordingly, make provision in our financial statements for the estimated costs of compliance. These laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, resulting in inherent uncertainties in these estimates. The USEPA has recently revised the rules and definitions around recycling and solid wastes. The new rules require states to create new programs and certification processes for the companies that wish to continue recycling materials. Increased administrative and operational costs are likely in the United States to handle steel mill recycled materials such as slag, mill scale, iron dusts, lime and air filtration control dusts. To the extent that competitors, particularly foreign steel producers and manufacturers of competitive products, are not subject to similar regulation and required to incur equivalent costs, our competitive position could be materially adversely impacted. If one of our permits is revoked or if we were to experience significant delays in obtaining a permit modification or a new permit, this could result in operational delays at one or more of our facilities, causing a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

We acquire businesses from time to time and we may encounter difficulties in integrating businesses we acquire.

We plan to continue to seek attractive opportunities to acquire businesses, enter into joint ventures and make other investments that strengthen Nucor. Realizing the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or other transactions will depend on our ability to operate these businesses and integrate them with our operations and to cooperate with our strategic partners. Our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected if we are unable to successfully integrate these businesses.

Our operations are subject to business interruptions and casualty losses.

The steelmaking business is subject to numerous inherent risks, particularly unplanned events such as explosions, fires, other accidents, natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, unplanned critical equipment failures, acts of terrorism, inclement weather and transportation interruptions. While our insurance coverage could offset losses relating to some of those types of events, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely impacted to the extent any such losses are not covered by our insurance.

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We are subject to information technology and cyber security threats which could have an adverse effect on our business.

We utilize various information technology systems to efficiently address business functions ranging from the operation of our production equipment to administrative computation to the storage of data such as intellectual property and proprietary business information. Despite efforts to assure secure and uninterrupted operations, threats from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks or system failures could result in materially adverse operational disruptions or security breaches. These risks could result in disclosure or destruction of key proprietary information and reputational damage that could adversely affect our ability to physically produce steel and therefore affect our results of operations.

Our business requires substantial capital investment and maintenance expenditures, and our capital resources may not be adequate to provide for all of our cash requirements.

Our operations are capital intensive. For the five-year period ended December 31, 2015, our total capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, were approximately $4 billion. Our business also requires substantial expenditures for routine maintenance. Although we expect requirements for our business needs, including the funding of capital expenditures, debt service for financings and any contingencies, will be financed by internally generated funds or from borrowings under our $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, we cannot assure you that this will be the case. Additional acquisitions or unforeseen events could require financing from additional sources.

Risks associated with operating in international markets could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Certain of our businesses and investments are located outside of the United States, in Europe and in emerging markets. There are a number of risks inherent in doing business in such markets. These risks include but are not limited to: unfavorable political or economic factors; local labor and social issues; changes in regulatory requirements; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and complex foreign laws, treaties including tax laws and the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. These risks could restrict our ability to operate our international businesses profitably and therefore have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations. In addition, our reported results of operations and financial position could also be negatively affected by exchange rates when the activities and balances of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes.

The accounting treatment of equity method investments, goodwill and other long-lived assets could result in future asset impairments, which would reduce our earnings.

We periodically test our equity method investments, goodwill and other long-lived assets to determine whether their estimated fair value is less than their value recorded on our balance sheet. The results of this testing for potential impairment may be adversely affected by the continuing uncertain market conditions for the steel industry, as well as changes in interest rates and general economic conditions. If we determine that the fair value of any of these assets is less than the value recorded on our balance sheet, and in the case of equity method investments the decline is other than temporary, we would likely incur a non-cash impairment loss that would negatively impact our results of operations.

Tax increases and changes in tax rules could adversely affect our financial results.

The steel industry and our business are sensitive to changes in taxes. As a company based in the United States, Nucor is more exposed to the effects of changes in U.S. tax laws than some of our major competitors. Our provision for income taxes and cash tax liability in the future could be adversely affected by changes in U.S. tax

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laws. Potential changes that would adversely affect us include, but are not limited to, current proposals for corporate tax reform which would lower tax rates and eliminate most tax deductions [repealing LIFO (last-in, first-out treatment of inventory), accelerated depreciation, and the domestic production activity deduction] and decrease the ability of U.S. companies to receive a tax credit for foreign taxes paid or to defer the U.S. deduction of expenses in connection with investments made in other countries.

We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks.

We spend substantial resources ensuring that we comply with domestic and foreign regulations, contractual obligations and other legal standards. Notwithstanding this, we are subject to a variety of legal proceedings and compliance risks in respect of various issues, including regulatory, safety, environmental, employment, transportation, intellectual property, contractual, import/export, international trade and governmental matters that arise in the course of our business and in our industry. For information regarding our current significant legal proceedings, see Item 3. “Legal Proceedings.” A negative outcome in an unusual or significant legal proceeding or compliance investigation could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the nature of our operations means that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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Item 2. Properties

We own all of our principal operating facilities. These facilities, by segment, are as follows:

Location	Approximate square footage of facilities		Principal products
Steel mills:
Blytheville, Arkansas		2,560,000	Structural steel, sheet steel
Berkeley County, South Carolina		2,290,000	Sheet steel, structural steel
Decatur, Alabama		2,000,000	Sheet steel
Crawfordsville, Indiana		1,900,000	Sheet steel
Norfolk, Nebraska		1,490,000	Bar steel
Hickman, Arkansas		1,460,000	Sheet steel
Hertford County, North Carolina		1,250,000	Plate steel
Plymouth, Utah		1,200,000	Bar steel
Jewett, Texas		1,080,000	Bar steel
Darlington, South Carolina		980,000	Bar steel
Seattle, Washington		640,000	Bar steel
Ghent, Kentucky		580,000	Sheet steel
Memphis, Tennessee		570,000	Bar steel
Auburn, New York		470,000	Bar steel
Marion, Ohio		450,000	Bar steel
Kankakee, Illinois		430,000	Bar steel
Jackson, Mississippi		420,000	Bar steel
Kingman, Arizona		380,000	Bar steel
Tuscaloosa, Alabama		380,000	Plate steel
Birmingham, Alabama		280,000	Bar steel
Wallingford, Connecticut		240,000	Bar steel
Steel products:
Norfolk, Nebraska		1,080,000	Joists, deck, cold finished bar
Brigham City, Utah		730,000	Joists, cold finished bar
Grapeland, Texas		680,000	Joists, deck
St. Joe, Indiana		550,000	Joists, deck
Chemung, New York		550,000	Joists, deck
Florence, South Carolina		540,000	Joists, deck
Fort Payne, Alabama		470,000	Joists, deck
St. Joe, Indiana		460,000	Fasteners

The steel mills segment also includes Skyline, our steel foundation distributor with U.S. manufacturing facilities in eight states and one facility in Canada, the majority of which are owned. Additionally, we have a distribution center in Veracruz, Mexico.

In the steel products segment, we have approximately 80 additional operating facilities in 37 states and 27 operating facilities in Canada. Our affiliate, Harris Steel Inc., also operates multiple sales offices in Canada and certain other foreign locations.

In the raw materials segment, DJJ has approximately 70 operating facilities in 16 states along with multiple brokerage offices in the United States and certain other foreign locations. Nucor’s raw materials segment also includes our DRI facilities in Point Lisas, Trinidad and St. James Parish, Louisiana. A significant portion of the DRI production process occurs outdoors. The Trinidad site, including leased land, is approximately 1.84 million square feet. The Louisiana site has approximately 174.2 million square feet of owned land with buildings that total approximately 72,000 square feet.

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During 2015, the average utilization rates of all operating facilities in the steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments were approximately 68%, 63% and 56% of production capacity, respectively.

We also own our principal executive office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

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 on behalf of themselves and a putative class of all purchasers of steel products from the defendants in the U.S. between April 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007. Five of the eight defendants have reached court approved settlements with the plaintiffs. On September 9, 2015, the District Court entered an order ruling on issues of class certification. The Court granted in part, and denied in part, the plaintiffs’ motion, certifying a class solely on the issue of whether defendants engaged in a conspiracy in violation of the antitrust laws, and declining to certify a class on the issues of antitrust impact and damages. We continue to believe the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and will 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 and, consequently, have not recorded any reserves or contingencies related to this lawsuit.

On March 25, 2014, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas returned a verdict against Nucor and its co-defendants in an antitrust lawsuit 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. On June 1, 2014, pursuant to antitrust laws providing for treble damages, the court awarded a judgment to MM Steel jointly and severally against the defendants in an amount totaling $160.8 million after including costs and attorneys’ fees. As a result of post-verdict developments, including settlements reached by various other parties, the Company’s practical estimable exposure was reduced to approximately $40.0 million. The Company appealed the judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and on November 25, 2015, the Fifth Circuit reversed the verdict against Nucor finding that there was not sufficient evidence to support liability against the Company, thereby reducing our current practical estimable exposure to zero.

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

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

James R. Darsey (60), Executive Vice President of Merchant and Rebar Products, was named EVP in September 2010. Prior to that, he served as President of the Vulcraft/Verco Group from 2007 and was elected Vice President of Nucor in 1996. He began his Nucor career in 1979 as Design Engineer at Vulcraft-Texas, later serving as Engineering Manager at Vulcraft-Utah and Vulcraft-Texas. He then served as General Manager of Vulcraft-Texas and General Manager of Nucor Steel-Texas.

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John J. Ferriola (63), has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nucor since January 2014, as Chief Executive Officer since January 2013 and as President since January 2011. Previously, Mr. Ferriola served as President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2011 to December 2012 and, prior to that, as Chief Operating Officer of Steelmaking Operations from 2007 to 2010, Executive Vice President from 2002 to 2007 and Vice President from 1996 to 2001. He has also been a director of Nucor since January 2011. Mr. Ferriola joined Nucor in 1991 as the Manager of Maintenance and Engineering at Nucor Steel-Texas. He later served as General Manager of Vulcraft-Texas, Nucor Steel-Nebraska and Nucor Steel-Indiana.

James D. Frias (59), has been Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President since January 2010. Prior to that, Mr. Frias was Vice President of Finance from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Frias joined Nucor in 1991 as Controller of Nucor Building Systems-Indiana. He also served as Controller of Nucor Steel-Indiana and as Corporate Controller. Mr. Frias joined the board of directors of Carlisle Companies Incorporated in February 2015.

Ladd R. Hall (59), Executive Vice President of Flat-Rolled Products, was named EVP in September 2007, having previously served as Vice President of Nucor since 1994. He began his Nucor career in Inside Sales at Nucor Steel-Utah in 1981. He later served as Sales Manager of Vulcraft-Utah, and General Manager of Vulcraft-Texas, Vulcraft-Utah, Nucor Steel-South Carolina and Nucor Steel-Berkeley County.

Raymond S. Napolitan, Jr. (58), was named Executive Vice President of Fabricated Construction Products in June 2013, having previously served as President of Nucor’s Vulcraft/Verco group from 2010 to 2013 and President of American Buildings Company from 2007 to 2010. He was elected Vice President of Nucor in 2007. He began his Nucor career in 1996 as Engineering Manager of Nucor Building Systems-Indiana, and later served as General Manager of Nucor Building Systems-Texas.

R. Joseph Stratman (59), Executive Vice President of Raw Materials, was named EVP in September 2007, having previously served as Vice President of Nucor since 1999. He joined Nucor in 1989 as Controller of Nucor Building Systems-Indiana. He then served as Controller of Nucor-Yamato, General Manager of Nucor Steel-Nebraska and General Manager of Nucor-Yamato.

David A. Sumoski (49), was named Executive Vice President of Engineered Bar Products in September 2014. He had previously served as General Manager of Nucor Steel Marion, Inc. from 2008 to 2012 and as General Manager of Nucor Steel Memphis, Inc. from 2012 to September 2014. He was named Vice President of Nucor in 2010. He began his career with Nucor as an electrical supervisor at Nucor Steel-Berkeley in 1995, later serving as Maintenance Manager.

D. Chad Utermark (47), was named Executive Vice President of Beam and Plate Products in May 2014. He had previously served as General Manager of Nucor Steel-Texas from 2008 to 2011 and as General Manager of Nucor-Yamato from 2011 to May 2014. He was named Vice President of Nucor in 2009. He began his Nucor career as a utility operator at Nucor Steel-Arkansas in 1992, subsequently serving as shift supervisor and Hot Mill Manager at that division as well as Roll Mill Manager at Nucor Steel-Texas.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our share repurchase program activity for each of the three months and the quarter ended December 31, 2015 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share (1)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
October 4, 2015—October 31, 2015		—		—		—	$	900,000
November 1, 2015—November 28, 2015		—		—		—		900,000
November 29, 2015—December 31, 2015		1,664	$	39.96		1,664		833,495
For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2015		1,664				1,664

(1) Includes commissions of $0.02 per share.

(2) On September 2, 2015, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $900 million of the Company’s common stock. The new $900 million share repurchase program replaced any previously authorized repurchase programs.

Nucor has increased its base cash dividend every year since the Company began paying dividends in 1973. Nucor paid a total dividend of $1.49 per share in 2015 compared with $1.48 per share in 2014. In December 2015, the Board of Directors increased the base quarterly cash dividend on Nucor’s common stock to $0.375 per share from $0.3725 per share. In February 2016, the Board of Directors also declared Nucor’s 172nd consecutive quarterly cash dividend of $0.375 per share payable on May 11, 2016 to stockholders of record on March 31, 2016.

Additional information regarding the market for Nucor’s common stock, quarterly market price ranges, the number of stockholders and dividend payments is incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, page 80. Additional information regarding securities authorized for issuance under stock-based compensation plans is incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, pages 65 through 68.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Historical financial information is incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, page 45.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, page 3 (Forward-looking Statements) and pages 22 through 41.

Item 7A. 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 strategies to manage them.

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Interest Rate Risk—Nucor manages interest rate risk by using a combination of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2015, 23% of Nucor’s long-term debt was in industrial revenue bonds that have variable interest rates that are adjusted weekly. The remaining 77% of Nucor’s long-term debt was at fixed rates. Future changes in interest rates are not expected to significantly impact earnings. Nucor also occasionally makes use of interest rate swaps to manage net exposure to interest rate changes. As of December 31, 2015, there were no such contracts outstanding. Nucor’s investment practice is to invest in securities that are highly liquid with short maturities. As a result, we do not expect changes in interest rates to have a significant impact on the value of our investment securities recorded as short-term investments.

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. In periods of strong or stable demand for our products, we are more likely to be able to effectively reduce the normal time lag in passing through higher raw material costs so that we can maintain our gross margins. When demand for our products is weaker, this becomes more challenging.

Natural gas produced by Nucor’s working interest drilling programs is being sold to third parties to offset our exposure to changes in the price of natural gas consumed by our Louisiana DRI facility. In addition to the natural gas needs at the Louisiana DRI facility, Nucor is also a substantial consumer of natural gas at our steel mill operations. Dependent on future natural gas pricing, natural gas produced through the working interest drilling programs is expected to be sufficient to cover Nucor’s current demand at all of its steel mills in the United States plus the demand of two DRI plants or, alternatively, at three DRI plants. However, the natural gas production from the working interest drilling programs currently does not completely cover the natural gas usage at our operating facilities due to the temporary suspension of drilling discussed below. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the volume of natural gas sold from our working interest drilling programs was approximately 54% of the volume of natural gas purchased for consumption in our domestic steelmaking and DRI facilities.

Our natural gas working interest drilling programs are 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 working interest drilling programs. 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 working interest drilling programs. The impact of low natural gas prices associated with our working interest drilling programs 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 original agreements with Encana; however, we have the right to suspend drilling of new wells 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 until there is a sustained improvement in natural gas pricing.

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Nucor also periodically uses derivative financial instruments to hedge a portion of our exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process and to hedge a portion of our scrap, aluminum and copper purchases and sales. Gains and losses from derivatives designated as hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets and recognized into earnings in the same period as the underlying physical transaction. At December 31, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included $11.7 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 December 31, 2015, 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
Natural gas	$	3,699	$	9,247
Aluminum		1,149		2,872
Copper		179		447

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

Foreign Currency Risk—Nucor is exposed to foreign currency risk primarily through its operations in Canada, Europe and Trinidad. We periodically use derivative contracts to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations. Open foreign currency derivative contracts at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were insignificant.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, pages 46 through 76.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. 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 December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting—Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the attestation report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, on the effectiveness of Nucor’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 are incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, pages 46 through 47.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

19

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item about Nucor’s executive officers is contained in the section captioned Executive Officers of the Registrant in Part I of this Form 10-K. The other information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Nucor’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) under the headings Election of Directors; Information Concerning Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and Skills of the Nominees; Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance and Corporate Governance and Board of Directors.

Nucor has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Professionals (“Code of Ethics”) that applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller and other senior financial professionals, as well as Corporate Governance Principles for our Board of Directors and charters for our board committees. These documents are publicly available on our website, www.nucor.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Ethics, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement under the headings Executive Officer Compensation, Director Compensation and Report of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement under the headings Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners and Equity Compensation Plan Information.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement under the heading Corporate Governance and Board of Directors.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement under the heading Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

20

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Financial Statements:

The following consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the report of independent registered public accounting firm are incorporated by reference to Nucor’s 2015 Annual Report, pages 46 through 76:

• Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

• Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

• Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2015 and 2014

• Consolidated Statements of Earnings—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

• Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

• Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

• Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

• Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Statement Schedules:

The following financial statement schedule is included in this report as indicated:

	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule		28
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013		29

All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the information is furnished in the consolidated financial statements or notes.

Exhibits:

3	Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 14, 2010 (File No. 001-04119))
3(i)	Bylaws as amended and restated September 11, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 13, 2012 (File No. 001-04119))
4	Indenture, dated as of January 12, 1999, between Nucor Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed December 13, 2002 (File No. 333-101852))
4(i)	Indenture, dated as of August 19, 2014, between Nucor Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed August 20, 2014 (File No. 333-198263))
4(ii)	Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2002, between Nucor Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed December 13, 2002 (File No. 333-101852))

21

4(iii)	Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 3, 2007, between Nucor Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 4, 2007 (File No. 001-04119))
4(iv)	Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 2, 2008, between Nucor Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2008 (File No. 001-04119))
4(v)	Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2010, between Nucor Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 21, 2010 (File No. 001-04119))
4(vi)	Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2013, between Nucor Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 29, 2013 (File No. 001-04119))
4(vii)	Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 10, 2014, among Nucor Corporation, The Bank of New York Mellon, as prior trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 11, 2014 (File No. 001-04119))
4(viii)	Form of 5.750% Notes due December 2017 (included in Exhibit 4(iii) above) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 4, 2007 (File No. 001-04119))
4(ix)	Form of 6.400% Notes due December 2037 (included in Exhibit 4(iii) above) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 4, 2007 (File No. 001-04119))
4(x)	Form of 5.850% Notes due June 2018 (included in Exhibit 4(iv) above) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2008 (File No. 001-04119))
4(xi)	Form of 4.125% Notes due September 2022 (included in Exhibit 4(v) above) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 21, 2010 (File No. 001-04119))
4(xii)	Form of 4.000% Notes due August 2023 (included in Exhibit 4(vi) above) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 29, 2013 (File No. 001-04119))
4(xiii)	Form of 5.200% Notes due August 2043 (included in Exhibit 4(vi) above) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 29, 2013 (File No. 001-04119))
10	2005 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 17, 2005 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(i)	Amendment No. 1 to 2005 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(ii)	2010 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2010 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(iii)	Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 25, 2014 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)

22

10(iv)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement—time-vested awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iv) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(v)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement—retirement-vested awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(v) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(vi)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2006 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(vii)	Form of Award Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants used for awards granted prior to May 8, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(viii)	Form of Award Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants used for awards granted after May 7, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 5, 2014 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(ix)	Employment Agreement of John J. Ferriola (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(vii) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(x)	Amendment to Employment Agreement of John J. Ferriola (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xix) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xi)	Employment Agreement of Ladd R. Hall (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xii)	Employment Agreement of R. Joseph Stratman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xiii)	Employment Agreement of James D. Frias (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xi) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xiv)	Employment Agreement of James R. Darsey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xxii) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xv)	Employment Agreement of Keith B. Grass (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xix) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xvi)	Retirement, Separation, Waiver and Release Agreement of Keith B. Grass (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 4, 2014 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xvii)	Employment Agreement of Raymond S. Napolitan, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2013 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xviii)	Employment Agreement of Chad Utermark (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 5, 2014 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xix)	Employment Agreement of David A. Sumoski (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 4, 2014 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xx)	Severance Plan for Senior Officers and General Managers, as amended and restated effective February 18, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2009 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)

23

10(xxi)	Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 27, 2013 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xxii)	Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 27, 2013 (File No. 001-04119)) (#)
10(xxiii)	BJU Carry and Earning Agreement, dated October 31, 2012, among Nucor Corporation, Nucor Energy Holdings Inc. and Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xxiii) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-04119)) †
10(xxiv)	First Amendment to BJU Carry and Earning Agreement, dated October 21, 2014, among Nucor Corporation, Nucor Energy Holdings Inc. and Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xxv) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-04119)) †
12*	Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
13*	2015 Annual Report (portions incorporated by reference)
21*	Subsidiaries
23*	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24*	Power of Attorney (included on signature pages)
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(i)*	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(i)**	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101*	Financial Statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nucor Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 26, 2016, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished (and not filed) herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

† Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions which are omitted in the copy of the exhibit electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

24

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

NUCOR CORPORATION
By:	/S/ JOHN J. FERRIOLA
	John J. Ferriola
	Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Dated: February 26, 2016

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints James D. Frias and A. Rae Eagle, or either of them, his or her attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for such person in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this report and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that either of said attorney-in-fact, or substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

/S/ JOHN J. FERRIOLA	/S/ HARVEY B. GANTT
John J. Ferriola Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)	Harvey B. Gantt Director
/S/ JAMES D. FRIAS	/S/ GREGORY J. HAYES
James D. Frias Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President (Principal Financial Officer)	Gregory J. Hayes Director
/S/ MICHAEL D. KELLER	/S/ VICTORIA F. HAYNES
Michael D. Keller Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)	Victoria F. Haynes Director
	/S/ BERNARD L. KASRIEL
	Bernard L. Kasriel Director
	/S/ CHRISTOPHER J. KEARNEY
	Christopher J. Kearney Director
	/S/ LAURETTE T. KOELLNER
	Laurette T. Koellner Director

25

/S/ RAYMOND J. MILCHOVICH

Raymond J. Milchovich

Lead Director

/S/ JOHN H. WALKER

John H. Walker

Director

Dated: February 26, 2016

26

NUCOR CORPORATION

Index to Financial Statement Schedule

	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule		28
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013		29

27

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Nucor Corporation:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated February 26, 2016 appearing in the 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders of Nucor Corporation (which report and consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15 of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

February 26, 2016

28

NUCOR CORPORATION

Financial Statement Schedule

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands)

Description	Balance at beginning of year		Additions charged to costs and expenses		Deductions			Balance at end of year
Year ended December 31, 2015 LIFO Reserve	$	567,396	$	—	$	(466,834	)	$	100,562
Year ended December 31, 2014 LIFO Reserve	$	624,685	$	—	$	(57,289	)	$	567,396
Year ended December 31, 2013 LIFO Reserve	$	607,240	$	17,445	$	—		$	624,685

29

NUCOR CORPORATION

List of Exhibits to Form 10-K—December 31, 2015

Exhibit       No.	Description of Exhibit
12	Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
13	2015 Annual Report (portions incorporated by reference)
21	Subsidiaries
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24	Power of Attorney (included on signature pages)
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(i)	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(i)	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101	Financial Statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nucor Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed February 26, 2016, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

30

EX-12

Exhibit 12

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

	Year-ended December 31,
	2011			2012			2013			2014			2015
	(In thousands, except ratios)
Earnings
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	$	1,251,812		$	852,940		$	791,123		$	1,204,577		$	709,238
Plus: (earnings)/losses from equity investments		10,043			13,323			(9,297	)		(13,505	)		(5,329	)
Plus: fixed charges (includes interest expense and amortization of bond issuance costs and settled swaps and estimated interest on rent expense)		183,541			179,169			164,128			178,240			178,941
Plus: amortization of capitalized interest		2,724			2,550			3,064			4,166			4,062
Plus: distributed income of equity investees		3,883			9,946			8,708			53,738			15,132
Less: interest capitalized		(3,509	)		(4,715	)		(10,913	)		(2,946	)		(311	)
Less: pre-tax earnings in noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges		(83,591	)		(88,507	)		(97,504	)		(101,844	)		(138,425	)
Total earnings before fixed charges	$	1,364,903		$	964,706		$	849,309		$	1,322,426		$	763,308
Fixed charges
Interest cost and amortization of bond issuance and settled swaps	$	182,321		$	178,218		$	162,899		$	177,088		$	177,855
Estimated interest on rent expense		1,220			951			1,229			1,152			1,086
Total fixed charges	$	183,541		$	179,169		$	164,128		$	178,240		$	178,941
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		7.44			5.38			5.17			7.42			4.27

EX-13

Exhibit 13

  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS               3        

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data)  

	2015		2014		% CHANGE
FOR THE YEAR
Net sales	$	16,439,276	$	21,105,141		-22%
Earnings:
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		709,238		1,204,577		-41%
Provision for income taxes		213,154		388,787		-45%
Net earnings		496,084		815,790		-39%
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		138,425		101,844		36%
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders		357,659		713,946		-50%
Per share:
Basic		1.11		2.22		-50%
Diluted		1.11		2.22		-50%
Dividends declared per share		1.4925		1.4825		1%
Percentage of net earnings to net sales		2.2%		3.4%
Return on average stockholders’ equity		4.7%		9.3%
Capital expenditures		364,768		568,867		-36%
Depreciation		625,757		652,000		-4%
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)		19,089		768,581		not meaningful
Sales per employee		690		921		-25%
AT YEAR END
Working capital	$	4,369,207	$	4,344,112		1%
Property, plant and equipment, net		4,891,153		5,287,639		-7%
Long-term debt (including current maturities)		4,360,600		4,376,935		—
Total Nucor stockholders’ equity		7,416,878		7,772,470		-5%
Per share		23.33		24.36		-4%
Shares outstanding		317,962		319,033		—
Employees		23,700		23,600		—

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements made in this annual 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) competitive pressure on sales and pricing, including pressure from imports and substitute materials; (2) U.S. and foreign trade policies affecting steel imports or exports; (3) 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; (4) availability and cost of electricity and natural gas which could negatively affect our cost of steel production or could result in a delay or cancelation of existing or future drilling within our natural gas working interest drilling programs; (5) critical equipment failures and business interruptions; (6) 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.; (7) impairment in the recorded value of inventory, equity investments, fixed assets, goodwill or other long-lived assets; (8) uncertainties surrounding the global economy, including the severe economic downturn in construction markets and excess world capacity for steel production; (9) fluctuations in currency conversion rates; (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.

         2 2               MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF     OPERATIONS  

OVERVIEW

STEEL INDUSTRY CONDITIONS

In spite of extremely turbulent global economic and steel industry conditions, the economy in the United States continues to experience modest growth, and steel demand in this country is stronger than in many parts of the world. After several years of growth in nonresidential construction markets (the sector to which we are most closely tied and the largest end market for steel), there was a small decrease in nonresidential building demand in 2015. The domestic automotive market, which is the second largest end market for steel, had a record year, with 17.5 million vehicles sold. This eclipsed the previous record set back in the year 2000. With an improved labor market and low gasoline prices, vehicle sales are expected to continue to be strong in 2016. A steep drop in oil prices in 2015 had a significant negative impact on demand for energy-related steel, which is the third largest end market for steel in the United States. Oil prices are expected to remain low in 2016 due to significant oil inventories globally, which will likely keep demand depressed for energy-related steel products. Long-term, we believe that the domestic economy can benefit from globally competitive energy prices.

Nucor’s earnings decreased in 2015, impacted significantly by continued extremely high levels of steel imports. Our industry remains greatly constrained by the impact of global overcapacity. Weak economic conditions in Europe, slow growth in China and a strong dollar relative to other foreign currencies have made the U.S. markets a prime target for foreign imports. While the steel industry has historically been characterized by periods of overcapacity and intense competition for sales among producers, we are currently experiencing an era of global overcapacity that is unprecedented. Despite the bankruptcies of numerous domestic steel companies and ongoing global steel industry consolidation, the extraordinary increase in China’s steel production in the last decade, together with the excess capacity from other countries that have state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or export-focused steel industries, have exacerbated this overcapacity issue domestically as well as globally. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, global steel overcapacity in 2015 was estimated at approximately 700 million tons per year, with China’s overcapacity being the largest piece at over 370 million tons. The Chinese overcapacity alone is estimated to be three times greater than the entire U.S. annual demand for steel.

Imported steel and steel products continue to present unique challenges for us because foreign producers often benefit from government subsidies, either directly through SOEs or indirectly through government-owned or controlled financial institutions. Foreign imports of finished and semi-finished steel were down slightly compared to 2014, but still remain 27% higher than they were in 2013. Total imports captured 34% market share in 2015, matching a record level set in 2014, despite significant unused cost-competitive domestic capacity. The surge comes from numerous countries and cuts across all product lines. Our products that experience the greatest amount of imports include: semi-finished steel, reinforcing bar, plate and hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanized sheet steel. Countries that contribute most significantly to the import total include South Korea, Turkey and China.

China continues to pose a major challenge in particular. It is the world’s largest producer and exporter of steel, accounting for approximately 50% of the steel produced globally. China exported a record 123 million net tons of steel in 2015, a 20% increase over a previous record set in 2014. We believe Chinese producers, many of which are government-owned in whole or in part, continue to benefit from their government’s manipulation of foreign currency exchange rates and from the receipt of government subsidies, which allow them to sell steel into our markets at artificially low prices.

China is not only selling steel at artificially low prices into our domestic market but also across the globe. When it does so, steel products that would otherwise have been consumed by the local steel customers in other countries are displaced into global markets, compounding the issue. In a more indirect manner, but still significant, is the import of fabricated steel products, such as oil country tubular goods, wind towers and other construction components that were produced in China.

The steel industry has always been cyclical in nature, but North American producers of steel and steel products have been facing and are continuing to face some of the most arduous global market conditions they have experienced in history. The average capacity utilization rate of U.S. steel mills was at a historically unprecedented low of 52% in 2009. The average industry capacity utilization rate increased to approximately 77% in both 2014 and 2013, but dropped to 71% in 2015. These rates compare unfavorably to capacity utilization rates that reached as high as 87% in 2007. Although domestic demand for steel and steel products is expected to remain healthy in 2016, it is unlikely that average capacity utilization rates will increase significantly due to the continued flood of steel imports into the U.S. The average utilization rates of all operating facilities in our steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments were approximately 68%, 63% and 56%, respectively, in 2015, compared with 78%, 64% and 63%, respectively, in 2014. In spite of challenging market conditions and lower utilization rates in 2015, several of our product groups realized improved performance over the prior year, including our bar and structural steel divisions as well as our steel products group. Unfortunately, our sheet and plate divisions did not fare as well compared to 2014.

