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CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

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 March 31, 2019
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: 1-8944
clf-logoa01a01a11.jpg
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Ohio
 
34-1464672
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
200 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio
 
44114-2315
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (216) 694-5700
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, 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  
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares, par value $0.125 per share, was 282,845,060 as of April 24, 2019.



Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
DEFINITIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
 
 
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Loss for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
 
 
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
 
 
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Changes in Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents


DEFINITIONS
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text. References in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Cliffs” are to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and subsidiaries, collectively.
Abbreviation or acronym
 
Term
A&R 2015 Equity Plan
 
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
ABL Facility
 
Amended and Restated Syndicated Facility Agreement by and among Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Australian Security Trustee, the Lenders that are parties hereto, as the Lenders, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as Parent and a Borrower, and the Subsidiaries of Parent party hereto, as Borrowers dated as of March 30, 2015, and Amended and Restated as of February 28, 2018
Adjusted EBITDA
 
EBITDA excluding certain items such as extinguishment/restructuring of debt, impacts of discontinued operations, foreign currency exchange remeasurement, impairment of other long-lived assets, severance and intersegment corporate allocations of SG&A costs
ArcelorMittal
 
ArcelorMittal (as the parent company of ArcelorMittal Mines Canada, ArcelorMittal USA and ArcelorMittal Dofasco, as well as many other subsidiaries)
AMT
 
Alternative Minimum Tax
ASC
 
Accounting Standards Codification
ASU
 
Accounting Standards Update
CECL
 
Credit Expected Credit Losses model
Compensation Committee
 
Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors
Dodd-Frank Act
 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DR-grade
 
Direct Reduction-grade
EBITDA
 
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
Empire
 
Empire Iron Mining Partnership
Exchange Act
 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Fe
 
Iron
FMSH Act
 
U.S. Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 1977, as amended
GAAP
 
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
HBI
 
Hot briquetted iron
Hibbing
 
Hibbing Taconite Company, an unincorporated joint venture
Hot-rolled coil steel price
 
Estimated average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel
Long ton
 
2,240 pounds
LTVSMC
 
LTV Steel Mining Company
Metric ton
 
2,205 pounds
MMBtu
 
Million British Thermal Units
MSHA
 
U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration
Monitor
 
FTI Consulting Canada Inc.
Net ton
 
2,000 pounds
Northshore
 
Northshore Mining Company
OPEB
 
Other postretirement employment benefits
Platts 62% Price
 
Platts IODEX 62% Fe Fines CFR North China
PPI
 
Producer Price Index
SEC
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SG&A
 
Selling, general and administrative
Tilden
 
Tilden Mining Company L.C.
Topic 606
 
ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Topic 815
 
ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging
TSR
 
Total shareholder return
United Taconite
 
United Taconite LLC
U.S.
 
United States of America
U.S. Steel
 
U.S Steel Corporation and all subsidiaries

1

Table of Contents


PART I
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
430.2

 
$
823.2

Accounts receivable, net
20.1

 
226.7

Inventories
312.7

 
87.9

Supplies and other inventories
97.3

 
93.2

Derivative assets
107.4

 
91.5

Income tax receivable, current
117.3

 
117.3

Other current assets
41.0

 
39.8

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
1,126.0

 
1,479.6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
1,410.3

 
1,286.0

OTHER ASSETS
 
 
 
Deposits for property, plant and equipment
68.3

 
83.0

Income tax receivable, non-current
121.3

 
121.3

Deferred income taxes
466.6

 
464.8

Other non-current assets
113.8

 
94.9

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS
770.0

 
764.0

TOTAL ASSETS
$
3,306.3

 
$
3,529.6

(continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

Table of Contents


Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries - (Continued)
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
171.7

 
$
186.8

Accrued employment costs
42.1

 
74.0

Accrued interest
23.0

 
38.4

Partnership distribution payable
43.8

 
43.5

Other current liabilities
113.4

 
125.5

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
394.0

 
468.2

PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES
244.2

 
248.7

ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
174.4

 
172.0

LONG-TERM DEBT
2,087.0

 
2,092.9

OTHER LIABILITIES
145.0

 
123.6

TOTAL LIABILITIES
3,044.6

 
3,105.4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (REFER TO NOTE 20)

 

EQUITY
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Preferred Stock - no par value
 
 
 
Class A - 3,000,000 shares authorized
 
 
 
Class B - 4,000,000 shares authorized
 
 
 
Common Shares - par value $0.125 per share
 
 
 
Authorized - 600,000,000 shares (2018 - 600,000,000 shares);
 
 
 
Issued - 301,886,794 shares (2018 - 301,886,794 shares);
 
 
 
Outstanding - 282,839,140 shares (2018 - 292,611,569 shares)
37.7

 
37.7

Capital in excess of par value of shares
3,860.2

 
3,916.7

Retained deficit
(3,096.8
)
 
(3,060.2
)
Cost of 19,047,654 common shares in treasury (2018 - 9,275,225 shares)
(263.9
)
 
(186.1
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(275.5
)
 
(283.9
)
TOTAL EQUITY
261.7

 
424.2

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
3,306.3

 
$
3,529.6

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents


Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES
 
 
 
Product
$
145.4

 
$
169.2

Freight
11.6

 
10.8


157.0

 
180.0

COST OF GOODS SOLD
(126.1
)
 
(118.5
)
SALES MARGIN
30.9

 
61.5

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(28.1
)
 
(25.1
)
Miscellaneous – net
(3.6
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(31.7
)
 
(31.2
)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(0.8
)
 
30.3

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(25.1
)
 
(32.4
)
Other non-operating income
0.1

 
4.4

 
(25.0
)
 
(28.0
)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(25.8
)
 
2.3

INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)
3.7

 
(15.7
)
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(22.1
)
 
(13.4
)
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX

 
(70.9
)
NET LOSS
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(84.3
)
 
 
 
 
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Discontinued operations

 
(0.24
)
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.29
)
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE – DILUTED
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Discontinued operations

 
(0.24
)
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.29
)
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES (IN THOUSANDS)
 
 
 
Basic
289,525

 
297,266

Diluted
289,525

 
297,266

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents


Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Loss
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
NET LOSS
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(84.3
)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
Changes in pension and other post-retirement benefits, net of tax
5.7

 
6.7

Changes in foreign currency translation

 
0.7

Changes in derivative financial instruments, net of tax
2.7

 
0.3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
8.4

 
7.7

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
$
(13.7
)
 
$
(76.6
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents


Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(84.3
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
19.9

 
23.9

Gain on derivatives
(5.7
)
 
(40.8
)
Other
9.8

 
25.9

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables and other assets
199.9

 
196.3

Inventories
(224.8
)
 
(193.0
)
Payables, accrued expenses and other liabilities
(88.2
)
 
(70.9
)
Net cash used by operating activities
(111.2
)
 
(142.9
)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(132.7
)
 
(12.4
)
Deposits for property, plant and equipment
(1.4
)
 
(59.0
)
Other investing activities
8.5

 

Net cash used by investing activities
(125.6
)
 
(71.4
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Repurchase of common shares
(124.3
)
 

Dividends paid
(14.8
)
 

Repurchase of debt
(10.3
)
 

Other financing activities
(8.4
)
 
(7.0
)
Net cash used by financing activities
(157.8
)
 
(7.0
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

 
0.2

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, INCLUDING CASH CLASSIFIED WITHIN OTHER CURRENT ASSETS RELATED TO DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
(394.6
)
 
(221.1
)
LESS: DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, CLASSIFIED WITHIN OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
(1.6
)
 

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(393.0
)
 
(221.1
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
823.2

 
978.3

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
430.2

 
$
757.2

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents


Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Changes in Equity
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
(In Millions)
 
Number
of
Common
Shares Outstanding
 
Common
Shares
 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
of Shares
 
Retained
Deficit
 
Common
Shares
in
Treasury
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
December 31, 2018
292.6

 
$
37.7

 
$
3,916.7

 
$
(3,060.2
)
 
$
(186.1
)
 
$
(283.9
)
 
$
424.2

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss

 

 

 
(22.1
)
 

 

 
(22.1
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
8.4

 
8.4

Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13.7
)
Stock and other incentive plans
1.7

 

 
(56.5
)
 

 
46.5

 

 
(10.0
)
Common stock repurchases
(11.5
)
 

 

 

 
(124.3
)
 

 
(124.3
)
Common stock dividends ($0.05 per share)

 

 

 
(14.5
)
 

 

 
(14.5
)
March 31, 2019
282.8

 
$
37.7

 
$
3,860.2

 
$
(3,096.8
)
 
$
(263.9
)
 
$
(275.5
)
 
$
261.7

 
(In Millions)
 
Number
of
Common
Shares Outstanding
 
Common
Shares
 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
of Shares
 
Retained
Deficit
 
Common
Shares
in
Treasury
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Non-Controlling Interest
 
Total
December 31, 2017
297.4

 
$
37.7

 
$
3,933.9

 
$
(4,207.3
)
 
$
(169.6
)
 
$
(39.0
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
(444.1
)
Adoption of accounting standard

 

 

 
34.0

 

 

 

 
34.0

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss

 

 

 
(84.3
)
 

 

 

 
(84.3
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
7.7

 

 
7.7

Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(76.6
)
Stock and other incentive plans
0.3

 

 
(15.8
)
 

 
17.7

 

 

 
1.9

March 31, 2018
297.7

 
$
37.7

 
$
3,918.1

 
$
(4,257.6
)
 
$
(151.9
)
 
$
(31.3
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
(484.8
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents


Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with SEC rules and regulations and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive loss and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on various assumptions and historical experience, which are believed to be reasonable; however, due to the inherent nature of estimates, actual results may differ significantly due to changed conditions or assumptions. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 or any other future period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
As more fully described in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, in 2018 we committed to a course of action leading to the permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations and, as planned, completed our final shipment in June 2018. Factors considered in this decision included increasingly discounted prices for lower-iron-content ore and the quality of the remaining iron ore reserves.
During 2018, we sold all of the assets of our Asia Pacific Iron Ore business through a series of sales to third parties. As a result of our planned exit, management determined that our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operating segment met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and a discontinued operation under ASC Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements. As such, all Asia Pacific Iron Ore operating segment results are classified within discontinued operations. Refer to NOTE 14 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS for further information.
We have two reportable segments - the Mining and Pelletizing segment and the Metallics segment. Unless otherwise noted, discussion of our business and results of operations in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refers to our continuing operations.
Basis of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the following operations as of March 31, 2019:
Name
 
Location
 
Business Segment
 
Status of Operations
Northshore
 
Minnesota
 
Mining and Pelletizing
 
Active
United Taconite
 
Minnesota
 
Mining and Pelletizing
 
Active
Tilden
 
Michigan
 
Mining and Pelletizing
 
Active
Empire
 
Michigan
 
Mining and Pelletizing
 
Indefinitely Idled
Toledo HBI
 
Ohio
 
Metallics
 
Construction Stage
Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
Equity Method Investments
Our 23% ownership interest in Hibbing is recorded as an equity method investment. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our investment in Hibbing was $10.8 million and $15.4 million, respectively, classified as Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position.
Significant Accounting Policies
A detailed description of our significant accounting policies can be found in the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. There have been no material changes in our significant accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed therein.

