Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 4, 2025
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)
(704) 366-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.40 per share
NUE
New York Stock Exchange
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
228,858,659 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding at October 4, 2025.
Nucor Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 4, 2025
Page
Part I
Financial Information
Item 1
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings – Three Months (13 Weeks) and Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended October 4, 2025 and September 28, 2024
1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three Months (13 Weeks) and Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended October 4, 2025 and September 28, 2024
2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – October 4, 2025 and December 31, 2024
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended October 4, 2025 and September 28, 2024
4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
28
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
30
Part II
Other Information
Legal Proceedings
31
Item 1A
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
32
Item 5
Item 6
Exhibits
33
Signatures
34
i
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended
Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended
October 4, 2025
September 28, 2024
Net sales
$
8,521
7,444
24,807
23,658
Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of products sold
7,333
6,686
21,791
20,183
Marketing, administrative and other expenses
300
244
885
883
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
(10
)
(5
(24
Losses and impairments of assets
-
123
40
137
Interest expense (income), net
15
7
48
(33
7,638
7,055
22,740
21,146
Earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
389
2,067
2,512
Provision for income taxes
200
86
452
538
Net earnings before noncontrolling interests
683
303
1,615
1,974
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
76
53
249
234
Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders
607
250
1,366
1,740
Net earnings per share:
Basic
2.63
1.05
5.89
7.23
Diluted
5.88
7.22
Average shares outstanding:
229.9
236.5
231.1
239.7
230.2
236.8
231.4
239.8
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In millions)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized (loss) income on hedging derivatives, net of income taxes of $(3) and $(2) for the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $(5) and $(4) for the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively
(6
(16
(11
Reclassification adjustment for settlement of hedging derivatives included in net earnings, net of income taxes of $3 and $2 for the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $5 and $6 for the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively
6
14
19
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of income taxes of $0 for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024
(19
10
21
(14
(22
Comprehensive income
661
313
1,634
1,968
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Nucor stockholders
585
260
1,385
1,734
Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
December 31, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
2,221
3,558
Short-term investments
524
581
Accounts receivable, net
3,288
2,675
Inventories, net
5,393
5,106
Other current assets
382
555
Total current assets
11,808
12,475
Property, plant and equipment, net
14,821
13,243
Goodwill
4,294
4,288
Other intangible assets, net
2,943
3,134
Other assets
910
800
Total assets
34,776
33,940
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt
136
225
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations
1,042
Accounts payable
2,145
1,832
Salaries, wages and related accruals
899
903
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
1,046
975
Total current liabilities
4,257
4,977
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations due after one year
5,683
Deferred credits and other liabilities
1,902
1,863
Total liabilities
12,845
12,523
Commitments and contingencies
EQUITY
Nucor stockholders' equity:
Common stock
152
Additional paid-in capital
2,233
2,223
Retained earnings
31,255
30,271
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(189
(208
Treasury stock
(12,681
(12,144
Total Nucor stockholders' equity
20,770
20,294
Noncontrolling interests
1,161
1,123
Total equity
21,931
21,417
Total liabilities and equity
Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Operating activities:
Adjustments:
Depreciation
809
Amortization
191
189
Impairment of assets
Stock-based compensation
102
114
Deferred income taxes
(92
Distributions from affiliates
8
Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions):
Accounts receivable
(614
47
Inventories
(295
496
296
(207
Federal income taxes
177
17
(314
Other operating activities
29
92
Cash provided by operating activities
2,435
3,246
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(2,620
(2,294
Investment in and advances to affiliates
(1
Sale of business
Disposition of plant and equipment
42
12
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)
(672
Purchases of investments
(872
(1,037
Proceeds from the sale of investments
938
1,210
Other investing activities
Cash used in investing activities
(2,509
(2,770
Financing activities:
Net change in short-term debt
(89
95
Repayment of long-term debt
(1,012
Bond issuance costs
(9
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount
997
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Payment of tax withholdings on certain stock-based compensation
(32
(50
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(231
(333
Cash dividends
(385
(394
Acquisition of treasury stock
(600
(1,901
Proceeds from government incentives
77
Other financing activities
(12
Cash used in financing activities
(1,269
(2,597
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(3
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,337
(2,124
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
6,387
Cash and cash equivalents - end of nine months
4,263
Non-cash investing activity:
Change in accrued plant and equipment purchases
70
Nucor Corporation – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Basis of Interim Presentation
The information furnished in this Item 1 reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to make a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented and are of a normal and recurring nature unless otherwise noted. The information furnished has not been audited; however, the December 31, 2024 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Item 1 should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Certain amounts in the prior periods’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, new accounting guidance was issued related to income tax disclosures. The new accounting guidance requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income taxes paid. The new accounting guidance is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is also permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. This new accounting guidance will likely result in additional required disclosures when adopted. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, new accounting guidance was issued that requires the disaggregated disclosure of specific expense categories, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization, within relevant income statement captions. The new accounting guidance also requires disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses along with the definition of selling expenses. The new accounting guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Adoption of this new accounting guidance can either be applied prospectively to consolidated financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Early adoption is also permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
2. Inventories
Inventories consisted of approximately 37% raw materials and supplies and 63% finished and semi-finished products at October 4, 2025 (approximately 34% and 66%, respectively, at December 31, 2024). 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.
3. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $13.42 billion at October 4, 2025 ($12.62 billion at December 31, 2024).
Included within property, plant and equipment, net of the steel mills segment at October 4, 2025 is $222 million of assets, net of accumulated depreciation, related to our consolidated joint venture, Nucor-JFE Steel Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“NJSM”). During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company determined that a triggering event occurred after review of NJSM's most recent annual forecast. The Company performed an impairment assessment to determine if the carrying amount of NJSM exceeded its projected undiscounted cash flows. Upon completion of the assessment, the Company determined that the carrying amount did not exceed its projected undiscounted cash flows and no impairment charge was required. Nucor will continue to monitor NJSM's financial performance. If NJSM's financial performance underperforms its forecasts, management may determine that a triggering event has occurred and additional testing may be required.
4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended October 4, 2025 by segment was as follows (in millions):
Steel Mills
Steel Products
Raw Materials
Total
Balance at December 31, 2024
675
2,816
797
Acquisitions
Translation/Other
Balance at October 4, 2025
2,822
Nucor completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing as of the first day of the fourth quarter of 2024 and concluded that as of such date there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units.
Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of five to 25 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and consisted of the following as of October 4, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Gross Amount
AccumulatedAmortization
Customer relationships
4,444
1,681
1,512
Trademarks and trade names
374
201
387
192
Other
142
135
129
122
4,960
2,017
1,826
Intangible asset amortization expense in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024 was $63 million and $69 million, respectively, and $191 million and $189 million in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $254 million in 2025; $248 million in 2026; $242 million in 2027; $219 million in 2028; and $198 million in 2029.
5. Current Liabilities
Book overdrafts, included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $126 million at October 4, 2025 ($146 million at December 31, 2024). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $127 million at October 4, 2025 ($129 million at December 31, 2024). Accrued vacation and holiday pay, included in salaries, wages and related accruals in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $244 million at October 4, 2025 ($231 million at December 31, 2024).
6. Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes information regarding Nucor’s financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value as of October 4, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (in millions). Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Description
CarryingAmount inCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets
Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1)
SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2)
SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
As of October 4, 2025
Assets:
Cash equivalents
1,560
Derivative contracts
134
60
74
2,220
2,144
Liabilities:
As of December 31, 2024
2,821
96
27
69
3,505
3,429
(4
Fair value measurements for Nucor’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and an investment in a publicly traded nuclear power equipment manufacturer 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, which are typically commodity or foreign exchange contracts, are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are based on published market prices for similar assets or are estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, spot and future commodity prices, and spot and future exchange rates. Fair value measurements for Nucor's investments in privately held companies, most of which are in a nuclear fusion technology company, are classified under Level 3 because such measurements are estimated based on unobservable inputs that indicate a change in fair value, including the transaction price in the event of a change in ownership of the investee (e.g., the sale of other investors' interests in the company) or the transaction price in the event of additional equity issuances of the investee. 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 $6.34 billion at October 4, 2025 (approximately $6.19 billion at December 31, 2024). The debt fair value estimates are classified under Level 2 because such estimates are based on readily available market prices of our debt at October 4, 2025 and December 31, 2024, or similar debt with the same maturities, ratings and interest rates.
7. Contingencies
We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We do not believe that any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Nucor maintains liability insurance with self-insurance limits for certain risks.
8. Stock-Based Compensation
Overview
The Company maintains the Nucor Corporation 2025 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Omnibus Plan") under which the Company may award stock-based compensation to employees, officers, consultants and non-employee directors. The Company's stockholders approved the Omnibus Plan on May 8, 2025. The Omnibus Plan permits the award of stock options, appreciation rights, restricted share units, restricted shares, performance shares and performance units for up to 6.8 million shares of the Company's common stock. As of October 4, 2025, 6.0 million shares remained available for award under the Omnibus Plan.
The Company also maintains a number of inactive plans, including the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2014 Plan"), under which stock-based awards remain outstanding but no further awards may be made. As of October 4, 2025, 1.6 million shares were reserved for issuance upon the future settlement of outstanding awards under such inactive plans.