Macro-level uncertainties in world markets should continue to weigh on global and domestic growth in 2016. We believe our net sales and financial results will continue to be adversely affected by these general global economic factors as well as the global steel production overcapacity issue.

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OUR CHALLENGES AND RISKS

Sales of many of our products are largely dependent upon capital spending in the nonresidential construction markets in the United States, including in the industrial and commercial sectors, as well as capital spending on infrastructure that is publicly funded, such as bridges, schools, prisons and hospitals. Unlike recoveries from past recessions, the recovery from the recession of 2008-2009 has not yet included a strong recovery in the severely depressed nonresidential construction market. While we have experienced a continued slightly positive trajectory in capital spending on nonresidential construction projects since 2009, we do not expect to see strong growth in our net sales until we see a more sustained increase in spending on these types of construction projects. Congress did pass a five-year surface transportation funding bill at the end of 2015, providing $305 billion for highway and public transportation projects. This is the first major transportation funding bill Congress has passed in a decade.

The continued onslaught of artificially cheap exports by some of our major foreign competitors into the United States and elsewhere reduces our net sales and adversely impacts our financial results. Aggressive enforcement of trade rules by the World Trade Organization to limit unfairly traded imports remains uncertain, although it is critical to our ability to remain competitive. In 2015, the U.S. Congress and the president approved legislation strengthening domestic trade laws. These updates to the country’s trade laws, the first update in more than 20 years, will give the U.S. government stronger trade enforcement mechanisms. We have been encouraged by preliminary findings in three flat-rolled trade cases involving corrosion-resistant, cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel products. All three cases are expected to be finalized in 2016. We continue to believe that assertive enforcement of world trade rules must be one of the highest priorities of the United States government.

Another important trade issue in 2016 is China’s continued treatment as a non-market economy in trade disputes. China was a government-run, non-market economy in 2001 when it entered its Protocol of Accession to the World Trade Organization (Protocol), and China remains a government-run, non-market economy today. The main objective of the Protocol was to encourage, and in some cases to require, China to make market-based economic reforms. However, over the past 15 years, China has failed to take the required steps to establish that it is a market economy under U.S. law. Therefore, the U.S. has no reason to change its treatment of China as a non-market economy when only one of the relevant provisions of the Protocol expires in December 2016. By treating China as a non-market economy in antidumping cases, the Commerce Department can assume that Chinese prices and costs are distorted, and uses other methodologies to calculate antidumping duties. This often results in appropriately higher duties against Chinese products, in order to offset its unfair trade practices.

A major uncertainty we continue to face in our business is the price of our principal raw material, ferrous scrap, which is volatile and often increases or decreases rapidly in response to changes in domestic demand, unanticipated events that affect the flow of scrap into scrap yards and changes in foreign demand for scrap. In periods of rapidly increasing raw material prices in the industry, which is often also associated with periods of strong or rapidly improving steel market conditions, being able to increase our prices for the products we sell quickly enough to offset increases in the prices we pay for ferrous scrap is challenging but critical to maintaining our profitability. We attempt to mitigate the scrap price risk by managing scrap inventory levels at the steel mills to match the anticipated demand over the next couple of weeks. Certain scrap substitutes, including pig iron, have longer lead times for delivery than scrap, which can make this inventory management strategy difficult to achieve. Continued successful implementation of our raw material strategy, including key investments in direct reduced iron (DRI) production coupled with the scrap brokerage and processing services performed by our team at the David J. Joseph Company (DJJ), give us greater control over our metallic inputs and thus also help us to mitigate this risk.

During periods of stronger or improving steel market conditions, we are more likely to be able to pass through to our customers, relatively quickly, the increased costs of ferrous scrap and scrap substitutes and to protect our gross margins from significant erosion. During weaker or rapidly deteriorating steel market conditions, including the global steel market environment of the past several years, weak steel demand, low industry utilization rates and the impact of imports create an even more intensified competitive environment. All of those factors, to some degree, impact pricing, which increases the likelihood that Nucor will experience lower gross margins.

Although the majority of our steel sales are to spot market customers who place their orders each month based on their business needs and our pricing competitiveness compared to both domestic and global producers and trading companies, we also sell contract tons, primarily in our sheet operations. Approximately 60% of our sheet sales were to contract customers in 2015 (50% and 65% in 2014 and 2013, respectively), with the balance in the spot market at the prevailing prices at the time of sale. Steel contract sales outside of our sheet operations are not significant. The amount of tons sold to contract customers depends on the overall market conditions at the time, how the end-use customers see the market moving forward and the strategy that Nucor management believes is appropriate to the upcoming period. Nucor management considerations include maintaining an appropriate balance of spot and contract tons based on market projections and appropriately supporting our diversified customer base. The percentage of tons that is placed under contract also depends on the overall market dynamics and customer negotiations. In years of strengthening demand, we typically see an increase in the percentage of sheet sales sold under contract as our customers have an expectation that transaction prices will rapidly rise and available capacity will quickly be sold out. To mitigate this risk, customers prefer to enter into contracts in order to obtain committed volumes of supply from the mills. Our contracts include a method of adjusting prices on a periodic basis to reflect changes in the market pricing for steel and/or scrap. Market indices for steel generally trend with scrap pricing changes but during periods of steel market weakness, including the market conditions of the past several years, the more intensified competitive steel market environment can cause the sales

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price indices to result in reduced gross margins and profitability. Furthermore, since the selling price adjustments are not immediate, there will always be a timing difference between changes in the prices we pay for raw materials and the adjustments we make to our contract selling prices. Generally, in periods of increasing scrap prices, we experience a short-term margin contraction on contract tons. Conversely, in periods of decreasing scrap prices, we typically experience a short-term margin expansion. Contract sales typically have terms ranging from six to twelve months.

Another significant uncertainty we face is the cost of energy. The availability and prices of electricity and natural gas are influenced today by many factors, including changes in supply and demand, advances in drilling technology and, increasingly, by changes in public policy relating to energy production and use. Proposed regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from new and refurbished power plants could increase our cost of electricity in future years, particularly if they are adopted in a form that requires deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Adopting these regulations in an onerous form could lead to foreign producers that are not affected by them gaining a competitive advantage over us. We are monitoring these regulatory developments closely and will seek to educate public policy makers during the adoption process about their potential impact on our business and the U.S. manufacturing base.

Finally, due to our natural gas working interest drilling programs with Encana, a substantial or extended decline in natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on the value of Nucor’s investment in these programs. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we announced a joint decision with Encana to temporarily suspend drilling new wells until there is a sustained improvement in natural gas pricing. A substantial or extended decline in the price of natural gas could result in further delays or cancelation of existing or future drilling programs or curtailment in production at some properties which could have an adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and cash flows. In addition, natural gas drilling and production are subject to intense federal and state regulation as well as to public interest in environmental protection. Such regulation and interest, when coupled, could result in these drilling programs being forced to comply with certain future regulations, resulting in unknown impacts on the programs’ ability to achieve the cost and hedge benefits we expect from the programs.

OUR STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES

We are North America’s most diversified steel producer. As a result, our short-term performance is not tied to any one market. Since 2009, we have made investments of more than $6 billion on projects that are not only diversifying our product offerings but also the markets that we serve. These investments will grow our long-term earnings power by expanding our product portfolio into higher value-added offerings that are less vulnerable to imports, improving our cost structure and further building upon our market leadership positions. The pie chart below shows the diversity of our product mix by total tons sold to outside customers in 2015.

Nucor’s raw material supply chain is another important strength. Our investment in DRI production facilities and scrap brokerage and processing businesses provides Nucor with significant flexibility in optimizing our raw materials costs. Additionally, having a significant portion of our raw materials supply under our control minimizes risk associated with the global sourcing of raw materials, particularly since a good deal of scrap substitutes comes from regions of the world that have historically experienced greater political turmoil.

Our highly variable, low-cost structure, combined with our financial strength and liquidity, has allowed us to successfully navigate cyclical severely depressed steel industry market conditions in the past. In such times, our incentive-based pay system reduces our payroll costs, both hourly and salary, which helps to offset lower selling prices. Our pay-for-performance system that is closely tied to our levels of production also allows us to keep our work force intact and to continue operating our facilities when some of our competitors with greater fixed costs are forced to shut down some of their facilities. Because we use electric arc furnaces to produce our steel, we can easily vary our production levels to match short-term changes in demand, unlike our blast furnace-based integrated competitors. We believe these strengths also provide us further opportunities to gain market share during such times.

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EVALUATING OUR OPERATING PERFORMANCE

We report our results of operations in three segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. Most of the steel we produce in our mills is sold to outside customers, but a significant percentage is used internally by some of the facilities in our steel products segment.

We begin measuring our performance by comparing our net sales, both in total and by individual segment, during a reporting period with our net sales in the corresponding period in the prior year. In doing so, we focus on changes in and the reasons for such changes in the two key variables that have the greatest influence on our net sales: average sales price per ton during the period and total tons shipped to outside customers.

We also focus on both dollar and percentage changes in gross margins, which are key drivers of our profitability, and the reasons for such changes. There are many factors from period to period that can affect our gross margins. One consistent area of focus for us is changes in “metal margins,” which is the difference between the selling price of steel and the cost of scrap and scrap substitutes. Increases in the cost of scrap and scrap substitutes that are not offset by increases in the selling price of steel can quickly compress our margins and reduce our profitability.

Another factor affecting our gross margins in any given period is the application of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting to a substantial portion of our inventory (48% of total inventories as of December 31, 2015). LIFO charges or credits for interim periods are based on management’s interim period-end estimates, after considering current and anticipated market conditions, of both inventory costs and quantities at fiscal year end. The actual year end amounts may differ significantly from these estimated interim amounts. Annual LIFO charges or credits are largely based on the relative changes in cost and quantities year over year, primarily with raw material inventory in the steel mills segment.

Because energy is a key input to our manufacturing processes, material changes in energy costs per ton can significantly affect our gross margins as well. Lower energy costs per ton increase our gross margins. Generally, our energy costs per ton are lower when the average utilization rates of all operating facilities in our steel mills segment are higher.

Changes in marketing, administrative and other expenses, particularly profit sharing costs, can have a material effect on our results of operations for a reporting period as well. Profit sharing costs vary significantly from period to period as they are based upon changes in our pre-tax earnings and are a reflection of our pay-for-performance system that is closely tied to our levels of production.

EVALUATING OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION

We evaluate our financial condition each reporting period by focusing primarily on the amounts of and reasons for changes in cash provided by operating activities, our current ratio, the turnover rate of our accounts receivable and inventories, the amount and reasons for changes in cash used in or provided by investing activities and financing activities and our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments position at period end. Our conservative financial practices have served us well in the past and are serving us well today. As a result, our financial position remains strong despite the negative effects on our business of global overcapacity and the continued weakness in the global economy.

COMPARISON OF 2015 TO 2014

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET SALES

Net sales to external customers by segment for 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

	(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		% Change
Steel mills	$	11,084,331	$	14,723,642	-25%
Steel products		3,966,895		4,032,385	-2%
Raw materials		1,388,050		2,349,114	-41%
Total net sales to external customers	$	16,439,276	$	21,105,141	-22%

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Net sales for 2015 decreased 22% from the prior year. The average sales price per ton decreased 13% from $830 in 2014 to $725 in 2015, while total tons shipped to outside customers decreased 11% from 25.4 million tons in 2014 to 22.7 million tons in 2015.

In the steel mills segment, production and sales tons were as follows:

	(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		% Change
Steel production		19,294		21,135	-9%
Outside steel shipments		17,006		18,681	-9%
Inside steel shipments		2,854		3,286	-13%
Total steel shipments		19,860		21,967	-10%

Net sales to external customers in the steel mills segment decreased 25% due to a 17% decrease in the average sales price per ton from $788 in 2014 to $651 in 2015 and a 9% decrease in tons sold to outside customers.

Market conditions for the steel mills segment were much more challenging in 2015 than they were in 2014. Volumes decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 for all product groups within the steel mills segment, particularly bar, structural and plate. Average sales prices also decreased for all product groups within the steel mills segment in 2015 compared to 2014, with the largest decreases in sheet and plate. These trends caused decreased sales for the steel mills segment in each quarter of 2015 when compared to the respective quarter in the prior year. Negative pricing trends and low volumes are due to continued deterioration in global steel markets amplified by global excess capacity and historically high import levels. Imports accounted for an estimated 34% of the finished and semi-finished steel market in 2015. The collapse in oil prices that began in late 2014 and continued through 2015 significantly weakened energy markets. In addition, agricultural and heavy equipment markets were weak in 2015. The automotive market remains strong. Demand in nonresidential construction markets decreased slightly in 2015 as compared to 2014.

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Tonnage data for the steel products segment is as follows:

	(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		% Change
Joist sales		427		421		1%
Deck sales		401		396		1%
Cold finished sales		449		504		-11%
Fabricated concrete reinforcing steel sales		1,190		1,185		—

Net sales to external customers in the steel products segment decreased 2% from 2014 due to a 1% decrease in tons sold to outside customers and a 1% decrease in the average sales price per ton from $1,383 in 2014 to $1,374 in 2015. Sales during 2015 followed the typical seasonal pattern that was also experienced in 2014. Total sales and volumes were lowest in the first quarter as winter weather conditions had their greatest impact on nonresidential construction markets. Conditions improved in the second and third quarters, and then decreased in the fourth quarter as weather conditions transitioned back to winter. Volumes and average selling prices for our cold finish operations decreased in 2015 as compared to 2014 due to decreased demand in agricultural and heavy equipment markets. Nonresidential construction markets experienced a slight decrease in demand in 2015 as nonresidential building construction starts decreased compared to 2014.

Sales for the raw materials segment decreased 41% from 2014 primarily due to decreased volumes in DJJ’s brokerage and processing businesses and lower scrap and metallic commodity prices. Approximately 88% of outside sales in the raw materials segment in 2015 were from brokerage operations of DJJ and approximately 8% of the outside sales were from the scrap processing facilities (81% and 12%, respectively, in 2014).

GROSS MARGIN

In 2015, Nucor recorded gross margins of $1.58 billion (10%) compared to $1.91 billion (9%) in 2014. The year-over-year dollar decrease was primarily the result of the 13% decrease in the average sales price per ton and 11% decrease in tons shipped to outside customers. Gross margin during 2015 was also affected by the following factors:

·	In the steel mills segment, the average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton used decreased 29% from $381 in 2014 to $270 in 2015; however, overall metal margin decreased in 2015 due to lower sales volumes. Scrap prices were volatile and decreased significantly during 2015, as the average cost of scrap and scrap substitute used in December 2015 decreased 41% when compared to the average cost of scrap and scrap substitute used in January 2015. The overall metal margin in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased from the fourth quarter of 2014 and the third quarter of 2015 due to decreased metal margin per ton and decreased sales volumes.
	Scrap prices are driven by the global supply and demand for scrap and other iron-based raw materials used to make steel. As we begin 2016, we expect to see scrap prices stabilize after the downward trend in pricing continued in the fourth quarter of 2015.
·	Nucor’s gross margins are significantly impacted by the application of the LIFO method of accounting. LIFO charges or credits are largely based on the relative changes in cost and quantities year over year, primarily within raw material inventory in the steel mills segment. The average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton in ending inventory within our steel mills segment at December 31, 2015 decreased 42% as compared to December 31, 2014. As a result, Nucor recorded a LIFO credit of $466.8 million in 2015 (a LIFO credit of $57.3 million in 2014). The decreases in cost per ton were driven by market conditions at the end of 2015, which experienced significantly weaker demand for steel and raw materials than market conditions at the end of 2014.
·	Total steel mill energy costs decreased approximately $3 per ton from 2014 to 2015 primarily due to lower natural gas and electricity unit costs. Due to the efficiency of Nucor’s steel mills, energy costs were approximately 6% of the sales dollar in 2015 and 2014.

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·	Nucor’s 2014 gross margins were negatively impacted by $8.9 million in inventory-related purchase accounting adjustments associated with our acquisition of Nucor Steel Gallatin in the fourth quarter of 2014 (none in 2015).
·	Gross margins in the steel products segment for 2015 increased significantly compared to 2014 primarily due to improved performance in our joist, deck, rebar and building systems operations. These operations experienced margin expansion in 2015 due to lower input costs caused by decreased steel prices and the successful execution of cost reduction strategies. Also contributing to the gross margin improvement of this segment is the ongoing investment to expand our offerings of value-added products, services and technologies.
·	Gross margins in the raw material segment in 2015 were adversely affected by the performance of our direct reduced iron (DRI) businesses and our natural gas drilling programs. Nucor Steel Louisiana experienced an equipment failure related to the process gas heater in the fourth quarter of 2014 that suspended production operations until late in the first quarter of 2015. As a result of the shutdown, the Louisiana DRI facility’s margins in 2015 were negatively impacted by working through higher-cost iron ore that was purchased at the end of 2014 but was unable to be used until the facility resumed operations. Following a planned maintenance outage that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2015, Nucor Steel Louisiana did not initially resume operations due to market conditions. During the extended shutdown following completion of the planned maintenance outage, we observed increases in market prices for scrap and pig iron that we believe were due in part to the Louisiana DRI facility’s extended suspension of operations. The Louisiana DRI facility resumed operations in late January 2016. We believe there is a positive impact on our steel mills’ overall iron unit costs, including scrap and pig iron costs, when Nucor Steel Louisiana is producing high quality DRI.
	The depressed level of pricing for alternative raw materials in 2015 has had an adverse impact on the performance and margins of our DRI facilities. Gross margins for our natural gas drilling programs decreased significantly due to a significant decrease in natural gas prices.
·	Gross margins related to DJJ’s scrap processing and brokerage operations decreased during 2015 compared to 2014 due to weaker demand for scrap and other metallic commodities as steel mill utilization decreased. The resulting decline in prices and volumes caused margin compression for the scrap processing business that was partially offset by lower expenses and a continued focus on expense reduction and operational efficiencies.

MARKETING, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES

A major component of marketing, administrative and other expenses is profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs. These costs, which are based upon and fluctuate with Nucor’s financial performance, decreased from 2014 to 2015 due to lower profitability in the current year. In 2015, profit sharing costs consisted of $60.5 million of contributions, including the Company’s matching contribution, made to the Company’s Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan for qualified employees ($110.1 million in 2014). Other bonus costs also fluctuate based on Nucor’s achievement of certain financial performance goals, including comparisons of Nucor’s financial performance to peers in the steel industry and other companies. Stock-based compensation included in marketing, administrative and other expenses decreased by 3% to $21.3 million in 2015 compared with $21.9 million in 2014 and includes costs associated with vesting of stock awards granted in prior years.

Marketing, administrative and other expenses decreased in the fourth quarter of 2015 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and third quarter of 2015 due to lower profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs as the Company reported a net loss in the fourth quarter of 2015.

EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

Equity method investment earnings, including amortization expense, were $5.3 million in 2015 and $13.5 million in 2014. The decrease in equity method investment earnings from 2015 to 2014 is primarily due to decreased earnings at NuMit and 2015 losses at Hunter Ridge compared to earnings in 2014, partially offset by a decrease in losses at Duferdofin Nucor.

IMPAIRMENTS AND LOSSES ON ASSETS

In 2015, Nucor recorded $244.8 million in charges for impairments and losses on assets compared with $25.4 million in 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment due to unfavorable operating performance and deterioration in financial projections caused by increased global overcapacity in 2015. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value and was other than temporary. Nucor recorded a $153.0 million impairment charge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The $153.0 million impairment charge is included in the steel mills segment.

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Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, Nucor determined that certain assets, the majority of which were engineering and equipment related to a blast furnace project at our St. James Parish, Louisiana site, will not be utilized, resulting in an $84.1 million impairment charge (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Additionally, one of three iron ore storage domes collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana in 2013. During 2015, Nucor finalized its assessment process related to the utility of the two remaining storage domes and determined that those domes would no longer be utilized. The Company recorded an associated net write-down of property, plant and equipment of $7.7 million on the two domes (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). These charges are included in the raw materials segment.

The $25.4 million of expense recorded in 2014 primarily relates to a $9.0 million charge on the disposal of assets and a $12.5 million charge related to the partial write-down of assets, both in the steel mills segment.

INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME)

Net interest expense is detailed below:

(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014
Interest expense	$	177,543		$	174,142
Interest income		(4,012	)		(4,886	)
Interest expense, net	$	173,531		$	169,256

Gross interest expense increased in 2015 as compared to 2014 due primarily to lower capitalized interest in the current year. The decrease in 2015 as compared to 2014 in gross interest income is attributable to lower interest income received on credit facilities that Nucor extended to a joint venture as the joint venture fully repaid its credit facilities in 2014.

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment for 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014
Steel mills	$	629,793		$	1,594,352
Steel products		276,048			166,323
Raw materials		(283,938	)		(29,053	)
Corporate/eliminations		87,335			(527,045	)
Earnings before income taxes and      noncontrolling interests	$	709,238		$	1,204,577

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment for 2015 decreased significantly from 2014 due to lower sales volume and lower average sales prices resulting from factors discussed above. The $153.0 million impairment charge related to Duferdofin Nucor significantly impacted the steel mills segment and caused the segment to report a loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the fourth quarter of 2015. The steel mills segment’s profitability in 2014 was impacted by the $9.0 million charge on the disposal of assets and a $12.5 million charge related to the partial write-down of assets within the segment. Historically high levels of imports caused by global excess capacity continue to be the greatest challenge the steel mills segment faces. Energy, heavy equipment and agricultural markets remain weak. The automotive market remains strong. Demand in nonresidential construction markets decreased slightly in 2015 compared to 2014.

In the steel products segment, earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests increased significantly in 2015 compared to 2014. Nonresidential construction markets experienced a slight decrease in demand as nonresidential building construction starts were lower in 2015 as compared to 2014. Despite this slight decrease in demand and only modest increases in volumes for our joist, deck, rebar fabrication and building systems operations, the steel products segment was able to expand its margins in 2015 due to lower steel costs. The biggest factor driving the growth in profitability of the segment is the effective execution of our strategically important five drivers to profitable growth. These include market leadership, being an effective channel to market for our steel mills, lowering our costs, expanding our offerings of value-added products, services and technologies and our focus on commercial excellence to better take care of our customers’ needs.

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Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the raw materials segment for 2015 decreased significantly from 2014. DJJ’s brokerage and scrap processing operations had lower sales volumes and average selling prices in 2015 compared to 2014. Falling scrap and metallic commodity prices throughout 2015 caused margin compression at our scrap processing businesses. The raw materials segment was also impacted by the decreased performance of our DRI facilities in 2015, in which depressed levels of pricing for alternative raw materials has had an adverse impact on both facilities’ profitability. Nucor Steel Louisiana’s performance was affected by the suspension of operations that began in late 2014 due to the equipment failure related to the process gas heater. Though the facility resumed operations late in the first quarter of 2015, it had to work through higher-cost iron ore that was purchased at the end of 2014 but was unable to be used until the facility resumed operations. Our DRI facility in Trinidad had a planned 20-day outage in the second quarter of 2015, and our Louisiana DRI facility completed a planned maintenance outage in the fourth quarter of 2015. Due to market conditions, the Louisiana DRI facility did not resume operations for the remainder of 2015 (the facility did resume operations in late January 2016). Also negatively impacting the profitability of the raw materials segment in 2015 was the $84.1 million impairment charge for assets related to a blast furnace project at our St. James Parish site and the net $7.7 million write-down of property, plant and equipment related to the two remaining iron ore storage domes at Nucor Steel Louisiana (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The performance of our natural gas drilling programs decreased significantly in 2015 due to a significant decrease in natural gas prices.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Noncontrolling interests represent the income attributable to the minority interest partners of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (NYS) of which Nucor owns 51%. The 36% increase in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to increased metal margins as a result of lower raw material costs, a more favorable product mix and the impact of a planned three-week outage associated with a capital project in the second quarter of 2014, partially offset by decreased volumes. 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.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate in 2015 was 30.1% compared with 32.3% in 2014. The decrease in the rate between 2014 and 2015 is primarily due to the change in the relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods. The effective tax rate in 2015 also benefited from lower state income taxes caused by state tax credits and the reversal of previously unrecognized tax benefits. These decreases in the rate are somewhat offset by an increase as a result of the $153.0 million financial statement impairment of an investment in a foreign joint venture. Nucor has substantially concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2012. The 2013 and 2014 tax years remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Canada Revenue Agency is examining the 2012 Canadian returns for Harris Steel Group Inc. and certain related affiliates. The tax years 2009 through 2014 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

NET EARNINGS AND RETURN ON EQUITY

Nucor reported net earnings of $357.7 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, in 2015, compared to net earnings of $713.9 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, in 2014. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales was 2% and 3% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Return on average stockholders’ equity was 5% and 9% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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COMPARISON OF 2014 TO 2013

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET SALES

Net sales to external customers by segment for 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

					(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		% Change
Steel mills	$	14,723,642	$	13,311,948		11%
Steel products		4,032,385		3,607,333		12%
Raw materials		2,349,114		2,132,765		10%
Total net sales to external customers	$	21,105,141	$	19,052,046		11%

Net sales for 2014 increased 11% from the prior year. The average sales price per ton increased 3% from $803 in 2013 to $830 in 2014, while total tons shipped to outside customers increased 7% in 2014 to 25.4 million tons as compared to 23.7 million tons 2013.

In the steel mills segment, production and sales tons were as follows:

					(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		% Change
Steel production		21,135		19,900		6%
Outside steel shipments		18,681		17,733		5%
Inside steel shipments		3,286		2,917		13%
Total steel shipments		21,967		20,650		6%

Net sales to external customers in the steel mills segment increased 11% due to a 5% increase in the average sales price per ton from $751 in 2013 to $788 in 2014 and a 5% increase in tons sold to outside customers.

Tonnage data for the steel products segment is as follows:

					(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2014		2013		% Change
Joist sales		421		342		23%
Deck sales		396		334		19%
Cold finished sales		504		474		6%
Fabricated concrete reinforcing steel sales		1,185		1,065		11%

Net sales to external customers in the steel products segment increased 12% from 2013 due to an 11% increase in tons sold to outside customers and a 1% increase in the average sales price per ton from $1,375 in 2013 to $1,383 in 2014.

Sales for the raw materials segment increased 10% from 2013 primarily due to increased volumes in DJJ’s brokerage and recycling businesses and our natural gas drilling activities, partially offset by decreased pricing at DJJ. Approximately 81% of outside sales in the raw materials segment in 2014 were from brokerage operations of DJJ and approximately 12% of the outside sales were from the scrap processing facilities (83% and 12%, respectively, in 2013).

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GROSS MARGIN

In 2014, Nucor recorded gross margins of $1.91 billion (9%) compared to $1.41 billion (7%) in 2013. The year-over-year dollar and gross margin percentage increases were primarily the result of the 3% increase in the average sales price per ton and 7% 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 1% from $376 in 2013 to $381 in 2014; however, metal margins also increased for our sheet, bar, structural and plate products from 2013.

  ·   The average scrap and scrap substitute cost per ton in ending inventory within our steel mills segment at December 31, 2014 decreased 11% as compared to December 31, 2013. As a result, Nucor recorded a LIFO credit of $57.3 million in 2014 (a LIFO charge of $17.4 million in 2013).

  ·   Nucor’s 2014 gross margins were negatively impacted by $8.9 million in inventory-related purchase accounting adjustments associated with our acquisition of Nucor Steel Gallatin in the fourth quarter of 2014 (none in 2013).

  ·   Total steel mill energy costs increased approximately $2 per ton from 2013 to 2014 primarily due to higher unit costs for natural gas and electricity.

  ·   Gross margins in the steel products segment increased significantly in 2014 compared to 2013 due in large part to the improving conditions in the nonresidential construction markets. Our joist, deck, rebar, cold finish and building systems operations all experienced margin improvement in 2014 compared to 2013.

  ·   Our Nucor Steel Louisiana DRI facility, which began operations in December 2013, experienced significant operational losses in the first three quarters of 2014 primarily due to yield loss, which in our experience is not unusual in the early stage of production. An equipment failure related to the process gas heater occurred in the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no injuries, no environmental impact and no damage to any other part of the facility as a result of this incident. Production operations were suspended for the remainder of 2014 after the equipment failure as the necessary repairs and adjustments were being made, leading to further losses in the fourth quarter of 2014.

  ·   Gross margins related to DJJ’s scrap processing and brokerage operations increased in 2014 compared to 2013. The brokerage group benefited from stronger domestic scrap sales and gross margins for the scrap processing group improved during 2014 compared to 2013.

MARKETING, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES

Profit sharing costs increased from 2013 to 2014. In 2014, profit sharing costs consisted of $110.1 million of contributions, including the Company’s matching contribution, made to the Company’s Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan for qualified employees ($71.7 million in 2013). Stock-based compensation included in marketing, administrative and other expenses decreased 4% to $21.9 million in 2014 compared with $22.9 million in 2013 and includes costs associated with vesting of stock awards granted in prior years.

EQUITY EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

Equity method investment earnings, including amortization expense, were $13.5 million in 2014 and $9.3 million in 2013. The increase in equity method investment earnings from 2014 to 2013 is primarily due to greater equity method earnings at NuMit and a decrease in losses at Duferdofin Nucor.

IMPAIRMENTS AND LOSSES ON ASSETS

In 2014, Nucor recorded $25.4 million of impairments and losses on assets primarily related to a $9.0 million charge on the disposal of assets and a $12.5 million charge related to the partial write-down of assets, both in the steel mills segment. During the third quarter of 2013, one of three iron ore storage domes collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana. Nucor recorded a partial write-down of property, plant and equipment and inventories at the facility, resulting in a $14.0 million net charge (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

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INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME)

Net interest expense is detailed below:

(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013
Interest expense	$	174,142		$	151,986
Interest income		(4,886	)		(5,091	)
Interest expense, net	$	169,256		$	146,895

The 15% increase in gross interest expense from 2013 is primarily attributable to a 13% increase in average debt outstanding. Gross interest income decreased 4% due to a 13% decrease in average investments, partially offset by an increase in the average interest rate on investments.

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment for 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31,	2014			2013
Steel mills	$	1,594,352		$	1,156,715
Steel products		166,323			82,129
Raw materials		(29,053	)		13,686
Corporate/eliminations		(527,045	)		(461,407	)
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	$	1,204,577		$	791,123

Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in the steel mills segment for 2014 increased significantly from 2013 due to higher sales volume, higher average sales prices and higher metal margins resulting from factors discussed above. Negatively impacting the steel mills segment profitability in 2014 were the $12.5 million charge related to the partial write-down of assets, the $9.0 million charge related to the disposal of assets and $8.9 million of inventory-related purchase accounting adjustments at newly acquired Nucor Steel Gallatin. The steel mills segment benefited from improved results at NuMit and Duferdofin Nucor.

