NUCOR CORP - Quarter Report: 2020 October (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended October 3, 2020

OR

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 1-4119

NUCOR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(704) 366-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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.

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   ☒

301,928,935 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding at October 3, 2020.

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Nucor Corporation

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 3, 2020

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Nucor Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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 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, 2019 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, 2019.

2. Inventories

Inventories consisted of approximately 40% raw materials and supplies and 60% finished and semi-finished products at October 3, 2020 (42% and 58%, respectively, at December 31, 2019). 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 $9.87 billion at October 3, 2020 ($9.42 billion at December 31, 2019).

Nucor performed an impairment assessment of its proved producing natural gas well assets in the fourth quarter of 2019. One of the main assumptions that most significantly affects the undiscounted cash flows determination used in the impairment assessment is management’s estimate of future pricing of natural gas and natural gas liquids. The pricing used in the impairment assessment was developed by management based on projected natural gas market supply and demand dynamics, in conjunction with a review of projections by market analysts. Management also makes key estimates on the expected reserve levels and on the expected lease operating costs. The impairment assessment was performed on each of Nucor’s three groups (“fields”) of wells, with each field defined by common geographic location.

As a result of the impairment assessment, Nucor recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $35.0 million relating to one field of wells in the fourth quarter of 2019. The post-impairment carrying value of this field was $11.2 million at October 3, 2020 ($12.3 million at December 31, 2019). The remaining two fields were not impaired as a result of the assessment and had a combined carrying value of $62.4 million at October 3, 2020 ($66.6 million at December 31, 2019). Changes in the natural gas industry or a prolonged low-price environment beyond what had already been assumed in the assessments could cause management to revise the natural gas and natural gas liquids price assumptions, the estimated reserves or the estimated lease operating costs. Unfavorable revisions to these assumptions or estimates could possibly result in further impairment of some or all of the fields of proved well assets.

Nucor owns a 49% leasehold interest in unproved oil and natural gas properties covering approximately 54,000 acres in the South Piceance Basin located in Colorado. Nucor is subject to forfeiture of a portion of its leasehold interest in these properties if we do not drill new wells within various contractually specified time periods. A decision to not develop a portion of these properties within the specified time periods would likely result in a partial asset impairment in the future. The carrying value of the entire leasehold interest at October 3, 2020 was $165.0 million. Nucor has full discretion on its participation in all future drilling capital investments related to the leasehold interest.

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4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended October 3, 2020 by segment was as follows (in thousands):

Nucor completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2019 and concluded that as of such time there was no impairment of goodwill for any of its reporting units.

The assessment performed in 2019 used forward-looking projections and included expected improvements in the future cash flows of one of the Company’s reporting units, Rebar Fabrication. The fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 56% in the most recent assessment. The reporting unit’s profitability in the first nine months of 2020 significantly increased from the first nine months of 2019. We expect the 2020 operating results of the Rebar Fabrication reporting unit will continue to improve compared to 2019. If our assessment of the relevant facts and circumstances changes, or the actual performance of this reporting unit falls short of expected results, non-cash impairment charges may be required. Total goodwill associated with the Rebar Fabrication reporting unit was $352.7 million as of October 3, 2020 ($356.6 million as of December 31, 2019). An impairment of goodwill may also lead us to record an impairment of other intangible assets. Total finite-lived intangible assets associated with the Rebar Fabrication reporting unit were $59.6 million as of October 3, 2020 ($67.2 million as of December 31, 2019). There have been no triggering events requiring an interim assessment for impairment of the Rebar Fabrication reporting unit since the most recent annual goodwill impairment testing date.

Due to lower than expected operating results and anticipated changes to the Grating reporting unit’s business strategy and structure, the Company determined a triggering event occurred in the third quarter of 2019 and performed an impairment assessment. The fair value of the Grating reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 17% in that assessment. If our assessment of the relevant facts and circumstances changes, or the actual performance of this reporting unit falls short of expected results, non-cash impairment charges may be required. Total goodwill associated with the Grating reporting unit was $36.6 million as of October 3, 2020 ($36.8 million as of December 31, 2019).