Stock Options
A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first nine months of 2025 is as follows (shares and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):
Weighted-
Average
Aggregate
Exercise
Remaining
Intrinsic
Shares
Price
Contractual Life
Value
Number of shares under stock options:
Outstanding at beginning of year
724
89.06
Granted
138
109.36
Exercised
118.33
311
Canceled
Outstanding at October 4, 2025
851
91.99
6.35 years
41,366
Stock options exercisable at October 4, 2025
591
75.38
5.25 years
37,386
Compensation expense for stock options was $0.3 million in the third quarter of each of 2025 and 2024, and $5 million and $4 million in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of October 4, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options was $3 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
Restricted Stock Units
A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock unit (“RSU”) activity for the first nine months of 2025 is as follows (shares in thousands):
Grant DateFair ValuePer Share
Restricted stock units:
Unvested at beginning of year
1,021
144.89
624
Vested
(664
134.28
(25
140.95
Unvested at October 4, 2025
956
129.17
Compensation expense for RSUs was $17 million and $20 million in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $70 million and $87 million in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of October 4, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $95 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
Restricted Stock Awards
A summary of Nucor’s restricted stock activity under the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan (a supplement to the 2014 Plan and the Omnibus Plan, the “AIP”) and the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan (a supplement to the 2014 Plan and the Omnibus Plan, the “LTIP”) for the first nine months of 2025 is as follows (shares in thousands):
Grant Date
Fair ValuePer Share
Restricted stock units and restricted stock awards:
248
169.36
267
133.46
(288
147.34
227
155.11
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 $6 million and $4 million in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $26 million and $23 million in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of October 4, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $8 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
9. Employee Benefit Plan
Nucor makes contributions to a Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan for qualified employees based on the profitability of the Company. Nucor’s expense for these benefits totaled $86 million and $39 million in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $203 million and $251 million in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
10. Interest Expense (Income)
The components of net interest expense (income) for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 are as follows (in millions):
Interest expense
38
65
176
Interest income
(23
(58
(90
(209
9
11. Income Taxes
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”) was signed into law. Nucor reflected the enactment of the OBBBA in the second quarter of 2025 financial statements as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The impact of the OBBBA on Nucor’s provision for income taxes was immaterial.
The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2025 was 22.6% compared to 22.1% for the third quarter of 2024.
The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) is currently examining Nucor’s 2015, 2019, and 2020 federal income tax returns. Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for the tax years through 2014, as well as 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021. The tax years 2022 through 2024 remain open to examination by the IRS. The 2015 through 2021 Canadian income tax returns for Nucor Rebar Fabrication Group Inc. (formerly known as Harris Steel Group Inc.) and certain related affiliates are currently under examination by the Canada Revenue Agency. The tax years 2017 through 2024 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, and other state and local jurisdictions).
Non-current deferred tax assets included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $29 million at October 4, 2025 ($44 million at December 31, 2024). Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $1.23 billion at October 4, 2025 ($1.24 billion at December 31, 2024).
12. Stockholders’ Equity
The following tables reflect the changes in stockholders’ equity attributable to Nucor and the noncontrolling interests of Nucor’s joint ventures, Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (Limited Partnership) (“NYS”), California Steel Industries, Inc. (“CSI”) and NJSM, for the three months and nine months ended October 4, 2025 and September 28, 2024 (in millions):
Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended October 4, 2025
Accumulated
Additional
Treasury Stock
Nucor
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
(at cost)
Stockholders'
Noncontrolling
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income (Loss)
Equity
Interests
BALANCES, July 5, 2025
21,492
380.2
2,213
30,775
(167
150.7
(12,584
20,389
1,103
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Stock options exercised
Stock option expense
Issuance of stock under award plans, net of forfeitures
18
16
Amortization of unearned compensation
Treasury stock acquired and net impact of excise tax
(100
0.7
Cash dividends declared
(127
(17
Miscellaneous
BALANCES, October 4, 2025
151.4
Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended October 4, 2025
BALANCES, December 31, 2024
147.4
66
(0.8
(607
4.8
(382
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest
25
11
Three Months (13 Weeks) Ended September 28, 2024
BALANCES, June 29, 2024
21,772
2,189
29,992
(178
142.9
(11,432
20,723
1,049
(0.1
(403
2.6
(128
(18
BALANCES, September 28, 2024
21,558
2,208
30,114
(168
145.4
(11,832
20,474
1,084
Nine Months (39 Weeks) Ended September 28, 2024
BALANCES, December 31, 2023
22,123
2,176
28,762
(162
135.3
(9,988
20,940
1,183
(2
91
(0.9
(1,919
11.0
(388
0.1
Dividends declared per share were $0.55 per share in the third quarter of 2025 ($0.54 per share in the third quarter of 2024) and $1.65 per share in the first nine months of 2025 ($1.62 per share in the first nine months of 2024).
On May 11, 2023, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $4.00 billion of the Company’s common stock and terminated all previously authorized share repurchase programs. Share repurchases are made from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices or through private transactions or block trades. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend on market conditions, share price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The share repurchase authorization is discretionary and has no expiration date. As of October 4, 2025, the Company had approximately $506 million available for share repurchases under the program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors.
13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three months and nine months ended October 4, 2025 and September 28, 2024 (in millions):
Three-Month (13-Week) Period Ended
Gains and (Losses) on
Foreign Currency
Adjustment to Early
Hedging Derivatives
Gains (Losses)
Retiree Medical Plan
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at July 5, 2025
(180
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(29
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings (1)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at October 4, 2025
(199
Nine-Month (39-Week) Period Ended
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2024
(220
13
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at June 29, 2024
(183
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings (2)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at September 28, 2024
(173
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2023
(159
14. 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 trading businesses; rebar distribution businesses; and Nucor’s equity method investment in NuMit LLC. The steel products segment includes steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, fabricated concrete reinforcing steel, cold finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems, insulated metal panels, steel grating, tubular products businesses, steel racking, piling products business, wire and wire mesh, overhead doors, and utility towers and structures. The raw materials segment includes The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates, primarily a scrap broker and processor; Nu-Iron Unlimited and Nucor Steel Louisiana LLC, two facilities that produce direct reduced iron used by the steel mills; and our natural gas production operations.