In the steel products segment, earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests increased significantly in 2014 compared to 2013. The largest increases in profitability in 2014 compared to 2013 were at our joist, deck and building systems operations, while the profitability of our rebar and cold finish operations also increased. The steel products segment benefited from improving conditions in nonresidential construction markets and market leadership positions held by our joist, deck, building systems, rebar and cold finish operations.

The decrease in profitability of our raw materials segment for 2014 as compared to 2013 is due primarily to operating losses at our Louisiana DRI facility as discussed above. Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interest in the raw materials segment in 2013 was impacted by the charges related to the net $14.0 million write-down of inventory and property, plant and equipment as a result of the dome collapse at Nucor Steel Louisiana that occurred in the third quarter of 2013. Partially offsetting the losses at the Louisiana DRI plant was increased profitability from DJJ’s brokerage and scrap processing operations due to increased volumes and margin improvement, and increased profitability from our natural gas working interest drilling investment. The DRI facility in Trinidad also experienced an increase in profitability.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

The 4% increase in noncontrolling interests from 2013 to 2014 was primarily attributable to Nucor-Yamato Steel’s increased average sales prices and increased metal margins, partially offset by decreased volumes and the impact of a planned three-week outage associated with a capital project in the second quarter of 2014.

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PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate in 2014 was 32.3% compared with 26.0% in 2013. The increase in the rate between 2013 and 2014 was primarily due to a $21.3 million favorable non-cash out-of-period adjustment to deferred tax balances in 2013 compared to a $13.2 million favorable non-cash out-of-period adjustment to tax balances in 2014, and the change in the relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests and the foreign rate differential to total pre-tax earnings between the periods.

NET EARNINGS AND RETURN ON EQUITY

Nucor reported net earnings of $713.9 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, in 2014 compared to net earnings of $488.0 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, in 2013. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 3% in both 2014 and 2013. Return on average stockholders’ equity was 9% and 6% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Nucor’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments position nearly doubled, increasing from $1.12 billion at the end of 2014 to $2.04 billion at the end of 2015. Approximately $360.6 million and $156.1 million of the cash and cash equivalents position at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, was held by our majority-owned joint ventures. Cash flows provided by operating activities provide us with a significant source of liquidity. When needed, we have external short-term financing sources available, including the issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under our bank credit facilities. We also issue long-term debt from time to time.

Nucor has a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility that matures in August 2018 and was undrawn at December 31, 2015. We believe our financial strength is a key strategic advantage among domestic steel producers, particularly during recessionary business cycles. We carry the highest credit ratings of any metals and mining company headquartered in North America, with an A- rating from Standard and Poor’s and a Baa1 rating from Moody’s. 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.

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. This was evidenced when, during the fourth quarter of 2014, we issued approximately $300 million of commercial paper to partially fund the acquisition of Gallatin Steel Company. That commercial paper borrowing was extinguished during the first quarter of 2015, and no commercial paper was outstanding at the end of 2015. The next significant debt maturity is not until December 2017.

Selected Measures of Liquidity and Capital Resources
	(dollars in thousands)

December 31,	2015		2014
Cash and cash equivalents		$1,939,469		$1,024,144
Short-term investments		100,000		100,000
Working capital		4,369,207		4,344,112
Current ratio		4.2		3.1

The current ratio was 4.2 at year end 2015 compared with 3.1 at year end 2014. The current ratio was positively impacted by an 82% increase from 2014 in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The increase in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was primarily due to the robust $2.16 billion of cash generated by operating activities during 2015. This increase in cash and cash equivalents was partially offset by cash used for capital expenditures, dividends and the decrease in short-term debt which was mainly the repayment of commercial paper used to fund the 2014 acquisition of Nucor Steel Gallatin. The current ratio also benefited from a 43% decrease in accounts payable as compared to year end 2014, which was mainly attributable to the dramatic decrease in scrap and iron ore prices during 2015. The value of scrap and scrap substitutes on hand decreased by 25% from year end 2014.

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The current ratio was negatively impacted by large decreases in working capital, including decreases in accounts receivable, inventories and other current assets. Accounts receivable decreased by 33% from 2014 due primarily to the 31% decrease in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared with the prior year fourth quarter. This decrease is the result of an 18% decrease in average sales price per ton and a 16% decrease in outside shipments in the fourth quarter of 2015 as compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, inventories decreased by 22% from 2014 due to a 4% decrease in tons on hand and the sharp decline in scrap and scrap substitute pricing. We also experienced a 63% decrease in other current assets, mainly due to the reclassification of deferred tax balances included within other current assets to deferred credits and other liabilities in connection with our early adoption of new accounting guidance requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet.

In 2015, total accounts receivable turned approximately every five weeks and inventories turned approximately every nine weeks. These ratios compare with accounts receivable turnover of every five weeks and inventory turnover of approximately every seven weeks in 2014. The 2015 inventory turnover calculation was negatively impacted by year end 2014 inventory balances, which were significantly higher than those balances at the end of 2015 due to the rapid decrease in raw materials costs, lower shipment volumes and decreased production in 2015.

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

We have a simple capital structure with no off-balance sheet arrangements or relationships with unconsolidated special purpose entities that we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.

CAPITAL ALLOCATION STRATEGY

Nucor’s strong cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments position provides many opportunities for prudent deployment of our capital. We have three approaches to allocating our capital. Nucor’s highest capital allocation priority is to reinvest those funds in order to profitably grow our business through capital projects at our existing operations, greenfield expansion or acquisitions. Our second objective is to provide our shareholders with a robust return of capital through a strong base dividend reflective of our earnings. The company’s third capital allocation objective is to strategically repurchase stock when our cash position is strong and our stock is attractively priced. In September 2015, Nucor’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $900 million of the Company’s common stock. For the first time since 2008, Nucor repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares of stock for $66.5 million in December 2015.

OPERATING ACTIVITIES   Cash provided by operating activities was $2.16 billion, an increase of 61% compared with cash provided by operating activities of $1.34 billion in 2014. The primary reason for the change is increased cash generated from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $743.0 million in 2015 compared with cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities of ($400.2) million in 2014. The funding of working capital decreased from the prior year period due mainly to decreases in accounts receivable, inventories and federal income taxes, partially offset by an increase in cash used to fund accounts payable and salaries, wages and related accruals. Decreased average sales prices per ton and outside shipments from the prior year led to the decrease in accounts receivable, while the decline in scrap and scrap substitute pricing from year end 2014 caused the decrease in inventories. Federal income tax payments have decreased due to Nucor’s decreased profitability. The increase in cash used to fund accounts payable is due to the timing of payments. The increase in cash used for salaries, wages and related accruals is primarily attributable to the payout of accrued profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs in the first quarter of 2015. This payout was based upon Nucor’s financial performance in 2014, which had improved significantly over the prior year period. The increase in cash generated from changes in operating assets and liabilities was partially offset by decreased net earnings in 2015 from prior year levels.

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INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Our business is capital intensive; therefore, cash used in investing activities primarily represents capital expenditures for new facilities, the expansion and upgrading of existing facilities and the acquisition of other companies. Nucor invested $374.1 million in new facilities and expansion or upgrading of existing facilities in 2015 compared with $668.0 million in 2014. The decrease in capital expenditures is due to the reduced spending with our natural gas working interest drilling programs, reduced spending at our Louisiana DRI facility which was substantially completed in 2014 and reduced spending at our steel mills following significant capital expansion projects that were completed in 2014. Additionally, Nucor invested $768.6 million in the acquisition of other companies in 2014, primarily Nucor Steel Gallatin, compared with acquisitions of only $19.1 million in 2015. Another factor contributing to the decrease in cash used in investing activities was an increase in proceeds from the sale of investments over the prior year period. These positive factors were partially offset by the $122.0 million of repayment of advances to affiliates in 2014 (none in 2015) as our Steel Technologies LLC joint venture obtained external financing and repaid all debts outstanding to Nucor in the prior year period.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Cash used in financing activities in 2015 was $789.8 million compared with cash used in financing activities of $359.0 million in 2014. The majority of the change was due to the first quarter 2015 repayment of approximately $151 million of commercial paper that was issued in 2014 and outstanding at year end 2014 to partially fund the acquisition of Nucor Steel Gallatin. Additionally, cash used to repurchase treasury stock was $66.5 million in 2015 (none in 2014).

In 2015, Nucor increased its quarterly base dividend, resulting in dividends paid of $479.4 million in 2015 compared with $475.1 million in 2014.

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. Our funded debt to total capital ratio was 36% at the end of 2015 and 2014, and we were in compliance with all other covenants under our credit facility.

MARKET RISK

Nucor’s largest exposure to market risk is in our steel mills and steel products segments. Our utilization rates for the steel mills and steel products facilities for the fourth quarter of 2015 were 63% and 61%, respectively. A significant portion of our steel and steel products segments sales are into the commercial, industrial and municipal construction markets. These markets continue to be depressed when compared to historical levels, and the domestic steel industry continues to be negatively affected by imported steel. Our largest single customer in 2015 represented approximately 5% of sales and consistently pays within terms. In the raw materials segment, we are exposed to price fluctuations related to the purchase of scrap steel and iron ore. Our exposure to market risk is mitigated by the fact that our steel mills use a significant portion of the products of this segment.

Nucor’s tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds (IDRBs), including the Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds, have variable interest rates that are adjusted weekly. These IDRBs represent 23% of Nucor’s long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2015. The remaining 77% of Nucor’s long-term debt is at fixed rates. Future changes in interest rates are not expected to significantly impact earnings. From time to time, Nucor makes use of interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2015, there were no such contracts outstanding. Nucor’s investment practice is to invest in securities that are highly liquid with short maturities. As a result, we do not expect changes in interest rates to have a significant impact on the value of our investment securities recorded as short-term investments.

Nucor also uses derivative financial instruments from time to time to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process as well as scrap, copper and aluminum purchased for resale to its customers. In addition, Nucor uses forward foreign exchange contracts from time to time to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions. Nucor generally does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than hedging the cash flows associated with specific volumes of commodities that will be purchased and processed or sold in future periods and hedging the exposures related to changes in the fair value of outstanding fixed-rate debt instruments and foreign currency transactions. Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.

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

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015 for the periods presented:

(in thousands) 

	Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligations	Total			2016			2017 - 2018			2019 - 2020			2021 and thereafter
Long-term debt		$	4,360,600		$	—		$	1,100,000		$	20,000		$	3,240,600
Estimated interest on long-term debt(1)			2,157,793			179,564			304,691			231,604			1,441,934
Capital leases			24,576			3,072			6,144			6,144			9,216
Operating leases			92,871			23,674			34,558			17,625			17,014
Raw material purchase commitments(2)			1,369,789			550,902			582,514			106,201			130,172
Utility purchase commitments(2)			953,330			223,923			200,529			132,867			396,011
Natural gas drilling commitments			4,853,807			—			679,755			724,860			3,449,192
Other unconditional purchase obligations(3)			140,320			112,815			14,703			4,412			8,390
Other long-term obligations(4)			471,494			311,930			41,571			20,461			97,532
Total contractual obligations		$	14,424,580		$	1,405,880		$	2,964,465		$	1,264,174		$	8,790,061

(1)	Interest is estimated using applicable rates at December 31, 2015 for Nucor’s outstanding fixed and variable rate debt.
(2)	Nucor enters into contracts for the purchase of scrap and scrap substitutes, iron ore, electricity, natural gas and other raw materials and related services. These contracts include multi-year commitments and minimum annual purchase requirements and are valued at prices in effect on December 31, 2015, or according to the contract language. These contracts are part of normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. We do not believe such commitments will adversely affect our liquidity position.
(3)	Purchase obligations include commitments for capital expenditures on operating machinery and equipment.
(4)	Other long-term obligations include amounts associated with Nucor’s early-retiree medical benefits, management compensation and guarantees.
Note:	In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, $50.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded as liabilities, and we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to these unrecognized tax benefits, we have also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest of $21.2 million at December 31, 2015.

DIVIDENDS

Nucor has increased its base cash dividend every year since it began paying dividends in 1973. Nucor paid dividends of $1.49 per share in 2015, compared with $1.48 per share in 2014. In December 2015, the Board of Directors increased the base quarterly dividend to $0.375 per share. The base quarterly dividend has increased five-fold over the past ten years. In February 2016, the Board of Directors declared Nucor’s 172nd consecutive quarterly cash dividend of $0.375 per share payable on May 11, 2016 to stockholders of record on March 31, 2016.

OUTLOOK

In 2016, we expect to take advantage of our position of strength to grow Nucor’s long-term earnings power and shareholder value despite a U.S. economy burdened by a challenging regulatory and overall business environment. We have invested significant capital into our business since the last cyclical peak in 2008. We have done so over a broad range of strategic investments that will further enhance our ability to grow Nucor’s long-term earnings power by expanding our product portfolios into higher value-added offerings that are less vulnerable to imports, improving our highly variable low-cost structure and building upon our market leadership positions. With many of these capital projects completed and ready to yield results, we will focus on execution in order to generate strong returns on these investments. We will also utilize our strong liquidity position to seek investment opportunities to further grow our long-term earnings capacity.

Although macro-level uncertainties in world markets will almost certainly affect both global and domestic growth, we anticipate sales and profitability on par with 2015, excluding the LIFO credit and the Duferdofin Nucor and blast furnace assets impairment charges that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. Utilization rates, which fell significantly in 2015 compared to 2014, have remained depressed in early 2016. Due to lower industry output, reduced inventory levels at our service center customers and slight decreases in import volumes, we have been able to realize modest price increases for certain products within our steel segment early in 2016. We expect that our downstream steel products segment will continue to build on their positive results after the typical seasonal slow-down in construction that the winter season brings. We anticipate some slight improvement in the performance of the raw materials segment due to the anticipated absence of lengthy outages at Nucor Steel Louisiana and improved margins at our scrap recycling businesses. However, market conditions within that segment will continue to be extremely challenging because of depressed and volatile pricing of raw materials.

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Although we expect the first quarter operating results to be somewhat similar to the fourth quarter 2015 results excluding the LIFO credit and the impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter, they will be in the face of continued significant headwinds that weighed heavily on the steel industry throughout 2015. The collapse in global oil prices triggered inventory reductions among pipe and tube producers serving energy markets, an important customer group for Nucor as well as the domestic steel industry. With oil prices continuing to languish and additional supply entering the market, it is hard to predict when growth in energy markets will return. Also, given the relative health of the domestic steel markets, imports increased dramatically in 2014 and this trend carried through 2015. We are anticipating a more positive trend in earnings as we enter into the second quarter of 2016 and then into the second half of the year. We are therefore cautiously optimistic regarding full-year volume, pricing and profitability. Backlogs in both the steel and steel products segments have remained consistent and we believe several end-use markets such as automotive and nonresidential construction will experience some demand improvement that may gain momentum throughout 2016. However, the effect this improvement in demand will have on our operating rates will be challenged by excess foreign steel capacity and the threat of continued increases in imported steel. We are aggressively fighting to stem the tide of unfairly traded imports and are encouraged by recent trade legislation that puts our nation in a much stronger position to hold foreign governments accountable when violating U.S. trade laws. We expect that scrap prices will increase slightly over the balance of 2016 and that we will continue to experience fluctuations in raw material costs throughout the year. We have made significant investments in our raw materials segment and will continue to utilize our unmatched global supply chain to optimize our raw material costs.

We are committed to executing on the opportunities we see ahead to reward Nucor stockholders with very attractive long-term returns on their valuable capital invested in our company. Nucor is the only steel producer headquartered in North America with the extremely important competitive advantage of an investment-grade credit rating. Our industry-leading financial strength allows us to support investments in our facilities that will prepare us for increased profitability as we enter into more favorable market conditions. In 2016, as we have in our past, we will allocate capital to investments that build our long-term earnings power. Capital expenditures are currently projected to be approximately $500 million in 2016, considerably higher than our spending in 2015 and more in line with 2014. Included in this $500 million total are primarily investments in our core operations to expand our product offerings and keep them state-of-the-art and globally cost-competitive.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at year end and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the year. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the valuation allowances for receivables, the carrying value of non-current assets, reserves for environmental obligations and income taxes. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Accordingly, actual costs could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. All inventories held by the parent company and Nucor-Yamato Steel Company are valued using the LIFO method of accounting except for supplies that are consumed indirectly in the production process, which are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting. All inventories held by the parent company’s other subsidiaries are valued using the FIFO method of accounting. The Company records any amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value as a charge to cost of products sold.

      39      

If steel selling prices were to decline in future quarters, write-downs of inventory could result. Specifically, the valuation of raw material inventories purchased during periods of peak market pricing held by subsidiaries valued using the FIFO method of accounting would most likely be impacted. Low utilization rates at our steel mills or raw materials facilities could hinder our ability to work through high-priced scrap and scrap substitutes (particularly pig iron and iron ore), leading to period-end exposure when comparing carrying value to net realizable value.

LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

We evaluate our property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment on an individual asset basis or at the lowest level asset grouping for which cash flows can be independently identified. Asset impairments are assessed whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those productive assets could exceed their projected undiscounted cash flows. In developing estimated values for assets that we currently use in our operations, we utilize judgments and assumptions of future undiscounted cash flows that the assets will produce. When it is determined that an impairment exists, the related assets are written down to estimated fair market value.

Certain long-lived asset groupings were tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2015. Undiscounted cash flows for each asset grouping were estimated using management’s long-range estimates of market conditions associated with each asset grouping over the estimated useful life of the principal asset within the group. Our undiscounted cash flow analysis indicated that those long-lived asset groupings were recoverable as of December 31, 2015; however, if our projected cash flows are not realized, either because of an extended recessionary period or other unforeseen events, impairment charges may be required in future periods. A 5% decrease in the projected cash flows of each of our asset groupings would not result in an impairment.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined that certain assets, the majority of which are engineering and equipment related to the current blast furnace project at our St. James Parish, Louisiana site, will not be utilized. As a result of this determination, Nucor recorded an $84.1 million impairment charge for the entire balance of those assets, which are included in the raw materials segment. The impairment charge is included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings. The assets that were impaired, the majority of which were acquired in 2008, were a viable option that were anticipated to be utilized up until the decision was made that such assets would not be utilized. The decision about whether or not to move forward with construction of the blast furnace utilizing these assets was delayed to focus on the construction of the DRI plant at the site. The decision was further delayed because of challenging conditions in domestic and global steel industries, particularly increased excess capacity, both domestically and globally. In the meantime, technology advances and supply and demand in the raw materials market led management to reconsider its plans for the previously proposed blast furnace. If we decide to proceed with a blast furnace at the site in the future, the project design will be evaluated at that time utilizing new equipment and engineering.

Due to the current natural gas pricing environment, Nucor performed an impairment assessment of its producing natural gas well assets in December 2015. One of the main assumptions that most significantly affects the undiscounted cash flows determination is management’s estimate of future natural gas prices. The pricing used in this impairment assessment was developed by management based on natural gas market supply and demand dynamics, in conjunction with a review of projections by numerous sources of market data. This analysis was performed on each of Nucor’s three groups of wells, with each group defined by common geographic location. Each of Nucor’s three groups of wells passed the impairment test. One of the groups of wells had estimated undiscounted cash flows that were noticeably closer to its carrying value of $87.2 million as of December 31, 2015. Changes in the natural gas industry or a prolonged low price environment beyond what had already been assumed in the analysis could cause management to revise the natural gas price assumption, which could possibly result in an impairment of a portion or all of the groups of wells assets.

GOODWILL

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and whenever events or circumstances change that would make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual impairment analysis as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current estimated fair value of each reporting unit to the recorded value, including goodwill.

When appropriate, Nucor performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For certain reporting units it is necessary to perform a quantitative analysis. In these instances, a discounted cash flow model is used to determine the current estimated fair value of these reporting units. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit as part of our annual testing (and any required interim testing) include: (a) expected cash flow for the five-year period following the testing date (including market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce and estimated capital needs); (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year growth rate determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting unit; (c) a discount rate based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted

      40      

average cost of capital; and (d) a probability-weighted scenario approach by which varying cash flows are assigned to certain scenarios based on the likelihood of occurrence. Management considers historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated.

Our fourth quarter 2015 annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in an impairment charge. Management does not believe that future impairment of these reporting units is probable. However, the performance of certain businesses that comprise our reporting units requires continued improvement. An increase of approximately 50 basis points in the discount rate, a critical assumption in which a minor change can have a significant impact on the estimated fair value, would not result in an impairment charge.

Nucor will continue to monitor operating results within all reporting units throughout the upcoming year in an effort to determine if events and circumstances warrant further interim impairment testing. Otherwise, all reporting units will again be subject to the required annual impairment test during our fourth quarter of 2016. Changes in the judgments and estimates underlying our analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future operating cash flows and discount rate, could decrease the estimated fair value of our reporting units in the future and could result in an impairment of goodwill.

EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

Investments in joint ventures in which Nucor shares control over the financial and operating decisions but in which Nucor is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. Each of the Company’s equity method investments is subject to a review for impairment if, and when, circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in value below its carrying amount may have occurred. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee; missed financial projections; a significant adverse change in the regulatory, tax, economic or technological environment of the investee; a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographic area or the industry in which the investee operates; and recurring negative cash flows from operations. If management considers the decline to be other than temporary, the Company would write down the investment to its estimated fair market value. An other-than-temporary decline in carrying value is determined to have occurred when, in management’s judgment, a decline in fair value below carrying value is of such length of time and/or severity that it is considered long-term.

In the event that an impairment review is necessary, we calculate the estimated fair value of our equity method investments using a probability-weighted multiple-scenario income approach. Management’s analysis includes three discounted cash flow scenarios (best case, base case and recessionary case), which contain forecasted near-term cash flows under each scenario. Generally, (i) the best case scenario contains estimates of future results ranging from slightly higher than recent operating performance to levels that are consistent with historical operating and financial performance (i.e., results experienced prior to the onset of the recessionary period that began in 2008); (ii) the base case scenario has estimates of future results ranging from generally in line with recent operating performance to levels that are more conservative than historical operating and financial performance; and (iii) the worst case scenario has estimates of future results which include limited growth resulting only from operational cost improvements and limited benefits of new higher-value product offerings. Management determines the probability that each cash flow scenario will come to fruition based on the specific facts and circumstances of each of the preceding scenarios, with the base case typically receiving the majority of the weighting.

Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our equity method investments include: (a) expected cash flow for the six-year period following the testing date (including market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce and estimated capital needs); (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year growth rate determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting unit; (c) a discount rate based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital; and (d) a probability-weighted scenario approach by which varying cash flows are assigned to certain scenarios based on the likelihood of occurrence. While the assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected revenues, metal margins and discount rate, the assumptions are often interdependent and no single factor predominates in determining the estimated fair value. Management considers historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and all available information at the time the fair values of its investments are estimated. Those estimates and judgments may or may not ultimately prove appropriate.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment due to the protracted challenging steel market conditions caused by excess global overcapacity, which increased in 2015, and the difficult economic environment in Europe. Our assessment was negatively impacted by unfavorable operating performance and deterioration in financial projections due to the increased global oversupply in 2015. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value. The impairment condition was considered to be other than temporary, and therefore the Company recorded a $153.0 million impairment charge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the fourth quarter of 2015. This charge is included in

      41      

impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings. The assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected revenues, metal margins and the discount rate. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the fourth quarter of 2015, 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. We will continue to monitor for potential triggering events that could affect the carrying value of our investment in Duferdofin Nucor as a result of future market conditions and any changes in business strategy.

ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations established by federal, state and local authorities, and we make provisions for the estimated costs related to compliance. Undiscounted remediation liabilities are accrued based on estimates of known environmental exposures. The accruals are reviewed periodically and, as investigations and remediation proceed, adjustments are made as we believe are necessary. Our measurement of environmental liabilities is based on currently available facts, present laws and regulations and current technology.

INCOME TAXES

We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations are recognized as a component of interest expense and other expenses.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements adopted by Nucor during 2015 and the expected financial impact of accounting pronouncements recently issued or proposed but not yet required to be adopted.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

During the first six months of 2015, the Company performed certain internal reorganization activities. In connection with this process, the financial information utilized by the Chief Operating Decision Maker when assessing segment performance and making resource allocations was adjusted in a way that affected how certain assets are grouped. This resulted in certain assets being reclassified between the steel mills segment, steel products segment, raw materials segment and corporate/eliminations in the segment footnote in order to align with the approach management uses to assess the performance of those segments. The segment data for the comparable periods has also been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances nor did they impact any segment income statement amounts. 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.

  FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW               45        

	(dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data)
	2015			2014			2013			2012		2011
FOR THE YEAR
Net sales	$	16,439,276		$	21,105,141		$	19,052,046		$	19,429,273	$	20,023,564
Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of products sold		14,858,014			19,198,615			17,641,421			17,915,735		18,142,144
Marketing, administrative and other expenses		458,989			520,805			467,904			437,337		439,528
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates		(5,329	)		(13,505	)		(9,297	)		13,323		10,043
Impairments and losses on assets		244,833			25,393			14,000			47,563		13,943
Interest expense, net		173,531			169,256			146,895			162,375		166,094
		15,730,038			19,900,564			18,260,923			18,576,333		18,771,752
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		709,238			1,204,577			791,123			852,940		1,251,812
Provision for income taxes		213,154			388,787			205,594			259,814		390,828
Net earnings		496,084			815,790			585,529			593,126		860,984
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		138,425			101,844			97,504			88,507		82,796
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders		357,659			713,946			488,025			504,619		778,188
Net earnings per share:
Basic		1.11			2.22			1.52			1.58		2.45
Diluted		1.11			2.22			1.52			1.58		2.45
Dividends declared per share		1.4925			1.4825			1.4725			1.4625		1.4525
Percentage of net earnings to net sales		2.2%			3.4%			2.6%			2.6%		3.9%
Return on average stockholders’ equity		4.7%			9.3%			6.4%			6.7%		10.7%
Capital expenditures		364,768			568,867			1,230,418			1,019,334		450,627
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)		19,089			768,581			—			760,833		3,959
Depreciation		625,757			652,000			535,852			534,010		522,571
Sales per employee		690			921			859			906		974
AT YEAR END
Current assets	$	5,754,380		$	6,441,888		$	6,410,046		$	5,661,364	$	6,708,081
Current liabilities		1,385,173			2,097,776			1,960,216			2,029,568		2,396,059
Working capital		4,369,207			4,344,112			4,449,830			3,631,796		4,312,022
Cash provided by operating activities		2,157,043			1,342,898			1,077,949			1,200,385		1,031,053
Current ratio		4.2			3.1			3.3			2.8		2.8
Property, plant and equipment, net		4,891,153			5,287,639			4,917,024			4,283,056		3,755,604
Total assets		14,250,399			15,615,927			15,203,283			14,152,059		14,570,350
Long-term debt (including current maturities)		4,360,600			4,376,935			4,380,200			3,630,200		4,280,200
Percentage of debt to capital(1)		35.9%			35.2%			35.6%			31.5%		35.7%
Total Nucor stockholders’ equity		7,416,878			7,772,470			7,645,769			7,641,571		7,474,885
Per share		23.33			24.36			24.02			24.06		23.60
Shares outstanding		317,962			319,033			318,328			317,663		316,749
Employees		23,700			23,600			22,300			22,200		20,800

(1) Long-term debt divided by total equity plus long-term debt.

        46               MANAGEMENT’S REPORT  

MANAGEMENT’S REPORTon internal control over financial reporting

Nucor’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of Nucor’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on its assessment, management concluded that Nucor’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of Nucor’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, as stated in their report which is included herein.