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NOTE 2 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Issued and Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases except for short-term leases. For lessees, leases will be classified as either operating or finance leases in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. We adopted this standard on its effective date of January 1, 2019 using the optional alternative approach, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the standard's effective date. Adoption of the updated standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Issued and Not Effective
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326), which introduces a new accounting model, CECL. CECL requires earlier recognition of credit losses, while also providing additional transparency about credit risk. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime expected credit loss measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for receivables at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. We plan to adopt this standard on its effective date of January 1, 2020, and are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our financial statements.
NOTE 3 - SEGMENT REPORTING
In alignment with our strategic goals, our Company’s continuing operations are organized and managed in two operating segments according to our differentiated products. Our Mining and Pelletizing segment is a major supplier of iron ore pellets to the North American steel industry from our mines and pellet plants located in Michigan and Minnesota. In our Metallics segment, we are currently constructing an HBI production plant in Toledo, Ohio. We expect to complete construction and begin production in 2020.
We evaluate performance based on sales margin, defined as revenues less cost of goods sold identifiable to each segment. Additionally, we evaluate performance on a segment basis, as well as a consolidated basis, based on EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures allow management and investors to focus on our ability to service our debt as well as illustrate how the business is performing.  Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist management and investors in their analysis and forecasting as these measures approximate the cash flows associated with operational earnings.
The following tables present a summary of our reportable segments including a reconciliation of segment sales margin to Income (loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and a reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues from product sales and services:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
157.0

 
$
180.0

 
 
 
 
Sales margin:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
30.9

 
$
61.5

Other operating expense
(31.7
)
 
(31.2
)
Other expense
(25.0
)
 
(28.0
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
(25.8
)
 
$
2.3


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(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Net loss
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(84.3
)
Less:
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(25.1
)
 
(33.5
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
3.7

 
(15.7
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(19.9
)
 
(23.9
)
EBITDA
$
19.2

 
$
(11.2
)
Less:
 
 
 
Foreign exchange remeasurement
$
0.1

 
$
(0.4
)
Impact of discontinued operations

 
(63.1
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(0.3
)
 

Severance costs
(1.7
)
 

Adjusted EBITDA
$
21.1

 
$
52.3

 
 
 
 
EBITDA:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
42.8

 
$
72.5

Metallics
(0.8
)
 
(0.3
)
Corporate and Other (including discontinued operations)
(22.8
)
 
(83.4
)
Total EBITDA
$
19.2

 
$
(11.2
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
47.5

 
$
77.1

Metallics
(0.8
)
 
(0.3
)
Corporate
(25.6
)
 
(24.5
)
Total Adjusted EBITDA
$
21.1

 
$
52.3

The following table summarizes our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and capital additions:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Depreciation, depletion and amortization:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
18.5

 
$
15.8

Corporate
1.4

 
1.4

Total depreciation, depletion and amortization
$
19.9

 
$
17.2

 
 
 
 
Capital additions1:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
46.8

 
$
18.7

Metallics
82.4

 
60.0

Corporate
0.1

 
0.2

Total capital additions
$
129.3

 
$
78.9

 
 
 
 
1 Refer to NOTE 17 - CASH FLOW INFORMATION for additional information.

10

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A summary of assets by segment is as follows:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Assets:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
1,774.5

 
$
1,694.1

Metallics
350.0

 
265.9

Total segment assets
2,124.5

 
1,960.0

Corporate and Other (including discontinued operations)
1,181.8

 
1,569.6

Total assets
$
3,306.3

 
$
3,529.6

NOTE 4 - REVENUE
We sell primarily a single product, iron ore pellets, in the North American market. Revenue is recognized generally when iron ore is delivered to our customers. Revenue is measured at the point that control transfers and represents the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. We offer standard payment terms to our customers, generally requiring settlement within 30 days.
We enter into supply contracts of varying lengths to provide customers iron ore pellets to use in their blast furnaces. Blast furnaces run continuously with a constant feed of iron ore and, once shut down, cannot easily be restarted. As a result, we ship iron ore in large quantities for storage and use by customers at a later date. Customers do not simultaneously receive and consume the iron ore. Based on our assessment of the factors that indicate the pattern of satisfaction, we transfer control of the iron ore at a point in time upon shipment or delivery of the product. The customer is able to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the benefits from, the product at the time the product is delivered.
Most of our customer supply agreements specify a provisional price, which is used for initial billing and cash collection. Revenue recorded in accordance with Topic 606 is calculated using the expected revenue rate at the point when control transfers. The final settlement includes market inputs for a specified period of time, which may vary by customer, but typically include one or more of the following published rates: Platts 62% Price, Atlantic Basin pellet premiums, Platts international indexed freight rates and changes in specified Producer Price Indices, including industrial commodities, fuel and steel. Changes in the expected revenue rate from the date control transfers through final settlement of contract terms is recorded in accordance with Topic 815. Refer to NOTE 13 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS for further information on how our estimated and final revenue rates are determined.
A supply agreement with a customer provides for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel in the year the iron ore is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. As control transfers prior to consumption, the supplemental revenue is recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Refer to NOTE 13 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS for further information on supplemental revenue or refunds.
Included within Revenues from product sales and services is derivative revenue related to Topic 815 of $5.5 million and $43.8 million, for three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Deferred Revenue
The table below summarizes our deferred revenue balances:
 
(In Millions)
 
Deferred Revenue (Current)
 
Deferred Revenue (Long-Term)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Opening balance as of January 1
$
21.0

 
$
23.8

 
$
38.5

 
$
51.4

Closing balance as of March 31
18.1

 
31.0

 
38.5

 
51.4

Increase (decrease)
$
(2.9
)
 
$
7.2

 
$

 
$


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The terms of one of our pellet supply agreements required supplemental payments to be paid by the customer during the period 2009 through 2012. Installment amounts received under this arrangement in excess of sales were classified as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position upon receipt of payment. Revenue is recognized over the life of the supply agreement, which extends until 2022, in equal annual installments. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, installment amounts received in excess of sales totaled $51.4 million related to this agreement. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, deferred revenue of $12.9 million was recorded in Other current liabilities and $38.5 million was recorded as long-term in Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position, related to this agreement.
Due to the payment terms and the timing of cash receipts near a period end, cash receipts can exceed shipments for certain customers. Revenue recognized on these transactions totaling $5.3 million and $8.2 million was deferred and included in Other current liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
NOTE 5 - INVENTORIES
The following table presents the detail of our Inventories in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position:
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Finished goods
 
$
287.7

 
$
77.8

Work-in-process
 
25.0

 
10.1

Total inventories
 
$
312.7

 
$
87.9

NOTE 6 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The following table indicates the carrying value of each of the major classes of our depreciable assets:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Land rights and mineral rights
$
549.6

 
$
549.6

Office and information technology
70.5

 
70.0

Buildings
87.4

 
87.2

Mining equipment
568.4

 
548.5

Processing equipment
660.9

 
645.8

Electric power facilities
58.7

 
58.7

Land improvements
23.8

 
23.8

Asset retirement obligation
14.8

 
14.8

Other
25.5

 
25.2

Construction-in-progress
392.0

 
284.8

 
2,451.6

 
2,308.4

Allowance for depreciation and depletion
(1,041.3
)
 
(1,022.4
)
 
$
1,410.3

 
$
1,286.0

We recorded capitalized interest of $4.0 million and $1.0 million into construction-in-progress during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

12

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NOTE 7 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
The following represents a summary of our long-term debt:
(In Millions)
March 31, 2019
Debt Instrument
 
Annual Effective
Interest Rate
 
Total Principal Amount
 
Debt Issuance Costs
 
Unamortized Discounts
 
Total Debt
Secured Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$400 Million 4.875% 2024 Senior Notes
 
5.00%
 
$
400.0

 
$
(5.5
)
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
392.4

Unsecured Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes
 
4.89%
 
114.0

 
(0.2
)
 

 
113.8

$316.25 Million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes
 
6.26%
 
316.3

 
(5.3
)
 
(73.0
)
 
238.0

$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes
 
6.01%
 
1,073.3

 
(9.5
)
 
(14.1
)
 
1,049.7

$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes
 
6.34%
 
298.4

 
(2.2
)
 
(3.3
)
 
292.9

ABL Facility
 
N/A
 
450.0

 
N/A

 
N/A

 

Fair Value Adjustment to Interest Rate Hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.2

Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,087.0

(In Millions)
December 31, 2018
Debt Instrument
 
Annual Effective
Interest Rate
 
Total Principal Amount
 
Debt Issuance Costs
 
Unamortized Discounts
 
Total Debt
Secured Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$400 Million 4.875% 2024 Senior Notes
 
5.00%
 
$
400.0

 
$
(5.7
)
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
392.1

Unsecured Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes
 
4.89%
 
124.0

 
(0.2
)
 

 
123.8

$316.25 Million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes
 
6.26%
 
316.3

 
(5.5
)
 
(75.6
)
 
235.2

$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes
 
6.01%
 
1,073.3

 
(9.9
)
 
(14.6
)
 
1,048.8

$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes
 
6.34%
 
298.4

 
(2.3
)
 
(3.3
)
 
292.8

ABL Facility
 
N/A
 
450.0

 
N/A

 
N/A

 

Fair Value Adjustment to Interest Rate Hedge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.2

Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,092.9

Debt Extinguishment
The following is a summary of the debt extinguished with cash and the respective loss on extinguishment:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
Debt Instrument
Debt Extinguished
 
Loss on Extinguishment
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes
$
10.0

 
$
0.3

 
$
10.0

 
$
0.3


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Debt Maturities
The following represents a summary of our maturities of debt instruments based on the principal amounts outstanding at March 31, 2019:
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Maturities of Debt
2019
 
$

2020
 

2021
 
114.0

2022
 

2023
 

2024
 
400.0

2025 and thereafter
 
1,688.0

Total maturities of debt
 
$
2,202.0

ABL Facility
The following represents a summary of our borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Available borrowing base on ABL Facility1
$
305.4

 
$
323.7

Letter of credit obligations and other commitments2
(65.4
)
 
(55.0
)
Borrowing capacity available3
$
240.0

 
$
268.7

 
 
 
 
1 The ABL Facility has a maximum borrowing base of $450 million, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
2 We issued standby letters of credit with certain financial institutions in order to support business obligations including, but not limited to, workers compensation, environmental obligations and certain Metallics' contracts.
3 As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had no loans drawn under the ABL Facility.
NOTE 8 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following represents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31, 2019
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$