Corporate/eliminations include items such as net interest expense on long-term debt, charges and credits associated with changes in allowances to eliminate intercompany profit in inventory, profit sharing expense and stock-based compensation. 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 and investments in and advances to affiliates.
Segment results are regularly reviewed by the Company's Chief Operating Decision Makers ("CODMs"), the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer, to manage the business, to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and to assess performance. The measure of profit and loss that is used by the CODMs to assess segment performance and to allocate resources is earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment (“segment earnings”). The CODMs evaluate each segment’s performance based on metrics such as net sales, segment earnings and other key financial indicators, guiding strategic decisions to align with Company-wide goals.
Segment cost of products sold is considered a significant segment expense and is regularly provided to the CODMs. Segment cost of products sold includes amounts related to both net sales to external customers and intercompany sales.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Nucor’s results by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in millions):
Totals
Sales
Net sales to external customers
5,152
2,791
578
Intercompany sales
1,416
181
2,713
4,310
Total Sales
6,568
2,972
3,291
12,831
Reconciliation of Sales
Elimination of intercompany sales
(4,310
Less:
5,777
2,506
3,227
11,510
Other segment items
147
166
Segment earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
793
319
43
1,155
Reconciliation of earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
Corporate/eliminations
(272
15,312
7,853
1,642
3,850
479
8,240
12,569
19,162
8,332
9,882
37,376
(12,569
17,247
7,063
9,693
34,003
270
378
1,867
999
2,995
(928
4,460
2,496
488
983
124
2,243
3,350
5,443
2,620
2,731
10,794
(3,350
5,119
2,199
2,694
10,012
107
103
309
314
(66
557
14,486
7,716
1,456
3,406
417
7,044
10,867
17,892
8,133
8,500
34,525
(10,867
15,787
6,601
8,374
30,762
265
143
456
2,057
1,267
3,307
(795
Depreciation expense:
Steel mills
187
604
Steel products
46
132
110
Raw materials
51
158
Corporate
304
281
Amortization expense:
163
162
22
63
Capital expenditures:
586
603
1,747
1,618
140
447
358
104
336
127
52
848
856
2,634
2,364
Segment assets:
18,103
16,582
11,779
11,235
3,900
3,656
994
2,467
Net sales by product for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in millions). Further product group breakdown is impracticable.
Net sales to external customers:
Sheet
2,388
2,196
7,073
7,303
Bar
1,457
1,264
4,346
3,960
Structural
658
535
1,996
1,705
Plate
649
464
1,897
1,519
Tubular Products
333
291
1,077
1,005
Rebar Fabrication Products
567
487
1,462
1,362
Joist and Deck
620
517
1,682
1,714
Building Systems
331
342
946
1,016
Other Steel Products
940
859
2,686
2,618
489
15. Revenue
Contract liabilities are primarily related to deferred revenue resulting from cash payments received in advance from customers to protect against credit risk. Contract liabilities totaled $214 million as of October 4, 2025 ($200 million as of December 31, 2024) and are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Nucor disaggregates its revenues by major source in the same manner as presented in the net sales by product table in the segment footnote (see Note 14).
16. Earnings Per Share
The computations of basic and diluted net earnings per share for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 are as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
Basic net earnings per share:
Basic net earnings
Earnings allocated to participating securities
(8
Net earnings available to common stockholders
605
1,361
1,732
Basic average shares outstanding
Basic net earnings per share
Diluted net earnings per share:
Diluted net earnings
1,360
Diluted average shares outstanding:
Dilutive effect of stock options and other
0.3
Diluted net earnings per share
The following stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (shares in thousands):
Anti-dilutive stock options:
Weighted-average shares
23
Weighted-average exercise price
168.85
145.26
17. Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
In March 2025, Nucor completed the issuance and sale of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.650% Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) and $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.100% Notes due 2035 (the “2035 Notes” and, together with the 2030 Notes, the “Notes”). Net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Notes were $997 million. Costs of $9 million associated with the issuance and sale of the Notes have been capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the Notes.
Net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Notes were used during the second quarter of 2025 to redeem all of the outstanding $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.000% Notes due 2025 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 3.950% Notes due 2025 (collectively, the “2025 Notes”) pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2025 Notes.