  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM               47        

REPORTOF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Nucor Corporation:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nucor Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 2 and Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has prospectively adopted new accounting guidance which changes the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, NC

February 26, 2016

        48               CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS				(in thousands)
December 31,	2015			2014
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 15)	$	1,939,469		$	1,024,144
Short-term investments (Notes 4 and 15)		100,000			100,000
Accounts receivable, net (Note 5)		1,383,823			2,068,298
Inventories, net (Note 6)		2,145,444			2,745,032
Other current assets (Notes 14 and 20)		185,644			504,414
Total current assets		5,754,380			6,441,888
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Note 7)		4,891,153			5,287,639
GOODWILL (Note 9)		2,011,278			2,068,664
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Note 9)		770,672			862,093
OTHER ASSETS (Note 10)		822,916			955,643
TOTAL ASSETS	$	14,250,399		$	15,615,927
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt (Notes 12 and 15)	$	51,315		$	207,476
Long-term debt due within one year (Notes 12 and 15)		—			16,335
Accounts payable (Note 11)		566,527			993,872
Salaries, wages and related accruals (Notes 11 and 18)		289,004			352,488
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Notes 7, 11, 14, 16 and 20)		478,327			527,605
Total current liabilities		1,385,173			2,097,776
LONG-TERM DEBT DUE AFTER ONE YEAR (Notes 12 and 15)		4,360,600			4,360,600
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES (Notes 7, 14, 16, 18 and 20)		718,613			1,082,433
TOTAL LIABILITIES		6,464,386			7,540,809
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 14 and 16)
EQUITY
NUCOR STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Notes 13 and 17):
Common stock (800,000 shares authorized; 378,566 and 378,092 shares issued, respectively)		151,426			151,237
Additional paid-in capital		1,918,970			1,883,356
Retained earnings		7,255,972			7,378,214
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes (Notes 2, 14 and 21)		(351,362	)		(145,708	)
Treasury stock (60,604 and 59,059 shares, respectively)		(1,558,128	)		(1,494,629	)
Total Nucor stockholders’ equity		7,416,878			7,772,470
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		369,135			302,648
TOTAL EQUITY		7,786,013			8,075,118
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	14,250,399		$	15,615,927

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS               49        

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS	(in thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
NET SALES	$	16,439,276		$	21,105,141		$	19,052,046
COSTS, EXPENSES AND OTHER:
Cost of products sold (Notes 6, 14 and 18)		14,858,014			19,198,615			17,641,421
Marketing, administrative and other expenses (Note 21)		458,989			520,805			467,904
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (Note 10)		(5,329	)		(13,505	)		(9,297	)
Impairments and losses on assets (Notes 7, 10 and 24)		244,833			25,393			14,000
Interest expense, net (Notes 7, 19 and 20)		173,531			169,256			146,895
		15,730,038			19,900,564			18,260,923
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		709,238			1,204,577			791,123
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 20)		213,154			388,787			205,594
NET EARNINGS		496,084			815,790			585,529
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		138,425			101,844			97,504
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NUCOR STOCKHOLDERS	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 22):
Basic		$1.11			$2.22			$1.52
Diluted		$1.11			$2.22			$1.52

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

        50               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME				(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
NET EARNINGS	$	496,084		$	815,790		$	585,529
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of ($5,600), ($4,900) and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		(9,498	)		(8,542	)		—
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net earnings,   net of income taxes of $3,500, $200 and $0     for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		5,798			542			—
Foreign currency translation loss, net of income taxes of $0, $400 and ($600)   for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		(205,397	)		(141,530	)		(53,619	)
Adjustment to early retiree medical plan, net of income taxes of $127, ($1,921) and $2,547   for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		1,485			(4,228	)		5,938
Reclassification adjustment for gain on early retiree medical plan included in net earnings,   net of income taxes of ($414), ($557) and $0     for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		(742	)		(1,030	)		—
Other, net of income taxes of $1,500, $0 and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively		2,700			—			—
		(205,654	)		(154,788	)		(47,681	)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		290,430			661,002			537,848
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		(138,425	)		(101,844	)		(97,504	)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NUCOR STOCKHOLDERS	$	152,005		$	559,158		$	440,344

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY               51        

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY								(in thousands, except per share data)
		COMMON STOCK		ADDITIONAL  PAID-IN	RETAINED	ACCUMULATED  OTHER  COMPREHENSIVE	TREASURY STOCK (AT COST)		TOTAL NUCOR  STOCKHOLDERS’	NON-  CONTROLLING
	TOTAL	SHARES	AMOUNT	CAPITAL	EARNINGS	INCOME (LOSS)	SHARES	AMOUNT	EQUITY	INTERESTS
BALANCES, December 31, 2012	$7,885,374	377,013	$150,805	$1,811,459	$7,124,523	$  56,761	59,350	($1,501,977)	$7,641,571	$243,803
Net earnings in 2013	585,529				488,025				488,025	97,504
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,681)					(47,681)			(47,681)
Stock option expense	8,576			8,576					8,576
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	26,565	512	205	22,497			(153)	3,863	26,565
Amortization of unearned compensation	821			821					821
Cash dividends ($1.4725 per share)	(472,108)				(472,108)				(472,108)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(76,798)									(76,798)
BALANCES, December 31, 2013	7,910,278	377,525	151,010	1,843,353	7,140,440	9,080	59,197	(1,498,114)	7,645,769	264,509
Net earnings in 2014	815,790				713,946				713,946	101,844
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(154,788)					(154,788)			(154,788)
Stock options exercised	5,614	136	54	5,560					5,614
Stock option expense	7,716			7,716					7,716
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	29,667	431	173	26,009			(138)	3,485	29,667
Amortization of unearned compensation	718			718					718
Cash dividends ($1.4825 per share)	(476,172)				(476,172)				(476,172)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(63,705)									(63,705)
BALANCES, December 31, 2014	8,075,118	378,092	151,237	1,883,356	7,378,214	(145,708)	59,059	(1,494,629)	7,772,470	302,648
Net earnings in 2015	496,084				357,659				357,659	138,425
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(205,654)					(205,654)			(205,654)
Stock options exercised	424	10	4	420					424
Stock option expense	7,433			7,433					7,433
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	30,120	464	185	26,929			(119)	3,006	30,120
Amortization of unearned compensation	832			832					832
Treasury stock acquired	(66,505)						1,664	(66,505)	(66,505)
Cash dividends ($1.4925 per share)	(479,901)				(479,901)				(479,901)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(71,938)									(71,938)
BALANCES, December 31, 2015	$7,786,013	378,566	$151,426	$1,918,970	$7,255,972	($351,362)	60,604	($1,558,128)	$7,416,878	$369,135

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

        52               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings	$	496,084		$	815,790		$	585,529
Adjustments:
Depreciation		625,757			652,000			535,852
Amortization		74,260			72,423			74,356
Stock-based compensation		45,794			46,384			47,450
Deferred income taxes		(82,518	)		90,864			56,564
Distributions from affiliates		15,132			53,738			8,708
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		(5,329	)		(13,505	)		(9,297	)
Impairments and losses on assets		244,833			25,393			14,000
Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions):
Accounts receivable		655,489			(179,181	)		(103,649	)
Inventories		593,830			(45,963	)		(298,074	)
Accounts payable		(438,788	)		(111,859	)		39,489
Federal income taxes		62,656			(111,687	)		77,950
Salaries, wages and related accruals		(56,267	)		67,973			7,155
Other operating activities		(73,890	)		(19,472	)		41,916
Cash provided by operating activities		2,157,043			1,342,898			1,077,949
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures		(374,123	)		(667,982	)		(1,196,952	)
Investment in and advances to affiliates		(80,409	)		(97,841	)		(85,053	)
Repayment of advances to affiliates		—			122,000			54,500
Disposition of plant and equipment		29,390			36,563			34,097
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)		(19,089	)		(768,581	)		—
Purchases of investments		(111,927	)		(100,000	)		(19,349	)
Proceeds from the sale of investments		111,452			27,529			92,761
Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments		—			—			148,725
Changes in restricted cash		—			—			126,438
Other investing activities		3,010			10,250			4,863
Cash used in investing activities		(441,696	)		(1,438,062	)		(839,970	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in short-term debt		(155,816	)		178,308			(671	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(16,300	)		(5,358	)		(250,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount		—			—			999,100
Bond issuance costs		—			—			(7,625	)
Issuance of common stock		424			5,614			—
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		2,000			3,400			2,955
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(71,938	)		(63,705	)		(76,798	)
Cash dividends		(479,432	)		(475,123	)		(471,028	)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(66,505	)		—			—
Other financing activities		(2,184	)		(2,183	)		111
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(789,751	)		(359,047	)		196,044
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(10,271	)		(4,897	)		(3,633	)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		915,325			(459,108	)		430,390
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — BEGINNING OF YEAR		1,024,144			1,483,252			1,052,862
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — END OF YEAR	$	1,939,469		$	1,024,144		$	1,483,252
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY:
Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases	$	(9,355	)	$	(99,115	)	$	33,467

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS               53        

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Operations Nucor is principally a manufacturer of steel and steel products, as well as a scrap broker and processor, with operating facilities and customers primarily located in North America.

Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include Nucor and its controlled subsidiaries, including Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, a limited partnership of which Nucor owns 51%. All intercompany transactions are eliminated.

Distributions are made to noncontrolling interest partners in Nucor-Yamato Steel Company in accordance with the limited partnership agreement by mutual agreement of the general partners. At a minimum, sufficient cash is distributed so that each partner may pay their U.S. federal and state income taxes.

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reclassifications During the first six months of 2015, the Company performed certain internal reorganization activities. In connection with this process, the financial information utilized by the Chief Operating Decision Maker when assessing segment performance and making resource allocations was adjusted in a way that affected how certain assets are grouped. This resulted in certain assets being reclassified between the steel mills segment, steel products segment, raw materials segment and corporate/eliminations in the segment footnote in order to align with the approach management uses to assess the performance of those segments. The segment data for the comparable periods has also been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances nor did they impact any segment income statement amounts. The steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments are consistent with the way Nucor manages its business, which is based primarily upon the similarity of the types of products produced and sold by each segment (see Note 23).

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value, and have original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained primarily with a few high-credit quality financial institutions.

Short-term Investments Short-term investments are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date.

Inventories Valuation Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting represent approximately 48% of total inventories as of December 31, 2015 (43% as of December 31, 2014). All inventories held by the parent company and Nucor-Yamato Steel Company are valued using the LIFO method of accounting except for supplies that are consumed indirectly in the production process, which are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting. All inventories held by other subsidiaries of the parent company are valued using the FIFO method of accounting. The Company records any amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value as a charge to cost of products sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except for property, plant and equipment acquired through acquisitions which are recorded at acquisition date fair value. With the exception of our natural gas wells, depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depletion of all capitalized costs associated with our natural gas producing properties is expensed on a unit-of-production basis by individual field as the gas from the proved developed reserves is produced. The costs of planned major maintenance activities are capitalized as part of other current assets and amortized over the period until the next scheduled major maintenance activity. All other repairs and maintenance activities are expensed when incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment and whenever events or circumstances change that would make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual impairment analysis as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which is a level below the reportable segment, to the recorded value, including goodwill. When appropriate, Nucor performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For certain reporting units, it is necessary to perform a quantitative analysis. In these instances, a discounted cash flow model is used to determine the current estimated fair value of these reporting units. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application

      54      

of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including market growth and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, discount rate and estimated capital needs. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. Changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the fair value of goodwill and could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Long-Lived Asset Impairments We evaluate our property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment on an individual asset basis or at the lowest level asset grouping for which independent cash flows can be separately identified. Asset impairments are assessed whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those productive assets could exceed their projected undiscounted cash flows. When it is determined that impairment exists, the related assets are written down to their estimated fair market value.

Equity Method Investments Investments in joint ventures in which Nucor shares control over the financial and operating decisions but in which Nucor is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. Each of the Company’s equity method investments is subject to a review for impairment if, and when, circumstances indicate that a decline in value below its carrying amount may have occurred. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee; missed financial projections; a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of the investee; a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographic area or the industry in which the investee operates; and recurring negative cash flows from operations. If management considers the decline to be other than temporary, the Company would write down the investment to its estimated fair market value.

Derivative Financial Instruments Nucor uses derivative financial instruments from time to time primarily to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process and to changes in interest rates on outstanding debt instruments. Nucor also uses derivatives to hedge a portion of our scrap, copper and aluminum purchases and sales. In addition, Nucor periodically uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions.

Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings when the underlying transaction is recognized in net earnings. Changes in fair value hedges are reported in earnings along with changes in the fair value of the hedged items. When cash flow and fair value hedges affect net earnings, they are included on the same financial statement line as the underlying transaction (cost of products sold or interest expense). If these instruments do not meet hedge accounting criteria or contain ineffectiveness, the change in fair value (or a portion thereof) is recognized immediately in earnings in the same financial statement line as the underlying transaction.

Revenue Recognition Nucor recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Product is considered delivered to the customer once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss has been transferred.

Income Taxes Nucor utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Nucor recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of interest expense.

Nucor’s intention is to permanently reinvest the earnings of certain foreign investments. Accordingly, no provisions have been made for taxes that may be payable upon remittance of such earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based compensation as an expense using fair value measurement methods. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience.

      55      

Foreign Currency Translation For Nucor’s operations where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities have been translated at year-end exchange rates and income and expenses translated using average exchange rates for the respective periods. Adjustments resulting from the process of translating an entity’s financial statements into the U.S. dollar have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are included in net earnings only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying investments. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net earnings in the period they occur.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of 2015, Nucor adopted new accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard is applied prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, as noncurrent in a balance sheet. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted this new guidance prospectively beginning with the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 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. In August 2015, additional accounting guidance was issued that deferred the effective date of this new accounting guidance by one year. As a result, the amendments are effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating adoption methods and the impact the amendments will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, new accounting guidance was issued that specifies the responsibility that an entity’s management has to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This new guidance is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires an acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, new accounting guidance was issued regarding the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. Changes to the current GAAP model primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The accounting for other financial instruments, such as loans, investments in debt securities and financial liabilities is largely unchanged. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

On October 8, 2014, Nucor acquired the entire equity interest in Gallatin Steel Company (Gallatin) for a cash purchase price of $779.1 million, including working capital adjustments. The acquisition was partially funded by the issuance of approximately $300 million of commercial paper with the remaining funds coming from cash on hand. Located on the Ohio River in Ghent, Kentucky, Gallatin has an annual sheet steel production capacity of approximately 1,800,000 tons. This acquisition is strategically important as it expands Nucor’s footprint in the Midwestern United States market, and it will broaden Nucor’s product offerings. Gallatin’s financial results are included as part of the steel mills segment (see Note 23).

We have allocated the purchase price for Gallatin to its individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Gallatin as of the date of acquisition:

(in thousands)          

Cash	$	48,957
Accounts receivable		82,291
Inventory		101,692
Other current assets		5,117
Property, plant and equipment		483,007
Goodwill		94,737
Other intangible assets		67,150
Other assets		2,529
Total assets acquired		885,480
Current liabilities		104,315
Long-term debt		2,093
Total liabilities assumed		106,408
Net assets acquired	$	779,072

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation to the identifiable intangible assets of Gallatin as of the date of acquisition:

	(in thousands, except years)
				Weighted-          Average Life
Customer relationships		$	58,250		20 years
Trademarks and trade names			8,900		5 years
		$	67,150

The goodwill of $94.7 million is primarily attributed to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and has been allocated to the steel mills segment (see Note 9). Goodwill recognized for tax purposes was $98.1 million, all of which is deductible for tax purposes.

Other minor acquisitions, exclusive of purchase price adjustments of acquisitions made and net of cash acquired, totaled $19.1 million in 2015, $38.5 million in 2014, and none in 2013.

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4. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Nucor held $100.0 million of short-term investments, which consisted of fixed term deposits and certificates of deposit (CDs), as of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014. These investments are classified as available-for-sale. The interest rates on the fixed term deposits and CDs are fixed at inception and interest income is recorded as earned.

No realized or unrealized gains or losses were incurred in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

The contractual maturities of all of the fixed term deposits and CDs outstanding at December 31, 2015 are before December 31, 2016.

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Accounts receivable are stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $43.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($65.4 million at December 31, 2014, and $58.3 million at December 31, 2013).

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of approximately 38% raw materials and supplies and 62% finished and semi-finished products at December 31, 2015 (40% and 60%, respectively, at December 31, 2014). 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.

If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been $100.6 million higher at December 31, 2015 ($567.4 million higher at December 31, 2014). Use of the lower of cost or market method reduced inventories by $5.1 million at December 31, 2015 ($2.7 million at December 31, 2014).

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

(in thousands)             

December 31,	2015			2014
Land and improvements	$	585,057		$	576,511
Buildings and improvements		1,033,610			1,018,342
Machinery and equipment		10,229,602			10,080,640
Proved oil and gas properties		586,362			584,466
Construction in process and equipment deposits		197,278			193,594
		12,631,909			12,453,553
Less accumulated depreciation		(7,740,756	)		(7,165,914	)
	$	4,891,153		$	5,287,639

The estimated useful lives primarily range from 5 to 25 years for land improvements, 4 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 2 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. The useful life for proved oil and gas properties is based on the unit-of-production method and varies by well.

Included within property, plant and equipment, net at December 31, 2015, is $20.3 million of assets, net of accumulated depreciation, under a capital lease agreement ($22.8 million at December 31, 2014). The gross amount of property, plant and equipment acquired in 2014 under the capital lease was $25.4 million, which was not included in capital expenditures on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows in 2014. Total obligations associated with this capital lease agreement were $21.0 million at December 31, 2015 ($23.2 million at December 31, 2014), of which $2.3 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($2.2 million at December 31, 2014) and $18.7 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($21.0 million at December 31, 2014) in the consolidated balance sheets.

In 2013, one of three iron ore storage domes collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana in St. James Parish. At that time, Nucor initially 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 best estimate of probable insurance recoveries. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor has received initial payments of $10.3 million related to the insurance receivable. Nucor finalized its assessment process related to the two remaining storage domes during the third quarter of 2015 and determined

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that those domes would no longer be utilized. The Company recorded an associated write-down of property, plant and equipment of $19.4 million, offset by an $11.7 million insurance receivable that was based on management’s best estimate of probable insurance recoveries. As of December 31, 2015, the insurance receivable related to the three iron ore storage domes totaled $15.4 million. The net charge of $7.7 million associated with the write-down of the two remaining domes in 2015 and the net charge of $14.0 million related to the write-down of the first dome and inventory in 2013 are included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined that certain assets, the majority of which are engineering and equipment related to the current blast furnace project at our St. James Parish, Louisiana site, will not be utilized. As a result of this determination, Nucor recorded an $84.1 million impairment charge for the entire balance of those assets, which are included in the raw materials segment. The impairment charge is included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings. The assets that were impaired, the majority of which were acquired in 2008, were a viable option that were anticipated to be utilized up until the decision was made that such assets would not be utilized. The decision about whether or not to move forward with construction of the blast furnace utilizing these assets was delayed to focus on the construction of the DRI plant at the site. The decision was further delayed because of challenging conditions in domestic and global steel industries, particularly increased excess capacity, both domestically and globally. In the meantime, technology advances and supply and demand in the raw materials market led management to reconsider its plans for the previously proposed blast furnace. If we decide to proceed with a blast furnace at the site in the future, the project design will be evaluated at that time utilizing new equipment and engineering.

Due to the current natural gas pricing environment, Nucor performed an impairment assessment of its producing natural gas well assets in December 2015. One of the main assumptions that most significantly affects the undiscounted cash flows determination is management’s estimate of future natural gas prices. The pricing used in this impairment assessment was developed by management based on natural gas market supply and demand dynamics, in conjunction with a review of projections by numerous sources of market data. This analysis was performed on each of Nucor’s three groups of wells, with each group defined by common geographic location. Each of Nucor’s three groups of wells passed the impairment test. One of the groups of wells had estimated undiscounted cash flows that were noticeably closer to its carrying value of $87.2 million as of December 31, 2015. Changes in the natural gas industry or a prolonged low price environment beyond what had already been assumed in the analysis could cause management to revise the natural gas price assumption, which could possibly result in an impairment of a portion or all of the groups of wells assets.

Nucor capitalized $0.3 million of interest expense in 2015 ($2.9 million in 2014 and $10.9 million in 2013) related to the borrowing costs associated with various construction projects.

8. RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS

There were no restricted cash or investments as of December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. 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 DRI facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Funds were disbursed as qualified expenditures for the construction of the facility were made ($275.3 million in 2013).

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9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 by segment is as follows:

(in thousands)            

	Steel Mills			Steel       Products			Raw   Materials		Total
Balance, December 31, 2013		$495,897			$774,486			$703,225		$1,973,608
Acquisitions		98,505			—			—		98,505
Translation		—			(30,112	)		—		(30,112	)
Other		—			311			26,352		26,663
Balance, December 31, 2014		594,402			744,685			729,577		2,068,664
Translation		—			(53,618	)		—		(53,618	)
Other		(3,768	)		—			—		(3,768	)
Balance, December 31, 2015		$590,634			$691,067			$729,577		$2,011,278

The majority of goodwill is not tax deductible.

Goodwill increased by $26.4 million in the third quarter of 2014 due to a correction of deferred taxes related to purchase accounting for the acquisition of The David J. Joseph Company in 2008. This correction did not have an impact on the consolidated statements of earnings, consolidated statements of comprehensive income or the consolidated statements of cash flows in the year of correction or any prior period. Also, this correction had no impact on the results of the goodwill impairment assessments performed in prior periods and is not material to the year of correction or any prior period.

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

(in thousands)            

December 31,	2015				2014
	Gross Amount		Accumulated   Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships		$1,185,299		$517,817		$1,199,942		$454,353
Trademarks and trade names		155,864		57,756		158,584		48,356
Other		23,025		17,943		22,823		16,547
		$1,364,188		$593,516		$1,381,349		$519,256

Intangible asset amortization expense was $74.3 million in 2015 ($72.4 million in 2014 and $74.4 million in 2013). Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $70.9 million in 2016, $68.7 million in 2017, $65.9 million in 2018, $63.4 million in 2019 and $61.0 million in 2020.

The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment testing as of the first day of the fourth quarters of 2015, 2014 and 2013 and concluded that as of such dates there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. We do not believe there are any reporting units at significant risk of goodwill impairment in the next twelve months. However, assumptions in estimating reporting unit fair values are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. Changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the estimated reporting unit fair values and could result in impairment charges in future periods.

There are no significant historical accumulated impairment charges, by segment or in the aggregate, related to goodwill.

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10. EQUITY INVESTMENTS

The carrying value of our equity investments in domestic and foreign companies was $746.6 million at December 31, 2015 ($872.5 million at December 31, 2014), and is recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

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 December 31, 2015, was $258.2 million ($412.9 million at December 31, 2014). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was $93.0 million at December 31, 2015, resulting in a basis difference of $165.2 million due to the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities attributable to Duferdofin Nucor as well as the identification of goodwill ($84.1 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 associated with the fair value step-up was $8.8 million in 2015 ($10.5 million in 2014 and $11.2 million in 2013).

As of December 31, 2015, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of €35.0 million ($38.2 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€35.0 million, or $42.5 million, as of December 31, 2014). The notes receivable bear interest at 1.14% 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, 2019. As of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the note receivable was classified in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Nucor has issued a guarantee, the fair value of which is immaterial, for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement. The maximum amount Duferdofin Nucor could borrow under Facility A was €122.5 million ($133.6 million) at December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there was €119.0 million ($129.8 million) outstanding under that facility (€107.0 million, or $129.9 million, at December 31, 2014). Facility A was recently amended to extend the maturity date to October 12, 2018. Nucor previously had also issued a guarantee for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowing under the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Nucor and its joint-venture partner provided capital contributions to Duferdofin Nucor that were used to pay the outstanding balance of the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility, which was terminated. Duferdofin Nucor had the maximum borrowing amount outstanding under the facility of €60.0 million ($72.8 million) at December 31, 2014. The fair value of the guarantee related to the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility was immaterial at December 31, 2014. If Duferdofin Nucor fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under Facility A, Nucor could be required to pay 50% of such amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of its guarantee. Any indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor to Nucor is effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor under Facility A. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with this guarantee.

NuMit Nucor has a 50% economic and voting interest in NuMit LLC (NuMit). NuMit owns 100% of the equity interest in Steel Technologies LLC, an operator of 25 sheet processing facilities located throughout the United States, 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 December 31, 2015, was $314.5 million ($301.5 million as of December 31, 2014). Nucor received distributions of $13.1 million, $52.7 million, and $6.7 million from NuMit during 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

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 programs. 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 December 31, 2015, was $135.9 million ($138.6 million at December 31, 2014).

Recent declines in natural gas pricing have led to reduced natural gas drilling activity. Sustained or further reductions in natural gas production activity could lead to reduced utilization of the Hunter Ridge assets. We will continue to monitor for potential triggering events that could affect the carrying value of our investment in Hunter Ridge as a result of future market conditions and any changes in business strategy.

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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 2015, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment due to the protracted challenging steel market conditions caused by excess global overcapacity, which increased in 2015, and the difficult economic environment in Europe. Our assessment was negatively impacted by unfavorable operating performance and deterioration in financial projections due to the increased global oversupply in 2015. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value. The impairment condition was considered to be other than temporary and therefore the Company recorded a $153.0 million impairment charge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the fourth quarter of 2015. This charge is included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings. The assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected revenues, metal margins and the discount rate. The Company-specific inputs for measuring fair value are considered “Level 3” or unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data under applicable fair value authoritative guidance, as quoted market prices are not available. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the fourth quarter of 2015, 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. We will continue to monitor for potential triggering events that could affect the carrying value of our investment in Duferdofin Nucor as a result of future market conditions and any changes in business strategy.

It is possible that the future performance of Duferdofin Nucor could affect the recorded value of the note receivable the Company has with Duferdofin Nucor and any potential liability associated with the Company’s guarantees of the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor as discussed above.

11. CURRENT LIABILITIES

Book overdrafts, included in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets, were $62.8 million at December 31, 2015 ($107.9 million at December 31, 2014). Accrued vacation and holiday pay, included in salaries, wages and related accruals in the consolidated balance sheets, was $80.4 million at December 31, 2015 ($75.3 million at December 31, 2014). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, were $120.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($119.7 million at December 31, 2014).

12. DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

(in thousands)
December 31,	2015		2014
Industrial revenue bonds:
0.17% to 0.42%, variable, due from 2015 to 2040	$	1,010,600	$	1,026,935
Notes, 5.75%, due 2017		600,000		600,000
Notes, 5.85%, due 2018		500,000		500,000
Notes, 4.125%, due 2022		600,000		600,000
Notes, 4.0%, due 2023		500,000		500,000
Notes, 6.40%, due 2037		650,000		650,000
Notes, 5.20%, due 2043		500,000		500,000
		4,360,600		4,376,935
Less current maturities		—		(16,335	)
Total long-term debt due after one year	$	4,360,600	$	4,360,600

Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities are: none in 2016, $600.0 million in 2017, $500.0 million in 2018, none in 2019, $20.0 million in 2020 and $3.241 billion thereafter.

In October 2014, Nucor issued approximately $300 million of commercial paper to partially fund the acquisition of Gallatin. All commercial paper instruments matured within 90 days. The balance outstanding and presented in short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014, was $151.4 million. As of December 31, 2015, no commercial paper was outstanding.

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Nucor has a $1.50 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that matures in August 2018. The unsecured revolving credit facility provides up to $1.50 billion in revolving loans and allows up to $500.0 million in additional commitments at Nucor’s election in accordance with the terms set forth in the credit agreement. Up to the equivalent of $850.0 million of the credit facility is available for foreign currency loans, up to $500.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit and up to $500.0 million is available for the issuance of revolving loans for Nucor subsidiaries in accordance with terms set forth in the credit agreement. The credit facility provides for a pricing grid based upon the credit rating of Nucor’s senior unsecured long-term debt and, alternatively, interest rates quoted by lenders in connection with competitive bidding. The credit facility includes customary financial and other covenants, including a limit on the ratio of funded debt to capital of 60%, a limit on Nucor’s ability to pledge the Company’s assets and a limit on consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor’s funded debt to total capital ratio was 36%, and Nucor was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Harris Steel has credit facilities totaling approximately $25.1 million, with no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2015 ($1.5 million at December 31, 2014). In addition, the business of Nucor Trading S.A. is financed by uncommitted trade credit arrangements with a number of European banking institutions. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor Trading S.A. had outstanding borrowings of $51.3 million, which is presented in short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets ($54.6 million at December 31, 2014).

Letters of credit totaling $58.0 million were outstanding as of December 31, 2015 ($42.2 million as of December 31, 2014), related to certain obligations, including workers’ compensation, utilities deposits and credit arrangements by Nucor Trading S.A. for commitments to purchase inventories.

13. CAPITAL STOCK

The par value of Nucor’s common stock is $0.40 per share and there are 800 million shares authorized. In addition, 250,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $4.00 per share, are authorized, with preferences, rights and restrictions as may be fixed by Nucor’s Board of Directors. There are no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

In September 2015, Nucor’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $900 million of the Company’s common stock. The Board of Directors also terminated any previously authorized repurchase programs. The Company repurchased $66.5 million of common stock in 2015 (no repurchases in 2014 or 2013).

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14. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following tables summarize information regarding Nucor’s derivative instruments:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

		(in thousands)
		Fair Value
December 31,	Consolidated Balance Sheet Location	2015			2014
Asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$	—		$	1,856
Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		909			372
Total asset derivatives		$	909		$	2,228
Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	(15,700	)	$	(6,400	)
Commodity contracts	Deferred credits and other liabilities		(2,800	)		(6,300	)
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments			(18,500	)		(12,700	)
Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(353	)		—
Total liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			(353	)		—
Total liability derivatives		$	(18,853)		$	(12,700	)

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments																				(in thousands)
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 on Derivatives (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
		2015			2014			2013		2015			2014			2013		2015		2014		2013
Commodity   contracts	Cost of products sold	$	(9,498	)	$	(8,542	)	$	—	$	(5,798	)	$	(542	)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments				(in thousands)
Derivatives Not Designated   as Hedging Instruments	Statement of Earnings Location	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		2015		2014		2013
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$	2,894	$	1,890	$	4,622
Foreign exchange contracts	Cost of products sold		2,392		748		112
Total		$	5,286	$	2,638	$	4,734

At December 31, 2015, natural gas swaps covering approximately 13.8 million MMBTUs (extending through June 2017) were outstanding.

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15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

				(in thousands)
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
December 31,	Carrying Amount in Consolidated   Balance Sheets	Quoted Prices  in Active Markets  for Identical Assets  (Level 1)	Significant  Other Observable   Inputs (Level 2)	Significant   Unobservable   Inputs   (Level 3)
2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$1,668,567	$1,668,567	$           —
Short-term investments	100,000	100,000	—
Foreign exchange contracts	909	—	909	—
Total assets	$1,769,476	$1,768,567	$         909	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$   (18,853)	—	$   (18,853)	—
2014
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$   861,656	$   861,656	$           —
Short-term investments	100,000	100,000	—
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	2,228	—	2,228	—
Total assets	$   963,884	$   961,656	$      2,228	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$   (12,700)	—	$   (12,700)	—

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. 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 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. There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy for the periods presented.

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $4.47 billion at December 31, 2015 ($4.97 billion at December 31, 2014). The debt fair value estimates are classified under Level 2 because such estimates are based on readily available market prices of our debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014, or similar debt with the same maturities, ratings and interest rates.

Disclosures are required for certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value, but are recognized and disclosed on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition. For Nucor, our equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor was measured at fair value as a result of the impairment recorded in 2015 (see Note 10).

16. 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 $21.1 million of accrued environmental costs at December 31, 2015 ($27.2 million at December 31, 2014), $9.7 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($11.3 million at December 31, 2014) and $11.4 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($15.9 million at December 31, 2014). Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates primarily due to unknown conditions, evolving remediation technology and changing governmental regulations and legal standards.

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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 on behalf of themselves and a putative class of all purchasers of steel products from the defendants in the U.S. between April 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007. Five of the eight defendants have reached court approved settlements with the plaintiffs. On September 9, 2015, the District Court entered an order ruling on issues of class certification. The Court granted in part, and denied in part, the plaintiffs’ motion, certifying a class solely on the issue of whether defendants engaged in a conspiracy in violation of the antitrust laws, and declining to certify a class on the issues of antitrust impact and damages. We continue to believe the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and 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 and, consequently, have not recorded any reserves or contingencies related to this lawsuit.

On March 25, 2014, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas returned a verdict against Nucor and its co-defendants in an antitrust lawsuit 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. On June 1, 2014, pursuant to antitrust laws providing for treble damages, the court awarded a judgment to MM Steel jointly and severally against the defendants in an amount totaling $160.8 million after including costs and attorneys’ fees. As a result of post-verdict developments, including settlements reached by various other parties, the Company’s practical estimable exposure was reduced to approximately $40.0 million. The Company appealed the judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and on November 25, 2015, the Fifth Circuit reversed the verdict against Nucor finding that there was not sufficient evidence to support liability against the Company, thereby reducing our current practical estimate exposure to zero.

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.

17. 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.

A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans is as follows:

											(shares in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015					2014					2013
	Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Number of shares under option:
Outstanding at beginning of year		2,422			$42.39		2,089			$40.47		1,543		$39.03
Granted		700			$47.59		469			$50.63		546		$44.51
Exercised		(10	)		$42.34		(136	)		$41.30		—		—
Canceled		(20	)		$50.63		—			—		—		—
Outstanding at end of year		3,092			$43.51		2,422			$42.39		2,089		$40.47
Options exercisable at end of year		1,531			$39.35		1,263			$40.40		1,012		$39.75

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The shares reserved for future grants as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the restricted stock units table below. The total intrinsic value of options (the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the option on the date of exercise) that were exercised during 2015 was $0.1 million ($2.0 million in 2014 and none in 2013).