Intangible assets with estimated useful lives of five to 22 years are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis and were comprised of the following as of October 3, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

Intangible asset amortization expense in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019 was $20.7 million and $22.0 million, respectively, and was $62.9 million and $64.7 million in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Annual amortization expense is estimated to be $83.5 million in 2020; $82.3 million in 2021; $80.7 million in 2022; $80.0 million in 2023; and $79.2 million in 2024.

5. Equity Investments

The carrying value of our equity investments in domestic and foreign companies was $521.2 million at October 3, 2020 ($793.2 million at December 31, 2019) and is recorded in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NuMit

Nucor owns a 50% economic and voting interest in NuMit LLC (“NuMit”). NuMit owns 100% of the equity interest in Steel Technologies LLC, an operator of 26 sheet processing facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and

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Mexico. Nucor accounts for its 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 of NuMit. Nucor’s investment in NuMit was $322.5 million at October 3, 2020 ($319.8 million at December 31, 2019). Nucor received distributions of $2.0 million and $27.4 million from NuMit during the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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 its investment (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method, as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members of Duferdofin Nucor.

Nucor’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor was $0.1 million at October 3, 2020 ($263.0 million at December 31, 2019). Nucor’s 50% share of the total net assets of Duferdofin Nucor was $128.6 million at October 3, 2020, resulting in a negative basis difference of $128.5 million. This was due to the $261.6 million impairment charge taken against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the first nine months of 2020 as discussed below, offset by the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities attributable to Duferdofin Nucor, as well as the identification of goodwill ($86.5 million at December 31, 2019) and finite-lived intangible assets. This basis difference prior to the impairment charge, excluding the portion attributable to goodwill, was being amortized based on the remaining estimated useful lives of the various underlying net assets, as appropriate, through the first quarter of 2020. Beginning with the second quarter of 2020, the negative basis difference began amortizing based on the remaining estimated useful lives of the various underlying net assets, as appropriate. Amortization associated with the negative basis in the third quarter of 2020 was income of $1.9 million, compared to an expense of $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2019, associated with the fair value step-up. Net amortization was $1.6 million of income in the first nine months of 2020, and $6.7 million of expense in the first nine months 2019.     

As of October 3, 2020, Nucor had outstanding notes receivable of €35.0 million ($41.0 million) from Duferdofin Nucor (€35.0 million, or $39.3 million, as of December 31, 2019). The notes receivable bear interest at a rate that resets annually on September 30 to the 12-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate plus 0.75% per year. The maturity date of the principal amounts is January 31, 2022. As of October 3, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the notes receivable were classified in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These notes were fully reserved in connection with the $261.6 million impairment charge taken against the Company’s investment in Duferdofin Nucor in the first nine months of 2020.

Nucor has issued a guarantee for its ownership percentage (50%) of Duferdofin Nucor’s borrowings under Facility A of a Structured Trade Finance Facilities Agreement (“Facility A”). The fair value of the guarantee is immaterial. In April 2018, Duferdofin Nucor amended and extended Facility A to mature on April 16, 2021. The maximum amount Duferdofin Nucor could borrow under Facility A was €160.0 million ($187.5 million) at October 3, 2020. As of October 3, 2020, there was €132.0 million ($154.7 million) outstanding under that facility (€147.0 million, or $164.9 million, as of December 31, 2019). 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.

On October 2, 2020, Nucor entered into an agreement (the “Duferdofin Agreement”) to transfer its 50% economic and voting interest in Duferdofin Nucor to the owner of the remaining 50% interest. The closing of the transaction is subject to Duferdofin Nucor renegotiating the borrowings currently under Facility A, Nucor’s relief under the guarantee and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory consents. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur during the fourth quarter of 2020.  Nucor is continuing to evaluate the impact of the transaction contemplated by the Duferdofin Agreement on the financial statements, which will include foreign currency losses currently included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as outlined in Footnote 14 and other impacts.

