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UNITED STATES STEEL CORP - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2018
Or
 
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
usslogoa123a02.jpg
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
1-16811
 
25-1897152
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA
 
15219-2800
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(412) 433-1121
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
 
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 ü  No    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ ü ] No [    ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  ü 
 
Accelerated filer     
 
Non-accelerated filer     
  
Smaller reporting company     
 
Emerging growth company(a) __
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
(a) 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 Act).
Yes     No ü 
Common stock outstanding at October 26, 2018177,268,638 shares




INDEX

 
Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 4.
 
Item 5.
 
Item 6.



CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains information that may constitute ”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in those sections. Generally, we have identified such forward-looking statements by using the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “forecast,” “aim,” "should," “will” and similar expressions or by using future dates in connection with any discussion of, among other things, operating performance, trends, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements relating to volume growth, share of sales and earnings per share growth, and statements expressing general views about future operating results. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the time made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in this report and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "U. S. Steel," "the Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to United States Steel Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated by the context.







UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 

 

Net sales
 
3,351

 
$
2,976

 
$
9,415

 
$
8,176

Net sales to related parties (Note 20)
 
378

 
272

 
1,072

 
941

Total (Note 5)
 
3,729

 
3,248

 
10,487

 
9,117

Operating expenses (income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below)
 
3,172

 
2,828

 
9,101

 
8,110

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
81

 
75

 
251

 
223

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
126

 
118

 
384

 
376

Earnings from investees
 
(17
)
 
(9
)
 
(39
)
 
(29
)
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 24)
 

 
(21
)
 
(18
)
 
(21
)
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23)
 

 

 

 
(72
)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21)
 

 
(2
)
 

 
30

Net gain on disposal of assets
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Other income, net
 
(1
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Total
 
3,356

 
2,988

 
9,676

 
8,610

Earnings before interest and income taxes
 
373

 
260

 
811

 
507

Interest expense
 
41

 
60

 
134

 
173

Interest income
 
(6
)
 
(5
)
 
(16
)
 
(13
)
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 9)
 
3

 
31

 
77

 
32

Other financial costs
 
2

 
12

 
4

 
37

Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) (Note 3) (a)
 
19

 
15

 
53

 
47

     Net interest and other financial costs (Note 9)
 
59

 
113

 
252

 
276

Earnings before income taxes
 
314

 
147

 
559

 
231

Income tax provision (Note 11)
 
23

 

 
36

 
3

Net earnings
 
291

 
147

 
523

 
228

Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation
 
$
291

 
$
147

 
$
523

 
$
228

Earnings per common share (Note 12):
 
 
 
 
 

 

Earnings per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 

 

-Basic
 
$
1.64

 
$
0.84

 
$
2.96

 
$
1.30

-Diluted
 
$
1.62

 
$
0.83

 
$
2.92

 
$
1.29

(a) Represents postretirement benefit expense as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits on January 1, 2018.



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

-1-



UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net earnings
 
$
291

 
$
147

 
$
523

 
$
228

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 

 

Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(10
)
 
44

 
(58
)
 
149

Changes in pension and other employee benefit accounts
 
50

 
55

 
143

 
146

Changes in derivative financial instruments
 
7

 
8

 
(11
)
 
6

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
47

 
107

 
74

 
301

Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest
 
338

 
254

 
597

 
529

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to United States Steel
Corporation
 
$
338

 
$
254

 
$
597

 
$
529






































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

-2-



UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 September 30, 
 2018
 
December 31,  
 2017
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 6)
 
$
1,344

 
$
1,553

Receivables, less allowance of $29 and $28
 
1,463

 
1,173

Receivables from related parties (Note 20)
 
210

 
206

Inventories (Note 13)
 
1,950

 
1,738

Other current assets
 
101

 
85

Total current assets
 
5,068

 
4,755

Property, plant and equipment
 
15,698

 
15,086

Less accumulated depreciation and depletion
 
11,055

 
10,806

Total property, plant and equipment, net
 
4,643

 
4,280

Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $9 and $11
 
508

 
480

Intangibles – net (Note 7)
 
160

 
167

Deferred income tax benefits (Note 11)
 