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

					(shares in thousands)
	Options Outstanding
Exercise Price	Options         Outstanding		Options     Exercisable		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
$35.76		689		689		6.4 years
$41.43		242		242		4.4 years
$42.34		520		520		5.4 years
$44.51		506		80		7.4 years
$47.59		700		—		9.4 years
$50.63		435		—		8.4 years
$35.76 – $ 50.63		3,092		1,531		7.2 years

As of December 31, 2015, the total aggregate intrinsic value of both options outstanding and options exercisable was $3.1 million. Options for which the exercise price exceeded the closing market price of a share of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2015 were excluded from the calculation of aggregate intrinsic value.

The grant date fair value of options granted was $11.71 per share in 2015 ($17.48 per share in 2014 and $15.03 per share in 2013). The fair value was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

	2015			2014			2013
Exercise price		$47.59			$50.63			$44.51
Expected dividend yield		3.13	%		2.92	%		3.30	%
Expected stock price volatility		33.32	%		45.00	%		46.94	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.86	%		2.03	%		1.51	%
Expected life (in years)		6.5			6.5			6.5

Stock options granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of grant are expensed 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. Similarly, 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. 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 $7.4 million in 2015 ($7.7 million in 2014 and $8.6 million in 2013). As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options was $1.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over 2.2 years.

Restricted Stock Units Nucor annually grants restricted stock units (RSUs) to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The RSUs typically vest and are converted to common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. A portion of the RSUs awarded to an officer 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.

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

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

The fair value of the RSUs is determined based on the closing stock price of Nucor’s common stock on the date of grant. A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:

													(shares in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015						2014						2013
		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value			Shares			Grant Date Fair Value			Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock units:
Unvested at beginning of year			1,012			$45.98			1,122			$42.51			1,106			$40.80
Granted			790			$47.59			655			$50.63			789			$44.51
Vested			(756	)		$44.99			(752	)		$44.90			(762	)		$42.15
Canceled			(15	)		$46.61			(13	)		$42.66			(11	)		$39.08
Unvested at end of year			1,031			$47.93			1,012			$45.98			1,122			$42.51
Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)			10,349						11,851						10,486

Compensation expense for RSUs was $34.8 million in 2015 ($32.6 million in 2014 and 2013). The total fair value of shares vested during 2015 was $35.8 million ($38.1 million in 2014 and $34.1 million in 2013). As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $31.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

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

The LTIP provides for the award of shares of restricted common stock at the end of each LTIP performance measurement period at no cost to officers if certain financial performance goals are met during the period. One-third of the LTIP restricted stock award vests upon each of the first three anniversaries of the award date or, if earlier, upon the officer’s attainment of age 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.

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A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and the LTIP is as follows:

														(shares in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,		2015						2014						2013
	Shares				Grant Date   Fair Value		Shares				Grant Date   Fair Value		Shares				Grant Date   Fair Value
Restricted stock awards and units:
Unvested at beginning of year			65			$48.20			73			$45.49			72			$43.72
Granted			136			$47.07			127			$50.35			122			$47.36
Vested			(138	)		$47.15			(135	)		$48.76			(121	)		$46.32
Canceled			—			—			—			—			—			—
Unvested at end of year			63			$48.07			65			$48.20			73			$45.49
Shares reserved for future grants			975						1,111						1,238

Compensation expense for common stock and common stock units awarded under the AIP and the 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 $3.4 million in 2015 ($6.1 million in 2014 and $6.3 million in 2013). The total fair value of shares vested during 2015 was $6.5 million ($6.8 million in 2014 and $5.7 million in 2013). As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

18. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

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 $60.5 million in 2015 ($110.1 million in 2014 and $71.7 million in 2013). The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals.

Nucor also has a medical plan covering certain eligible early retirees. The unfunded obligation, included in deferred credits and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $15.6 million at December 31, 2015 ($14.1 million at December 31, 2014). The expense associated with this early retiree medical plan totaled $1.1 million in 2015 (benefits of $0.6 million in 2014 and 2013.)

The discount rate used was 4.4% in 2015 (3.8% in 2014 and 4.6% in 2013). The health care cost increase trend rate used was 7.1% in 2015 (6.5% in 2014 and 6.6% in 2013). The health care cost increase in the trend rate is projected to decline gradually to 4.5% by 2037.

19. INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME)

The components of net interest expense are as follows:

							(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014				2013
Interest expense	$	177,543		$	174,142			$	151,986
Interest income		(4,012	)		(4,886	)			(5,091	)
Interest expense, net	$	173,531		$	169,256			$	146,895

Interest paid was $180.0 million in 2015 ($180.5 million in 2014 and $141.2 million in 2013).

      69      

20. INCOME TAXES

Components of earnings (losses) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests are as follows:

						(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
United States	$	875,038		$	1,161,953		$	755,921
Foreign		(165,800	)		42,624			35,202
	$	709,238		$	1,204,577		$	791,123

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

							(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014				2013
Current:
Federal	$	285,856		$	247,898			$	138,343
State		4,618			30,790				223
Foreign		5,198			19,235				10,464
Total current		295,672			297,923				149,030
Deferred:
Federal		(64,482	)		94,991				36,157
State		(6,041	)		3,958				(39	)
Foreign		(11,995	)		(8,085	)			20,446
Total deferred		(82,518	)		90,864				56,564
Total provision for income taxes	$	213,154		$	388,787			$	205,594

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate (35%) to the total provision is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Taxes computed at statutory rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		(0.32	)		3.32			0.02
Federal research credit		(0.50	)		(0.27	)		(0.79	)
Domestic manufacturing deduction		(3.40	)		(2.27	)		(1.74	)
Equity in losses of foreign joint venture		0.98			0.85			1.36
Impairment on investment in foreign joint venture		7.55			—			—
Foreign rate differential		(1.72	)		(0.93	)		(2.35	)
Noncontrolling interests		(6.84	)		(2.96	)		(4.32	)
Out-of-period correction		(1.37	)		(1.10	)		(2.57	)
Other, net		0.67			0.64			1.38
Provision for income taxes		30.05	%		32.28	%		25.99	%

      70      

The 2015 provision included a $9.7 million out-of-period non-cash gain related to a correction to tax balances. The 2014 and 2013 provisions included out-of-period non-cash gains related to corrections to tax balances of $13.2 million and $21.3 million, respectively. These out-of-period adjustments were not material to the period of correction or any previously reported periods.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted from the following:

	(in thousands)
December 31,	2015			2014
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities and reserves	$	209,854		$	154,381
Allowance for doubtful accounts		12,912			24,741
Inventory		208,799			189,120
Post-retirement benefits		9,773			898
Commodity hedges		7,149			4,773
Net operating loss carryforward		14,690			9,880
Tax credit carryforwards		19,601			29,142
Total deferred tax assets		482,778			412,935
Deferred tax liabilities:
Holdbacks and amounts not due    under contracts		(10,479	)		(14,945	)
Cumulative translation adjustments		(3,325	)		(1,819	)
Intangibles		(244,496	)		(236,618	)
Property, plant and equipment		(673,676	)		(698,567	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(931,976	)		(951,949	)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(449,198	)	$	(539,014	)

In November 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted this new guidance prospectively beginning with the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

As a result of the prospective adoption of the new accounting guidance, there were no current deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015. Current deferred tax assets included in other current assets were $253.4 million at December 31, 2014. Also as a result of the prospective adoption of the new accounting guidance, there were no current deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015. Current deferred tax liabilities included in other current liabilities were $13.1 million at December 31, 2014. Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities were $449.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($779.3 million at December 31, 2014). Nucor paid $260.3 million in net federal, state and foreign income taxes in 2015 ($398.7 million and $64.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively).

Cumulative undistributed foreign earnings for which U.S. taxes have not been provided are included in consolidated retained earnings in the amount of $169.6 million at December 31, 2015 ($194.0 million at December 31, 2014). These earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provisions for U.S. federal and state income taxes are required. It is not practicable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the unremitted earnings.

State net operating loss carryforwards were $487.9 million at December 31, 2015 ($462.8 million at December 31, 2014). If unused, they will expire between 2016 and 2035. Foreign net operating loss carryforwards were $22.3 million at December 31, 2015 ($44.9 million at December 31, 2014). If unused, they will expire between 2027 and 2035.

      71      

At December 31, 2015, Nucor had approximately $50.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $49.8 million would affect Nucor’s effective tax rate, if recognized. At December 31, 2014, Nucor had approximately $63.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $62.9 million would affect Nucor’s effective tax rate, if recognized.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits recorded in deferred credits and other liabilities is as follows:

	(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Balance at beginning of year		$63,001			$65,975			$80,862
Additions based on tax positions related to current year		6,508			6,295			4,849
Reductions based on tax positions related to current year		—			—			(55	)
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		241			5,673			2,307
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years		(13,294	)		(7,449	)		(6,248	)
Additions due to settlements with taxing authorities		930			—			—
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse		(6,876	)		(7,493	)		(15,740	)
Balance at end of year		$ 50,510			$ 63,001			$ 65,975

We estimate that in the next twelve months, our gross uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $10.6 million, as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations.

During 2015, Nucor recognized $7.0 million of benefit in interest and penalties ($9.0 million of benefit in 2014 and $0.9 million of expense in 2013). The interest and penalties are included in interest expense and other expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of earnings. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor has approximately $21.2 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions on the consolidated balance sheet (approximately $28.2 million at December 31, 2014).

Nucor has substantially concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2012. The 2013 and 2014 tax years remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Canada Revenue Agency is examining the 2012 Canadian returns for Harris Steel Group Inc. and certain related affiliates. The tax years 2009 through 2014 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

      72      

21. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component:

													(in thousands)
	Gains and Losses  on Hedging Derivatives				Foreign Currency  Gain (Loss)				Adjustment to     Early Retiree      Medical Plan				Total
December 31, 2014		$	(8,000	)		$	(148,968	)		$	11,260			$	(145,708	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(9,498	)			(205,397	)			1,485				(213,410	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings(1)			5,798				2,700				(742	)			7,756
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income			(3,700	)			(202,697	)			743				(205,654	)
December 31, 2015		$	(11,700	)		$	(351,665	)		$	12,003			$	(351,362	)

(1) Includes $5,798 and ($742) net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts and adjustment to early retiree medical plan, respectively. The tax impacts of these reclassifications were $3,500 and ($414), respectively. Also includes $2,700 of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassification into marketing, administrative and other expenses for net losses on translation. The tax impact of the reclassification was $1,500.

													(in thousands)
	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			(8,542	)			(141,530	)			(4,228	)			(154,300	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings(2)			542				—				(1,030	)			(488	)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income			(8,000	)			(141,530	)			(5,258	)			(154,788	)
December 31, 2014		$	(8,000	)		$	(148,968	)		$	11,260			$	(145,708	)

(2) Includes $542 and ($1,030) net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts and adjustment to early retiree medical plan, respectively. The tax impacts of these reclassifications were $200 and ($557), respectively.

      73      

22. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows:

	(in thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014			2013
Basic net earnings per share:
Basic net earnings	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,514	)		(2,321	)		(1,919	)
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	356,145		$	711,625		$	486,106
Average shares outstanding		320,565			319,838			319,077
Basic net earnings per share	$	1.11		$	2.22		$	1.52
Diluted net earnings per share:
Diluted net earnings	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,514	)		(2,321	)		(1,919	)
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	356,145		$	711,625		$	486,106
Diluted average shares outstanding:
Basic shares outstanding		320,565			319,838			319,077
Dilutive effect of stock options and other		128			289			189
		320,693			320,127			319,266
Diluted net earnings per share	$	1.11		$	2.22		$	1.52

The following stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:

	(shares in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014		2013
Anti-dilutive stock options:
Weighted average shares		1,226		—		137
Weighted average exercise price	$	47.20	$	—	$	44.51

      74      

23. 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 wire and wire mesh. The raw materials segment includes DJJ, primarily 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.

During the first six months of 2015, the Company performed certain internal reorganization activities. In connection with this process, the financial information utilized by the Chief Operating Decision Maker when assessing segment performance and making resource allocations was adjusted in a way that affected how certain assets are grouped. This resulted in certain assets being reclassified between the steel mills segment, steel products segment, raw materials segment and corporate/eliminations in order to align with the approach management uses to assess the performance of those segments. The segment data for the comparable periods has also been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances nor did they impact any segment income statement amounts.

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, deferred income tax assets, federal and state income taxes receivable, the LIFO reserve and investments in and advances to affiliates.

      75      

Nucor’s results by segment are as follows:

							(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015			2014				2013
Net sales to external customers:
Steel mills	$	11,084,331		$	14,723,642			$	13,311,948
Steel products		3,966,895			4,032,385				3,607,333
Raw materials		1,388,050			2,349,114				2,132,765
	$	16,439,276		$	21,105,141			$	19,052,046
Intercompany sales:
Steel mills	$	2,152,157		$	2,904,317			$	2,563,554
Steel products		90,969			105,383				97,090
Raw materials		6,279,316			9,618,145				9,116,860
Corporate/eliminations		(8,522,442	)		(12,627,845	)			(11,777,504	)
	$	—		$	—			$	—
Depreciation expense:
Steel mills	$	381,352		$	366,568			$	332,258
Steel products		39,512			42,777				42,737
Raw materials		198,705			235,443				154,065
Corporate		6,188			7,212				6,792
	$	625,757		$	652,000			$	535,852
Amortization expense:
Steel mills	$	18,789		$	15,269			$	13,911
Steel products		23,932			27,644				31,082
Raw materials		31,539			29,510				29,363
	$	74,260		$	72,423			$	74,356
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and   noncontrolling interests:
Steel mills	$	629,793		$	1,594,352			$	1,156,715
Steel products		276,048			166,323				82,129
Raw materials		(283,938	)		(29,053	)			13,686
Corporate/eliminations		87,335			(527,045	)			(461,407	)
	$	709,238		$	1,204,577			$	791,123
Segment assets:
Steel mills	$	7,318,706		$	8,528,623			$	7,787,464
Steel products		2,485,122			2,731,320				2,710,597
Raw materials		3,123,190			3,858,254				3,896,331
Corporate/eliminations		1,323,381			497,730				808,891
	$	14,250,399		$	15,615,927			$	15,203,283
Capital expenditures:
Steel mills	$	248,532		$	343,767			$	589,621
Steel products		41,291			27,262				22,472
Raw materials		74,607			197,252				610,745
Corporate		338			586				7,580
	$	364,768		$	568,867			$	1,230,418

      76      

Net sales by product were as follows. Further product group breakdown is impracticable.

					(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,	2015		2014			2013
Net sales to external customers:
Sheet	$	4,628,805	$	5,988,303		$	5,219,464
Bar		3,005,450		4,051,171			3,730,328
Structural		2,137,413		2,617,196			2,558,538
Plate		1,312,663		2,066,972			1,803,618
Steel products		3,966,895		4,032,385			3,607,333
Raw materials		1,388,050		2,349,114			2,132,765
	$	16,439,276	$	21,105,141		$	19,052,046

24. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2015
Net sales		$4,399,440		$4,357,609		$4,225,514		$3,456,713
Gross margin(1)		288,282		386,306		523,836		382,838
Net earnings (loss)(2)		84,292		159,344		267,736		(15,288	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Nucor stockholders(2)		67,800		124,755		227,126		(62,022	)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		0.21		0.39		0.71		(0.19	)
Diluted		0.21		0.39		0.71		(0.19	)
2014
Net sales		$5,108,444		$5,291,075		$5,701,869		$5,003,753
Gross margin(3)		377,202		415,867		599,586		513,871
Net earnings(4)		129,696		166,935		274,201		244,958
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders(4)		111,031		147,041		245,447		210,427
Net earnings per share:
Basic		0.35		0.46		0.76		0.66
Diluted		0.35		0.46		0.76		0.65

(1) Nucor incurred a LIFO credit of $16.5 million in the first quarter, a LIFO credit of $95.5 million in the second quarter, a LIFO credit of $137.0 million in the third quarter and a LIFO credit of $217.8 million in the fourth quarter.

(2) Second quarter results include a $9.3 million benefit related to state tax credits. Third quarter results were impacted by an out-of-period non-cash gain of $10.2 million related to a correction of deferred tax balances. Fourth quarter results were impacted by a $153.0 million impairment charge related to our Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. joint venture and an $84.1 million pre-tax impairment charge on assets related to the blast furnace project at the St. James Parish site.

(3) Nucor incurred a LIFO charge of $14.5 million in the first quarter, no charge or credit recorded in the second quarter, a LIFO credit of $14.5 million in the third quarter and a LIFO credit of $57.3 million in the fourth quarter. Nucor incurred $8.9 million in inventory-related purchase accounting adjustments in the fourth quarter associated with the acquisition of Gallatin.

(4) First quarter results include a $12.8 million charge related to tax legislation changes in the state of New York and a $9.0 million pre-tax charge related to the disposal of assets within the steel mills segment. Third quarter results include a $12.5 million pre-tax charge related to the partial write-down of assets within the steel mills segment. Fourth quarter results include a $9.2 million out-of-period non-cash gain related to a correction to tax balances.

        80               CORPORATE AND STOCK DATA  

CORPORATE OFFICE

1915 Rexford Road

Charlotte, North Carolina 28211

Phone 704/366-7000

Fax 704/362-4208

STOCK TRANSFERS

DIVIDEND DISBURSING

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11219

Phone 877/715-0504

Fax 718/236-2641

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of stockholders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, 2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte, NC.

STOCK LISTING

Nucor’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NUE. As of January 29, 2016, there were approximately 18,000 stockholders of record.

FORM 10-K

A copy of Nucor’s 2015 annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-K is available to stockholders upon request.

INTERNET ACCESS

Nucor’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports are available without charge through Nucor’s website, www.nucor.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after Nucor files these reports electronically with or furnishes them to the SEC. Additional information available on our website includes our Corporate Governance Principles, Board of Directors Committee Charters, Standards of Business Conduct and Ethics and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Professionals as well as various other financial and statistical data.

STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDENDS PAID

	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2015
Stock price:
High		$49.48		$50.70		$47.00		$43.93
Low		42.93		43.67		36.76		37.67
Dividends paid		0.3725		0.3725		0.3725		0.3725
2014
Stock price:
High		$53.40		$53.37		$58.76		$55.31
Low		46.39		48.72		49.03		47.27
Dividends paid		0.3700		0.3700		0.3700		0.3700

STOCK PERFORMANCE

This graphic comparison assumes the investment of $100 in Nucor Corporation common stock, $100 in the S&P 500 Index, $100 in the S&P 500 Steel Group Index, and $100 in the S&P 1500 Steel Group Index, all at the year end 2010. The resulting cumulative total return assumes that cash dividends were reinvested. Nucor common stock comprised 100% of the S&P 500 Steel Group Index at year end 2015 (35% at year end in 2010). Accordingly, we have included the S&P 1500 Steel Group Index in this graphic comparison to provide a more meaningful comparison of our stock performance with the performance of other companies in our industry. Nucor common stock comprised 43% of the S&P 1500 Steel Group Index at year end 2015 (26% at year end in 2010). We have retained the S&P Steel Group Index for this year for comparison purposes, but do not intend to include that index in our stock performance graphic comparison going forward.

THIS ANNUAL REPORT HAS BEEN PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER.

EX-21

Exhibit 21

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

Subsidiaries

Subsidiary	State/Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Nucor Steel Auburn, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Birmingham, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Decatur, LLC.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Gallatin LLC	Kentucky
Nucor Steel Jackson, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Kankakee, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Kingman, LLC	Delaware
Nucor Steel Marion, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Memphis, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc.	Delaware
Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc	Delaware
Nucor Steel Connecticut Inc.	Delaware
Nucor-Yamato Steel Company	Delaware
Nu-Iron Unlimited	Trinidad
Nucor Castrip Arkansas LLC	Delaware
Harris Steel Inc.	Delaware
Harris U.S. Holdings Inc	Delaware
Harris Steel ULC	Canada
Magnatrax Corporation	Delaware
The David J. Joseph Company	Delaware
Ambassador Steel Corporation	Indiana
Nucor Energy Holdings Inc	Delaware
Skyline Steel LLC	Delaware
Nucor Steel Louisiana LLC	Delaware

EX-23

Exhibit 23

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Numbers 333-196104, 333-108749, 333-108751 and 333-167070) and on Form S-3ASR (Number 333-198263) of Nucor Corporation of our report dated February 26, 2016 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February 26, 2016 relating to the financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

February 26, 2016

EX-31

Exhibit 31

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

NUCOR CORPORATION

Section 302 Certifications

I, John J. Ferriola, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Nucor Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 26, 2016	/s/ John J. Ferriola
	John J. Ferriola
	Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
	and President

EX-31.(I)

Exhibit 31(i)

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

NUCOR CORPORATION

Section 302 Certifications

I, James D. Frias, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Nucor Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 26, 2016	/s/ James D. Frias
	James D. Frias
	Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
	and Executive Vice President

EX-32

Exhibit 32

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

In connection with the Annual Report of Nucor Corporation (the “Registrant”), on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, John J. Ferriola, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer) of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350), that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

/s/ John J. Ferriola
Name:	John J. Ferriola
Date:	February 26, 2016

EX-32.(I)

Exhibit 32(i)

Nucor Corporation

2015 Form 10-K

Certification of Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350

(Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

In connection with the Annual Report of Nucor Corporation (the “Registrant”), on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, James D. Frias, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President (principal financial officer) of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350), that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

/s/ James D. Frias
Name:	James D. Frias
Date:	February 26, 2016

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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 18, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NUE
Entity Registrant Name	NUCOR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000073309
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		317,941,228
Entity Public Float			$ 14,080

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Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 15)	$ 1,939,469	$ 1,024,144
Short-term investments (Notes 4 and 15)	100,000	100,000
Accounts receivable, net (Note 5)	1,383,823	2,068,298
Inventories, net (Note 6)	2,145,444	2,745,032
Other current assets (Notes 14 and 20)	185,644	504,414
Total current assets	5,754,380	6,441,888
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 7)	4,891,153	5,287,639
Goodwill (Note 9)	2,011,278	2,068,664
Other intangible assets, net (Note 9)	770,672	862,093
Other assets (Note 10)	822,916	955,643
Total assets	14,250,399	15,615,927
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt (Notes 12 and 15)	51,315	207,476
Long-term debt due within one year (Notes 12 and 15)		16,335
Accounts payable (Note 11)	566,527	993,872
Salaries, wages and related accruals (Notes 11 and 18)	289,004	352,488
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Notes 7, 11, 14, 16 and 20)	478,327	527,605
Total current liabilities	1,385,173	2,097,776
Long-term debt due after one year (Notes 12 and 15)	4,360,600	4,360,600
Deferred credits and other liabilities (Notes 7, 14, 16, 18 and 20)	718,613	1,082,433
Total liabilities	$ 6,464,386	$ 7,540,809
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14 and 16)
Nucor stockholders' equity (Notes 13 and 17):
Common stock (800,000 shares authorized; 378,566 and 378,092 shares issued, respectively)	$ 151,426	$ 151,237
Additional paid-in capital	1,918,970	1,883,356
Retained earnings	7,255,972	7,378,214
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes (Notes 2, 14 and 21)	(351,362)	(145,708)
Treasury stock (60,604 and 59,059 shares, respectively)	(1,558,128)	(1,494,629)
Total Nucor stockholders' equity	7,416,878	7,772,470
Noncontrolling interests	369,135	302,648
Total equity	7,786,013	8,075,118
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,250,399	$ 15,615,927

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock shares issued	378,566,000	378,092,000
Treasury stock	60,604,000	59,059,000

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 16,439,276	$ 21,105,141	$ 19,052,046
Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of products sold (Notes 6, 14 and 18)	14,858,014	19,198,615	17,641,421
Marketing, administrative and other expenses (Note 21)	458,989	520,805	467,904
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (Note 10)	(5,329)	(13,505)	(9,297)
Impairments and losses on assets (Notes 7, 10 and 24)	244,833	25,393	14,000
Interest expense, net (Notes 7, 19 and 20)	173,531	169,256	146,895
Costs, expenses and other, total	15,730,038	19,900,564	18,260,923
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	709,238	1,204,577	791,123
Provision for income taxes (Note 20)	213,154	388,787	205,594
Net earnings	496,084	815,790	585,529
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	138,425	101,844	97,504
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 357,659	$ 713,946	$ 488,025
Net earnings per share (Note 22):
Basic	$ 1.11	$ 2.22	$ 1.52
Diluted	$ 1.11	$ 2.22	$ 1.52

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 496,084	$ 815,790	$ 585,529
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Net unrealized loss on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of ($5,600), ($4,900) and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(9,498)	(8,542)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net earnings, net of income taxes of $3,500, $200 and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	5,798	542
Foreign currency translation loss, net of income taxes of $0, $400 and ($600) for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(205,397)	(141,530)	(53,619)
Adjustment to early retiree medical plan, net of income taxes of $127, ($1,921) and $2,547 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	1,485	(4,228)	5,938
Reclassification adjustment for gain on early retiree medical plan included in net earnings, net of income taxes of ($414), ($557) and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(742)	(1,030)
Other, net of income taxes of $1,500, $0 and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	2,700
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(205,654)	(154,788)	(47,681)
Comprehensive income	290,430	661,002	537,848
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(138,425)	(101,844)	(97,504)
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ 152,005	$ 559,158	$ 440,344

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net unrealized gain (loss) on hedging derivatives, tax effect	$ (5,600)	$ (4,900)	$ 0
Reclassification adjustment for loss on settlement of hedging derivatives included in net earnings, tax effect	3,500	200	0
Foreign currency translation loss, tax effect	0	400	(600)
Adjustment to early retiree medical plan, tax effect	127	(1,921)	2,547
Reclassification adjustment for gain on early retiree medical plan included in net earnings, tax effect	(414)	(557)	0
Other, tax effect	$ 1,500	$ 0	$ 0

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Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock (at cost) [Member]	Total Nucor Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
BALANCES, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 7,885,374	$ 150,805	$ 1,811,459	$ 7,124,523	$ 56,761	$ (1,501,977)	$ 7,641,571	$ 243,803
BALANCES, shares at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012		377,013				59,350
Net earnings	585,529			488,025			488,025	97,504
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,681)				(47,681)		(47,681)
Stock option expense	8,576		8,576				8,576
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	26,565	$ 205	22,497			$ 3,863	26,565
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures, shares		512				(153)
Amortization of unearned compensation	821		821				821
Cash dividends	(472,108)			(472,108)			(472,108)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(76,798)							(76,798)
BALANCES, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	7,910,278	$ 151,010	1,843,353	7,140,440	9,080	$ (1,498,114)	7,645,769	264,509
BALANCES, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013		377,525				59,197
Net earnings	815,790			713,946			713,946	101,844
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(154,788)				(154,788)		(154,788)
Stock options exercised	$ 5,614	$ 54	5,560				5,614
Stock options exercised (in shares)	136	136
Stock option expense	$ 7,716		7,716				7,716
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	29,667	$ 173	26,009			$ 3,485	29,667
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures, shares		431				(138)
Amortization of unearned compensation	718		718				718
Cash dividends	(476,172)			(476,172)			(476,172)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(63,705)							(63,705)
BALANCES, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	8,075,118	$ 151,237	1,883,356	7,378,214	(145,708)	$ (1,494,629)	7,772,470	302,648
BALANCES, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014		378,092				59,059
Net earnings	496,084	$ 0	0	357,659	0	$ 0	357,659	138,425
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(205,654)	0	0	0	(205,654)	0	(205,654)	0
Stock options exercised	$ 424	$ 4	420	0	0	$ 0	424	0
Stock options exercised (in shares)	10	10				0
Stock option expense	$ 7,433	$ 0	7,433	0	0	$ 0	7,433	0
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures	30,120	$ 185	26,929	0	0	$ 3,006	30,120	0
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures, shares		464				(119)
Amortization of unearned compensation	832	$ 0	832	0	0	$ 0	832	0
Treasury stock value acquired	(66,505)	$ 0	0	0	0	$ (66,505)	(66,505)	0
Treasury stock shares acquired		0				1,664
Cash dividends	(479,901)	$ 0	0	(479,901)	0	$ 0	(479,901)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(71,938)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(71,938)
BALANCES, end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 7,786,013	$ 151,426	$ 1,918,970	$ 7,255,972	$ (351,362)	$ (1,558,128)	$ 7,416,878	$ 369,135
BALANCES, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2015		378,566				60,604

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Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share	$ 1.4925	$ 1.4825	$ 1.4725

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 496,084	$ 815,790	$ 585,529
Adjustments:
Depreciation	625,757	652,000	535,852
Amortization	74,260	72,423	74,356
Stock-based compensation	45,794	46,384	47,450
Deferred income taxes	(82,518)	90,864	56,564
Distributions from affiliates	15,132	53,738	8,708
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(5,329)	(13,505)	(9,297)
Impairments and losses on assets	244,833	25,393	14,000
Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions):
Accounts receivable	655,489	(179,181)	(103,649)
Inventories	593,830	(45,963)	(298,074)
Accounts payable	(438,788)	(111,859)	39,489
Federal income taxes	62,656	(111,687)	77,950
Salaries, wages and related accruals	(56,267)	67,973	7,155
Other operating activities	(73,890)	(19,472)	41,916
Cash provided by operating activities	2,157,043	1,342,898	1,077,949
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(374,123)	(667,982)	(1,196,952)
Investment in and advances to affiliates	(80,409)	(97,841)	(85,053)
Repayment of advances to affiliates		122,000	54,500
Disposition of plant and equipment	29,390	36,563	34,097
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)	(19,089)	(768,581)
Purchases of investments	(111,927)	(100,000)	(19,349)
Proceeds from the sale of investments	111,452	27,529	92,761
Proceeds from the sale of restricted investments			148,725
Changes in restricted cash			126,438
Other investing activities	3,010	10,250	4,863
Cash used in investing activities	(441,696)	(1,438,062)	(839,970)
Financing activities:
Net change in short-term debt	(155,816)	178,308	(671)
Repayment of long-term debt	(16,300)	(5,358)	(250,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount			999,100
Bond issuance costs			(7,625)
Issuance of common stock	424	5,614
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,000	3,400	2,955
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(71,938)	(63,705)	(76,798)
Cash dividends	(479,432)	(475,123)	(471,028)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(66,505)	0	0
Other financing activities	(2,184)	(2,183)	111
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(789,751)	(359,047)	196,044
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(10,271)	(4,897)	(3,633)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	915,325	(459,108)	430,390
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of year	1,024,144	1,483,252	1,052,862
Cash and cash equivalents-end of year	1,939,469	1,024,144	1,483,252
Non-cash investing activity:
Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases	$ (9,355)	$ (99,115)	$ 33,467

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Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Nucor is principally a manufacturer of steel and steel products, as well as a scrap broker and processor, with operating facilities and customers primarily located in North America.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include Nucor and its controlled subsidiaries, including Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, a limited partnership of which Nucor owns 51%. All intercompany transactions are eliminated.