Nucor-JFE

Nucor owns a 50% economic and voting interest in Nucor-JFE Steel Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Nucor-JFE”), a 50-50 joint venture with JFE Steel Corporation of Japan, to build and operate a galvanized sheet steel plant in central Mexico. After delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nucor JFE is expected to begin commissioning in November of this year. Nucor accounts for its investment in Nucor-JFE (on a one-month lag basis) under the equity method, as control and risk of loss are shared equally between the members of Nucor-JFE. Nucor’s investment in Nucor-JFE was $150.3 million at October 3, 2020 ($163.2 million at December 31, 2019).

On January 16, 2019, Nucor entered into an agreement to guarantee a percentage, equal to its ownership percentage (50%), of Nucor-JFE’s borrowings under the General Financing Agreement and Promissory Note (the “JFE Facility”). The fair value of the guarantee is immaterial. Nucor’s guarantee expires on April 30, 2021. The maximum amount Nucor-JFE could borrow under the JFE Facility was $65.0 million as of October 3, 2020. The JFE Facility is uncommitted. As of October 3, 2020, there was $45.0 million outstanding under the JFE Facility (none as of December 31, 2019). If Nucor-JFE fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under the JFE Facility, Nucor could be required to pay 50% of such

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amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of its guarantee. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with this guarantee.

Nucor-JFE has other credit facilities that Nucor has agreed to guarantee. The principal amount subject to guarantee by Nucor for these other credit facilities was $25.0 million as of October 3, 2020 ($25.0 million as of December 31, 2019). The fair value of the guarantees is immaterial. If Nucor-JFE fails to pay when due any amounts for which it is obligated under the other credit facilities, Nucor could be required to pay such amounts pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of its guarantees. Nucor has not recorded any liability associated with these guarantees.

All Equity Investments

Nucor reviews its equity investments for impairment if and when circumstances indicate that a decline in fair value below their carrying amounts may have occurred. Nucor determined that a triggering event occurred in the first quarter of 2020 with respect to its equity method investment in Duferdofin Nucor due to adverse developments in the joint venture’s commercial outlook, which were and continue to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have negatively impacted the joint venture’s strategic direction. After completing its impairment assessment, Nucor determined that the carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value and the impairment condition was considered to be other than temporary. Therefore, Nucor recorded a $250.0 million impairment charge in the first quarter of 2020, a $5.0 million impairment charge in the second quarter of 2020, and a $6.6 million impairment charge in the third quarter of 2020 against its investment in Duferdofin Nucor. Any additional capital contributions, if necessary, that Nucor makes to Duferdofin Nucor will likely be subject to impairment. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2020 the Company fully reserved its €35.0 million ($41.0 million) outstanding note receivable from Duferdofin Nucor due to an assessment of the likelihood of collection in light of these adverse developments and its effective subordination to Facility A. These charges are included in losses on assets in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value determination include projected cash flows 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.

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 and affect any potential liability associated with the Company’s guarantee of the indebtedness of Duferdofin Nucor as discussed above.

6. Current Liabilities

Book overdrafts, included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $115.2 million at October 3, 2020 ($116.4 million at December 31, 2019). Dividends payable, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $123.0 million at October 3, 2020 ($122.9 million at December 31, 2019). Accrued vacation and holiday pay, included in salaries, wages and related accruals in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $121.8 million at October 3, 2020 ($106.2 million at December 31, 2019).

7. 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 3, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands). Nucor does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

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Fair value measurements for Nucor’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents are classified under Level 1 because such measurements are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. Our short-term investments at October 3, 2020 consisted of certificates of deposit, commercial paper and corporate notes. Fair value measurements for Nucor’s derivatives are classified under Level 2 because such measurements are based on published market prices for similar assets or are estimated based on observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, spot and future commodity prices, and spot and future exchange rates.

The fair value of short-term and long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $6.28 billion at October 3, 2020 ($4.81 billion at December 31, 2019). 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 3, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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 charges recorded in the first nine months of 2020 (see Note 5).