 
$
357.6

 
$

 
$
357.6

Derivative assets

 
0.7

 
106.7

 
107.4

Total
$

 
$
358.3

 
$
106.7

 
$
465.0

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
$

 
$
0.7

 
$
9.8

 
$
10.5

Total
$

 
$
0.7

 
$
9.8

 
$
10.5


14

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(In Millions)
 
December 31, 2018
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
0.8

 
$
542.6

 
$

 
$
543.4

Derivative assets

 
0.1

 
91.4

 
91.5

Total
$
0.8

 
$
542.7

 
$
91.4

 
$
634.9

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
$

 
$
3.7

 
$

 
$
3.7

Total
$

 
$
3.7

 
$

 
$
3.7

Financial assets classified in Level 1 included money market funds. The valuation of these instruments is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.
The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable. Level 2 assets include commercial paper, certificates of deposit and commodity hedge contracts. Level 2 liabilities include commodity hedge contracts.
The Level 3 assets and liabilities include derivative assets that consist of freestanding derivative instruments related to a certain supply agreement and derivative assets and liabilities related to certain provisional pricing arrangements with our customers.
The supply agreement included in our Level 3 assets contains provisions for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel in the year the iron ore product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. We account for these provisions as derivative instruments at the time of sale and adjust the derivative instruments to fair value through Product revenues each reporting period until the product is consumed and the amounts are settled. We had assets of $106.4 million and $89.3 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, related to this supply agreement.
The provisional pricing arrangements included in our Level 3 assets/liabilities specify provisional price calculations, where the pricing mechanisms generally are based on market pricing, with the final revenue rate to be based on market inputs at a specified point in time in the future, per the terms of the supply agreements. The difference between the estimated final revenue rate at the date of sale and the estimated final revenue rate at the measurement date is characterized as a derivative and is required to be accounted for separately once the revenue has been recognized. The derivative instruments are adjusted to fair value through Product revenues each reporting period based upon current market data and forward-looking estimates provided by management until the final revenue rates are determined. We had assets of $0.3 million and liabilities of $9.8 million related to provisional pricing arrangements at March 31, 2019 compared to assets of $2.1 million related to provisional pricing arrangements at December 31, 2018.

15

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The following table illustrates information about quantitative inputs and assumptions for the assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:
Qualitative/Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
(In Millions)
Fair Value at March 31, 2019
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range or Point Estimate
(Weighted Average)
 
Customer supply agreement
 
$
106.4

 
Derivative assets
 
Market Approach
 
Management's Estimate of Market Hot-Rolled Coil Steel per net ton
 
$735
Provisional pricing arrangements
 
$
9.8

 
Other current liabilities
 
Market Approach
 
PPI Estimates
 
180 - 240
(208)
Management's Estimate of Platts 62% Price per dry metric ton for respective contract period
$80
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of our customer supply agreement is a forward-looking estimate of the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel determined by management.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our provisional pricing arrangements include estimates for PPI data and management’s estimate of Platts 62% Price based upon current market data and index pricing, which include forward-looking estimates determined by management.
The following tables represent a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
 
(In Millions)
 
Level 3 Assets
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Beginning balance
$
91.4

 
$
49.5

Total gains included in earnings
15.3

 
44.3

Settlements

 
(0.2
)
Ending balance - March 31
$
106.7

 
$
93.6

Total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains on assets still held at the reporting date
$
15.3

 
$
44.5

 
(In Millions)
 
Level 3 Liabilities
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Beginning balance
$

 
$
(1.7
)
Total losses included in earnings
(9.8
)
 
(0.5
)
Settlements

 
2.2

Ending balance - March 31
$
(9.8
)
 
$

Total losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses on liabilities still held at the reporting date
$
(9.8
)
 
$


16

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The carrying values of certain financial instruments (e.g., Accounts receivable, net, Accounts payable and Other current liabilities) approximates fair value and, therefore, have been excluded from the table below. A summary of the carrying value and fair value of other financial instruments were as follows:
 
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Classification
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured Notes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$400 Million 4.875% 2024 Senior Notes
Level 1
 
$
392.4

 
$
398.0

 
$
392.1

 
$
370.2

Unsecured Notes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes
Level 1
 
113.8

 
115.7

 
123.8

 
122.3

$316.25 Million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes
Level 1
 
238.0

 
432.5

 
235.2

 
352.4

$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes
Level 1
 
1,049.7

 
1,035.5

 
1,048.8

 
962.0

$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes
Level 1
 
292.9

 
255.0

 
292.8

 
232.8

ABL Facility
Level 2
 

 

 

 

Fair value adjustment to interest rate hedge
Level 2
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.2

Total long-term debt
 
 
$
2,087.0

 
$
2,236.9

 
$
2,092.9

 
$
2,039.9

The fair value of long-term debt was determined using quoted market prices.
NOTE 9 - PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and OPEB plans, primarily consisting of retiree healthcare benefits, to most employees as part of a total compensation and benefits program. The defined benefit pension plans are noncontributory and benefits generally are based on a minimum formula or employees’ years of service and average earnings for a defined period prior to retirement.
The following are the components of defined benefit pension and OPEB costs:
Defined Benefit Pension Costs
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Service cost
$
4.1

 
$
4.7

Interest cost
8.7

 
7.6

Expected return on plan assets
(13.6
)
 
(15.0
)
Amortization:
 
 
 
Prior service costs
0.3

 
0.5

Net actuarial loss
5.9

 
5.3

Net periodic benefit cost
$
5.4

 
$
3.1


17

Table of Contents


Other Postretirement Benefits Credits
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Service cost
$
0.4

 
$
0.5

Interest cost
2.3

 
2.1

Expected return on plan assets
(4.2
)
 
(4.6
)
Amortization:
 
 
 
Prior service credits
(0.5
)
 
(0.8
)
Net actuarial loss
1.3

 
1.2

Net periodic benefit credit
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(1.6
)
Based on funding requirements, we made pension contributions of $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to pension contributions of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. OPEB contributions are typically made on an annual basis in the first quarter of each year, but due to plan funding requirements being met, no OPEB contributions were required or made for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
NOTE 10 - STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Employees’ Plans
On February 19, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved grants under the A&R 2015 Equity Plan to certain officers and employees for the 2019 to 2021 performance period. Shares granted under the awards consisted of 0.6 million restricted stock units and 0.6 million performance shares.
Restricted stock units granted during 2019 are subject to continued employment, are retention based and are payable in common shares. The outstanding restricted stock units that were granted in 2019 cliff vest on December 31, 2021.
Performance shares are subject to continued employment, and each performance share, if earned, entitles the holder to be paid out in common shares. Performance is measured on the basis of relative TSR for the period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 and measured against the constituents of the SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF Index at the beginning of the relevant performance period. The final payouts for the outstanding performance period grants will vary from zero to 200% of the original grant depending on whether and to what extent the Company achieves certain objectives and performance goals as established by the Compensation Committee.
Determination of Fair Value
The fair value of each performance share grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation to forecast relative TSR performance. A correlation matrix of historic and projected stock prices was developed for both the Company and our predetermined peer group of mining and metals companies. The fair value assumes that the objective will be achieved.
The expected term of the grant represents the time from the grant date to the end of the service period. We estimate the volatility of our common shares and that of the peer group of mining and metals companies using daily price intervals for all companies. The risk-free interest rate is the rate at the grant date on zero-coupon government bonds with a term commensurate with the remaining life of the performance period.
The following assumptions were utilized to estimate the fair value for the 2019 performance share grant:
Grant Date
 
Grant Date Market Price
 
Average Expected Term (Years)
 
Expected Volatility
 
Risk-Free Interest Rate
 
Dividend Yield
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value (Percent of Grant Date Market Price)
February 19, 2019
 
$
11.24

 
2.87
 
67.5%
 
2.55%
 
—%
 
$
18.31

 
162.90%

18

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NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES
Our 2019 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items is 12.9%. The estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the deductions for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion related to U.S. operations. The 2018 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items at March 31, 2018 was 0.1%. The rate in the comparable prior-year period was significantly lower due to the reversal of valuation allowance in the same period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded discrete items that resulted in an income tax benefit of $0.4 million and expense of $15.7 million, respectively. The prior-year period expense of $15.7 million primarily relates to the $14.5 million reduction of the refundable AMT credit recorded in Income tax receivable, non-current in our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position based on the sequestration guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service during the first quarter of 2018. This position was subsequently reversed by the Internal Revenue Service during the fourth quarter of 2018. The prior-year period expense was a $15.7 million reduction of an asset and did not result in a cash tax outlay.
NOTE 12 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
The following is a summary of our environmental and mine closure obligations:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Environmental
$
2.4

 
$
2.5

Mine closure1
174.9

 
172.4

Total environmental and mine closure obligations
177.3

 
174.9

Less current portion
2.9

 
2.9

Long-term environmental and mine closure obligations
$
174.4

 
$
172.0

 
 
 
 
1 Includes our active operating mines, our indefinitely idled Empire mine and a closed mine formerly operating as LTVSMC.
Mine Closure
The accrued closure obligation for our active mining operations provides for contractual and legal obligations associated with the eventual closure of the mining operations. The closure date for each of our active operating mine sites was determined based on the exhaustion date of the remaining iron ore reserves. The closure date and expected timing of the capital requirements to meet our obligations for our indefinitely idled or closed mines is determined based on the unique circumstances of each property. For indefinitely idled or closed mines, the accretion of the liability is recognized over the anticipated timing of remediation. The amortization of the related asset and accretion of the liability is recognized over the estimated mine lives for our active operations.
The following represents a roll forward of our mine closure obligation liability for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2018:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period
$
172.4

 
$
168.4

Accretion expense
2.6

 
9.5

Remediation payments
(0.1
)
 
(1.0
)
Revision in estimated cash flows

 
(4.5
)
Asset retirement obligation at end of period
$
174.9

 
$
172.4


19

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NOTE 13 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the fair value of our derivative instruments and the classification of each in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position:
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Derivative Instrument
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts
 
Derivative assets
 
$
0.7

 
Derivative assets
 
$
0.1

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
0.7

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
3.7

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer supply agreement
 
Derivative assets
 
$
106.4

 
Derivative assets
 
$
89.3

 
 
 
$

 
 
 
$

Provisional pricing arrangements
 
Derivative assets
 
0.3

 
Derivative assets
 
2.1

 
Other current liabilities
 
9.8

 
 
 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
 
 
 
$
106.7

 
 
 
$
91.4

 
 
 
$
9.8

 
 
 
$

Total derivatives
 
 
 
$
107.4

 
 
 
$
91.5

 
 
 
$
10.5

 
 
 
$
3.7

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts
The following table presents our outstanding hedge contracts:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Notional Amount
 