Distributions are made to noncontrolling interest partners in Nucor-Yamato Steel Company in accordance with the limited partnership agreement by mutual agreement of the general partners. At a minimum, sufficient cash is distributed so that each partner may pay their U.S. federal and state income taxes.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reclassifications

During the first six months of 2015, the Company performed certain internal reorganization activities. In connection with this process, the financial information utilized by the Chief Operating Decision Maker when assessing segment performance and making resource allocations was adjusted in a way that affected how certain assets are grouped. This resulted in certain assets being reclassified between the steel mills segment, steel products segment, raw materials segment and corporate/eliminations in the segment footnote in order to align with the approach management uses to assess the performance of those segments. The segment data for the comparable periods has also been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances nor did they impact any segment income statement amounts. The steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments are consistent with the way Nucor manages its business, which is based primarily upon the similarity of the types of products produced and sold by each segment (see Note 23).

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value, and have original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained primarily with a few high-credit quality financial institutions.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date.

Inventories Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting represent approximately 48% of total inventories as of December 31, 2015 (43% as of December 31, 2014). All inventories held by the parent company and Nucor-Yamato Steel Company are valued using the LIFO method of accounting except for supplies that are consumed indirectly in the production process, which are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting. All inventories held by other subsidiaries of the parent company are valued using the FIFO method of accounting. The Company records any amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value as a charge to cost of products sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except for property, plant and equipment acquired through acquisitions which are recorded at acquisition date fair value. With the exception of our natural gas wells, depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depletion of all capitalized costs associated with our natural gas producing properties is expensed on a unit-of-production basis by individual field as the gas from the proved developed reserves is produced. The costs of planned major maintenance activities are capitalized as part of other current assets and amortized over the period until the next scheduled major maintenance activity. All other repairs and maintenance activities are expensed when incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment and whenever events or circumstances change that would make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual impairment analysis as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which is a level below the reportable segment, to the recorded value, including goodwill. When appropriate, Nucor performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For certain reporting units, it is necessary to perform a quantitative analysis. In these instances, a discounted cash flow model is used to determine the current estimated fair value of these reporting units. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including market growth and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, discount rate and estimated capital needs. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. Changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the fair value of goodwill and could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Long-Lived Asset Impairments

We evaluate our property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment on an individual asset basis or at the lowest level asset grouping for which independent cash flows can be separately identified. Asset impairments are assessed whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those productive assets could exceed their projected undiscounted cash flows. When it is determined that impairment exists, the related assets are written down to their estimated fair market value.

Equity Method Investments

Investments in joint ventures in which Nucor shares control over the financial and operating decisions but in which Nucor is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. Each of the Company’s equity method investments is subject to a review for impairment if, and when, circumstances indicate that a decline in value below its carrying amount may have occurred. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee; missed financial projections; a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of the investee; a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographic area or the industry in which the investee operates; and recurring negative cash flows from operations. If management considers the decline to be other than temporary, the Company would write down the investment to its estimated fair market value.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nucor uses derivative financial instruments from time to time primarily to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process and to changes in interest rates on outstanding debt instruments. Nucor also uses derivatives to hedge a portion of our scrap, copper and aluminum purchases and sales. In addition, Nucor periodically uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions.

Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings when the underlying transaction is recognized in net earnings. Changes in fair value hedges are reported in earnings along with changes in the fair value of the hedged items. When cash flow and fair value hedges affect net earnings, they are included on the same financial statement line as the underlying transaction (cost of products sold or interest expense). If these instruments do not meet hedge accounting criteria or contain ineffectiveness, the change in fair value (or a portion thereof) is recognized immediately in earnings in the same financial statement line as the underlying transaction.

Revenue Recognition

Nucor recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Product is considered delivered to the customer once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss has been transferred.

Income Taxes

Nucor utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Nucor recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of interest expense.

Nucor’s intention is to permanently reinvest the earnings of certain foreign investments. Accordingly, no provisions have been made for taxes that may be payable upon remittance of such earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based compensation as an expense using fair value measurement methods. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience.

Foreign Currency Translation

For Nucor’s operations where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities have been translated at year-end exchange rates, and income and expenses translated using average exchange rates for the respective periods. Adjustments resulting from the process of translating an entity’s financial statements into the U.S. dollar have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are included in net earnings only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying investments. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net earnings in the period they occur.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of 2015, Nucor adopted new accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard is applied prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, as noncurrent in a balance sheet. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted this new guidance prospectively beginning with the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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. In August 2015, additional accounting guidance was issued that deferred the effective date of this new accounting guidance by one year. As a result, the amendments are effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating adoption methods and the impact the amendments will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, new accounting guidance was issued that specifies the responsibility that an entity’s management has to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This new guidance is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires an acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, new accounting guidance was issued regarding the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. Changes to the current GAAP model primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board- clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The accounting for other financial instruments, such as loans, investments in debt securities, and financial liabilities is largely unchanged. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Acquisitions and Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Dispositions

3. Acquisitions and Dispositions

On October 8, 2014, Nucor acquired the entire equity interest in Gallatin Steel Company (Gallatin) for a cash purchase price of $779.1 million, including working capital adjustments. The acquisition was partially funded by the issuance of approximately $300 million of commercial paper with the remaining funds coming from cash on hand. Located on the Ohio River in Ghent, Kentucky, Gallatin has an annual sheet steel production capacity of approximately 1,800,000 tons. This acquisition is strategically important as it expands Nucor’s footprint in the Midwestern United States market, and it will broaden Nucor’s product offerings. Gallatin’s financial results are included as part of the steel mills segment (see Note 23).

We have allocated the purchase price for Gallatin to its individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Gallatin as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):

Cash	$	48,957
Accounts receivable		82,291
Inventory		101,692
Other current assets		5,117
Property, plant and equipment		483,007
Goodwill		94,737
Other intangible assets		67,150
Other assets		2,529
Total assets acquired		885,480
Current liabilities		104,315
Long-term debt		2,093
Total liabilities assumed		106,408
Net assets acquired	$	779,072

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation to the identifiable intangible assets of Gallatin as of the date of acquisition (in thousands, except years):

			Weighted - Average Life
Customer relationships	$	58,250		20 years
Trademarks and trade names		8,900		5 years
	$	67,150

The goodwill of $94.7 million is primarily attributed to the synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and has been allocated to the steel mills segment (see Note 9). Goodwill recognized for tax purposes was $98.1 million, all of which is deductible for tax purposes.

Other minor acquisitions, exclusive of purchase price adjustments of acquisitions made and net of cash acquired, totaled $19.1 million in 2015, $38.5 million in 2014, and none in 2013.

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Short-term Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Short-term Investments [Abstract]

Short-term Investments

4. Short-term Investments

Nucor held $100.0 million of short-term investments, which consisted of fixed term deposits and certificates of deposit (CDs), as of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014. These investments are classified as available-for-sale. The interest rates on the fixed term deposits and CDs are fixed at inception and interest income is recorded as earned.

No realized or unrealized gains or losses were incurred in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

The contractual maturities of all of the fixed term deposits and CDs outstanding at December 31, 2015 are before December 31, 2016.

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Accounts Receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable

5. Accounts Receivable

An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Accounts receivable are stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $43.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($65.4 million at December 31, 2014 and $58.3 million at December 31, 2013).

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Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

6. Inventories

Inventories consist of approximately 38% raw materials and supplies and 62% finished and semi-finished products at December 31, 2015 (40% and 60%, respectively, at December 31, 2014). 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.

If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been $100.6 million higher at December 31, 2015 ($567.4 million higher at December 31, 2014). Use of the lower of cost or market method reduced inventories by $5.1 million at December 31, 2015 ($2.7 million at December 31, 2014).

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Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

7. Property, Plant and Equipment

	(in thousands) December 31,
	2015			2014
Land and improvements	$	585,057		$	576,511
Buildings and improvements		1,033,610			1,018,342
Machinery and equipment		10,229,602			10,080,640
Proved oil and gas properties		586,362			584,466
Construction in process and equipment deposits		197,278			193,594
		12,631,909			12,453,553
Less accumulated depreciation		(7,740,756	)		(7,165,914	)
	$	4,891,153		$	5,287,639

The estimated useful lives primarily range from 5 to 25 years for land improvements, 4 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 2 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. The useful life for proved oil and gas properties is based on the unit-of-production method and varies by well.

Included within property, plant and equipment, net at December 31, 2015, is $20.3 million of assets, net of accumulated depreciation, under a capital lease agreement ($22.8 million at December 31, 2014). The gross amount of property, plant and equipment acquired in 2014 under the capital lease was $25.4 million, which was not included in capital expenditures on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows in 2014. Total obligations associated with this capital lease agreement were $21.0 million at December 31, 2015 ($23.2 million at December 31, 2014), of which $2.3 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($2.2 million at December 31, 2014) and $18.7 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($21.0 million at December 31, 2014) in the consolidated balance sheets.

In 2013, one of three iron ore storage domes collapsed at Nucor Steel Louisiana in St. James Parish. At that time, Nucor initially 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 best estimate of probable insurance recoveries. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor has received initial payments of $10.3 million related to the insurance receivable. Nucor finalized its assessment process related to the two remaining storage domes during the third quarter of 2015 and determined that those domes would no longer be utilized. The Company recorded an associated write-down of property, plant and equipment of $19.4 million, offset by an $11.7 million insurance receivable that was based on management’s best estimate of probable insurance recoveries. As of December 31, 2015, the insurance receivable related to the three iron ore storage domes totaled $15.4 million. The net charge of $7.7 million associated with the write-down of the two remaining domes in 2015 and the net charge of $14.0 million related to the write-down of the first dome and inventory in 2013 are included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined that certain assets, the majority of which are engineering and equipment related to the current blast furnace project at our St. James Parish, Louisiana site, will not be utilized. As a result of this determination, Nucor recorded an $84.1 million impairment charge for the entire balance of those assets, which are included in the raw materials segment. The impairment charge is included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings. The assets that were impaired, the majority of which were acquired in 2008, were a viable option that were anticipated to be utilized up until the decision was made that such assets would not be utilized. The decision about whether or not to move forward with construction of the blast furnace utilizing these assets was delayed to focus on the construction of the DRI plant at the site. The decision was further delayed because of challenging conditions in domestic and global steel industries, particularly increased excess capacity, both domestically and globally. In the meantime, technology advances and supply and demand in the raw materials market led management to reconsider its plans for the previously proposed blast furnace. If we decide to proceed with a blast furnace at the site in the future, the project design will be evaluated at that time utilizing new equipment and engineering.

Due to the current natural gas pricing environment, Nucor performed an impairment assessment of its producing natural gas well assets in December 2015. One of the main assumptions that most significantly affects the undiscounted cash flows determination is management’s estimate of future natural gas prices. The pricing used in this impairment assessment was developed by management based on natural gas market supply and demand dynamics, in conjunction with a review of projections by numerous sources of market data. This analysis was performed on each of Nucor’s three groups of wells, with each group defined by common geographic location. Each of Nucor’s three groups of wells passed the impairment test. One of the groups of wells had estimated undiscounted cash flows that were noticeably closer to its carrying value of $87.2 million as of December 31, 2015. Changes in the natural gas industry or a prolonged low price environment beyond what had already been assumed in the analysis could cause management to revise the natural gas price assumption, which could possibly result in an impairment of a portion or all of the groups of wells assets.

Nucor capitalized $0.3 million of interest expense in 2015 ($2.9 million in 2014 and $10.9 million in 2013) related to the borrowing costs associated with various construction projects.

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Restricted Cash and Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]

Restricted Cash and Investments

8. Restricted Cash and Investments

There were no restricted cash or investments as of December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. 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 DRI facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Funds were disbursed as qualified expenditures for the construction of the facility were made ($275.3 million in 2013).

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 by segment is as follows (in thousands):

	Steel Mills			Steel Products			Raw Materials		Total
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	495,897		$	774,486		$	703,225	$	1,973,608
Acquisitions		98,505			—			—		98,505
Translation		—			(30,112	)		—		(30,112	)
Other		—			311			26,352		26,663
Balance, December 31, 2014		594,402			744,685			729,577		2,068,664
Translation		—			(53,618	)		—		(53,618	)
Other		(3,768	)		—			—		(3,768	)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	590,634		$	691,067		$	729,577	$	2,011,278

The majority of goodwill is not tax deductible.

Goodwill increased by $26.4 million in the third quarter of 2014 due to a correction of deferred taxes related to purchase accounting for the acquisition of The David J. Joseph Company in 2008. This correction did not have an impact on the consolidated statements of earnings, consolidated statements of comprehensive income or the consolidated statements of cash flows in the year of correction or any prior period. Also, this correction had no impact on the results of the goodwill impairment assessments performed in prior periods and is not material to the year of correction or any prior period.

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

	December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	1,185,299	$	517,817	$	1,199,942	$	454,353
Trademarks and trade names		155,864		57,756		158,584		48,356
Other		23,025		17,943		22,823		16,547
	$	1,364,188	$	593,516	$	1,381,349	$	519,256

Intangible asset amortization expense was $74.3 million in 2015 ($72.4 million in 2014 and $74.4 million in 2013). Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $70.9 million in 2016, $68.7 million in 2017, $65.9 million in 2018, $63.4 million in 2019 and $61.0 million in 2020.

The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment testing as of the first day of the fourth quarters of 2015, 2014 and 2013 and concluded that as of such dates there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units. We do not believe there are any reporting units at significant risk of goodwill impairment in the next twelve months. However, assumptions in estimating reporting unit fair values are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. Changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the estimated reporting unit fair values and could result in impairment charges in future periods.

There are no significant historical accumulated impairment charges, by segment or in the aggregate, related to goodwill.

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Equity Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Investments

10. Equity Investments

The carrying value of our equity investments in domestic and foreign companies was $746.6 million at December 31, 2015 ($872.5 million at December 31, 2014), and is recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

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 December 31, 2015, was $258.2 million ($412.9 million at December 31, 2014). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was $93.0 million at December 31, 2015, resulting in a basis difference of $165.2 million due to the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities attributable to Duferdofin Nucor as well as the identification of goodwill ($84.1 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 associated with the fair value step-up was $8.8 million in 2015 ($10.5 million in 2014 and $11.2 million in 2013).

As of December 31, 2015, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of €35.0 million ($38.2 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€35.0 million, or $42.5 million, as of December 31, 2014). The notes receivable bear interest at 1.14% 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, 2019. As of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the note receivable was classified in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Nucor has issued a guarantee, the fair value of which is immaterial, for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement. The maximum amount Duferdofin Nucor could borrow under Facility A was €122.5 million ($133.6 million) at December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there was €119.0 million ($129.8 million) outstanding under that facility (€107.0 million, or $129.9 million, at December 31, 2014). Facility A was recently amended to extend the maturity date to October 12, 2018. Nucor previously had also issued a guarantee for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowing under the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Nucor and its joint-venture partner provided capital contributions to Duferdofin Nucor that were used to pay the outstanding balance of the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility, which was terminated. Duferdofin Nucor had the maximum borrowing amount outstanding under the facility of €60.0 million ($72.8 million) at December 31, 2014. The fair value of the guarantee related to the Standby Medium Long Term Loan Credit Facility was immaterial at December 31, 2014. If Duferdofin Nucor fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under Facility A, Nucor could be required to pay 50% of such amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of its guarantee. Any indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor to Nucor is effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor under Facility A. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with this guarantee.

NUMIT

Nucor has a 50% economic and voting interest in NuMit LLC (NuMit). NuMit owns 100% of the equity interest in Steel Technologies LLC, an operator of 25 sheet processing facilities located throughout the United States, 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 December 31, 2015, was $314.5 million ($301.5 million as of December 31, 2014). Nucor received distributions of $13.1 million, $52.7 million, and $6.7 million from NuMit during 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

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 programs. 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 December 31, 2015, was $135.9 million ($138.6 million at December 31, 2014).

Recent declines in natural gas pricing have led to reduced natural gas drilling activity. Sustained or further reductions in natural gas production activity could lead to reduced utilization of the Hunter Ridge assets. We will continue to monitor for potential triggering events that could affect the carrying value of our investment in Hunter Ridge as a result of future market conditions and any changes in business strategy.

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 2015, Nucor assessed its equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor for impairment due to the protracted challenging steel market conditions caused by excess global overcapacity, which increased in 2015, and the difficult economic environment in Europe. Our assessment was negatively impacted by unfavorable operating performance and deterioration in financial projections due to the increased global oversupply in 2015. After completing its assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value. The impairment condition was considered to be other than temporary and therefore the Company recorded a $153.0 million impairment charge against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the fourth quarter of 2015. This charge is included in impairments and losses on assets in the consolidated statements of earnings. The assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected revenues, metal margins and the discount rate. The Company-specific inputs for measuring fair value are considered “Level 3” or unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data under applicable fair value authoritative guidance, as quoted market prices are not available. Steel market conditions in Europe have continued to be challenging through the fourth quarter of 2015, 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. We will continue to monitor for potential triggering events that could affect the carrying value of our investment in Duferdofin Nucor as a result of future market conditions and any changes in business strategy.

It is possible that the future performance of Duferdofin Nucor could affect the recorded value of the note receivable the Company has with Duferdofin Nucor and any potential liability associated with the Company’s guarantees of the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor as discussed above.

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Current Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Current Liabilities

11. Current Liabilities

Book overdrafts, included in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets, were $62.8 million at December 31, 2015 ($107.9 million at December 31, 2014). Accrued vacation and holiday pay, included in salaries, wages and related accruals in the consolidated balance sheets, was $80.4 million at December 31, 2015 ($75.3 million at December 31, 2014). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, were $120.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($119.7 million at December 31, 2014).

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Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

12. Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

	(in thousands) December 31,
	2015		2014
Industrial revenue bonds:
0.17% to 0.42%, variable, due from 2015 to 2040	$	1,010,600	$	1,026,935
Notes, 5.75%, due 2017		600,000		600,000
Notes, 5.85%, due 2018		500,000		500,000
Notes, 4.125%, due 2022		600,000		600,000
Notes, 4.0%, due 2023		500,000		500,000
Notes, 6.40%, due 2037		650,000		650,000
Notes, 5.20%, due 2043		500,000		500,000
		4,360,600		4,376,935
Less current maturities		—		(16,335	)
Total long-term debt due after one year	$	4,360,600	$	4,360,600

Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities are: none in 2016, $600.0 million in 2017, $500.0 million in 2018, none in 2019, $20.0 million in 2020 and $3.241 billion thereafter.

In October 2014, Nucor issued approximately $300 million of commercial paper to partially fund the acquisition of Gallatin. All commercial paper instruments matured within 90 days. The balance outstanding and presented in short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014, was $151.4 million. As of December 31, 2015, no commercial paper was outstanding.

Nucor has a $1.50 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that matures in August 2018. The unsecured revolving credit facility provides up to $1.50 billion in revolving loans and allows up to $500.0 million in additional commitments at Nucor’s election in accordance with the terms set forth in the credit agreement. Up to the equivalent of $850.0 million of the credit facility is available for foreign currency loans, up to $500.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit and up to $500.0 million is available for the issuance of revolving loans for Nucor subsidiaries in accordance with terms set forth in the credit agreement. The credit facility provides for a pricing grid based upon the credit rating of Nucor’s senior unsecured long-term debt and, alternatively, interest rates quoted by lenders in connection with competitive bidding. The credit facility includes customary financial and other covenants, including a limit on the ratio of funded debt to capital of 60%, a limit on Nucor’s ability to pledge the Company’s assets and a limit on consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor’s funded debt to total capital ratio was 36%, and Nucor was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Harris Steel has credit facilities totaling approximately $25.1 million, with no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2015 ($1.5 million at December 31, 2014). In addition, the business of Nucor Trading S.A. is financed by uncommitted trade credit arrangements with a number of European banking institutions. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor Trading S.A. had outstanding borrowings of $51.3 million, which is presented in short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets ($54.6 million at December 31, 2014).

Letters of credit totaling $58.0 million were outstanding as of December 31, 2015 ($42.2 million as of December 31, 2014), related to certain obligations, including workers’ compensation, utilities deposits and credit arrangements by Nucor Trading S.A. for commitments to purchase inventories.

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Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Capital Stock

13. Capital Stock

The par value of Nucor’s common stock is $0.40 per share and there are 800 million shares authorized. In addition, 250,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $4.00 per share, are authorized, with preferences, rights and restrictions as may be fixed by Nucor’s Board of Directors. There are no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

In September 2015, Nucor’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $900 million of the Company’s common stock. The Board of Directors also terminated any previously authorized repurchase programs. The Company repurchased $66.5 million of common stock in 2015 (no repurchases in 2014 or 2013).

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Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

14. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

		Fair Value at December 31,
	Consolidated Balance Sheet Location	2015			2014
Asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$	—		$	1,856
Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		909			372
Total asset derivatives		$	909		$	2,228
Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	(15,700	)	$	(6,400	)
Commodity contracts	Deferred credits and other liabilities		(2,800	)		(6,300	)
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments			(18,500	)		(12,700	)
Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(353	)		—
Total liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			(353	)		—
Total liability derivatives		$	(18,853	)	$	(12,700	)

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)

Derivatives in Cash Flow	Statement of Earnings		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 on Derivatives (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
Hedging Relationships	Location		2015			2014			2013		2015			2014			2013		2015		2014		2013
Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold	$	(9,498	)	$	(8,542	)	$	—	$	(5,798	)	$	(542	)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)

Derivatives Not Designated	Statement of Earnings		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
as Hedging Instruments	Location		2015		2014		2013
Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold	$	2,894	$	1,890	$	4,622
Foreign exchange contracts		Cost of products sold		2,392		748		112
Total			$	5,286	$	2,638	$	4,734

At December 31, 2015, natural gas swaps covering approximately 13.8 million MMBTUs (extending through June 2017) were outstanding.

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

15. Fair Value Measurements

The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands). Nucor does not 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 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 December 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,668,567		$	1,668,567	$	—			—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—			—
Foreign exchange contracts		909			—		909			—
Total assets	$	1,769,476		$	1,768,567	$	909		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(18,853	)	$	—	$	(18,853	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	861,656		$	861,656	$	—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		2,228			—		2,228
Total assets	$	963,884		$	961,656	$	2,228		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(12,700	)	$	—	$	(12,700	)	$	—

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. 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 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. There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy for the periods presented.

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $4.47 billion at December 31, 2015 ($4.97 billion at December 31, 2014). The debt fair value estimates are classified under Level 2 because such estimates are based on readily available market prices of our debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014, or similar debt with the same maturities, ratings and interest rates.

Disclosures are required for certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value, but are recognized and disclosed on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition. For Nucor, our equity investment in Duferdofin Nucor was measured at fair value as a result of the impairment recorded in 2015 (see Note 10).

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Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

16. 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 $21.1 million of accrued environmental costs at December 31, 2015 ($27.2 million at December 31, 2014), $9.7 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($11.3 million at December 31, 2014) and $11.4 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($15.9 million at December 31, 2014). 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 on behalf of themselves and a putative class of all purchasers of steel products from the defendants in the U.S. between April 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007. Five of the eight defendants have reached court approved settlements with the plaintiffs. On September 9, 2015, the District Court entered an order ruling on issues of class certification. The Court granted in part, and denied in part, the plaintiffs’ motion, certifying a class solely on the issue of whether defendants engaged in a conspiracy in violation of the antitrust laws, and declining to certify a class on the issues of antitrust impact and damages. We continue to believe the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and 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 and, consequently, have not recorded any reserves or contingencies related to this lawsuit.

On March 25, 2014, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas returned a verdict against Nucor and its co-defendants in an antitrust lawsuit 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. On June 1, 2014, pursuant to antitrust laws providing for treble damages, the court awarded a judgment to MM Steel jointly and severally against the defendants in an amount totaling $160.8 million after including costs and attorneys’ fees. As a result of post-verdict developments, including settlements reached by various other parties, the Company’s practical estimable exposure was reduced to approximately $40.0 million. The Company appealed the judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and on November 25, 2015, the Fifth Circuit reversed the verdict against Nucor finding that there was not sufficient evidence to support liability against the Company, thereby reducing our current practical estimable exposure to zero.

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.

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Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

17. 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.

A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans is as follows:

	2015					2014					(shares in thousands) 2013
	Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted - Average Exercise Price
Number of shares under option:
Outstanding at beginning of year		2,422		$	42.39		2,089		$	40.47		1,543	$	39.03
Granted		700		$	47.59		469		$	50.63		546	$	44.51
Exercised		(10	)	$	42.34		(136	)	$	41.30		—		—
Canceled		(20	)	$	50.63		—			—		—		—
Outstanding at end of year		3,092		$	43.51		2,422		$	42.39		2,089	$	40.47
Options exercisable at end of year		1,531		$	39.35		1,263		$	40.40		1,012	$	39.75

The shares reserved for future grants as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are reflected in the restricted stock units table below. The total intrinsic value of options (the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the option on the date of exercise) that were exercised during 2015 was $0.1 million ($2.0 million in 2014 and none in 2013).

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

					(shares in thousands)
	Options Outstanding
Exercise Price	Options Outstanding		Options Exercisable		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
$35.76		689		689		6.4 years
$41.43		242		242		4.4 years
$42.34		520		520		5.4 years
$44.51		506		80		7.4 years
$47.59		700		—		9.4 years
$50.63		435		—		8.4 years
$35.76 - $50.63		3,092		1,531		7.2 years

As of December 31, 2015, the total aggregate intrinsic value of both options outstanding and options exercisable was $3.1 million. Options for which the exercise price exceeded the closing market price of a share of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2015 were excluded from the calculation of aggregate intrinsic value.

The grant date fair value of options granted was $11.71 per share in 2015 ($17.48 per share in 2014 and $15.03 per share in 2013). The fair value was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

	2015			2014			2013
Exercise price	$	47.59		$	50.63		$	44.51
Expected dividend yield		3.13	%		2.92	%		3.30	%
Expected stock price volatility		33.32	%		45.00	%		46.94	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.86	%		2.03	%		1.51	%
Expected life (in years)		6.5			6.5			6.5

Stock options granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of grant are expensed 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. Similarly, 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. 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 $7.4 million in 2015 ($7.7 million in 2014 and $8.6 million in 2013). As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options was $1.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over 2.2 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Nucor annually grants restricted stock units (RSUs) to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The RSUs typically vest and are converted to common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. A portion of the RSUs awarded to an officer 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.

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

The fair value of the RSUs is determined based on the closing stock price of Nucor’s common stock on the date of grant. A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:

	2015					2014					(shares in thousands) 2013
	Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock units:
Unvested at beginning of year		1,012		$	45.98		1,122		$	42.51		1,106		$	40.80
Granted		790		$	47.59		655		$	50.63		789		$	44.51
Vested		(756	)	$	44.99		(752	)	$	44.90		(762	)	$	42.15
Canceled		(15	)	$	46.61		(13	)	$	42.66		(11	)	$	39.08
Unvested at end of year		1,031		$	47.93		1,012		$	45.98		1,122		$	42.51
Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)		10,349					11,851					10,486

Compensation expense for RSUs was $34.8 million in 2015 ($32.6 million in 2014 and 2013). The total fair value of shares vested during 2015 was $35.8 million ($38.1 million in 2014 and $34.1 million in 2013). As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $31.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

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

The LTIP provides for the award of shares of restricted common stock at the end of each LTIP performance measurement period at no cost to officers if certain financial performance goals are met during the period. One-third of the LTIP restricted stock award vests upon each of the first three anniversaries of the award date or, if earlier, upon the officer’s attainment of age 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.

A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and the LTIP is as follows:

	2015					2014					(shares in thousands) 2013
	Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock awards and units:
Unvested at beginning of year		65		$	48.20		73		$	45.49		72		$	43.72
Granted		136		$	47.07		127		$	50.35		122		$	47.36
Vested		(138	)	$	47.15		(135	)	$	48.76		(121	)	$	46.32
Canceled		—			—		—			—		—			—
Unvested at end of year		63		$	48.07		65		$	48.20		73		$	45.49
Shares reserved for future grants		975					1,111					1,238

Compensation expense for common stock and common stock units awarded under the AIP and the 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 $3.4 million in 2015 ($6.1 million in 2014 and $6.3 million in 2013). The total fair value of shares vested during 2015 was $6.5 million ($6.8 million in 2014 and $5.7 million in 2013). As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

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Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

18. Employee Benefit Plans

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 $60.5 million in 2015 ($110.1 million in 2014 and $71.7 million in 2013). The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals.

Nucor also has a medical plan covering certain eligible early retirees. The unfunded obligation, included in deferred credits and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $15.6 million at December 31, 2015 ($14.1 million at December 31, 2014). The expense associated with this early retiree medical plan totaled $1.1 million in 2015 (benefits of $0.6 million in 2014 and 2013.)

The discount rate used was 4.4% in 2015 (3.8% in 2014 and 4.6% in 2013). The health care cost increase trend rate used was 7.1% in 2015 (6.5% in 2014 and 6.6% in 2013). The health care cost increase in the trend rate is projected to decline gradually to 4.5% by 2037.

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Interest Expense (Income)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]

Interest Expense (Income)

19. Interest Expense (Income)

The components of net interest expense are as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Interest expense	$	177,543		$	174,142		$	151,986
Interest income		(4,012	)		(4,886	)		(5,091	)
Interest expense, net	$	173,531		$	169,256		$	146,895

Interest paid was $180.0 million in 2015 ($180.5 million in 2014 and $141.2 million in 2013).