56

 
56

Other noncurrent assets
 
134

 
124

Total assets
 
$
10,569

 
$
9,862

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
 
$
2,419

 
$
2,096

Accounts payable to related parties (Note 20)
 
106

 
74

Payroll and benefits payable
 
425

 
347

Accrued taxes
 
144

 
132

Accrued interest
 
38

 
69

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 15)
 
4

 
3

Total current liabilities
 
3,136

 
2,721

Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 15)
 
2,498

 
2,700

Employee benefits
 
666

 
759

Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 11)
 
7

 
6

Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
 
320

 
355

Total liabilities
 
6,627

 
6,541

Contingencies and commitments (Note 22)
 

 

Stockholders’ Equity (Note 18):
 
 
 
 
Common stock (177,354,654 and 176,424,554 shares issued) (Note 12)
 
177

 
176

Treasury stock, at cost (96,399 shares and 1,203,344 shares)
 
(3
)
 
(76
)
Additional paid-in capital
 
3,909

 
3,932

Retained earnings
 
629

 
133

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19)
 
(771
)
 
(845
)
Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity
 
3,941

 
3,320

Noncontrolling interests
 
1

 
1

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
10,569

 
$
9,862




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

-3-



UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
 
 
 
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
523

 
$
228

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
384

 
376

Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23)
 

 
(72
)
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 24)
 
(18
)
 
(21
)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21)
 

 
30

Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 9)
 
77

 
32

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
4

 
1

Pensions and other postretirement benefits
 
57

 
42

Deferred income taxes (Note 11)
 
1

 
7

Net gain on disposal of assets
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Equity investee earnings, net of distributions received
 
(35
)
 
(18
)
Changes in:
 
 
 
 
Current receivables
 
(357
)
 
(214
)
Inventories
 
(228
)
 
(123
)
Current accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
302

 
121

Income taxes receivable/payable
 
53

 
15

Bank checks outstanding
 
1

 
12

All other, net
 
(39
)
 
132

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
722

 
546

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(646
)
 
(291
)
Disposal of assets
 
10

 

Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in equity investee (Note 24)
 

 
105

Investments, net
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(637
)
 
(189
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 15)
 
640

 
737

Repayment of long-term debt (Note 15)
 
(922
)
 
(906
)
Dividends paid
 
(27
)
 
(26
)
Receipt from exercise of stock options
 
34

 
14

Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 10)
 
(9
)
 
(10
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(284
)
 
(191
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(13
)
 
15

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(212
)
 
181

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year (Note 6)
 
1,597

 
1,555

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (Note 6)
 
$
1,385

 
$
1,736


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

-4-



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1.    Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel or the Company) produces and sells steel products, including flat-rolled and tubular products, in North America and Europe. Operations in North America also include iron ore and coke production facilities, railroad services and real estate operations. Operations in Europe also include coke production facilities.
The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited statements but does not include all disclosures required for complete financial statements by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The other information in these financial statements is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods covered. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless disclosed otherwise. These financial statements, including notes, have been prepared in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Additional information is contained in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.
2.    New Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (ASU 2018-14). ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that the FASB no longer considers cost beneficial, adds certain disclosure requirements and clarifies others. ASU 2018-14 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its defined benefit plan disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), which adds an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under ASU 2016-13, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel is currently assessing the impact of the ASU, but does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its overall Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 supersedes prior lease accounting guidance. Under ASU 2016-02, for operating leases, a lessee should recognize in its statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term; recognize a single lease cost, which is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight line basis, and classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For financing leases, a lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability; recognize interest on the lease liability separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset, and classify repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability within financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In addition, at the inception of a contract, an entity should determine whether the contract is or contains a lease. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted Improvements (ASU 2018-11), which provides an option to use a modified retrospective transition method at the adoption date. U. S. Steel expects to adopt the new lease accounting standard at the adoption date using the optional modified retrospective transition method outlined in ASU 2018-11. U. S. Steel has completed its inventory of leases. Based on our lease portfolio and estimated secured borrowing rates at September 30, 2018, we anticipate that the impact of adoption will result in an insignificant cumulative effect of adoption and a right of use asset and total lease liability in the range of $200 million to $275 million. We estimate that the short-term portion of the total lease liability will be between $45 million and $75 million. We anticipate changes in our lease portfolio and estimated borrowing rates which will cause the actual impact of adoption to vary.