Unit of Measure
 
Varying Maturity Dates
 
Notional Amount
 
Unit of Measure
 
Varying Maturity Dates
Natural gas
4.0
 
MMBtu
 
April 2019 - February 2020
 
1.8
 
MMBtu
 
January 2019 - August 2019
Diesel
7.5
 
Gallons
 
April 2019 - December 2019
 
11.0
 
Gallons
 
January 2019 - December 2019
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Customer Supply Agreement
A supply agreement with one customer provides for supplemental revenue or refunds to the customer based on the average annual daily steel market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the iron ore product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnace. The supplemental pricing is characterized as a freestanding derivative and is required to be accounted for separately once control transfers to the customer. The derivative instrument, which is finalized based on a future price, is adjusted to fair value through Product revenues each reporting period based upon current market data and forward-looking estimates provided by management until the pellets are consumed and the amounts are settled.
Provisional Pricing Arrangements
Certain of our supply agreements specify provisional price calculations, where the pricing mechanisms generally are based on market pricing, with the final revenue rate based on certain market inputs at a specified period in time in the future, per the terms of the supply agreements. Market inputs are tied to indexed price adjustment factors that are integral to the iron ore supply contracts and vary based on the agreement. The pricing mechanisms typically include

20

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adjustments based upon changes in the Platts 62% Price, Atlantic Basin pellet premiums, Platts international indexed freight rates and changes in specified Producer Price Indices, including those for industrial commodities, fuel and steel. The pricing adjustments generally operate in the same manner, with each factor typically comprising a portion of the price adjustment, although the weighting of each factor varies based upon the specific terms of each agreement. The price adjustment factors have been evaluated to determine if they qualify as embedded derivatives. The price adjustment factors share the same economic characteristics and risks as the host contract and are integral to the host contract as inflation adjustments; accordingly, they have not been separately valued as derivative instruments.
Revenue is recognized generally upon delivery to our customers. Revenue is measured at the point that control transfers and represents the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Changes in the expected revenue rate from the date that control transfers through final settlement of contract terms is recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 815 and is characterized as a derivative and accounted for separately.  Subsequently, the derivative instruments are adjusted to fair value through Product revenues each reporting period based upon current market data and forward-looking estimates provided by management until the final revenue rate is determined.
The provisional amounts represent the difference between the amount we expect to receive when revenue was initially measured at the point control transfers and our subsequent estimate of the final revenue rate based on the price calculation established in the supply agreements.
The following summarizes the effect of our derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations:
 
(In Millions)
 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Customer supply agreements
Product revenues
$
17.1

 
$
41.9

 
Provisional pricing arrangements
Product revenues
(11.6
)
 
1.9

 
Total
 
$
5.5

 
$
43.8

Refer to NOTE 8 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS for additional information.
NOTE 14 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The information below sets forth selected financial information related to operating results of our businesses classified as discontinued operations, which include our former Asia Pacific Iron Ore, North American Coal and Canadian operations. While the reclassification of revenues and expenses related to discontinued operations from prior periods have no impact upon previously reported net income, the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations present the revenues and expenses that were reclassified from the specified line items to discontinued operations and the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position present the assets and liabilities that were reclassified from the specified line items to assets and liabilities of discontinued operations. The charts below provide an asset group breakout for each financial statement line impacted by discontinued operations.
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific Iron Ore
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(71.3
)
North American Coal
 
0.5

 
0.4

 
 
$

 
$
(70.9
)

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(In Millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Net cash used by operating activities
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific Iron Ore
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(21.2
)
 
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(21.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific Iron Ore
 
$
0.1

 
$
(0.1
)
 
 
$
0.1

 
$
(0.1
)
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Operations
Background
In January 2018, we announced that we would accelerate the time frame for the planned closure of our Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations in Australia. In April 2018, we committed to a course of action leading to the permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations and, as planned, completed our final shipment in June 2018. Factors considered in this decision included increasingly discounted prices for lower-iron-content ore and the quality of the remaining iron ore reserves.
During 2018, we sold all of the assets of our Asia Pacific Iron Ore business through a series of sales to third parties. As a result of our planned exit, management determined that our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operating segment met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and a discontinued operation under ASC Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements. As such, all Asia Pacific Iron Ore operating segment results are classified within discontinued operations.
Loss from Discontinued Operations
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Loss from Discontinued Operations
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues from product sales and services
 
$

 
$
59.0

Cost of goods sold and operating expenses
 

 
(124.1
)
Sales margin
 

 
(65.1
)
Other operating expense
 
(0.4
)
 
(2.5
)
Other expense
 
(0.1
)
 
(1.1
)
Impairment of long-lived assets
 

 
(2.6
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(71.3
)

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NOTE 15 - CAPITAL STOCK
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase outstanding common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, up to a maximum of $200 million. We are not obligated to make any purchase and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased 11.5 million common shares at a cost of $124.3 million in the aggregate, including commissions and fees. As of March 31, 2019, there was $28.6 million remaining under the authorization. The share repurchase program is active until December 31, 2019.
Dividends
On February 19, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common shares of $0.05 per share. As a result, we have $14.7 million in Other current liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2019. Subsequent to quarter end on April 15, 2019, the cash dividend was paid to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 5, 2019.
On October 18, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common shares of $0.05 per share. On January 15, 2019, the cash dividend was paid to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 4, 2019.
NOTE 16 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following tables reflect the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to shareholders’ equity (deficit):
 
(In Millions)
 
Postretirement Benefit Liability, net of tax
 
Derivative Financial Instruments, net of tax
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2018
$
(281.1
)
 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
(283.9
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
0.2

 
2.5

 
2.7

Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
5.5

 
0.2

 
5.7

March 31, 2019
$
(275.4
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(275.5
)
 
(In Millions)
 
Postretirement Benefit Liability, net of tax
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Derivative Financial Instruments, net of tax
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2017
$
(263.9
)
 
$
225.4

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(39.0
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
0.5

 
0.7

 
0.4

 
1.6

Net loss (gain) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
6.2

 

 
(0.1
)
 
6.1

March 31, 2018
$
(257.2
)
 
$
226.1

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(31.3
)

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The following table reflects the details about Accumulated other comprehensive loss components related to Cliffs shareholders’ equity (deficit):
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
 
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified into Income, Net of Tax
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Amortization of pension and OPEB liability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credits
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
Other non-operating income
Net actuarial loss
 
7.2

 
6.5

 
Other non-operating income
 
 
$
7.0

 
$
6.2

 
 
 
 
(1.5
)
 

 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
 
$
5.5

 
$
6.2

 
Net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts
 
$
0.3

 
$
(0.1
)
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
(0.1
)
 

 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
 
$
0.2

 
$
(0.1
)
 
Net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
5.7

 
$
6.1

 
 
NOTE 17 - CASH FLOW INFORMATION
A reconciliation of capital additions to cash paid for capital expenditures is as follows:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Capital additions
$
129.3

 
$
78.9

Less:
 
 
 
Non-cash accruals
(11.5
)
 
7.5

Right-of-use assets – finance leases
15.1

 

Grants
(8.4
)
 

Cash paid for capital expenditures including deposits
$
134.1

 
$
71.4

 
 
 
 
Non-Cash Financing Activities - Declared Dividends
On February 19, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common shares of $0.05 per share. The cash dividend of $14.7 million was paid on April 15, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 5, 2019.

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NOTE 18 - RELATED PARTIES
One of our four operating mines, Hibbing, is a co-owned joint venture with companies that are integrated steel producers or their subsidiaries. We are the manager of Hibbing and rely on our joint venture partners to make their required capital contributions and to pay for their share of the iron ore pellets that we produce. The following is a summary of the mine ownership of the co-owned iron ore mine at March 31, 2019:
Mine
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
ArcelorMittal
 
U.S. Steel
Hibbing
 
23.0
%
 
62.3
%
 
14.7
%
Product revenues from related parties were as follows:
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Product revenues from related parties
 
$
41.1

 
$
62.1

Total product revenues
 
$
145.4

 
$
169.2

Related party product revenue as a percent of total product revenue
 
28.3
%
 
36.7
%
The following table presents the classification of related party assets and liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position:
 
 
(In Millions)
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
15.3

 
$
176.0

Derivative assets
 
106.4

 
89.3

Partnership distribution payable
 
(43.8
)
 
(43.5
)
Other current liabilities
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.8
)
 
 
$
77.4

 
$
220.0

A supply agreement with one customer provides for supplemental revenue or refunds to the customer based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnace. The supplemental pricing is characterized as a freestanding derivative. Refer to NOTE 13 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS for further information.
During 2017, our ownership interest in Empire increased to 100% as we reached an agreement to distribute the noncontrolling interest net assets of $132.7 million to ArcelorMittal, in exchange for its interest in Empire. The net assets were agreed to be distributed in three installments of $44.2 million each, the first of which was paid upon the execution of the agreement, the second of which was paid in August 2018 and the final of which is due in August 2019. The remaining installment is reflected in Partnership distribution payable in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2019.

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NOTE 19 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Loss from continuing operations
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(13.4
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
(70.9
)
Net loss
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(84.3
)
Weighted average number of shares:
 
 
 
Basic
289.5

 
297.3

$316.25 million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes

 

Employee stock plans

 

Diluted
289.5

 
297.3

Loss per common share - basic:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Discontinued operations

 
(0.24
)
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.29
)
Loss per common share - diluted:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Discontinued operations

 
(0.24
)
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(0.29
)
The following table summarizes the shares that have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were anti-dilutive:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
$316.25 million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes
7.3

 

Employee stock plans
4.2

 
3.8

Total number of anti-dilutive shares
11.5

 
3.8


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Table of Contents


NOTE 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Purchase Commitments
In 2017, we began to incur capital commitments related to the construction of our HBI production plant in Toledo, Ohio. In total, we expect to spend approximately $830 million on the HBI production plant, exclusive of construction-related contingencies and capitalized interest through 2020. Through March 31, 2019, we have entered into contracts and purchase orders for approximately $780 million of the total capital investment for the HBI production plant, of which a total of approximately $265 million has been expended project-to-date, including deposits. We expect expenditures of approximately $290 million during the remaining nine months of 2019. Of the remaining committed capital, expenditures of approximately $275 million are expected to be made during 2020.
Contingencies
We are currently the subject of, or party to, various claims and legal proceedings incidental to our operations. If management believes that a loss arising from these matters is probable and can reasonably be estimated, we record the amount of the loss or the minimum estimated liability when the loss is estimated using a range, and no point within the range is more probable than another. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary. Based on currently available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, these claims and legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include monetary damages, additional funding requirements or an injunction. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material impact on the financial position and results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs or future periods. However, we do not believe that any pending claims or legal proceedings will result in a material liability in relation to our consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 21 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
We have evaluated subsequent events through the date of financial statement issuance.
On April 24, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase common shares in an additional amount of up to a maximum of $100 million. On November 24, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors previously authorized share repurchases of up to a maximum amount of $200 million, and approximately $29 million of this earlier authorization remains available as of April 25, 2019. When combined with the additional amount of share repurchase authorization, the Company now has authorization to repurchase common shares up to a maximum of approximately $129 million as of April 25, 2019. Such share repurchases may be made via acquisitions in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, including through accelerated share repurchases or pursuant to the terms of a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The Company is not obligated to make any purchases and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The authorization is active until December 31, 2019.

