Nucor Corporation reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2014. For the quarter, net sales were $5,003,753,000 against $4,894,750,000 a year ago. Earnings before income taxes and no controlling interests was $351,226,000 against $237,261,000 a year ago. Net earnings attributable to the company stockholders were $210,427,000 against $170,494,000 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $0.65 against $0.53 a year ago.

For the full year, net sales were $21,105,141,000 against $19,052,046,000 a year ago. Earnings before income taxes and no controlling interests was $1,204,577,000 against $791,123,000 a year ago. Net earnings attributable to the company stockholders were $713,946,000 against $488,025,000 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $2.22 against $1.52 a year ago. Cash provided by operating activities was $1,342,898 against $1,077,949 a year ago. Capital expenditures were $667,982 against $1,196,952 a year ago.

The company currently expects that its first quarter of 2015 earnings will decrease from the fourth quarter of 2014 to a level slightly exceeding the first quarter of 2014. Market conditions in the steel mills segment in the first quarter of 2015 will be impacted by challenges in energy markets due to customer inventory reductions caused by the recent collapse in oil prices.

For 2015, the company estimates capital spending will be approximately $500 million. Depreciation and amortization for 2015 is expected to total about $700 million.