In March 2025, Nucor amended and restated its revolving credit facility to increase the borrowing capacity from $1.75 billion to $2.25 billion and to extend its maturity date to March 11, 2030.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements made in this report, or in other public filings, press releases, or other written or oral communications made by Nucor Corporation, a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1958, and its affiliates (collectively, "Nucor", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our"), which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which we expect will or may occur in the future and may impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “may,” “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 general market conditions, and in particular, prevailing market steel prices and changes in the supply and cost of raw materials, including pig iron, iron ore and scrap steel; (4) the availability and cost of electricity and natural gas, which could negatively affect our cost of steel production or result in a delay or cancellation of existing or future drilling within our natural gas 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 United States; (7) impairment in the recorded value of inventory, equity investments, fixed assets, goodwill or other long-lived assets; (8) uncertainties and volatility surrounding the global economy, including excess world capacity for steel production, inflation and interest rate changes; (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, 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; (13) our safety performance; (14) our ability to integrate businesses we acquire; (15) the impact of any pandemic or public health situation; and (16) the risks discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this report. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. In evaluating forward-looking statements, these risks and uncertainties should be considered, together with the other risks described from time to time in our reports and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Nucor and its affiliates manufacture steel and steel products. Nucor also produces direct reduced iron ("DRI") for use in its steel mills. Through The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates ("DJJ"), the Company also processes ferrous and nonferrous metals and brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, hot briquetted iron and DRI. Most of Nucor’s operating facilities and customers are located in North America. Nucor’s operations include international trading and sales companies that buy and sell steel and steel products manufactured by the Company and others. Nucor is North America’s largest recycler, using scrap steel as the primary raw material in producing steel and steel products.
Nucor reports its results in 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 trading businesses; rebar distribution businesses; and Nucor’s equity method investment in NuMit LLC. The steel products segment includes steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, fabricated concrete reinforcing steel, cold finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems, insulated metal panels, steel grating, tubular products businesses, steel racking, piling products business, wire and wire mesh, overhead doors and utility towers and structures. The raw materials segment includes DJJ, primarily a scrap broker
and processor; Nu-Iron Unlimited and Nucor Steel Louisiana LLC ("Nucor Steel Louisiana"), two facilities that produce DRI used by the steel mills; and our natural gas production operations.
The average utilization rates of all operating facilities in the steel mills, steel products and raw materials segments were approximately 83%, 62% and 72%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2025 compared with approximately 77%, 59% and 73%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2024.
Results of Operations
Nucor reported net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $607 million, or $2.63 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2025, which represented an increase compared to net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $250 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024.
Earnings in the steel mills segment increased in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024 due to increased metal margins and increased volumes amidst an improved demand environment compared to the prior year period. The steel products segment had similar earnings in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024, the latter of which included $40 million of losses and impairments of assets. Excluding the impairment charge, earnings in the steel products segment decreased in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to the decreased earnings of our joist and deck business and, to a lesser extent, decreased earnings of our metal buildings and rebar fabrication businesses. Earnings in the raw materials segment increased in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024. Included in the third quarter of 2024 raw materials segment’s earnings was an $83 million impairment charge related to a long-term note receivable that management determined was no longer collectible. The increase in the raw materials segment’s earnings in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024 was due to the absence of any impairment charges in the third quarter of 2025 and the improved profitability of our scrap brokerage and scrap processing operations.
Nucor reported net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $1.37 billion, or $5.88 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2025, which represented a decrease compared to net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $1.74 billion, or $7.22 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2024. The decrease in comparable year-to-date earnings in 2025 as compared to 2024 was caused by weaker first six months of 2025 results compared to the first six months of 2024.
The largest driver of the decrease in earnings in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024 was the decreased earnings of the steel products segment. The steel products segment’s earnings decreased in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024 due to lower average selling prices, with the most impactful decrease at our joist and deck business. Earnings in the steel mills segment decreased in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024 due to lower average selling prices and margin compression caused by higher conversion costs, particularly in the first quarter of 2025. During the first nine months of 2025, average selling prices in the steel mills segment increased from the first quarter to the second quarter and stayed relatively flat in the third quarter as compared to the second quarter. This contrasts with the trend in average selling prices for the steel mills segment in the previous year, which decreased each consecutive quarter during the first nine months of 2024. Earnings in the raw materials segment increased in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024 due to the prior year nine months including the previously mentioned $83 million impairment charge and the improved profitability of our DRI facilities.
The following discussion provides a greater quantitative and qualitative analysis of Nucor’s performance in the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2024.
Net Sales
Net sales to external customers by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in millions):
% Change
$5,152
$4,460
16%
$15,312
$14,486
6%
12%
2%
18%
13%
Total net sales to external customers
$8,521
$7,444
14%
$24,807
$23,658
5%
Net sales for the third quarter of 2025 increased 14% from the third quarter of 2024. Average sales price per ton increased 5% from $1,201 in the third quarter of 2024 to $1,258 in the third quarter of 2025. Total tons shipped to outside customers in the third quarter of 2025 were approximately 6,774,000 tons, a 9% increase from the third quarter of 2024.
Net sales for the first nine months of 2025 increased 5% from the first nine months of 2024. Average sales price per ton decreased 4% from $1,265 in the first nine months of 2024 to $1,215 in the first nine months of 2025. Total tons shipped to outside customers in the first nine months of 2025 were approximately 20,424,000 tons, a 9% increase from the first nine months of 2024.
In the steel mills segment, sales tons for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
Outside steel shipments
4,976
4,607
8%
15,246
13,900
10%
Inside steel shipments
1,452
1,112
31%
4,119
3,576
15%
Total steel shipments
6,428
5,719
19,365
17,476
11%
Net sales for the steel mills segment increased 16% in the third quarter of 2025 from the third quarter of 2024, due to an 8% increase in volumes and a 7% increase in the average sales price per ton, from $967 to $1,038.