-5-






3.    Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2018-02). ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Act). The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods therein; early adoption is permitted. U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2018-02 on July 1, 2018, and elected not to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the 2017 Act. As a result, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. U. S. Steel's accounting policy is to release stranded income tax effects from AOCI when the circumstances upon which the stranded tax effects are premised cease to exist.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12), which amends and simplifies hedge accounting guidance so that companies could more accurately present the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018. The adoption did not result in a material impact to our financial results; however, we expanded our use of hedge accounting effective January 1, 2018 as well as our disclosures of derivative activity. See Note 14 for further details.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting (ASU 2017-09). The amendments included in ASU 2017-09 provide guidance about which changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The amendments in this update will be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-09 and the adoption did not have an impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU 2017-07). ASU 2017-07 requires an employer who offers defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans to report the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation cost arising from services rendered by employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit costs are required to be presented on a retrospective basis in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The ASU also allows for the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization into inventory when applicable. ASU 2017-07 was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods; early adoption was permitted. U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018. U. S. Steel has historically capitalized the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost into inventory, when applicable, and will continue to do so prospectively.

The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic benefit cost of our defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) plans on our consolidated statement of operations was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Statement of Operations (In millions)
 
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Cost of Sales
 
$
2,828

 
$
2,829

 
$
(1
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
75

 
89

 
(14
)
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost)
 
15

 

 
15



-6-



 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Statement of Operations (In millions)
 
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Cost of Sales
 
$
8,110

 
$
8,115

 
$
(5
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
223

 
265

 
(42
)
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost)
 
47

 

 
47


In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18). The ASU reduced diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows by including restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-18 using a retrospective transition method. As a result, the Change in Restricted Cash, Net line that was included in the investing activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been eliminated as changes in restricted cash are now included in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash amounts. Expanded disclosures have been included, which describe the components of cash shown on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 6 for further details.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 reduced diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows by addressing eight specific cash receipt and cash payment issues. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-15 using a retrospective transition method. As a result, all payments to extinguish debt will now be presented as cash outflows from financing activities on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in accordance with ASU 2016-15. U. S. Steel has historically presented make-whole premiums as cash outflows from operating activities. There was a $4 million cash outflow for make-whole premiums that was reclassified from cash provided by operating activities to the repayment of long-term debt line within the cash used in financing activities section on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The other cash receipt and cash payment items addressed in ASU 2016-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Additionally, the Company has elected to use the cumulative earnings approach as defined in ASU 2016-15 to classify distributions received from equity method investees.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 and its related amendments (Revenue Recognition Standard) outline a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and superseded most previous revenue recognition guidance. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the Revenue Recognition Standard using the full retrospective method. Generally, U. S. Steel’s performance obligations are satisfied, control of our products is transferred, and revenue is recognized at a single point in time. The adoption did not have a financial statement impact to U. S. Steel but did result in expanded disclosures. See Note 5 for further details.
4.    Segment Information
U. S. Steel has three reportable segments: (1) Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled), which consists of the following three commercial entities that directly interact with our customers and service their needs: (i) automotive solutions, (ii) consumer solutions, and (iii) industrial, service center and mining solutions; (2) U. S. Steel Europe (USSE); and (3) Tubular Products (Tubular). The results of our railroad and real estate businesses that do not constitute reportable segments are combined and disclosed in the Other Businesses category.
The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and determines resource allocations based on a number of factors, the primary measure being earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes. Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes for reportable segments and Other Businesses does not include net interest and other financial costs (income), income taxes, and certain other items that management believes are not indicative of future results.
The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level.