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NOTE 22 - SUPPLEMENTARY GUARANTOR INFORMATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.” Certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") have guaranteed the obligations under the $1.075 billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes issued by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. See NOTE 7 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES for further information.
The following presents the unaudited condensed consolidating financial information for: (i) the Parent Company and the Issuer of the guaranteed obligations (Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.); (ii) the Guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; (iii) the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; (iv) consolidating eliminations; and (v) Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Each Guarantor subsidiary is 100% owned by the Parent Company as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The unaudited condensed consolidating financial information is presented as if the Guarantor structure at March 31, 2019 existed for all periods presented.
Each of the Guarantor subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the obligations of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. under the $1.075 billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes. The guarantee of a Guarantor subsidiary will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and such Guarantor subsidiary’s obligations under the guarantee and the related indenture governing the $1.075 billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, upon:
(a) any sale, exchange, transfer or disposition of such Guarantor subsidiary (by merger, consolidation, or the sale of) or the capital stock of such Guarantor subsidiary after which the applicable Guarantor subsidiary is no longer a subsidiary of the Company or the sale of all or substantially all of such Guarantor subsidiary’s assets (other than by lease);
(b) upon designation of any Guarantor subsidiary as an “excluded subsidiary” (as defined in the Indenture); or
(c) upon defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.
Each entity in the unaudited consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial information has been presented on the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions, and other changes in equity. Elimination entries include consolidating and eliminating entries for investments in subsidiaries, and intra-entity activity and balances.

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
As of March 31, 2019
(In Millions)
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
426.8

 
$
0.7

 
$
2.7

 
$

 
$
430.2

Accounts receivable, net
7.6

 
16.2

 
0.3

 
(4.0
)
 
20.1

Inventories

 
312.7

 

 

 
312.7

Supplies and other inventories

 
97.3

 

 

 
97.3

Derivative assets
0.7

 
106.7

 

 

 
107.4

Income tax receivable, current
117.3

 

 

 

 
117.3

Other current assets
8.6

 
21.1

 
11.3

 

 
41.0

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
561.0

 
554.7

 
14.3

 
(4.0
)
 
1,126.0

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
12.0

 
1,347.5

 
50.8

 

 
1,410.3

OTHER ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits for property, plant and equipment

 
53.6

 
14.7

 

 
68.3

Income tax receivable, non-current
117.2

 
4.1

 

 

 
121.3

Deferred income taxes
465.4

 

 
1.2

 

 
466.6

Investment in subsidiaries
1,448.5

 
30.1

 

 
(1,478.6
)
 

Long-term intercompany notes

 

 
121.3

 
(121.3
)
 

Other non-current assets
16.6

 
95.8

 
1.4

 

 
113.8

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS
2,047.7

 
183.6

 
138.6

 
(1,599.9
)
 
770.0

TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,620.7

 
$
2,085.8

 
$
203.7

 
$
(1,603.9
)
 
$
3,306.3

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
5.2

 
$
166.4

 
$
4.1

 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
171.7

Accrued employment costs
9.4

 
32.6

 
0.1

 

 
42.1

Accrued interest
23.0

 

 

 

 
23.0

Partnership distribution payable

 
43.8

 

 

 
43.8

Other current liabilities
27.9

 
78.4

 
7.1

 

 
113.4

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
65.5

 
321.2

 
11.3

 
(4.0
)
 
394.0

PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES
64.1

 
414.8

 
(234.7
)
 

 
244.2

ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS

 
154.6

 
19.8

 

 
174.4

LONG-TERM DEBT
2,087.0

 

 

 

 
2,087.0

LONG-TERM INTERCOMPANY NOTES
121.3

 

 

 
(121.3
)
 

OTHER LIABILITIES
21.1

 
116.0

 
7.9

 

 
145.0

TOTAL LIABILITIES
2,359.0

 
1,006.6

 
(195.7
)
 
(125.3
)
 
3,044.6

EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL EQUITY
261.7

 
1,079.2

 
399.4

 
(1,478.6
)
 
261.7

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
2,620.7

 
$
2,085.8

 
$
203.7

 
$
(1,603.9
)
 
$
3,306.3


29

Table of Contents


Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
As of December 31, 2018
(In Millions)
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
819.8

 
$
0.7

 
$
2.7

 
$

 
$
823.2

Accounts receivable, net
9.2

 
221.3

 
0.3

 
(4.1
)
 
226.7

Inventories

 
87.9

 

 

 
87.9

Supplies and other inventories

 
93.2

 

 

 
93.2

Derivative assets
0.1

 
91.4

 

 

 
91.5

Income tax receivable, current
117.3

 

 

 

 
117.3

Other current assets
10.0

 
16.9

 
12.9

 

 
39.8

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
956.4

 
511.4

 
15.9

 
(4.1
)
 
1,479.6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
13.3

 
1,221.9

 
50.8

 

 
1,286.0

OTHER ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits for property, plant and equipment

 
68.4

 
14.6

 

 
83.0

Income tax receivable, non-current
117.2

 
4.1

 

 

 
121.3

Deferred income taxes
463.6

 

 
1.2

 

 
464.8

Investment in subsidiaries
1,262.3

 
50.8

 

 
(1,313.1
)
 

Long-term intercompany notes

 

 
121.3

 
(121.3
)
 

Other non-current assets
8.0

 
85.4

 
1.5

 

 
94.9

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS
1,851.1

 
208.7

 
138.6

 
(1,434.4
)
 
764.0

TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,820.8

 
$
1,942.0

 
$
205.3

 
$
(1,438.5
)
 
$
3,529.6

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
5.3

 
$
181.4

 
$
4.2

 
$
(4.1
)
 
$
186.8

Accrued employment costs
28.5

 
45.4

 
0.1

 

 
74.0

Accrued interest
38.4

 

 

 

 
38.4

Partnership distribution payable

 
43.5

 

 

 
43.5

Other current liabilities
30.6

 
86.7

 
8.2

 

 
125.5

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
102.8

 
357.0

 
12.5

 
(4.1
)
 
468.2

PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES
64.3

 
414.4

 
(230.0
)
 

 
248.7

ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS

 
152.1

 
19.9

 

 
172.0

LONG-TERM DEBT
2,092.9

 

 

 

 
2,092.9

LONG-TERM INTERCOMPANY NOTES
121.3

 

 

 
(121.3
)
 

OTHER LIABILITIES
15.3

 
99.5

 
8.8

 

 
123.6

TOTAL LIABILITIES
2,396.6

 
1,023.0

 
(188.8
)
 
(125.4
)
 
3,105.4

EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL EQUITY
424.2

 
919.0

 
394.1

 
(1,313.1
)
 
424.2

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
2,820.8

 
$
1,942.0

 
$
205.3

 
$
(1,438.5
)
 
$
3,529.6



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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
(In Millions)
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
$

 
$
145.4

 
$

 
$

 
$
145.4

Freight

 
11.6

 

 

 
11.6

 

 
157.0

 

 

 
157.0

COST OF GOODS SOLD

 
(126.1
)
 

 

 
(126.1
)
SALES MARGIN

 
30.9

 

 

 
30.9

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(22.8
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 
(28.1
)
Miscellaneous – net

 
(3.4
)
 
(0.2
)
 

 
(3.6
)
 
(22.8
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 
(31.7
)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(22.8
)
 
22.3

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.8
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(24.7
)
 
(0.5
)
 
0.1

 

 
(25.1
)
Other non-operating income (expense)
(1.4
)
 
(3.2
)
 
4.7

 

 
0.1

 
(26.1
)
 
(3.7
)
 
4.8

 

 
(25.0
)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(48.9
)
 
18.6

 
4.5

 

 
(25.8
)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)
3.9

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 
3.7

EQUITY IN INCOME OF SUBSIDIARIES
22.9

 
4.4

 

 
(27.3
)
 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(22.1
)
 
22.9

 
4.4

 
(27.3
)
 
(22.1
)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(22.1
)
 
$
22.8

 
$
4.5

 
$
(27.3
)
 
$
(22.1
)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
8.4

 
6.7

 

 
(6.7
)
 
8.4

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
$
(13.7
)
 
$
29.5

 
$
4.5

 
$
(34.0
)
 
$
(13.7
)

31

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Millions)
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
$

 
$
169.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
169.2

Freight

 
10.8

 

 

 
10.8

 

 
180.0

 

 

 
180.0

COST OF GOODS SOLD

 
(118.5
)
 

 

 
(118.5
)
SALES MARGIN

 
61.5

 

 

 
61.5

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(20.1
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 
(25.1
)
Miscellaneous – net
(0.2
)
 
(5.3
)
 
(0.6
)
 

 
(6.1
)
 
(20.3
)
 
(10.0
)
 
(0.9
)
 

 
(31.2
)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(20.3
)
 
51.5

 
(0.9
)
 

 
30.3

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(31.9
)
 
(0.8
)
 
0.3

 

 
(32.4
)
Other non-operating income (expense)
(0.9
)
 
0.5

 
4.8

 

 
4.4

 
(32.8
)
 
(0.3
)
 
5.1

 

 
(28.0
)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(53.1
)
 
51.2

 
4.2

 

 
2.3

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
(15.6
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(15.7
)
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSS) OF SUBSIDIARIES
(15.7
)
 
4.5

 

 
11.2

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(84.4
)
 
55.6

 
4.2

 
11.2

 
(13.4
)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax
0.1

 
0.2

 
(71.2
)
 

 
(70.9
)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(84.3
)
 
$
55.8

 
$
(67.0
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
(84.3
)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
7.7

 
5.9

 
0.8

 
(6.7
)
 
7.7

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
$
(76.6
)
 
$
61.7

 
$
(66.2
)
 
$
4.5

 
$
(76.6
)

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
(In Millions)
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net cash used by operating activities
$
(71.6
)
 
$
(38.4
)
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$

 
$
(111.2
)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(0.3
)
 
(132.4
)
 

 

 
(132.7
)
Deposits for property, plant and equipment

 
(1.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 
(1.4
)
Intercompany investing
(157.6
)
 
(0.4
)
 

 
158.0

 

Other investing activities

 
8.4

 
0.1

 

 
8.5

Net cash used by investing activities
(157.9
)
 
(125.7
)
 

 
158.0

 
(125.6
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of common shares
(124.3
)
 

 

 

 
(124.3
)
Dividends paid
(14.8
)
 

 

 

 
(14.8
)
Repurchase of debt
(10.3
)
 

 

 

 
(10.3
)
Intercompany financing

 
157.5

 
0.5

 
(158.0
)
 

Other financing activities
(14.1
)
 