Net sales for the steel mills segment increased 6% in the first nine months of 2025 from the first nine months of 2024, due primarily to a 10% increase in volumes, partially offset by a 4% decrease in average selling price from $1,042 per ton in the first nine months of 2024 to $1,005 per ton in the first nine months of 2025.
Outside sales tonnage for the steel products segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 was as follows (in thousands):
Joist and deck sales
254
169
50%
653
534
22%
Rebar fabrication products sales
356
278
28%
909
781
Tubular products sales
206
213
-3%
719
635
Building systems sales
62
3%
174
-4%
Other steel products sales
305
917
919
Total steel products sales
1,011
17%
3,372
3,050
Net sales for the steel products segment increased 12% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024, due to a 17% increase in shipping volumes partially offset by a 4% decrease in the average sales price per ton, from $2,469 to $2,358.
Net sales for the steel products segment increased 2% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the first nine months of 2024, due to an 11% increase in shipping volumes, partially offset by an 8% decrease in the average sales price per ton, from $2,530 to $2,329.
Net sales for the raw materials segment increased 18% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024, due to higher average selling prices and increased tons shipped to outside customers by the scrap brokerage operations of DJJ. In the third quarter of 2025, approximately 95% of outside sales for the raw materials segment were from the scrap brokerage operations of DJJ, and approximately 3% of outside sales were from the scrap processing operations of DJJ (approximately 93% and 3%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2024).
Net sales for the raw materials segment increased 13% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the first nine months of 2024, due to higher average selling prices and increased tons shipped to outside customers by the scrap brokerage operations of DJJ. In the first nine months of 2025, approximately 95% of outside sales for the raw materials segment were from the scrap brokerage operations of DJJ, and approximately 3% of outside sales were from the scrap processing operations of DJJ (approximately 93% and 4%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2024).
Gross Margins
Nucor recorded gross margins of $1.19 billion (14%) in the third quarter of 2025, which was an increase compared to $758 million (10%) in the third quarter of 2024.
Scrap and scrap substitutes are the most significant element in the total cost of steel production. In the steel mills segment, the average scrap and scrap substitute cost per gross ton used in the third quarter of 2025 was $391, a 3% increase compared to $378 in the third quarter of 2024. Despite the increase in scrap and scrap substitute costs in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024, total metal margin dollars increased as the increase in average selling prices and volumes outpaced the increase in scrap and scrap substitute costs.
Scrap prices are driven by the global supply and demand for scrap and other iron-based raw materials used to make steel. As we enter the fourth quarter of 2025, scrap prices are comparable to the third quarter of 2025.
Nucor recorded gross margins of $3.02 billion (12%) in the first nine months of 2025, which was a decrease compared to $3.48 billion (15%) in the first nine months of 2024.
24
Marketing, Administrative and Other ExpensesA major component of marketing, administrative and other expenses is profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs. These costs, which are based upon and fluctuate with Nucor’s financial performance, increased by $49 million in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024, and decreased by $44 million in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024. The increase in the third quarter of 2025 was due to the Company’s increased earnings in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in the first nine months of 2025 was due to Nucor’s decreased profitability in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to the first nine months of 2024, which resulted in significantly decreased accruals related to profit sharing.
Losses and Impairments of Assets
Included in the first nine months of 2025 net earnings was $40 million of losses and impairments of assets (none in the third quarter of 2025). Those charges consisted of the following: $19 million related to the closure or repurposing of certain facilities in the steel products segment; $17 million related to the repurposing of a facility in the steel mills segment; and $4 million related to the write-off of certain assets in the raw materials segment.
Included in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 net earnings was $123 million and $137 million, respectively, of losses and impairments of assets. The $123 million in charges recorded in the third quarter of 2024 consisted of an $83 million impairment charge related to a long-term note receivable in the raw materials segment and $40 million related to certain non-current assets, mostly property, plant and equipment, net, related to a business in the steel products segment. The remaining $14 million (recorded in the second quarter of 2024) in the first nine months of 2024 was related to the write-down of certain assets in the steel mills segment.
Interest Expense (Income)
Net interest expense (income) for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 was as follows (in millions):
Interest expense decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 mainly due to an increase in capitalized interest. Interest income decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 due to lower average investments and a decrease in average interest rates on investments.
Earnings Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interests
The table below presents earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interests by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 and 2024 (in millions). The changes between periods were driven by the quantitative and qualitative factors previously discussed.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests represent the income attributable to the holders of noncontrolling interests in Nucor’s joint ventures, Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (Limited Partnership) ("NYS"), California Steel Industries, Inc. ("CSI") and Nucor-JFE Steel Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("NJSM"). Nucor owns a 51% controlling interest in each of NYS, CSI and NJSM. The increase in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024 was due primarily to the increased earnings of NYS, combined with the decreased losses of CSI and NJSM. The increase in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the first nine months of 2024 was due primarily to the increased earnings of CSI, combined with the decreased losses of NJSM.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2025 was 22.6% compared to 22.1% for the third quarter of 2024. The expected effective tax rate for the full year of 2025 is approximately 21.8%.