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

20. Income Taxes

Components of earnings (losses) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests are as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	2015			2014		2013
United States	$	875,038		$	1,161,953	$	755,921
Foreign		(165,800	)		42,624		35,202
	$	709,238		$	1,204,577	$	791,123

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Current:
Federal	$	285,856		$	247,898		$	138,343
State		4,618			30,790			223
Foreign		5,198			19,235			10,464
Total current		295,672			297,923			149,030
Deferred:
Federal		(64,482	)		94,991			36,157
State		(6,041	)		3,958			(39	)
Foreign		(11,995	)		(8,085	)		20,446
Total deferred		(82,518	)		90,864			56,564
Total provision for income taxes	$	213,154		$	388,787		$	205,594

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate (35%) to the total provision is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Taxes computed at statutory rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-0.32	%		3.32	%		0.02	%
Federal research credit		-0.50	%		-0.27	%		-0.79	%
Domestic manufacturing deduction		-3.40	%		-2.27	%		-1.74	%
Equity in losses of foreign joint venture		0.98	%		0.85	%		1.36	%
Impairment on investment in foreign joint venture		7.55	%		—			—
Foreign rate differential		-1.72	%		-0.93	%		-2.35	%
Noncontrolling interests		-6.84	%		-2.96	%		-4.32	%
Out-of-period correction		-1.37	%		-1.10	%		-2.57	%
Other, net		0.67	%		0.64	%		1.38	%
Provision for income taxes		30.05	%		32.28	%		25.99	%

The 2015 provision included a $9.7 million out-of-period non-cash gain related to a correction to tax balances. The 2014 and 2013 provisions included out-of-period non-cash gains related to corrections to tax balances of $13.2 million and $21.3 million, respectively. These out-of-period adjustments were not material to the period of correction or any previously reported periods.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted from the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities and reserves	$	209,854		$	154,381
Allowance for doubtful accounts		12,912			24,741
Inventory		208,799			189,120
Post-retirement benefits		9,773			898
Commodity hedges		7,149			4,773
Net operating loss carryforward		14,690			9,880
Tax credit carryforwards		19,601			29,142
Total deferred tax assets		482,778			412,935
Deferred tax liabilities:
Holdbacks and amounts not due under contracts		(10,479	)		(14,945	)
Cumulative translation adjustments		(3,325	)		(1,819	)
Intangibles		(244,496	)		(236,618	)
Property, plant and equipment		(673,676	)		(698,567	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(931,976	)		(951,949	)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(449,198	)	$	(539,014	)

In November 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted this new guidance prospectively beginning with the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

As a result of the prospective adoption of the new accounting guidance, there were no current deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015. Current deferred tax assets included in other current assets were $253.4 million at December 31, 2014. Also as a result of the prospective adoption of the new accounting guidance, there were no current deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015. Current deferred tax liabilities included in other current liabilities were $13.1 million at December 31, 2014. Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities were $449.2 million at December 31, 2015 ($779.3 million at December 31, 2014). Nucor paid $260.3 million in net federal, state and foreign income taxes in 2015 ($398.7 million and $64.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively).

Cumulative undistributed foreign earnings for which U.S. taxes have not been provided are included in consolidated retained earnings in the amount of $169.6 million at December 31, 2015 ($194.0 million at December 31, 2014). These earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provisions for U.S. federal and state income taxes are required. It is not practicable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the unremitted earnings.

State net operating loss carryforwards were $487.9 million at December 31, 2015 ($462.8 million at December 31, 2014). If unused, they will expire between 2016 and 2035. Foreign net operating loss carryforwards were $22.3 million at December 31, 2015 ($44.9 million at December 31, 2014). If unused, they will expire between 2027 and 2035.

At December 31, 2015, Nucor had approximately $50.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $49.8 million would affect Nucor’s effective tax rate, if recognized. At December 31, 2014, Nucor had approximately $63.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $62.9 million would affect Nucor’s effective tax rate, if recognized.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits recorded in deferred credits and other liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	63,001		$	65,975		$	80,862
Additions based on tax positions related to current year		6,508			6,295			4,849
Reductions based on tax positions related to current year		—			—			(55	)
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		241			5,673			2,307
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years		(13,294	)		(7,449	)		(6,248	)
Additions due to settlements with taxing authorities		930			—			—
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse		(6,876	)		(7,493	)		(15,740	)
Balance at end of year	$	50,510		$	63,001		$	65,975

We estimate that in the next twelve months, our gross uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $10.6 million, as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations.

During 2015, Nucor recognized $7.0 million of benefit in interest and penalties ($9.0 million of benefit in 2014 and $0.9 million of expense in 2013). The interest and penalties are included in interest expense and other expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of earnings. As of December 31, 2015, Nucor has approximately $21.2 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions on the consolidated balance sheet (approximately $28.2 million at December 31, 2014).

Nucor has substantially concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2012. The 2013 and 2014 tax years remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Canada Revenue Agency is examining the 2012 Canadian returns for Harris Steel Group Inc. and certain related affiliates. The tax years 2009 through 2014 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

21. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component (in thousands):

	Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives			Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)			Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan			Total
December 31, 2014	$	(8,000	)	$	(148,968	)	$	11,260		$	(145,708	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(9,498	)		(205,397	)		1,485			(213,410	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)		5,798			2,700			(742	)		7,756
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(3,700	)		(202,697	)		743			(205,654	)
December 31, 2015	$	(11,700	)	$	(351,665	)	$	12,003		$	(351,362	)

(1) Includes $5,798 and ($742) net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts and adjustment to early retiree medical plan, respectively. The tax impacts of these reclassifications were $3,500 and ($414), respectively. Also includes $2,700 of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassification into marketing, administrative and other expenses for net losses on translation. The tax impact of the reclassification was $1,500.

	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		(8,542	)		(141,530	)		(4,228	)		(154,300	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (2)		542			—			(1,030	)		(488	)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(8,000	)		(141,530	)		(5,258	)		(154,788	)
December 31, 2014	$	(8,000	)	$	(148,968	)	$	11,260		$	(145,708	)

(2) Includes $542 and ($1,030) net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts and adjustment to early retiree medical plan, respectively. The tax impacts of these reclassifications were $200 and ($557), respectively.

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Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

22. Earnings Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows:

				(in thousands, except per share data)
	2015			2014			2013
Basic net earnings per share:
Basic net earnings	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,514	)		(2,321	)		(1,919	)
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	356,145		$	711,625		$	486,106
Average shares outstanding		320,565			319,838			319,077
Basic net earnings per share	$	1.11		$	2.22		$	1.52
Diluted net earnings per share:
Diluted net earnings	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,514	)		(2,321	)		(1,919	)
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	356,145		$	711,625		$	486,106
Diluted average shares outstanding:
Basic shares outstanding		320,565			319,838			319,077
Dilutive effect of stock options and other		128			289			189
		320,693			320,127			319,266
Diluted net earnings per share	$	1.11		$	2.22		$	1.52

The following stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (shares in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Anti-dilutive stock options:
Weighted average shares		1,226		—		137
Weighted average exercise price	$	47.20	$	—	$	44.51

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Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segments

23. 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 wire and wire mesh. The raw materials segment includes DJJ, primarily 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.

During the first six months of 2015, the Company performed certain internal reorganization activities. In connection with this process, the financial information utilized by the Chief Operating Decision Maker when assessing segment performance and making resource allocations was adjusted in a way that affected how certain assets are grouped. This resulted in certain assets being reclassified between the steel mills segment, steel products segment, raw materials segment and corporate/eliminations in order to align with the approach management uses to assess the performance of those segments. The segment data for the comparable periods has also been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have any impact on the consolidated asset balances nor did they impact any segment income statement amounts.

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, deferred income tax assets, federal and state income taxes receivable, the LIFO reserve and investments in and advances to affiliates.

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Net sales to external customers:
Steel mills	$	11,084,331		$	14,723,642		$	13,311,948
Steel products		3,966,895			4,032,385			3,607,333
Raw materials		1,388,050			2,349,114			2,132,765
	$	16,439,276		$	21,105,141		$	19,052,046
Intercompany sales:
Steel mills	$	2,152,157		$	2,904,317		$	2,563,554
Steel products		90,969			105,383			97,090
Raw materials		6,279,316			9,618,145			9,116,860
Corporate/eliminations		(8,522,442	)		(12,627,845	)		(11,777,504	)
	$	—		$	—		$	—
Depreciation expense:
Steel mills	$	381,352		$	366,568		$	332,258
Steel products		39,512			42,777			42,737
Raw materials		198,705			235,443			154,065
Corporate		6,188			7,212			6,792
	$	625,757		$	652,000		$	535,852
Amortization expense:
Steel mills	$	18,789		$	15,269		$	13,911
Steel products		23,932			27,644			31,082
Raw materials		31,539			29,510			29,363
	$	74,260		$	72,423		$	74,356
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:
Steel mills	$	629,793		$	1,594,352		$	1,156,715
Steel products		276,048			166,323			82,129
Raw materials		(283,938	)		(29,053	)		13,686
Corporate/eliminations		87,335			(527,045	)		(461,407	)
	$	709,238		$	1,204,577		$	791,123
Segment assets:
Steel mills	$	7,318,706		$	8,528,623		$	7,787,464
Steel products		2,485,122			2,731,320			2,710,597
Raw materials		3,123,190			3,858,254			3,896,331
Corporate/eliminations		1,323,381			497,730			808,891
	$	14,250,399		$	15,615,927		$	15,203,283
Capital expenditures:
Steel mills	$	248,532		$	343,767		$	589,621
Steel products		41,291			27,262			22,472
Raw materials		74,607			197,252			610,745
Corporate		338			586			7,580
	$	364,768		$	568,867		$	1,230,418

Net sales by product were as follows (in thousands). Further product group breakdown is impracticable.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Net sales to external customers:
Sheet	$	4,628,805	$	5,988,303	$	5,219,464
Bar		3,005,450		4,051,171		3,730,328
Structural		2,137,413		2,617,196		2,558,538
Plate		1,312,663		2,066,972		1,803,618
Steel products		3,966,895		4,032,385		3,607,333
Raw materials		1,388,050		2,349,114		2,132,765
	$	16,439,276	$	21,105,141	$	19,052,046

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Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

24. Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

	(in thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2015
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	4,399,440	$	4,357,609	$	4,225,514	$	3,456,713
Gross margin (1)		288,282		386,306		523,836		382,838
Net earnings (loss) (2)		84,292		159,344		267,736		(15,288	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Nucor stockholders (2)		67,800		124,755		227,126		(62,022	)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		0.21		0.39		0.71		(0.19	)
Diluted		0.21		0.39		0.71		(0.19	)
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	5,108,444	$	5,291,075	$	5,701,869	$	5,003,753
Gross margin (3)		377,202		415,867		599,586		513,871
Net earnings (4)		129,696		166,935		274,201		244,958
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders (4)		111,031		147,041		245,447		210,427
Net earnings per share:
Basic		0.35		0.46		0.76		0.66
Diluted		0.35		0.46		0.76		0.65

(1) Nucor incurred a LIFO credit of $16.5 million in the first quarter, a LIFO credit of $95.5 million in the second quarter, a LIFO credit of $137.0 million in the third quarter and a LIFO credit of $217.8 million in the fourth quarter.

(2) Second quarter results include a $9.3 million benefit related to state tax credits. Third quarter results were impacted by an out-of-period non-cash gain of $10.2 million related to a correction of deferred tax balances. Fourth quarter results were impacted by a $153.0 million impairment charge related to our Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. joint venture and an $84.1 million pre-tax impairment charge on assets related to the blast furnace project at the St. James Parish site.

(3) Nucor incurred a LIFO charge of $14.5 million in the first quarter, no charge or credit recorded in the second quarter, a LIFO credit of $14.5 million in the third quarter and a LIFO credit of $57.3 million in the fourth quarter. Nucor incurred $8.9 million in inventory-related purchase accounting adjustments in the fourth quarter associated with the acquisition of Gallatin.

(4) First quarter results include a $12.8 million charge related to tax legislation changes in the state of New York and a $9.0 million pre-tax charge related to the disposal of assets within the steel mills segment. Third quarter results include a $12.5 million pre-tax charge related to the partial write down of assets within the steel mills segment. Fourth quarter results include a $9.2 million out-of-period non-cash gain related to a correction to tax balances.

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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

NUCOR CORPORATION

Financial Statement Schedule

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands)

Description	Balance at beginning of Year		Additions charged to costs and expenses		Deductions			Balance at end of year
Year ended December 31, 2015 LIFO Reserve	$	567,396	$	0	$	(466,834	)	$	100,562
Year ended December 31, 2014 LIFO Reserve	$	624,685	$	—	$	(57,289	)	$	567,396
Year ended December 31, 2013 LIFO Reserve	$	607,240	$	17,445	$	—		$	624,685

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value, and have original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained primarily with a few high-credit quality financial institutions.

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date.

Inventories Valuation

Inventories Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting represent approximately 48% of total inventories as of December 31, 2015 (43% as of December 31, 2014). All inventories held by the parent company and Nucor-Yamato Steel Company are valued using the LIFO method of accounting except for supplies that are consumed indirectly in the production process, which are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting. All inventories held by other subsidiaries of the parent company are valued using the FIFO method of accounting. The Company records any amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value as a charge to cost of products sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except for property, plant and equipment acquired through acquisitions which are recorded at acquisition date fair value. With the exception of our natural gas wells, depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depletion of all capitalized costs associated with our natural gas producing properties is expensed on a unit-of-production basis by individual field as the gas from the proved developed reserves is produced. The costs of planned major maintenance activities are capitalized as part of other current assets and amortized over the period until the next scheduled major maintenance activity. All other repairs and maintenance activities are expensed when incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment and whenever events or circumstances change that would make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual impairment analysis as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which is a level below the reportable segment, to the recorded value, including goodwill. When appropriate, Nucor performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For certain reporting units, it is necessary to perform a quantitative analysis. In these instances, a discounted cash flow model is used to determine the current estimated fair value of these reporting units. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including market growth and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, discount rate and estimated capital needs. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. Changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the fair value of goodwill and could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Long-Lived Asset Impairments

Long-Lived Asset Impairments

We evaluate our property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment on an individual asset basis or at the lowest level asset grouping for which independent cash flows can be separately identified. Asset impairments are assessed whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those productive assets could exceed their projected undiscounted cash flows. When it is determined that impairment exists, the related assets are written down to their estimated fair market value.

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments

Investments in joint ventures in which Nucor shares control over the financial and operating decisions but in which Nucor is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. Each of the Company’s equity method investments is subject to a review for impairment if, and when, circumstances indicate that a decline in value below its carrying amount may have occurred. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee; missed financial projections; a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of the investee; a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographic area or the industry in which the investee operates; and recurring negative cash flows from operations. If management considers the decline to be other than temporary, the Company would write down the investment to its estimated fair market value.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nucor uses derivative financial instruments from time to time primarily to partially manage its exposure to price risk related to natural gas purchases used in the production process and to changes in interest rates on outstanding debt instruments. Nucor also uses derivatives to hedge a portion of our scrap, copper and aluminum purchases and sales. In addition, Nucor periodically uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge cash flows associated with certain assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions.

Nucor recognizes all derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings when the underlying transaction is recognized in net earnings. Changes in fair value hedges are reported in earnings along with changes in the fair value of the hedged items. When cash flow and fair value hedges affect net earnings, they are included on the same financial statement line as the underlying transaction (cost of products sold or interest expense). If these instruments do not meet hedge accounting criteria or contain ineffectiveness, the change in fair value (or a portion thereof) is recognized immediately in earnings in the same financial statement line as the underlying transaction.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Nucor recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of a contractual arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Product is considered delivered to the customer once it has been shipped and title and risk of loss has been transferred.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Nucor utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Nucor recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of interest expense.

Nucor’s intention is to permanently reinvest the earnings of certain foreign investments. Accordingly, no provisions have been made for taxes that may be payable upon remittance of such earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based compensation as an expense using fair value measurement methods. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

For Nucor’s operations where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities have been translated at year-end exchange rates, and income and expenses translated using average exchange rates for the respective periods. Adjustments resulting from the process of translating an entity’s financial statements into the U.S. dollar have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are included in net earnings only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying investments. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net earnings in the period they occur.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of 2015, Nucor adopted new accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard is applied prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, as noncurrent in a balance sheet. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted this new guidance prospectively beginning with the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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. In August 2015, additional accounting guidance was issued that deferred the effective date of this new accounting guidance by one year. As a result, the amendments are effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating adoption methods and the impact the amendments will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, new accounting guidance was issued that specifies the responsibility that an entity’s management has to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This new guidance is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, new accounting guidance was issued that requires an acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, new accounting guidance was issued regarding the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. Changes to the current GAAP model primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board- clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The accounting for other financial instruments, such as loans, investments in debt securities, and financial liabilities is largely unchanged. The standard is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Gallatin as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):

Cash	$	48,957
Accounts receivable		82,291
Inventory		101,692
Other current assets		5,117
Property, plant and equipment		483,007
Goodwill		94,737
Other intangible assets		67,150
Other assets		2,529
Total assets acquired		885,480
Current liabilities		104,315
Long-term debt		2,093
Total liabilities assumed		106,408
Net assets acquired	$	779,072

Gallatin Steel Company [Member]

Purchase Price Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation to the identifiable intangible assets of Gallatin as of the date of acquisition (in thousands, except years):

			Weighted - Average Life
Customer relationships	$	58,250		20 years
Trademarks and trade names		8,900		5 years
	$	67,150

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

	(in thousands) December 31,
	2015			2014
Land and improvements	$	585,057		$	576,511
Buildings and improvements		1,033,610			1,018,342
Machinery and equipment		10,229,602			10,080,640
Proved oil and gas properties		586,362			584,466
Construction in process and equipment deposits		197,278			193,594
		12,631,909			12,453,553
Less accumulated depreciation		(7,740,756	)		(7,165,914	)
	$	4,891,153		$	5,287,639

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Change in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment

The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 by segment is as follows (in thousands):

	Steel Mills			Steel Products			Raw Materials		Total
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	495,897		$	774,486		$	703,225	$	1,973,608
Acquisitions		98,505			—			—		98,505
Translation		—			(30,112	)		—		(30,112	)
Other		—			311			26,352		26,663
Balance, December 31, 2014		594,402			744,685			729,577		2,068,664
Translation		—			(53,618	)		—		(53,618	)
Other		(3,768	)		—			—		(3,768	)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	590,634		$	691,067		$	729,577	$	2,011,278

Schedule of Intangible Assets

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

	December 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	1,185,299	$	517,817	$	1,199,942	$	454,353
Trademarks and trade names		155,864		57,756		158,584		48,356
Other		23,025		17,943		22,823		16,547
	$	1,364,188	$	593,516	$	1,381,349	$	519,256

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Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

(in thousands) December 31,
	2015		2014
Industrial revenue bonds:
0.17% to 0.42%, variable, due from 2015 to 2040	$	1,010,600	$	1,026,935
Notes, 5.75%, due 2017		600,000		600,000
Notes, 5.85%, due 2018		500,000		500,000
Notes, 4.125%, due 2022		600,000		600,000
Notes, 4.0%, due 2023		500,000		500,000
Notes, 6.40%, due 2037		650,000		650,000
Notes, 5.20%, due 2043		500,000		500,000
		4,360,600		4,376,935
Less current maturities		—		(16,335	)
Total long-term debt due after one year	$	4,360,600	$	4,360,600

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

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

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

		Fair Value at December 31,
	Consolidated Balance Sheet Location	2015			2014
Asset derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$	—		$	1,856
Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		909			372
Total asset derivatives		$	909		$	2,228
Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	(15,700	)	$	(6,400	)
Commodity contracts	Deferred credits and other liabilities		(2,800	)		(6,300	)
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments			(18,500	)		(12,700	)
Liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(353	)		—
Total liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			(353	)		—
Total liability derivatives		$	(18,853	)	$	(12,700	)

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Earnings

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)

Derivatives in Cash Flow	Statement of Earnings		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 on Derivatives (Effective Portion)								Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)
Hedging Relationships	Location		2015			2014			2013		2015			2014			2013		2015		2014		2013
Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold	$	(9,498	)	$	(8,542	)	$	—	$	(5,798	)	$	(542	)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)

Derivatives Not Designated	Statement of Earnings		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
as Hedging Instruments	Location		2015		2014		2013
Commodity contracts		Cost of products sold	$	2,894	$	1,890	$	4,622
Foreign exchange contracts		Cost of products sold		2,392		748		112
Total			$	5,286	$	2,638	$	4,734

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands). Nucor does not 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 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 December 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,668,567		$	1,668,567	$	—			—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—			—
Foreign exchange contracts		909			—		909			—
Total assets	$	1,769,476		$	1,768,567	$	909		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(18,853	)	$	—	$	(18,853	)	$	—
As of December 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	861,656		$	861,656	$	—
Short-term investments		100,000			100,000		—
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts		2,228			—		2,228
Total assets	$	963,884		$	961,656	$	2,228		$	—
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts	$	(12,700	)	$	—	$	(12,700	)	$	—

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary of Stock Option Plans Activity

A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans is as follows:

	2015					2014					(shares in thousands) 2013
	Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted - Average Exercise Price		Shares		Weighted - Average Exercise Price
Number of shares under option:
Outstanding at beginning of year		2,422		$	42.39		2,089		$	40.47		1,543	$	39.03
Granted		700		$	47.59		469		$	50.63		546	$	44.51
Exercised		(10	)	$	42.34		(136	)	$	41.30		—		—
Canceled		(20	)	$	50.63		—			—		—		—
Outstanding at end of year		3,092		$	43.51		2,422		$	42.39		2,089	$	40.47
Options exercisable at end of year		1,531		$	39.35		1,263		$	40.40		1,012	$	39.75

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

					(shares in thousands)
	Options Outstanding
Exercise Price	Options Outstanding		Options Exercisable		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life
$35.76		689		689		6.4 years
$41.43		242		242		4.4 years
$42.34		520		520		5.4 years
$44.51		506		80		7.4 years
$47.59		700		—		9.4 years
$50.63		435		—		8.4 years
$35.76 - $50.63		3,092		1,531		7.2 years

Schedule of Grant Date Fair Value Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model Assumptions

The fair value was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

	2015			2014			2013
Exercise price	$	47.59		$	50.63		$	44.51
Expected dividend yield		3.13	%		2.92	%		3.30	%
Expected stock price volatility		33.32	%		45.00	%		46.94	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.86	%		2.03	%		1.51	%
Expected life (in years)		6.5			6.5			6.5

Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Unit Activity

A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:

	2015					2014					(shares in thousands) 2013
	Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock units:
Unvested at beginning of year		1,012		$	45.98		1,122		$	42.51		1,106		$	40.80
Granted		790		$	47.59		655		$	50.63		789		$	44.51
Vested		(756	)	$	44.99		(752	)	$	44.90		(762	)	$	42.15
Canceled		(15	)	$	46.61		(13	)	$	42.66		(11	)	$	39.08
Unvested at end of year		1,031		$	47.93		1,012		$	45.98		1,122		$	42.51
Shares reserved for future grants (stock options and RSUs)		10,349					11,851					10,486

Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Activity under AIP and LTIP

A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the AIP and the LTIP is as follows:

	2015					2014					(shares in thousands) 2013
	Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock awards and units:
Unvested at beginning of year		65		$	48.20		73		$	45.49		72		$	43.72
Granted		136		$	47.07		127		$	50.35		122		$	47.36
Vested		(138	)	$	47.15		(135	)	$	48.76		(121	)	$	46.32
Canceled		—			—		—			—		—			—
Unvested at end of year		63		$	48.07		65		$	48.20		73		$	45.49
Shares reserved for future grants		975					1,111					1,238

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Interest Expense (Income) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Interest Expense, Net

The components of net interest expense are as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Interest expense	$	177,543		$	174,142		$	151,986
Interest income		(4,012	)		(4,886	)		(5,091	)
Interest expense, net	$	173,531		$	169,256		$	146,895

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Earnings (Losses) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests

Components of earnings (losses) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests are as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	2015			2014		2013
United States	$	875,038		$	1,161,953	$	755,921
Foreign		(165,800	)		42,624		35,202
	$	709,238		$	1,204,577	$	791,123

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Current:
Federal	$	285,856		$	247,898		$	138,343
State		4,618			30,790			223
Foreign		5,198			19,235			10,464
Total current		295,672			297,923			149,030
Deferred:
Federal		(64,482	)		94,991			36,157
State		(6,041	)		3,958			(39	)
Foreign		(11,995	)		(8,085	)		20,446
Total deferred		(82,518	)		90,864			56,564
Total provision for income taxes	$	213,154		$	388,787		$	205,594

Reconciliation of the Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Total Provisions

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate (35%) to the total provision is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Taxes computed at statutory rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-0.32	%		3.32	%		0.02	%
Federal research credit		-0.50	%		-0.27	%		-0.79	%
Domestic manufacturing deduction		-3.40	%		-2.27	%		-1.74	%
Equity in losses of foreign joint venture		0.98	%		0.85	%		1.36	%
Impairment on investment in foreign joint venture		7.55	%		—			—
Foreign rate differential		-1.72	%		-0.93	%		-2.35	%
Noncontrolling interests		-6.84	%		-2.96	%		-4.32	%
Out-of-period correction		-1.37	%		-1.10	%		-2.57	%
Other, net		0.67	%		0.64	%		1.38	%
Provision for income taxes		30.05	%		32.28	%		25.99	%

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted from the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities and reserves	$	209,854		$	154,381
Allowance for doubtful accounts		12,912			24,741
Inventory		208,799			189,120
Post-retirement benefits		9,773			898
Commodity hedges		7,149			4,773
Net operating loss carryforward		14,690			9,880
Tax credit carryforwards		19,601			29,142
Total deferred tax assets		482,778			412,935
Deferred tax liabilities:
Holdbacks and amounts not due under contracts		(10,479	)		(14,945	)
Cumulative translation adjustments		(3,325	)		(1,819	)
Intangibles		(244,496	)		(236,618	)
Property, plant and equipment		(673,676	)		(698,567	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(931,976	)		(951,949	)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(449,198	)	$	(539,014	)

Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits recorded in deferred credits and other liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	63,001		$	65,975		$	80,862
Additions based on tax positions related to current year		6,508			6,295			4,849
Reductions based on tax positions related to current year		—			—			(55	)
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		241			5,673			2,307
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years		(13,294	)		(7,449	)		(6,248	)
Additions due to settlements with taxing authorities		930			—			—
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse		(6,876	)		(7,493	)		(15,740	)
Balance at end of year	$	50,510		$	63,001		$	65,975

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component (in thousands):

	Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives			Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)			Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan			Total
December 31, 2014	$	(8,000	)	$	(148,968	)	$	11,260		$	(145,708	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(9,498	)		(205,397	)		1,485			(213,410	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (1)		5,798			2,700			(742	)		7,756
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(3,700	)		(202,697	)		743			(205,654	)
December 31, 2015	$	(11,700	)	$	(351,665	)	$	12,003		$	(351,362	)

(1) Includes $5,798 and ($742) net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts and adjustment to early retiree medical plan, respectively. The tax impacts of these reclassifications were $3,500 and ($414), respectively. Also includes $2,700 of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassification into marketing, administrative and other expenses for net losses on translation. The tax impact of the reclassification was $1,500.

	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		(8,542	)		(141,530	)		(4,228	)		(154,300	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings (2)		542			—			(1,030	)		(488	)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(8,000	)		(141,530	)		(5,258	)		(154,788	)
December 31, 2014	$	(8,000	)	$	(148,968	)	$	11,260		$	(145,708	)

(2) Includes $542 and ($1,030) net-of-tax impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into cost of products sold for net losses on commodity contracts and adjustment to early retiree medical plan, respectively. The tax impacts of these reclassifications were $200 and ($557), respectively.

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computations of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share are as follows:

				(in thousands, except per share data)
	2015			2014			2013
Basic net earnings per share:
Basic net earnings	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,514	)		(2,321	)		(1,919	)
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	356,145		$	711,625		$	486,106
Average shares outstanding		320,565			319,838			319,077
Basic net earnings per share	$	1.11		$	2.22		$	1.52
Diluted net earnings per share:
Diluted net earnings	$	357,659		$	713,946		$	488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities		(1,514	)		(2,321	)		(1,919	)
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	356,145		$	711,625		$	486,106
Diluted average shares outstanding:
Basic shares outstanding		320,565			319,838			319,077
Dilutive effect of stock options and other		128			289			189
		320,693			320,127			319,266
Diluted net earnings per share	$	1.11		$	2.22		$	1.52

Anti-Dilutive Stock Options

The following stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (shares in thousands):

	2015		2014		2013
Anti-dilutive stock options:
Weighted average shares		1,226		—		137
Weighted average exercise price	$	47.20	$	—	$	44.51

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Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segments

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Net sales to external customers:
Steel mills	$	11,084,331		$	14,723,642		$	13,311,948
Steel products		3,966,895			4,032,385			3,607,333
Raw materials		1,388,050			2,349,114			2,132,765
	$	16,439,276		$	21,105,141		$	19,052,046
Intercompany sales:
Steel mills	$	2,152,157		$	2,904,317		$	2,563,554
Steel products		90,969			105,383			97,090
Raw materials		6,279,316			9,618,145			9,116,860
Corporate/eliminations		(8,522,442	)		(12,627,845	)		(11,777,504	)
	$	—		$	—		$	—
Depreciation expense:
Steel mills	$	381,352		$	366,568		$	332,258
Steel products		39,512			42,777			42,737
Raw materials		198,705			235,443			154,065
Corporate		6,188			7,212			6,792
	$	625,757		$	652,000		$	535,852
Amortization expense:
Steel mills	$	18,789		$	15,269		$	13,911
Steel products		23,932			27,644			31,082
Raw materials		31,539			29,510			29,363
	$	74,260		$	72,423		$	74,356
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests:
Steel mills	$	629,793		$	1,594,352		$	1,156,715
Steel products		276,048			166,323			82,129
Raw materials		(283,938	)		(29,053	)		13,686
Corporate/eliminations		87,335			(527,045	)		(461,407	)
	$	709,238		$	1,204,577		$	791,123
Segment assets:
Steel mills	$	7,318,706		$	8,528,623		$	7,787,464
Steel products		2,485,122			2,731,320			2,710,597
Raw materials		3,123,190			3,858,254			3,896,331
Corporate/eliminations		1,323,381			497,730			808,891
	$	14,250,399		$	15,615,927		$	15,203,283
Capital expenditures:
Steel mills	$	248,532		$	343,767		$	589,621
Steel products		41,291			27,262			22,472
Raw materials		74,607			197,252			610,745
Corporate		338			586			7,580
	$	364,768		$	568,867		$	1,230,418

Schedule of Net Sale by Product to External Customers

Net sales by product were as follows (in thousands). Further product group breakdown is impracticable.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Net sales to external customers:
Sheet	$	4,628,805	$	5,988,303	$	5,219,464
Bar		3,005,450		4,051,171		3,730,328
Structural		2,137,413		2,617,196		2,558,538
Plate		1,312,663		2,066,972		1,803,618
Steel products		3,966,895		4,032,385		3,607,333
Raw materials		1,388,050		2,349,114		2,132,765
	$	16,439,276	$	21,105,141	$	19,052,046

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Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Information

	(in thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2015
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	4,399,440	$	4,357,609	$	4,225,514	$	3,456,713
Gross margin (1)		288,282		386,306		523,836		382,838
Net earnings (loss) (2)		84,292		159,344		267,736		(15,288	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Nucor stockholders (2)		67,800		124,755		227,126		(62,022	)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		0.21		0.39		0.71		(0.19	)
Diluted		0.21		0.39		0.71		(0.19	)
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	5,108,444	$	5,291,075	$	5,701,869	$	5,003,753
Gross margin (3)		377,202		415,867		599,586		513,871
Net earnings (4)		129,696		166,935		274,201		244,958
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders (4)		111,031		147,041		245,447		210,427
Net earnings per share:
Basic		0.35		0.46		0.76		0.66
Diluted		0.35		0.46		0.76		0.65

(1) Nucor incurred a LIFO credit of $16.5 million in the first quarter, a LIFO credit of $95.5 million in the second quarter, a LIFO credit of $137.0 million in the third quarter and a LIFO credit of $217.8 million in the fourth quarter.