6.6

 
(0.9
)
 

 
(8.4
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
(163.5
)
 
164.1

 
(0.4
)
 
(158.0
)
 
(157.8
)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, INCLUDING CASH CLASSIFIED WITHIN OTHER CURRENT ASSETS RELATED TO DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
(393.0
)
 

 
(1.6
)
 

 
(394.6
)
LESS: DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, CLASSIFIED WITHIN OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

 
(1.6
)
 

 
(1.6
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(393.0
)
 

 

 

 
(393.0
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
819.8

 
0.7

 
2.7

 

 
823.2

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
426.8

 
$
0.7

 
$
2.7

 
$

 
$
430.2



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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Millions)
 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net cash used by operating activities
$
(54.7
)
 
$
(64.7
)
 
$
(23.5
)
 
$

 
$
(142.9
)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 
(12.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 
(12.4
)
Deposits for property, plant and equipment

 
(54.4
)
 
(4.6
)
 

 
(59.0
)
Intercompany investing
(137.7
)
 
(4.8
)
 

 
142.5

 

Net cash used by investing activities
(137.7
)
 
(71.5
)
 
(4.7
)
 
142.5

 
(71.4
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financing

 
135.6

 
6.9

 
(142.5
)
 

Other financing activities
(2.9
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(3.6
)
 

 
(7.0
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
(2.9
)
 
135.1

 
3.3

 
(142.5
)
 
(7.0
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, INCLUDING CASH CLASSIFIED WITHIN OTHER CURRENT ASSETS RELATED TO DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
(195.3
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(24.7
)
 

 
(221.1
)
LESS: DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, CLASSIFIED WITHIN OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(195.3
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(24.7
)
 

 
(221.1
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
948.9

 
2.1

 
27.3

 

 
978.3

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
753.6

 
$
1.0

 
$
2.6

 
$

 
$
757.2

Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors that may affect our future results. We believe it is important to read our MD&A in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as well as other publicly available information.
Overview
Founded in 1847, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest and oldest independent iron ore mining company in the United States. We are a major supplier of iron ore pellets to the North American steel industry from our mines and pellet plants located in Michigan and Minnesota. By 2020, we expect to be the sole producer of HBI in the Great Lakes region with the development of our first production plant in Toledo, Ohio. Driven by the core values of safety, social, environmental and capital stewardship, our employees endeavor to provide all stakeholders with operating and financial transparency.
The key driver of our business is demand for steelmaking raw materials from U.S. steelmakers. During the first two months of 2019, the U.S. produced approximately 14 million metric tons of crude steel, which is up 7% when compared to the same period in 2018, or about 5% of total global crude steel production. U.S. total steel capacity utilization was approximately 82% in the first three months of 2019, which is an approximate 7% increase from the same period in 2018. Through the first two months of 2019, global crude steel production increased about 4% compared to the same period in 2018, driven by an approximate 9% increase in Chinese crude steel production.
Through the first quarter of the year, economic conditions surrounding the markets that influence our profitability were, in the aggregate, at their most favorable levels since 2014. In January 2019, a tailings dam operated by Vale S.A., the largest iron ore miner in the world, suffered a catastrophic failure resulting in hundreds of fatalities in Brumadinho,

34

Table of Contents


Brazil. The fallout of this disaster has led to multiple disruptions in iron ore supply, leading to capacity reductions in the seaborne iron ore market. Due in large part to these disruptions, the Platts 62% Price, a key component in our pellet pricing arrangements, averaged $83 per metric ton in the first quarter, a 12% increase compared to $74 per metric ton in the first quarter of 2018.
The Vale S.A. incident in Brazil also intensified the already prevailing shortage in the iron ore pellet market. This shortage, along with the continued global focus on iron ore product quality, pushed pellet premiums higher during the first quarter. The Atlantic Basin pellet premium, another important pricing factor in our contracts, averaged $67 per metric ton for the first three months of 2019, a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2018. We believe the supply-demand dynamics of this market will continue to be favorable for us for the near term. Iron ore pellets remain scarce in the international market and new capacity is unlikely to come online in the near term due to the time and expense required to do so. We believe this scarcity will support and potentially increase these multi-year high premiums for pellet products in the foreseeable future.
The price for domestic hot-rolled coil steel, which is an important attribute in the calculation of supplemental revenue in a customer's supply agreement, averaged $692 per net ton for the first three months of 2019, 9% lower than the same period last year. While purchasers scrambled to place steel orders in the wake of the Section 232 tariffs implemented in the first quarter of 2018, the market has since normalized and prices have remained stable during the first quarter of 2019. While prices averaged a lower rate compared to the prior-year first quarter, they still remain well above the prior decade’s averages as tariffs have re-rated marginal import prices higher. Because the United States is the largest importer of steel in the world, we believe these tariffs should not only alleviate some national security concerns, but also keep the prices for domestic hot-rolled coil steel elevated above historical averages for as long as they remain in place. As such, we remain positive on our outlook for the domestic steel market.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, our consolidated revenues were $157.0 million and $180.0 million, respectively, with net loss from continuing operations per diluted share of $0.08 and $0.05, respectively.
First Quarter 2019 Recent Developments
Changes to our Executive Leadership    
On February 12, 2019, Keith Koci was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Koci replaces Timothy K. Flanagan. Mr. Koci joins us from Metals USA Holdings Corp., where he served most recently as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that role, Mr. Koci served as Metals USA's Senior Vice President, Business Development from 2006 to 2013 and various other accounting and finance roles with increasing responsibility from 1998 to 2005.
Authorization for Additional Share Repurchases
On April 24, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase common shares in an additional amount of up to a maximum of $100 million. On November 24, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors previously authorized share repurchases of up to a maximum amount of $200 million, and approximately $29 million of this earlier authorization remains available as of April 25, 2019. When combined with the additional amount of share repurchase authorization, the Company now has authorization to repurchase common shares up to a maximum of approximately $129 million as of April 25, 2019. Such share repurchases may be made via acquisitions in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, including through accelerated share repurchases or pursuant to the terms of a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The Company is not obligated to make any purchases and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The authorization is active until December 31, 2019.

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Table of Contents


2019 Compared to 2018
Results of Operations
The following is a summary of Mining and Pelletizing results:
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
 
 
Changes due to:
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 
Sales volume
 
Freight
 
Total change
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Revenues from product sales and services
 
$
157.0

 
$
180.0

 
$
(17.5
)
 
$
(6.3
)
 
$
0.8

 
$
(23.0
)
Cost of goods sold
 
(126.1
)
 
(118.5
)
 
(11.1
)
 
4.3

 
(0.8
)
 
(7.6
)
Sales margin
 
$
30.9

 
$
61.5

 
$
(28.6
)
 
$
(2.0
)
 
$

 
$
(30.6
)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 

Per Ton Information
 
2019
 
2018
 
Difference
 
Percent change
Realized product revenue rate1
 
$
93.81

 
$
105.03

 
$
(11.22
)
 
(10.7
)%
Cash cost of goods sold rate1,2
 
61.94

 
57.05

 
4.89

 
8.6
 %
Depreciation, depletion & amortization
 
11.94

 
9.81

 
2.13

 
21.7
 %
Total cost of goods sold
 
73.88

 
66.86

 
7.02

 
10.5
 %
Sales margin
 
$
19.93

 
$
38.17

 
$
(18.24
)
 
(47.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales tons3 (In thousands)
 
1,550

 
1,611

 
 
 
 
Production tons3 (In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
5,679

 
5,890

 
 
 
 
Cliffs’ share of total
 
4,401

 
4,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Excludes revenues and expenses related to domestic freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin.
2 Cash cost of goods sold rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
3 Tons are long tons.
Sales margin was $30.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared with $61.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Sales margin per long ton decreased 47.8% to $19.93 in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018.
Revenue decreased by $23.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the prior-year period, excluding the domestic freight increase of $0.8 million. This was driven by a decrease in the average year-to-date realized product revenue rate of $11 per long ton, or 10.7%, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the first three months of 2018, which resulted in a decrease of $18 million. This is predominantly due to:
Changes in hot-rolled coil steel pricing, which had a negative effect on the realized revenue rate of $19 per long ton, or $30 million, during the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018. The imposition of the Section 232 actions increased the first quarter of 2018 actual pricing and our full-year estimates for hot-rolled coil steel in 2018. Additionally, due to current market trends, there has been a slight decrease in the full-year estimates for 2019.
This decrease was offset partially by higher full-year estimated Platts 62% Price as of March 31, 2019, compared to the prior-year period's full-year estimated Platts 62% Price as of March 31, 2018, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $8 per long ton, or $12 million.
Cost of goods sold increased $6.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, excluding the domestic freight increase of $0.8 million, compared to the same period in 2018, predominantly as a result of an unfavorable change in the full-year standard cost driven by higher maintenance costs of $3 million, or $2 per long ton, reduced energy rebates

36

Table of Contents


of $3 million, or $2 per long ton, increased transportation rates of $2 million, or $1 per long ton, higher stripping costs of $2 million, or $1 per long ton and increased royalties of $1 million, or $1 per long ton.
Production
Our share of production was relatively consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018, decreasing approximately 2%.
Other Operating Income (Expense)
The following is a summary of Other operating expense:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
(28.1
)
 
$
(25.1
)
 
$
(3.0
)
Miscellaneous – net
(3.6
)
 
(6.1
)
 
2.5

 
$
(31.7
)
 
$
(31.2
)
 
$
(0.5
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019, had an unfavorable variance of $3.0 million, from the comparable period in 2018, primarily due to increased employment costs, including severance and incentive-based compensation.     
Other Income (Expense)
The following is a summary of Other income (expense):
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Interest expense, net
$
(25.1
)
 
$
(32.4
)
 
$
7.3

Other non-operating income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Net periodic benefit costs other than service cost component

 
3.6

 
(3.6
)
Other
0.4

 
0.8

 
(0.4
)
 
$
(25.0
)
 
$
(28.0
)
 
$
3.0

Interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $7.3 million lower than the prior-year period, primarily due to capitalized interest related to the HBI production plant and upgrades at the Northshore plant. Additionally, debt restructuring activities during 2018 reduced the first quarter of 2019 interest expense.