-7-



Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for at market-based prices and are eliminated at the corporate consolidation level. Corporate-level selling, general and administrative expenses and costs related to certain former businesses are allocated to the reportable segments and Other Businesses based on measures of activity that management believes are reasonable.
The results of segment operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are:
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Customer
Sales
 
Intersegment
Sales
 
Net
Sales
 
Earnings
from
investees
 
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled
 
$
2,632

 
$
32

 
$
2,664

 
$
15

 
$
305

USSE
 
767

 
4

 
771

 

 
72

Tubular
 
313

 
2

 
315

 
2

 
7

Total reportable segments
 
3,712

 
38

 
3,750

 
17

 
384

Other Businesses
 
17

 
31

 
48

 

 
16

Reconciling Items and Eliminations
 

 
(69
)
 
(69
)
 

 
(27
)
Total
 
$
3,729

 
$

 
$
3,729

 
$
17

 
$
373


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled
 
$
2,249

 
$
42

 
$
2,291

 
$
7

 
$
161

USSE
 
710

 
1

 
711

 

 
73

Tubular
 
276

 

 
276

 
2

 
(7
)
Total reportable segments
 
3,235

 
43

 
3,278

 
9

 
227

Other Businesses
 
13

 
29

 
42

 

 
12

Reconciling Items and Eliminations
 

 
(72
)
 
(72
)
 

 
21

Total
 
$
3,248

 
$

 
$
3,248

 
$
9

 
$
260


-8-



The results of segment operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are:
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Customer
Sales
 
Intersegment
Sales
 
Net
Sales
 
Earnings (Loss)
from
investees
 
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled
 
$
7,114

 
$
148

 
$
7,262

 
$
34

 
$
562

USSE
 
2,438

 
20

 
2,458

 

 
297

Tubular
 
888

 
4

 
892

 
5

 
(55
)
Total reportable segments
 
10,440

 
172

 
10,612

 
39

 
804

Other Businesses
 
47

 
94

 
141

 

 
44

Reconciling Items and Eliminations
 

 
(266
)
 
(266
)
 

 
(37
)
Total
 
$
10,487

 
$

 
$
10,487

 
$
39

 
$
811

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled
 
$
6,265

 
$
154

 
$
6,419

 
$
24

 
$
293

USSE
 
2,123

 
25

 
2,148

 

 
215

Tubular
 
682

 

 
682

 
6

 
(93
)
Total reportable segments
 
9,070

 
179

 
9,249

 
30

 
415

Other Businesses
 
47

 
89

 
136

 
(1
)
 
34

Reconciling Items and Eliminations
 

 
(268
)
 
(268
)
 

 
58

Total
 
$
9,117

 
$

 
$
9,117

 
$
29

 
$
507

The following is a schedule of reconciling items to consolidated earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Items not allocated to segments:
 

 

 

 

Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 24)
 
$

 
$
21

 
$
18

 
$
21

Granite City Works restart costs
 
(27
)
 

 
(63
)
 

Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges
 

 

 
8

 

Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets (a)
 

 

 

 
(35
)
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23)
 

 

 

 
72

Total reconciling items
 
$
(27
)
 
$
21

 
$
(37
)
 
$
58

(a) Included in Restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


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5.     Revenue

Revenue is generated primarily from contracts to produce, ship and deliver steel products, and to a lesser extent, to deliver raw materials such as iron ore pellets, to deliver coke by-products and for railroad services and real estate sales. Generally, U. S. Steel’s performance obligations are satisfied, control of our products is transferred, and revenue is recognized at a single point in time, when title transfers to our customer for product shipped or when services are provided. Revenues are recorded net of any sales incentives. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are treated as fulfillment activities and are recorded in both revenue and cost of sales at the time control is transferred to the customer. Costs related to obtaining sales contracts are incidental and are expensed when incurred. Because customers are invoiced at the time title transfers and U. S. Steel’s right to consideration is unconditional at that time, U. S. Steel does not maintain contract asset balances. Additionally, U. S. Steel does not maintain contract liability balances, as performance obligations are satisfied prior to customer payment for product. U. S. Steel offers industry standard payment terms.
 