(2) Second quarter results include a $9.3 million benefit related to state tax credits. Third quarter results were impacted by an out-of-period non-cash gain of $10.2 million related to a correction of deferred tax balances. Fourth quarter results were impacted by a $153.0 million impairment charge related to our Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. joint venture and an $84.1 million pre-tax impairment charge on assets related to the blast furnace project at the St. James Parish site.

(3) Nucor incurred a LIFO charge of $14.5 million in the first quarter, no charge or credit recorded in the second quarter, a LIFO credit of $14.5 million in the third quarter and a LIFO credit of $57.3 million in the fourth quarter. Nucor incurred $8.9 million in inventory-related purchase accounting adjustments in the fourth quarter associated with the acquisition of Gallatin.

(4) First quarter results include a $12.8 million charge related to tax legislation changes in the state of New York and a $9.0 million pre-tax charge related to the disposal of assets within the steel mills segment. Third quarter results include a $12.5 million pre-tax charge related to the partial write down of assets within the steel mills segment. Fourth quarter results include a $9.2 million out-of-period non-cash gain related to a correction to tax balances.

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Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015
Nucor-Yamato Steel Company [Member]
Summary Of Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Majority ownership percentage	51.00%

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash equivalents original maturity period	Three months or less
Inventories valued using the last-in, first-out	48.00%	43.00%

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Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 08, 2014 USD ($) T	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill attributed to the expected synergies		$ 2,011,278	$ 2,068,664	$ 1,973,608
Business acquisition purchase price		19,089	768,581
Gallatin Steel Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price	$ 779,100
Approximate amount of commercial paper issued	$ 300,000
Annual production capacity | T	1,800,000
Goodwill attributed to the expected synergies	$ 94,737
Other Minor Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition purchase price		19,100	38,500	0
Steel Mills [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill attributed to the expected synergies		$ 590,634	$ 594,402	$ 495,897
Steel Mills [Member] | Gallatin Steel Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill attributed to the expected synergies	94,700
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes	$ 98,100

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Acquisitions and Dispositions - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,011,278	$ 2,068,664		$ 1,973,608
Gallatin Steel Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			$ 48,957
Accounts receivable			82,291
Inventory			101,692
Other current assets			5,117
Property, plant and equipment			483,007
Goodwill			94,737
Other intangible assets			67,150
Other assets			2,529
Total assets acquired			885,480
Current liabilities			104,315
Long-term debt			2,093
Total liabilities assumed			106,408
Net assets acquired			$ 779,072

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Acquisitions and Dispositions - Purchase Price Allocation of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) - Gallatin Steel Company [Member] $ in Thousands	Oct. 08, 2014 USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 67,150
Gallatin [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	67,150
Gallatin [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 58,250
Weighted - Average Life	20 years
Gallatin [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 8,900
Weighted - Average Life	5 years

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Short-term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Short-term investments held	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Realized or unrealized gains or losses	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Contractual maturities year of all outstanding fixed term deposits and certificates of deposit	2016

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Accounts Receivable - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 43.2	$ 65.4	$ 58.3

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Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies in inventory, percentage	38.00%	40.00%
Finished and semi-finished products in inventory, percentage	62.00%	60.00%
Increased value of inventory if FIFO method had been used	$ 100.6	$ 567.4
Lower of cost or market adjustments	$ 5.1	$ 2.7

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Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 12,631,909	$ 12,453,553
Less accumulated depreciation	(7,740,756)	(7,165,914)
Property, plant and equipment, net, total	4,891,153	5,287,639
Land and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	585,057	576,511
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,033,610	1,018,342
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,229,602	10,080,640
Proved Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	586,362	584,466
Construction in Process and Equipment Deposits [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 197,278	$ 193,594

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Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation, under a capital lease agreement	$ 20,300	$ 20,300	$ 22,800
Gross property, plant and equipment acquired under capital lease	25,400	25,400
Total obligations associated with capital lease agreement	21,000	21,000	23,200
Capital lease obligations classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities	2,300	2,300	2,200
Capital lease obligations classified in deferred credits and other liabilities	18,700	18,700	21,000
Initial payments from insurance receivables		10,300
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,891,153	4,891,153	5,287,639
Interest expenses capitalized		300	$ 2,900	$ 10,900
First of Three Storage Domes [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment written down				21,000
Inventory written down				7,000
Insurance receivable				14,000
First of Three Storage Domes [Member] | Impairments And Losses On Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment written down				$ 14,000
Three Iron Ore Storage Domes [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Insurance receivable	15,400	15,400
Two Remaining Storage Domes [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment written down		19,400
Insurance receivable	11,700	11,700
Two Remaining Storage Domes [Member] | Impairments And Losses On Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment written down		$ 7,700
Land and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives range		5 years
Land and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives range		25 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives range		4 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives range		40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives range		2 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives range		15 years
Group Of Wells Assets With Carrying Value Closest To Its Undiscounted Cash Flows [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	87,200	$ 87,200
Raw Materials Segment [Member] | Assets Related to Blast Furnace Project at St. James Parish site [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment written down	$ 84,100

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Restricted Cash and Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Qualified expenditure for construction of facility		$ 275,300,000
Restricted cash or investment			$ 0	$ 0
30-Year Variable Rate Gulf Opportunity Zone Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Investments [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	$ 600,000,000
Term of variable rate bonds, years	30 years

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Change in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 2,068,664	$ 1,973,608
Acquisitions		98,505
Translation	(53,618)	(30,112)
Other	(3,768)	26,663
Balance, end of period	2,011,278	2,068,664
Steel Mills [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	594,402	495,897
Acquisitions		98,505
Other	(3,768)
Balance, end of period	590,634	594,402
Steel Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	744,685	774,486
Translation	(53,618)	(30,112)
Other		311
Balance, end of period	691,067	744,685
Raw Materials [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	729,577	703,225
Translation	0
Other	0	26,352
Balance, end of period	$ 729,577	$ 729,577

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other changes				$ (3,768,000)	$ 26,663,000
Intangible asset amortization expense				74,300,000	$ 72,400,000	$ 74,400,000
Future amortization expense, in 2016	$ 70,900,000			70,900,000
Future amortization expense, in 2017	68,700,000			68,700,000
Future amortization expense, in 2018	65,900,000			65,900,000
Future amortization expense, in 2019	63,400,000			63,400,000
Future amortization expense, in 2020	61,000,000			$ 61,000,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Increase in Goodwill Due to Correction of Deferred Tax [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other changes		$ 26,400,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				5 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				22 years

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 1,364,188	$ 1,381,349
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	593,516	519,256
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	1,185,299	1,199,942
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	517,817	454,353
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	155,864	158,584
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	57,756	48,356
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	23,025	22,823
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 17,943	$ 16,547

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Equity Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Sheet	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2014 EUR (€)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment	$ 746,600	$ 746,600	$ 872,500
Amortization expense due to fair value step-up		74,260	72,423	$ 74,356
Distributions from affiliates		15,132	53,738	8,708
Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment	$ 258,200	$ 258,200	412,900
Period used for lag basis, in months		1 month
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%			50.00%
Equity method investments, share of net assets	$ 93,000	$ 93,000
Basis difference due to the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities	165,200	165,200
Step-up to fair value of equity method investment, portion related to identification of goodwill		84,100
Amortization expense due to fair value step-up		8,800	10,500	11,200
Due from related parties, noncurrent	38,200	$ 38,200	42,500		€ 35.0	€ 35.0
Notes receivable, related parties, interest rate		1.14%
Interest rate per year in excess of Euribor as of date of the notes		1.00%
Equity method investments note payable with parent company, maturity date		Jan. 31, 2019
Impairment charge against investment	153,000
NuMit LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment	$ 314,500	$ 314,500	301,500
Period used for lag basis, in months		1 month
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%			50.00%
Distributions from affiliates		$ 13,100	52,700	$ 6,700
Steel Technologies LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	100.00%	100.00%			100.00%
Number of sheet processing facilities operated by Steel Technologies | Sheet		25
Hunter Ridge Energy Services LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment	$ 135,900	$ 135,900	138,600
Period used for lag basis, in months		1 month
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%			50.00%
Facility A [Member] | Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments credit facilities, amount	$ 133,600	$ 133,600			€ 122.5
Total amount outstanding under equity method investments credit facilities	$ 129,800	$ 129,800	129,900		€ 119.0	107.0
Standby Medium Long Term Credit Facility [Member] | Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total amount outstanding under equity method investments credit facilities			$ 72,800			€ 60.0
Guarantor obligation percentage of exposure in case of default	50.00%	50.00%			50.00%
Structured Trade Finance Facilities [Member] | Facility A [Member] | Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Guarantor obligation percentage of exposure in case of default	50.00%	50.00%			50.00%
Line of credit facility, maturity period		Oct. 12, 2018

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Current Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Book overdrafts	$ 62.8	$ 107.9
Dividends payable, current	120.2	119.7
Accrued vacation and holiday pay	$ 80.4	$ 75.3

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Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Schedule of Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 4,360,600	$ 4,376,935
Less current maturities		(16,335)
Total long-term debt due after one year	4,360,600	4,360,600
Notes, 5.75%, Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	600,000	600,000
Notes, 5.85%, Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	500,000	500,000
Notes, 4.125%, Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	600,000	600,000
Notes, 4.0%, Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	500,000	500,000
Notes, 6.40%, Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	650,000	650,000
Notes, 5.20%, Due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	500,000	500,000
Industrial Revenue Bonds [Member] | Zero Point One Seven Percent To Zero Point Four Two Percent Variable Due From Two Thousand Fifteen To Two Thousand Forty [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	$ 1,010,600	$ 1,026,935

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Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Schedule of Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes, 5.75%, Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	5.75%
Debt instrument - maturity year	2017
Notes, 5.85%, Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	5.85%
Debt instrument - maturity year	2018
Notes, 4.125%, Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	4.125%
Debt instrument - maturity year	2022
Notes, 4.0%, Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	4.00%
Debt instrument - maturity year	2023
Notes, 6.40%, Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	6.40%
Debt instrument - maturity year	2037
Notes, 5.20%, Due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	5.20%
Debt instrument - maturity year	2043
Zero Point One Seven Percent To Zero Point Four Two Percent Variable Due From Two Thousand Fifteen To Two Thousand Forty [Member] | Industrial Revenue Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate - minimum	0.17%
Debt instrument interest rate - maximum	0.42%
Debt instrument - maturity year - start	2015
Debt instrument - maturity year - end	2040

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Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities - 2016	$ 0
Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities - 2017	600,000,000
Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities - 2018	500,000,000
Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities - 2019	0
Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities - 2020	20,000,000
Annual aggregate long-term debt maturities - thereafter	3,241,000,000
Issuance of Commercial Papers	$ 0	$ 151,400,000
Ratio funded debt to total capital	36.00%
Harris Steel [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility availability	$ 25,100,000
Credit facilities, amount outstanding	0	1,500,000
Nucor Trading S.A. [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facilities, amount outstanding	51,300,000	54,600,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility availability	$ 1,500,000,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility, Expiration date	2018-08
Credit facility availability	$ 500,000,000
Ratio on the limit of funded debt to capital on credit facility	60.00%
Credit facilities, amount outstanding	$ 0	0
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility availability	500,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | Nucor Trading S.A. [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facilities, amount outstanding	58,000,000	$ 42,200,000
Foreign Currency Loans [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility availability	850,000,000
Revolving Loans For Nucor Subsidiaries [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility availability	$ 500,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity		90 days
Gallatin [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of Commercial Papers			$ 300,000,000

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Capital Stock - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
The par value of common stock	$ 0.40
Common stock shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Preferred stock shares authorized	250,000
Preferred stock par value per share	$ 4.00
Preferred stock shares issued	0
Preferred stock shares outstanding	0
Repurchase of common stock	$ 66,505,000	$ 0	$ 0
Stock repurchase program,amount authorized				$ 900,000,000

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Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	$ (18,853)	$ (12,700)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	(18,500)	(12,700)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	909	2,228
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	(353)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	(15,700)	(6,400)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	(2,800)	(6,300)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	(353)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Fair Value		1,856
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	$ 909	$ 372

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Derivative Financial Instruments - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ (9,498)	$ (8,542)
Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(5,798)	(542)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	5,286	2,638	$ 4,734
Cost of Products Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(5,798)	(542)
Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	2,894	1,890	4,622
Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(9,498)	(8,542)
Amount of Gain or (Loss), net of tax, Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(5,798)	(542)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) net of tax, Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)	0	0	0
Cost of Products Sold [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	$ 2,392	$ 748	$ 112

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Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) MMBTU in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015 MMBTU
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional amount of commodity derivatives	13.8

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Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Total assets	14,250,399	15,615,927	$ 15,203,283
Commodity contracts	(18,853)	(12,700)
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	1,668,567	861,656
Short-term investments	100,000	100,000
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	909	2,228
Total assets	1,769,476	963,884
Commodity contracts	(18,853)	(12,700)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	1,668,567	861,656
Short-term investments	100,000	100,000
Total assets	1,768,567	961,656
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Foreign exchange and commodity contracts	909	2,228
Total assets	909	2,228
Commodity contracts	$ (18,853)	$ (12,700)

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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 4,470	$ 4,970

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Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 01, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 25, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Manufacturers_Distributors Complaints Defendant	Nov. 24, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, gross			$ 21.1		$ 27.2
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, current			9.7		11.3
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, noncurrent			$ 11.4		$ 15.9
Northern District of Illinois [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Steel manufacturers, number of manufacturers | Manufacturers_Distributors			8
Additional complaints being filed in July and December of 2010 | Complaints			2
Complaints that are dismissed | Complaints			2
Defendants that have reached court approved settlements with the plaintiffs | Defendant			5
Southern District of Texas [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages against all defendants jointly and severally	$ 160.8	$ 52.0
Practical estimable exposure			$ 0.0	$ 40.0

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Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares Installment Anniversaries	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercise prices as percentage of the market value on the date of the grant	100.00%
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 100,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 0
Total aggregate intrinsic value of options	3,100,000
Total aggregate intrinsic value of option exercisable	$ 3,100,000
Grant date fair value of options granted | $ / shares	$ 11.71	$ 17.48	$ 15.03
Compensation expenses for stock options	$ 7,400,000	$ 7,700,000	$ 8,600,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	3 years
Stock options term, years	10 years
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock	$ 1,300,000
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense related to stock (years)	2 years 2 months 12 days
Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Portion of restricted stock award vesting on anniversary	33.30%
Eligible age of officer for LTIP restricted stock award	55 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock	$ 31,300,000
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense related to stock (years)	2 years 1 month 6 days
Number of anniversaries of grant date upon which restricted stock units vest | Anniversaries	3
Installments in which restricted stock units vest and are converted to common stock | Installment	3
Compensation expense	$ 34,800,000	32,600,000	32,600,000
Total fair value of shares, vested	$ 35,800,000	38,100,000	34,100,000
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | AIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of annual incentive award payment participant can elect to defer	50.00%
Additional common stock units for election of deferred annual incentive award, percentage	25.00%
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | AIP and LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock	$ 800,000
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense related to stock (years)	1 year 7 months 6 days
Compensation expense	$ 3,400,000	6,100,000	6,300,000
Total fair value of shares, vested	$ 6,500,000	$ 6,800,000	$ 5,700,000

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Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Option Plans Activity (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	2,422	2,089	1,543
Granted, Shares	700	469	546
Exercised, Shares	(10)	(136)
Canceled, Shares	(20)
Outstanding at end of year, Shares	3,092	2,422	2,089
Options exercisable at end of year, Shares	1,531	1,263	1,012
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$ 42.39	$ 40.47	$ 39.03
Granted, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	47.59	50.63	44.51
Exercised, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	42.34	41.30
Canceled, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	50.63
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	43.51	42.39	40.47
Options exercisable at end of year, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$ 39.35	$ 40.40	$ 39.75

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Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
$35.76 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 35.76
Options Outstanding	689
Options Exercisable	689
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 4 months 24 days
$41.43 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 41.43
Options Outstanding	242
Options Exercisable	242
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 4 months 24 days
$42.34 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 42.34
Options Outstanding	520
Options Exercisable	520
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 4 months 24 days
$44.51 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 44.51
Options Outstanding	506
Options Exercisable	80
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 4 months 24 days
$47.59 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 47.59
Options Outstanding	700
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	9 years 4 months 24 days
$50.63 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 50.63
Options Outstanding	435
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 4 months 24 days
$35.76 - $50.63 [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Options Outstanding	3,092
Options Exercisable	1,531
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 2 months 12 days
$35.76 - $50.63 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 35.76
$35.76 - $50.63 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding By Exercise Price [Line Items]
Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 50.63

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Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Grant Date Fair Value Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model Assumptions (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Exercise price	$ 47.59	$ 50.63	$ 44.51
Expected dividend yield	3.13%	2.92%	3.30%
Expected stock price volatility	33.32%	45.00%	46.94%
Risk-free interest rate	1.86%	2.03%	1.51%
Expected life (in years)	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months

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Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	1,012	1,122	1,106
Granted, Shares	790	655	789
Vested, Shares	(756)	(752)	(762)
Canceled, Shares	(15)	(13)	(11)
Unvested at end of year, Shares	1,031	1,012	1,122
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 45.98	$ 42.51	$ 40.80
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	47.59	50.63	44.51
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value	44.99	44.90	42.15
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value	46.61	42.66	39.08
Unvested at end of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 47.93	$ 45.98	$ 42.51
Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future grants	10,349	11,851	10,486

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Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Nucor's Restricted Stock Activity under AIP and LTIP (Detail) - Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] - AIP and LTIP [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of year, Shares	65	73	72
Granted, Shares	136	127	122
Vested, Shares	(138)	(135)	(121)
Canceled, Shares	0	0	0
Unvested at end of year, Shares	63	65	73
Shares reserved for future grants	975	1,111	1,238
Unvested at beginning of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.20	$ 45.49	$ 43.72
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	47.07	50.35	47.36
Vested, Grant Date Fair Value	47.15	48.76	46.32
Canceled, Grant Date Fair Value	0	0	0
Unvested at end of year, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.07	$ 48.20	$ 45.49

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Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan, plan expense	$ 60.5	$ 110.1	$ 71.7
Unfunded obligation	15.6	14.1
Benefit (expense) associated with early retiree medical plan	$ (1.1)	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Discount rate used to calculate expenses	4.40%	3.80%	4.60%
Health care cost trend rate	7.10%	6.50%	6.60%
Health care cost trend rate	4.50%
Year that trend rate is projected to reach ultimate rate	2037

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Interest Expense (Income) - Schedule of Components of Net Interest Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 177,543	$ 174,142	$ 151,986
Interest income	(4,012)	(4,886)	(5,091)
Interest expense, net	$ 173,531	$ 169,256	$ 146,895

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Interest Expense (Income) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 180.0	$ 180.5	$ 141.2

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Income Taxes - Components of Earnings (Losses) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 875,038	$ 1,161,953	$ 755,921
Foreign	(165,800)	42,624	35,202
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	$ 709,238	$ 1,204,577	$ 791,123

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Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal, current	$ 285,856	$ 247,898	$ 138,343
State, current	4,618	30,790	223
Foreign, current	5,198	19,235	10,464
Total current	295,672	297,923	149,030
Federal, deferred	(64,482)	94,991	36,157
State, deferred	(6,041)	3,958	(39)
Foreign, deferred	(11,995)	(8,085)	20,446
Total deferred	(82,518)	90,864	56,564
Total provision for income taxes	$ 213,154	$ 388,787	$ 205,594

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Taxes computed at statutory rate			35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Non-cash gain related to correction of tax balances	$ 10,200,000	$ 9,200,000	$ 9,700,000	$ 13,200,000	$ 21,300,000
Current deferred tax assets		253,400,000	0	253,400,000
Current deferred tax Liabilities		13,100,000	0	13,100,000
Non-current deferred tax liabilities		779,300,000	449,200,000	779,300,000
Net federal, state and foreign income taxes paid (refund received)			260,300,000	398,700,000	64,800,000
Cumulative undistributed foreign earnings		194,000,000	169,600,000	194,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits		63,001,000	50,510,000	63,001,000	65,975,000	$ 80,862,000
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits affects effective tax rate		62,900,000	49,800,000	62,900,000
Estimate of possible decrease in gross uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest, as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations			10,600,000
Expense (benefit) for interest and penalties			(7,000,000)	(9,000,000)	$ 900,000
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions		28,200,000	21,200,000	28,200,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards		462,800,000	487,900,000	462,800,000
Foreign Country [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards		$ 44,900,000	$ 22,300,000	$ 44,900,000
Maximum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Unused net operating loss carryforward expiration year			2035
Maximum [Member] | Foreign Country [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Unused net operating loss carryforward expiration year			2035
Minimum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Unused net operating loss carryforward expiration year			2016
Minimum [Member] | Foreign Country [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Unused net operating loss carryforward expiration year			2027

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Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Total Provisions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes computed at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(0.32%)	3.32%	0.02%
Federal research credit	(0.50%)	(0.27%)	(0.79%)
Domestic manufacturing deduction	(3.40%)	(2.27%)	(1.74%)
Equity in losses of foreign joint venture	0.98%	0.85%	1.36%
Impairment on investment in foreign joint venture	7.55%
Foreign rate differential	(1.72%)	(0.93%)	(2.35%)
Noncontrolling interests	(6.84%)	(2.96%)	(4.32%)
Out-of-period correction	(1.37%)	(1.10%)	(2.57%)
Other, net	0.67%	0.64%	1.38%
Provision for income taxes	30.05%	32.28%	25.99%

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Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities and reserves	$ 209,854	$ 154,381
Allowance for doubtful accounts	12,912	24,741
Inventory	208,799	189,120
Post-retirement benefits	9,773	898
Commodity hedges	7,149	4,773
Net operating loss carryforward	14,690	9,880
Tax credit carryforwards	19,601	29,142
Total deferred tax assets	482,778	412,935
Holdbacks and amounts not due under contracts	(10,479)	(14,945)
Cumulative translation adjustments	(3,325)	(1,819)
Intangibles	(244,496)	(236,618)
Property, plant and equipment	(673,676)	(698,567)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(931,976)	(951,949)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$ (449,198)	$ (539,014)

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Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 63,001	$ 65,975	$ 80,862
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	6,508	6,295	4,849
Reductions based on tax positions related to current year			(55)
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	241	5,673	2,307
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	(13,294)	(7,449)	(6,248)
Additions due to settlements with taxing authorities	930
Reductions due to statute of limitations lapse	(6,876)	(7,493)	(15,740)
Balance at end of year	$ 50,510	$ 63,001	$ 65,975

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	$ (8,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	(9,498)	$ (8,542)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	5,798	542
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	(3,700)	(8,000)
Ending Balance, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	(11,700)	(8,000)
Beginning Balance, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)	(148,968)	(7,438)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)	(205,397)	(141,530)	$ (53,619)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)	2,700
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)	(202,697)	(141,530)
Ending Balance, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)	(351,665)	(148,968)	(7,438)
Beginning Balance, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	11,260	16,518
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	1,485	(4,228)	5,938
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	(742)	(1,030)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	743	(5,258)
Ending Balance, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	12,003	11,260	16,518
Beginning Balance	(145,708)	9,080
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(213,410)	(154,300)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings	7,756	(488)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(205,654)	(154,788)	(47,681)
Ending Balance	$ (351,362)	$ (145,708)	$ 9,080

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	$ 5,798	$ 542
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	(742)	(1,030)
AOCI reclassification impact on tax	(414)	(557)	$ 0
AOCI reclassification impact on tax	3,500	200	$ 0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, foreign currency gain (loss)	2,700
Cost of Products Sold [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Gains and Losses on Hedging Derivatives	5,798	542
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into earnings, Adjustment to Early Retiree Medical Plan	(742)	(1,030)
AOCI reclassification impact on tax	(414)	(557)
AOCI reclassification impact on tax	3,500	$ 200
Marketing Administrative And Other Expenses [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, foreign currency gain (loss)	2,700
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, foreign currency gain (loss), tax	$ 1,500

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Earnings Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic net earnings	$ (62,022)	$ 227,126	$ 124,755	$ 67,800	$ 210,427	$ 245,447	$ 147,041	$ 111,031	$ 357,659	$ 713,946	$ 488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities, Basic									(1,514)	(2,321)	(1,919)
Net earnings available to common stockholders, Basic									$ 356,145	$ 711,625	$ 486,106
Average shares outstanding									320,565	319,838	319,077
Basic net earnings per share	$ (0.19)	$ 0.71	$ 0.39	$ 0.21	$ 0.66	$ 0.76	$ 0.46	$ 0.35	$ 1.11	$ 2.22	$ 1.52
Diluted net earnings	$ (62,022)	$ 227,126	$ 124,755	$ 67,800	$ 210,427	$ 245,447	$ 147,041	$ 111,031	$ 357,659	$ 713,946	$ 488,025
Earnings allocated to participating securities, Diluted									(1,514)	(2,321)	(1,919)
Net earnings available to common stockholders, Diluted									$ 356,145	$ 711,625	$ 486,106
Basic shares outstanding									320,565	319,838	319,077
Dilutive effect of stock options and other									128	289	189
Diluted average shares outstanding									320,693	320,127	319,266
Diluted net earnings per share	$ (0.19)	$ 0.71	$ 0.39	$ 0.21	$ 0.65	$ 0.76	$ 0.46	$ 0.35	$ 1.11	$ 2.22	$ 1.52

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Earning Per Share - Anti-Dilutive Stock Options (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average shares	1,226	137
Weighted-average exercise price	$ 47.20	$ 44.51

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Segments - Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,456,713	$ 4,225,514	$ 4,357,609	$ 4,399,440	$ 5,003,753	$ 5,701,869	$ 5,291,075	$ 5,108,444	$ 16,439,276	$ 21,105,141	$ 19,052,046
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests									709,238	1,204,577	791,123
Depreciation expense									625,757	652,000	535,852
Total assets	14,250,399				15,615,927				14,250,399	15,615,927	15,203,283
Amortization expense									74,260	72,423	74,356
Capital expenditures									364,768	568,867	1,230,418
Steel Mills [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests									629,793	1,594,352	1,156,715
Depreciation expense									381,352	366,568	332,258
Total assets	7,318,706				8,528,623				7,318,706	8,528,623	7,787,464
Amortization expense									18,789	15,269	13,911
Capital expenditures									248,532	343,767	589,621
Steel Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests									276,048	166,323	82,129
Depreciation expense									39,512	42,777	42,737
Total assets	2,485,122				2,731,320				2,485,122	2,731,320	2,710,597
Amortization expense									23,932	27,644	31,082
Capital expenditures									41,291	27,262	22,472
Raw Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests									(283,938)	(29,053)	13,686
Depreciation expense									198,705	235,443	154,065
Total assets	3,123,190				3,858,254				3,123,190	3,858,254	3,896,331
Amortization expense									31,539	29,510	29,363
Capital expenditures									74,607	197,252	610,745
Net Sales to External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									16,439,276	21,105,141	19,052,046
Net Sales to External Customers [Member] | Steel Mills [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									11,084,331	14,723,642	13,311,948
Net Sales to External Customers [Member] | Steel Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									3,966,895	4,032,385	3,607,333
Net Sales to External Customers [Member] | Raw Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,388,050	2,349,114	2,132,765
Intercompany Eliminations [Member] | Steel Mills [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,152,157	2,904,317	2,563,554
Intercompany Eliminations [Member] | Steel Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									90,969	105,383	97,090
Intercompany Eliminations [Member] | Raw Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									6,279,316	9,618,145	9,116,860
Intercompany Eliminations [Member] | Corporate/Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									(8,522,442)	(12,627,845)	(11,777,504)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests									87,335	(527,045)	(461,407)
Total assets	$ 1,323,381				$ 497,730				1,323,381	497,730	808,891
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation expense									6,188	7,212	6,792
Capital expenditures									$ 338	$ 586	$ 7,580

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Segments - Schedule of Net Sale by Product to External Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers	$ 3,456,713	$ 4,225,514	$ 4,357,609	$ 4,399,440	$ 5,003,753	$ 5,701,869	$ 5,291,075	$ 5,108,444	$ 16,439,276	$ 21,105,141	$ 19,052,046
Sheet [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers									4,628,805	5,988,303	5,219,464
Bar [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers									3,005,450	4,051,171	3,730,328
Structural [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers									2,137,413	2,617,196	2,558,538
Plate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers									1,312,663	2,066,972	1,803,618
Steel Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers									3,966,895	4,032,385	3,607,333
Raw Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers									$ 1,388,050	$ 2,349,114	$ 2,132,765

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Quarterly Information - Schedule of Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,456,713	$ 4,225,514	$ 4,357,609	$ 4,399,440	$ 5,003,753	$ 5,701,869	$ 5,291,075	$ 5,108,444	$ 16,439,276	$ 21,105,141	$ 19,052,046
Gross margin	382,838	523,836	386,306	288,282	513,871	599,586	415,867	377,202
Net earnings (loss)	(15,288)	267,736	159,344	84,292	244,958	274,201	166,935	129,696	496,084	815,790	585,529
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Nucor stockholders	$ (62,022)	$ 227,126	$ 124,755	$ 67,800	$ 210,427	$ 245,447	$ 147,041	$ 111,031	$ 357,659	$ 713,946	$ 488,025
Basic	$ (0.19)	$ 0.71	$ 0.39	$ 0.21	$ 0.66	$ 0.76	$ 0.46	$ 0.35	$ 1.11	$ 2.22	$ 1.52
Diluted	$ (0.19)	$ 0.71	$ 0.39	$ 0.21	$ 0.65	$ 0.76	$ 0.46	$ 0.35	$ 1.11	$ 2.22	$ 1.52

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Quarterly Information - Schedule of Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
LIFO (credits) charges	$ (217.8)	$ (137.0)	$ (95.5)	$ (16.5)	$ (57.3)	$ (14.5)	$ 0.0	$ 14.5
Deferred state tax credit, Benefit			$ 9.3
Non-cash gain related to correction of tax balances		$ 10.2			9.2				$ 9.7	$ 13.2	$ 21.3
Charge related to tax legislation changes in New York								12.8
Gallatin Steel Company [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Inventory related purchase accounting charges					$ 8.9
Steel Mills [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Charge related to the disposal of assets								$ 9.0
Charge related to the partial write-down of assets						$ 12.5
Raw Materials [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment written down	84.1
Duferdofin Nucor S.r.l. [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Impairment charge against investment	$ 153.0

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Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - LIFO Reserve [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of Year	$ 567,396	$ 624,685	$ 607,240
Additions charged to costs and expenses			17,445
Deductions	(466,834)	(57,289)
Balance at end of year	$ 100,562	$ 567,396	$ 624,685