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Table of Contents


Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is impacted by permanent items, primarily depletion. It also is affected by discrete items that may occur in any given period but are not consistent from period to period. The following represents a summary of our tax provision and corresponding effective rates:
 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Income tax benefit (expense)
$
3.7

 
$
(15.7
)
 
$
19.4

Effective tax rate
14.3
%
 
682.7
%
 
(668.4
)%
Our tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was a benefit of $3.7 million and a 14.3% effective tax rate compared with a $15.7 million expense and a 682.7% effective tax rate for the comparable prior-year period. The difference in the effective rate and income tax expense from the comparable prior-year periods primarily relates to discrete items recorded in each period as well as the reversal of valuation allowance in the prior year.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded discrete items that resulted in an income tax benefit of $0.4 million and expense of $15.7 million, respectively. The prior year expense of $15.7 million primarily relates to the $14.5 million reduction of the refundable AMT credit recorded in Income tax receivable, non-current in our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position based on the sequestration guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service during the first quarter of 2018. This position was subsequently reversed by the Internal Revenue Service during the fourth quarter of 2018. The prior-year period expense was a reduction of an asset and did not result in a cash tax outlay.
Our 2019 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items is 12.9%. This estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the deductions for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion related to U.S. operations. The 2018 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items at March 31, 2018 was 0.1%. The rate in the comparable prior-year period was significantly lower due to the reversal of valuation allowance in the same period.
Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we had a loss of $70.9 million primarily due to the exit from our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations, which was not repeated in 2019. Refer to NOTE 14 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS for further information.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
We evaluate performance based on EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures. These measures allow management and investors to focus on our ability to service our debt as well as illustrate how the business is performing.  Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist management and investors in their analysis and forecasting as these measures approximate the cash flows associated with operational earnings.

38

Table of Contents


 
(In Millions)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Net loss
$
(22.1
)
 
$
(84.3
)
Less:
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(25.1
)
 
(33.5
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
3.7

 
(15.7
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(19.9
)
 
(23.9
)
EBITDA
$
19.2

 
$
(11.2
)
Less:
 
 
 
Foreign exchange remeasurement
$
0.1

 
$
(0.4
)
Impact of discontinued operations

 
(63.1
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(0.3
)
 

Severance costs
(1.7
)
 

Adjusted EBITDA
$
21.1

 
$
52.3

 
 
 
 
EBITDA:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
42.8

 
$
72.5

Metallics
(0.8
)
 
(0.3
)
Corporate and Other (including discontinued operations)
(22.8
)
 
(83.4
)
Total EBITDA
$
19.2

 
$
(11.2
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
 
Mining and Pelletizing
$
47.5

 
$
77.1

Metallics
(0.8
)
 
(0.3
)
Corporate
(25.6
)
 
(24.5
)
Total Adjusted EBITDA
$
21.1

 
$
52.3

EBITDA increased $30.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 on a consolidated basis from the comparable period in 2018. The favorable variance in EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was driven primarily by the impact of the $63.1 million from Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax during the prior-year period that did not recur in 2019, partially offset by a decrease in sales margin of $30.6 million.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $31.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from the comparable period in 2018, which was driven by a decrease in sales margin of $30.6 million compared to the prior-year period.
Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are Cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from our operating and financing activities. Our capital allocation decision-making process is focused on returning capital to shareholders while maintaining the strength of our balance sheet and creating financial flexibility to manage through the inherent cyclical demand for our products and volatility in commodity prices. We are focused on maximizing the cash generation of our operations as well as reducing operating costs, aligning capital investments with our strategic priorities and the requirements of our business plan, including regulatory and permission-to-operate related projects.
During the first three months of 2019, we took action consistent with our capital allocation priorities of returning capital to shareholders, maintaining the strength of our balance sheet, improving our financial flexibility and executing on opportunities that will allow us to increase our long-term profitability. We have remained focused on protecting our business based on our actions to allocate capital to both sustaining our existing operations and our two major capital projects: the HBI plant in Toledo, Ohio and the upgrade to the Northshore plant to replace up to 3.5 million long tons of blast furnace pellet production with DR-grade pellet production.

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Based on our outlook for the next 12 months, which is subject to continued changing demand from steelmakers that utilize our products and volatility in iron ore and domestic steel prices, we expect to generate cash from operations sufficient to meet the needs of our existing operations, service our debt obligations and fund our dividends.
Refer to “Outlook” for additional guidance regarding expected future results, including projections on sales volume and production.
The following discussion summarizes the significant activities impacting our cash flows during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 as well as expected impacts to our future cash flows over the next 12 months. Refer to the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows for additional information.
Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities was $111.2 million and $142.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The incremental decrease in cash used by operating activities during the first quarter of 2019 primarily was due to prior year uses of cash by our discontinued operations.
Our U.S. cash and cash equivalents balance at March 31, 2019 was $428.7 million, or 99.7% of our consolidated total cash and cash equivalents balance of $430.2 million. Additionally, we had a cash balance at March 31, 2019 of $10.8 million classified as part of Other current assets in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position, which will be utilized to support the completion of our exit from Australia.
Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities was $125.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared with $71.4 million for the comparable period in 2018. During the first three months of 2019, we had net cash outflows, including deposits, of approximately $90 million on development of the HBI production plant and approximately $20 million on the upgrades at Northshore Mine. Additionally, we spent approximately $13 million and $12 million on expenditures related to sustaining capital during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Sustaining capital spend includes infrastructure, mobile equipment, environment, safety, fixed equipment, product quality and health.
We anticipate total cash used for capital expenditures, excluding amounts attributable to construction-related contingencies and capitalized interest, during the next 12 months to be approximately $530 million. Included within this estimate is approximately $100 million for sustaining capital, $400 million related to development of the HBI production plant and $30 million for upgrades at the Northshore plant. In total, including amounts spent to date, we expect to spend approximately $830 million on the HBI production plant and $90 million on the Northshore upgrades, exclusive of construction-related contingencies and capitalized interest, through 2020.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities in the first three months of 2019 was $157.8 million, compared to $7.0 million for the comparable period in 2018. Net cash used by financing activities during the first three months of 2019 primarily related to the repurchase of 11.5 million common shares for $124.3 million in the aggregate under the $200 million program authorized by our Board on November 24, 2018. On April 25, 2019, we announced Board authorization to repurchase up to an additional $100 million of common shares. Approximately $29 million of the original authorization remains available. When combined with the additional amount of share repurchase authorization, as of April 25, 2019, we have total share repurchase authorization remaining of up to approximately $129 million.
Additional uses of cash from financing activities included a cash dividend on our common shares of $14.8 million, and the repurchase of debt of $10.3 million. Uses of cash for financing activities during the first three months of 2018 primarily related to the repayment of lease liabilities.
We anticipate future uses of cash for financing activities during the next 12 months to include quarterly cash dividend payments of approximately $15 million per quarter and our final $44 million distribution of Empire partnership equity.

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Capital Resources
The following represents a summary of key liquidity measures:
 
(In Millions)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$
430.2

 
$
823.2

Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations, included within other current assets
10.8

 
12.4

Total cash and cash equivalents
$
441.0

 
$
835.6

 
 
 
 
Available borrowing base on ABL Facility1
$
305.4

 
$
323.7

ABL Facility loans drawn

 

Letter of credit obligations and other commitments
(65.4
)
 
(55.0
)
Borrowing capacity available
$
240.0

 
$
268.7

 
 
 
 
1 The ABL Facility has a maximum borrowing base of $450 million, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
Our primary sources of funding are cash on hand, which totaled $441.0 million as of March 31, 2019, cash generated by our business, availability under the ABL Facility and other financing activities. The combination of cash and availability under the ABL Facility gives us $681.0 million in liquidity entering the second quarter of 2019, which is expected to be adequate to fund operations, letter of credit obligations, sustaining and expansion capital expenditures and other cash commitments for at least the next 12 months.
As of March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with the ABL Facility liquidity requirements and, therefore, the springing financial covenant requiring a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 was not applicable.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain arrangements that are not reflected on our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position. These arrangements include minimum "take or pay" purchase commitments, such as minimum electric power demand charges, minimum coal, diesel and natural gas purchase commitments and minimum railroad transportation commitments. We also have financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as bank letters of credit and bank guarantees.
Market Risks
We are subject to a variety of risks, including those caused by changes in commodity prices and interest rates. We have established policies and procedures to manage such risks; however, certain risks are beyond our control.
Pricing Risks
Commodity Price Risk
Our consolidated revenues include primarily the sale of a single product, iron ore pellets, in the North American market. Our financial results can vary significantly as a result of fluctuations in the market prices of iron ore, hot-rolled coil steel and iron ore pellet premiums. World market prices for these commodities have fluctuated historically and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control. The world market price that is most commonly utilized in our iron ore sales contracts is the Platts 62% Price, which can fluctuate widely due to numerous factors, such as global economic growth or contraction, change in demand for steel or changes in availability of supply.

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Customer Supply Agreement
A supply agreement with one customer provides for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the iron ore product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. At March 31, 2019, we had derivative assets of $106.4 million, representing the fair value of the pricing factors, based upon the amount of unconsumed long tons and an estimated average hot-rolled coil steel price for the period in which the iron ore is expected to be consumed in the customer's blast furnaces, subject to final pricing at a future date. We estimate that a $75 positive or negative change in the average daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel realized from the March 31, 2019 estimated price recorded would cause the fair value of the derivative instrument to increase or decrease by approximately $25.5 million, respectively, thereby impacting our consolidated revenues by the same amount. We have not entered into any hedging programs to mitigate the risk of adverse price fluctuations.
Volatile Energy and Fuel Costs
The cost of energy is an important factor affecting the production costs at our iron ore operations. Our operations consumed 4.0 million MMBtu’s of natural gas at an average delivered price of $4.46 per MMBtu during the first three months of 2019. Additionally, our operations consumed 4.7 million gallons of diesel fuel at an average delivered price of $2.14 per gallon during the first three months of 2019.    
Our strategy to address volatile natural gas and diesel rates includes improving efficiency in energy usage, identifying alternative providers and utilizing the lowest cost alternative fuels. We utilize a full-year hedging program to manage the price risk of natural gas and diesel at our Mining and Pelletizing mines. We will continue to monitor relevant energy markets for risk mitigation opportunities and may make additional forward purchases or employ other hedging instruments in the future as warranted and deemed appropriate by management. Based on the expected consumption for the remaining nine months of 2019, a 10% change in our current average year-to-date prices for both natural gas and diesel fuel would result in a change of approximately $8.8 million in our annual fuel and energy cost.
In the ordinary course of business, there may also be increases in prices relative to electricity costs at our mine sites. Specifically, Tilden has entered into large curtailable special contracts with Wisconsin Electric Power Company. Charges under those special contracts are subject to a power supply cost recovery mechanism that is based on variations in the utility's actual fuel and purchase power expenses.
Valuation of Other Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such indicators may include: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in market pricing; a significant adverse change in legal or environmental factors or in the business climate; changes in estimates of our recoverable reserves; and unanticipated competition. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of our long-lived assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated statements of operations and statement of financial position.
A comparison of each asset group's carrying value to the estimated undiscounted net future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cost of disposition, is used to determine if an asset is recoverable. Projected future cash flows reflect management's best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period, including growth rates in revenues and costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and capital expenditures. If the carrying value of the asset group is higher than its undiscounted net future cash flows, the asset group is measured at fair value and the difference is recorded as a reduction to the long-lived assets. We estimate fair value using a market approach, an income approach or a cost approach. As of March 31, 2019, no impairment factors were present that would indicate that the carrying value of our asset groups may not be recoverable; as a result, no impairment assessment was required.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest payable on our senior notes is at fixed rates. Interest payable under our ABL Facility is at a variable rate based upon the base rate plus the base rate margin depending on the excess availability. As of March 31, 2019, we had no amounts drawn on the ABL Facility.
Supply Concentration Risks
Many of our mines are dependent on one source each of electric power and natural gas. A significant interruption or change in service or rates from our energy suppliers could materially impact our production costs, margins and profitability.