We estimate that in the next 12 months our gross unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $209 million at October 4, 2025, exclusive of interest, could decrease by as much as $45 million as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations and the closures of examinations, substantially all of which would impact the effective tax rate.
The IRS is currently examining Nucor’s 2015, 2019, and 2020 federal income tax returns. Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for the tax years through 2014, as well as 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021. The tax years 2022 through 2024 remain open to examination by the IRS. The 2015 through 2021 Canadian income tax returns for Nucor Rebar Fabrication Group Inc. (formerly known as Harris Steel Group Inc.) and certain related affiliates are currently under examination by the Canada Revenue Agency. The tax years 2017 through 2024 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, and other state and local jurisdictions).
Net Earnings Attributable to Nucor Stockholders and Return on Equity
Nucor reported net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $607 million, or $2.63 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $250 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 7.1% and 3.4% in the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Nucor reported net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $1.37 billion, or $5.88 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders of $1.74 billion, or $7.22 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2024. Net earnings attributable to Nucor stockholders as a percentage of net sales were 5.5% and 7.4% in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. Annualized return on average stockholders’ equity was 8.9% and 11.2% in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Outlook
We expect earnings in the fourth quarter of 2025 to be lower than the third quarter of 2025. In the steel mills segment, the expected decrease is primarily due to lower overall volumes, along with lower average selling prices in our sheet mills. In the steel products segment, the expected decrease is mainly due to lower volumes. In the raw materials segment, the expected decrease is primarily due to lower realized pricing as well as planned outages at our DRI facilities.
Nucor’s largest exposure to market risk is in our steel mills and steel products segments. Our largest single customer in the third quarter of 2025 represented approximately 5% of sales and has consistently paid within terms. In the raw materials segment, we are exposed to price fluctuations related to the purchase of scrap and scrap substitutes, pig iron and iron ore. Businesses within the steel mills segment account for the majority of the raw materials segment’s sales.
26
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We currently have the highest credit ratings of any steel producer headquartered in North America, with an A- long-term rating from Standard & Poor’s, an A- long-term rating from Fitch Ratings and an A3 long-term 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.
Our liquidity position as of October 4, 2025 remained strong, consisting of total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $2.75 billion ($4.14 billion as of December 31, 2024). Approximately $960 million of the cash and cash equivalents position at October 4, 2025, was held by our majority-owned joint ventures as compared to $970 million at December 31, 2024.
Cash provided by operating activities was $2.44 billion in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to $3.25 billion in the first nine months of 2024. The $811 million decrease was primarily driven by net earnings before noncontrolling interests of $1.62 billion for the first nine months of 2025, which represented a decrease of $359 million from net earnings before noncontrolling interests for the prior year period of $1.97 billion.
Changes in operating assets and operating liabilities (exclusive of acquisitions and dispositions) used cash of $387 million in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to providing cash of $131 million in the first nine months of 2024. This $518 million change was mainly due to the change in accounts receivable using cash of $614 million during the first nine months of 2025 compared to providing cash of $47 million during the first nine months of 2024, and the change in inventories using cash of $295 million during the first nine months of 2025 compared to providing cash of $496 million during the first nine months of 2024.These changes were partially offset by the change in accounts payable providing cash of $296 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to using cash of $207 million in the first nine months of 2024, and the change in salaries, wages and related accruals providing cash of $20 million during the first nine months of 2025 compared to using cash of $314 million during the first nine months of 2024.
The current ratio was 2.8 at the end of the third quarter of 2025 and 2.5 at year-end 2024.
Cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2025 was $2.51 billion as compared to $2.77 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a decrease of $261 million. Cash used for capital expenditures of $2.62 billion in the first nine months of 2025 increased by $326 million as compared to the same period of 2024 primarily due to the sheet mill under construction in West Virginia and the construction of two manufacturing locations to expand Nucor Towers & Structures ("NTS"). Capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated to be approximately $3.30 billion as compared to $3.17 billion in 2024. The projects that we anticipate will have the largest capital expenditures in 2025 are the sheet mill under construction in West Virginia, the construction of two manufacturing locations to expand NTS, and the galvanizing line at our sheet mill in South Carolina. These changes were partially offset by the acquisition (net of cash acquired) of Rytec Corporation for approximately $565 million during the third quarter of 2024.
Cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2025 was $1.27 billion as compared to $2.60 billion in the first nine months of 2024. The primary uses of cash were repayments of long-term debt of $1.01 billion in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to $5 million in the first nine months of 2024. Additionally, stock repurchases used cash of $600 million in the first nine months of 2025 as compared to $1.90 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a decrease of $1.30 billion. The primary source of cash in the first nine months of 2025 was proceeds from the issuance and sale of long-term debt, net of discount to the public, of $997 million. In the first quarter of 2025, Nucor issued and sold $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.650% Notes due 2030 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.100% Notes due 2035. Net proceeds from the issuance and sale of these Notes were used to redeem all of the outstanding $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.000% Notes due 2025 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 3.950% Notes due 2025 (collectively, the "2025 Notes") pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2025 Notes.