8. Contingencies

Nucor is subject to environmental laws and regulations established by federal, state and local authorities and, accordingly, makes provisions for the estimated costs of compliance. Of the undiscounted total of $16.6 million of accrued environmental costs at October 3, 2020 ($16.4 million at December 31, 2019), $6.3 million was classified in accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($4.1 million at December 31, 2019) and $10.3 million was classified in deferred credits and other liabilities ($12.3 million at December 31, 2019). Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates primarily due to unknown conditions, evolving remediation technology and changing governmental regulations, legal standards and enforcement priorities.

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.

9. Stock-Based Compensation

Overview

The Company maintains the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) under which the Company may award stock-based compensation to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Omnibus Plan on May 14, 2020. The

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Omnibus Plan permits the award of stock options, restricted stock units, restricted shares and other stock-based awards for up to 19.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of October 3, 2020, 7.8  million shares remained available for award under the Omnibus Plan.

The Company also maintains a number of inactive plans under which stock-based awards remain outstanding but no further awards may be made. As of October 3, 2020, 1.0 million shares were reserved for issuance upon the future settlement of outstanding awards under such inactive plans.

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.

A summary of activity under Nucor’s stock option plans for the first nine months of 2020 is as follows (shares in thousands):

Stock options granted to employees who are eligible for retirement on the date of the 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 will not become retirement-eligible prior to the end of the vesting term is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for stock options was $0.3 million in the third quarter of both 2020 and 2019 and $2.4 million and $4.4 million in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of October 3, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options was $2.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Nucor annually grants restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The RSUs granted to key employees and officers vest and are converted to common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date provided that a portion of the RSUs awarded to an officer prior to 2018 vest only upon the officer’s retirement. Retirement, for purposes of vesting in these RSUs only, means termination of employment with approval of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board of Directors after satisfying age and years of service requirements. RSUs granted to a non-employee director 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 the 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 will not become retirement-eligible prior to the end of the vesting term 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 RSUs expected to vest are recognized as a reduction in retained earnings.

The fair value of an RSU is determined based on the closing price of Nucor’s common stock on the date of the grant.

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A summary of Nucor’s RSU activity for the first nine months of 2020 is as follows (shares in thousands):

Compensation expense for RSUs was $11.1 million and $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $47.9 million and $59.1 million in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of October 3, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $64.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

Prior to their expiration effective December 31, 2017, the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan authorized the award of shares of common stock to officers subject to certain conditions and restrictions. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted supplements to the Omnibus Plan with terms that permit the award of shares of common stock to officers subject to the conditions and restrictions described below, which are substantially similar to those of the expired Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan. The expired Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan, together with the applicable supplement, is referred to below as the “LTIP,” and the expired Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan, together with the applicable supplement, is referred to below as the “AIP.”

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 AIP 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 for the first nine months of 2020 is as follows (shares in thousands):

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 $3.3 million and $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $5.8 million and $10.9 million in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of October 3, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $1.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

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10. 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 $27.5 million and $40.0 million in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $59.5 million and $163.7 million in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. The related liability for these benefits is included in salaries, wages and related accruals in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

11. Interest Expense (Income):

The components of net interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

12. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2020 was 23.3% as compared to 22.8% for the third quarter of 2019.

Nucor has concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2016, other than 2015. The tax years 2015 and 2017 through 2019 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The 2015 Canadian income tax returns for Harris Steel Group Inc. and certain related affiliates are currently under examination by the Canada Revenue Agency. The tax years 2013 through 2019 remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions). From time to time in the ordinary course of business, Nucor is involved in tax disputes with federal, state and local taxing jurisdictions, which are, individually and in the aggregate, immaterial to Nucor.

Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $575.2 million at October 3, 2020 ($431.0 million at December 31, 2019).

13. Stockholders’ Equity

The following tables reflect the changes in stockholders’ equity attributable to both Nucor and the noncontrolling interests of Nucor’s joint ventures, primarily Nucor-Yamato Steel Company (Limited Partnership) of which Nucor owns 51%, for the three months and nine months ended October 3, 2020 and September 28, 2019 (in thousands):

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