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Outlook
 
 
2019 Outlook Summary
Per Long Ton Information
Mining and Pelletizing
Cost of goods sold rate
$74 - $79
Less:
 
    Freight expense rate1
$8
    Depreciation, depletion & amortization rate
$4
Cash cost of goods sold rate
$62 - $67
 
 
Sales volume (million long tons)2
20.0
Production volume (million long tons)
20.0
 
1 Freight has an offsetting amount in revenue and has no impact on sales margin.
2 This includes approximately 500,000 long tons of intercompany sales volumes to Cliffs' HBI facility.
Mining and Pelletizing Outlook (Long tons)
Based on the assumption that relevant pricing indices will average for the remainder of 2019 their respective year-to-date averages, including iron ore prices of $85 per metric ton, steel prices of $691 per short ton, and pellet premiums of $67 per metric ton, we would expect to realize Mining and Pelletizing revenue rates in the range of $108 to $113 per long ton, a $6 per long ton increase versus the comparable range provided last quarter. Assuming spot prices as of April 24, 2019, including an iron ore price of $94 per metric ton, a steel price of $676 per short ton, and a pellet premium of $66 per metric ton, will average these levels for the remainder of 2019, we would expect to realize Mining and Pelletizing revenue rates in the range of $111 to $116 per long ton for the full-year 2019.

For 2019, we maintained our full-year sales and production volume expectation of 20 million long tons. Our full-year 2019 Mining and Pelletizing cash cost of goods sold expectation is maintained at $62 to $67 per long ton.
Other Outlook
Our full-year 2019 SG&A expense expectation of $120 million is being maintained. We note that of the $120 million expectation, approximately $20 million is considered non-cash. Our full-year 2019 net interest expense expectation is maintained at $100 million. Full-year 2019 depreciation, depletion and amortization is expected to be approximately $80 million.
Based on refined projections, our 2019 effective tax rate is now expected to be approximately 12-14%.  However, due to our net operating loss position, our cash tax payments are still expected to be zero. We also expect to receive $117 million in cash tax refunds during the second quarter of 2019, which is earlier than previously expected.
Our total capital expenditures expectation of approximately $555 million (including capitalized interest) for the year 2019 is maintained.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. As a general matter, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated trends and expectations rather than historical matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to Cliffs’ operations and business environment that are difficult to predict and may be beyond our control. Such uncertainties and factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no ongoing obligation, other than that imposed by law, to update these statements. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Cliffs’ future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this report include, but are not limited to:
uncertainty and weaknesses in global economic conditions, including downward pressure on prices caused by oversupply or imported products, reduced market demand and risks related to U.S. government actions with respect to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act (as amended by the Trade Act of 1974), the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and/or other trade agreements, treaties or policies;

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continued volatility of iron ore and steel prices and other trends, which may impact the price-adjustment calculations under our sales contracts;
our ability to successfully diversify our product mix and add new customers beyond our traditional blast furnace clientele;
our ability to cost-effectively achieve planned production rates or levels, including at our HBI plant;
our ability to successfully identify and consummate any strategic investments or development projects, including our HBI plant;
the impact of our customers reducing their steel production due to increased market share of steel produced using other methods or lighter-weight steel alternatives;
our actual economic iron ore reserves or reductions in current mineral estimates, including whether any mineralized material qualifies as a reserve;
the outcome of any contractual disputes with our customers, joint venture partners or significant energy, material or service providers or any other litigation or arbitration;
problems or uncertainties with sales volume or mix, productivity, tons mined, transportation, mine-closure obligations, environmental liabilities, employee-benefit costs and other risks of the mining industry;
impacts of existing and increasing governmental regulation and related costs and liabilities, including failure to receive or maintain required operating and environmental permits, approvals, modifications or other authorization of, or from, any governmental or regulatory entity and costs related to implementing improvements to ensure compliance with regulatory changes;
our ability to maintain adequate liquidity, our level of indebtedness and the availability of capital could limit cash flow available to fund working capital, planned capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes or ongoing needs of our business;
our ability to continue to pay cash dividends, and the amount and timing of any cash dividends;
our ability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees;
the ability of our customers, joint venture partners and third party service providers to meet their obligations to us on a timely basis or at all;
events or circumstances that could impair or adversely impact the viability of a mine and the carrying value of associated assets, as well as any resulting impairment charges;
uncertainties associated with natural disasters, weather conditions, unanticipated geological conditions, supply or price of energy, equipment failures and other unexpected events;
adverse changes in interest rates and tax laws; and
the potential existence of significant deficiencies or material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
For additional factors affecting the business of Cliffs, refer to Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors. You are urged to carefully consider these risk factors.

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Non-GAAP Reconciliation
We present cash cost of goods sold rate per long ton, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses in evaluating operating performance. We believe our presentation of non-GAAP cash cost of goods sold is useful to investors because it excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization, which are non-cash, and freight, which has no impact on sales margin, thus providing a more accurate view of the cash outflows related to the sale of iron ore. The presentation of this measure is not intended to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of this measure may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Below is a reconciliation in dollars of this non-GAAP financial measure to our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Cost of goods sold
 
$
126.1

 
$
118.5

Less:
 
 
 
 
Freight
 
11.6

 
10.8

Depreciation, depletion & amortization
 
18.5

 
15.8

Cash cost of goods sold
 
$
96.0

 
$
91.9

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information regarding our Market Risk is presented under the caption Market Risks, which is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of this report.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based solely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Bluestone Litigation. On April 7, 2017, the Company was served with an Amended Complaint adding Cliffs, among others, as a defendant to a lawsuit brought by Bluestone Coal Corporation and Double-Bonus Mining Company against Pinnacle Mining Company, LLC and Target Drilling, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The Amended Complaint alleges that the defendants deviated from plans authorized by plaintiffs and MSHA in the drilling of a borehole in 2013 and 2014 at the Pinnacle mine and through an inactive portion of plaintiffs’ mine. Plaintiffs further allege negligence and trespass in the drilling of the borehole and claim compensatory and punitive damages due to flooding. On October 3, 2018, the parties reached a settlement in full. We do not believe that our portion of the agreed-upon amount will have a material adverse impact on our business. The Court entered an order dismissing the case with prejudice subject to reopening on good cause shown within 90 days. However, on October 14, 2018, Mission Coal Company, LLC and ten of its affiliates, including Pinnacle Mining Company, LLC, filed a petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. We do not believe the bankruptcy petition will have a material adverse effect on our settlement. In light of the Mission Coal bankruptcy, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion to extend the deadline for potentially reopening the Bluestone case on good cause shown for an additional 120 days. As of April 12, 2019, the bankruptcy court lifted the automatic stay on the Bluestone litigation as it applied to non-debtor defendants, and Bluestone has moved to finalize the settlement with the non-debtor parties.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table presents information with respect to repurchases by the Company of our common shares during the periods indicated.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased1
 
Average Price Paid per Share
(or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs2
January 1 - 31, 2019
 
19,882

 
$
7.53

 
18,400

 
$
152,512,897

February 1 - 28, 2019
 
6,016,477

 
$
11.37

 
4,773,252

 
$
98,087,097

March 1 - 31, 2019
 
6,756,243

 
$
10.29

 
6,756,243

 
$
28,595,269

 
 
12,792,602

 
$
10.79

 
11,547,895

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Includes 1,244,707 shares that were delivered to us to satisfy tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting or payment of stock awards.
2 On November 26, 2018, we announced a new share repurchase program which was authorized by the Board of Directors, pursuant to which we may buy back our outstanding common shares in the open market or in private negotiated transactions up to a maximum of $200 million. Subsequent to the period indicated above, on April 25, 2019, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of additional common shares up to a maximum of $100 million. When combined with the additional amount of share repurchase authorization, we now have share repurchase authorization remaining of up to a maximum of approximately $129 million. The program may be executed through open-market purchases, including through Rule 10b5-1 agreements, or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization is effective until December 31, 2019.

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Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
We are committed to protecting the occupational health and well-being of each of our employees. Safety is one of our core values and we strive to ensure that safe production is the first priority for all employees. Our internal objective is to achieve zero injuries and incidents across the Company by focusing on proactively identifying needed prevention activities, establishing standards and evaluating performance to mitigate any potential loss to people, equipment, production and the environment. We have implemented intensive employee training that is geared toward maintaining a high level of awareness and knowledge of safety and health issues in the work environment through the development and coordination of requisite information, skills and attitudes. We believe that through these policies we have developed an effective safety management system.
Under the Dodd-Frank Act, each operator of a coal or other mine is required to include certain mine safety results within its periodic reports filed with the SEC. As required by the reporting requirements included in §1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, the required mine safety results regarding certain mining safety and health matters for each of our mine locations that are covered under the scope of the Dodd-Frank Act are included in Exhibit 95 of Item 6. Exhibits of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 5.
Other Information
Adoption of Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement
On April 24, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a new form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”) to be entered into by and between the Company and its directors and officers (each, an “Indemnitee”). The Indemnification Agreement provides that the Company will indemnify the Indemnitee against certain expenses and costs arising out of claims to which he or she becomes subject to in connection with his or her service to the Company. The Indemnification Agreement contains customary terms and conditions and establishes certain customary procedures and presumptions.
The Company intends to enter into a new Indemnification Agreement with each current member of the Board, the Company’s current executive officers and certain other Company officers. Each new Indemnification Agreement with a current director or officer will replace and supersede the prior indemnification agreement between the Company and such director or officer, if such director or officer was a party to a prior indemnification agreement.
The above description of the Indemnification Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indemnification Agreement, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 6.
Exhibits
All documents referenced below have been filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., file number 1-09844, unless otherwise indicated.
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
 
* Severance Agreement and Release, by and between Timothy K. Flanagan and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., effective February 12, 2019 (filed herewith)
 
* Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement between Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Directors and Officers (filed herewith)
 
Certification Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Lourenco Goncalves as of April 25, 2019 (filed herewith)
 
Certification Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Keith Koci as of April 25, 2019 (filed herewith)
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as of April 25, 2019 (filed herewith)
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Keith Koci, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as of April 25, 2019 (filed herewith)
 
Mine Safety Disclosures (filed herewith)
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*    Indicates management contract or other compensatory arrangement.

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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.
 
 
 
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ R. Christopher Cebula
 
 
 
 
 
Name:
 
R. Christopher Cebula
 
 
 
 
 
Title:
 
Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 25, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 

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