On March 11, 2025, Nucor amended and restated its revolving credit facility to increase the borrowing capacity from $1.75 billion to $2.25 billion and to extend its maturity date to March 11, 2030. The revolving credit facility includes only one financial covenant, which is a limit of 60% on the ratio of funded debt to total capital. In addition, the revolving credit facility contains customary non-financial covenants, including a limit on Nucor’s ability to pledge the Company’s assets and a limit on consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. As of October 4, 2025, the funded debt to total capital ratio was 23.8% and we were in compliance with all non-financial covenants under the revolving credit facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of October 4, 2025.
In September 2025, Nucor’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on Nucor’s common stock of $0.55 per share payable on November 10, 2025 to stockholders of record on September 30, 2025. This dividend is Nucor’s 210th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.
In the third quarter of 2025, the Company decided to no longer pursue a new rebar micro-mill in the Pacific Northwest region. With the recent investments made in the bar group, we believe that we can serve the Western U.S. and Canadian markets from our current footprint with superior cost and supply chain advantages.
Funds provided from operations, cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and new borrowings under our existing credit facilities are expected to be adequate to meet future capital expenditure and working capital requirements for existing operations for at least the next 24 months. We also believe we have adequate access to capital markets for liquidity purposes.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In the ordinary course of business, Nucor is exposed to a variety of market risks. We continually monitor these risks and develop strategies to manage them.
Interest Rate Risk
Nucor manages interest rate risk by using a combination of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt. Nucor also occasionally makes use of interest rate swaps to manage net exposure to interest rate changes. Management does not believe that Nucor’s exposure to interest rate risk has significantly changed since December 31, 2024. There were no interest rate swaps outstanding at October 4, 2025.
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 material 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. Our DRI facilities in Trinidad and Louisiana provide us with flexibility in managing our raw material requirements and our input costs. DRI is particularly important for operational flexibility when demand for prime scrap increases due to increased domestic steel production.
Natural gas produced by Nucor’s production operations is being sold to third parties to partially offset our exposure to changes in the price of natural gas consumed by our Louisiana DRI facility and our steel mills in the United States.
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 steel, scrap, aluminum and copper purchases and sales. Gains and losses from derivatives designated as hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and recognized in net earnings in the same period as the underlying physical transaction. At October 4, 2025, accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes included $1 million in unrealized net-of-tax losses for the fair value of these derivative instruments. Changes in the fair values of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in net earnings each period.
The following table presents the negative effect on pre-tax earnings of a hypothetical change in the fair value of the derivative instruments outstanding at October 4, 2025, due to an assumed 10% and 25% change in the market price of each of the indicated commodities (in millions):
Commodity Derivative
10% Change
25% Change
Natural gas
Other commodities
36
Any resulting changes in fair value would be recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes 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 Mexico. We periodically use derivative contracts to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations. Open foreign currency derivative contracts at October 4, 2025 were insignificant.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the 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 October 4, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
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 with self-insurance limits for certain risks.
During 2022, Nucor Steel Louisiana, our DRI facility located in St. James Parish, Louisiana, received allegations of violations of the Clean Air Act from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A combined settlement is currently being negotiated with the United States Department of Justice, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. We do not believe that any aggregate settlement for these allegations will be material to Nucor.
There were no other proceedings that were pending or contemplated under federal, state or local environmental laws that the Company reasonably believes may result in monetary sanctions of at least $1 million (the threshold chosen by Nucor as permitted by Item 103 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and which Nucor believes is reasonably designed to result in disclosure of any such proceeding that is material to its business or financial condition).
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in Nucor’s risk factors from those included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Nucor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Our share repurchase program activity for each of the three months and the quarter ended October 4, 2025 was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
TotalNumberof SharesPurchased
AveragePrice Paidper Share (1)
Total Number ofShares Purchasedas Part of PubliclyAnnounced Plansor Programs (2)
ApproximateDollar Value ofShares thatMay Yet BePurchasedUnder thePlans orPrograms (2)
July 6, 2025 - August 2, 2025
0.5
139.91
539
August 3, 2025 - August 30, 2025
138.66
August 31, 2025 - October 4, 2025
144.10
506
For the Quarter Ended October 4, 2025
Item 5. Other Information
Insider Trading Arrangements
During the quarter ended October 4, 2025, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted, modified or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Nucor Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 14, 2010 (File No. 001-04119))
3.1
Bylaws of Nucor Corporation, as amended and restated February 22, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 24, 2021 (File No. 001-04119))
31*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.1*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32**
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1**
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101*
Financial Statements (Unaudited) from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nucor Corporation for the quarter ended October 4, 2025, filed November 12, 2025, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104*
Cover Page from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nucor Corporation for the quarter ended October 4, 2025, filed November 12, 2025, formatted in Inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101 above).
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished (and not filed) herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
By:
/s/ Stephen D. Laxton
Stephen D. Laxton
Chief Financial Officer and
Executive Vice President
Dated: November 12, 2025