U. S. Steel has three reportable segments: Flat-Rolled, USSE and Tubular. Flat-Rolled primarily generates revenue from sheet and coated product sales to North American customers. Flat-Rolled also sells iron ore pellets and coke making by-products. USSE sells slabs, sheet, strip mill plate, coated products and spiral welded pipe to customers primarily in the Eastern European market. Tubular sells seamless and electric resistance welded (ERW) steel casing and tubing (commonly known as oil country tubular goods or OCTG), standard and line pipe and mechanical tubing and primarily serves customers in the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenue from our railroad and real estate businesses is reported in the Other Businesses category in our segment reporting structure. The following tables disaggregate our revenue by product for each of our reportable business segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

Customer Sales by Product
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Flat-Rolled
USSE
Tubular
Other Businesses
Total
Semi-finished
 
$
40

$
83

$

$

$
123

Hot-rolled sheets
 
764

267



1,031

Cold-rolled sheets
 
718

91



809

Coated sheets
 
829

282



1,111

Tubular products
 

12

304


316

All Other (a)
 
281

32

9

17

339

Total
 
$
2,632

$
767

$
313

$
17

$
3,729

(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Flat-Rolled
USSE
Tubular
Other Businesses
Total
Semi-finished
 
$
15

$
51

$

$

$
66

Hot-rolled sheets
 
525

273



798

Cold-rolled sheets
 
576

79



655

Coated sheets
 
787

267



1,054

Tubular products
 

11

268


279

All Other (a)
 
346

29

8

13

396

Total
 
$
2,249

$
710

$
276

$
13

$
3,248

(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.

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(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Flat-Rolled
USSE
Tubular
Other Businesses
Total
Semi-finished
 
$
50

$
172

$

$

$
222

Hot-rolled sheets
 
1,976

959



2,935

Cold-rolled sheets
 
2,092

293



2,385

Coated sheets
 
2,332

889



3,221

Tubular products
 

37

862


899

All Other (a)
 
664

88

26

47

825

Total
 
$
7,114

$
2,438

$
888

$
47

$
10,487

(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Flat-Rolled
USSE
Tubular
Other Businesses
Total
Semi-finished
 
$
16

$
155

$

$

$
171

Hot-rolled sheets
 
1,507

862



2,369

Cold-rolled sheets
 
1,761

235



1,996

Coated sheets
 
2,291

774



3,065

Tubular products
 

30

656


686

All Other (a)
 
690

67

26

47

830

Total
 
$
6,265

$
2,123

$
682

$
47

$
9,117

(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
6.     Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within U. S. Steel's Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
 
(In millions)
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,344

 
$
1,694

Restricted cash in other current assets
 
4

 

Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets
 
37

 
42

      Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
1,385

 
$
1,736


Amounts included in restricted cash represent cash balances which are legally or contractually restricted, primarily for environmental capital expenditure projects and insurance purposes.


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7.     Intangible Assets
Intangible assets that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives are detailed below:
 
 

 
As of September 30, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
(In millions)
 
Useful
Lives
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
Customer relationships
 
22 Years
 
$
132

 
$
69

 
$
63

 
$
132

 
$
64

 
$
68

Patents
 
10-15 Years

22

 
6

 
16

 
22

 
5

 
17

Other
 
4-20 Years
 
14

 
8

 
6

 
15

 
8

 
7

Total amortizable intangible assets
 

 
$
168

 
$
83

 
$
85

 
$
169

 
$
77

 
$
92

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable.
Amortization expense was $2 million in both the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Amortization expense was $6 million in both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2018 is $2 million. We expect a consistent level of annual amortization expense through 2022.
In addition, the carrying amount of acquired water rights with indefinite lives as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 totaled $75 million. The acquired water rights are tested for impairment annually in the third quarter, or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. U. S. Steel performed a qualitative impairment evaluation of its acquired water rights during the third quarter of 2018. Based on the results of the evaluation, the water rights were not impaired.


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8.    Pensions and Other Benefits
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Benefits
(In millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
 
$
12

 
$
13

 
$
4

 
$
4

Interest cost
 
58

 
59

 
23

 
23

Expected return on plan assets
 
(90
)
 
(98
)
 
(20
)
 
(16
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 

 

 
7

 
8

Amortization of actuarial net loss
 
38

 
37

 
1

 
1

Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below
 
18

 
11

 
15

 
20

Multiemployer plans
 
16

 
15

 

 

Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
 
$
10

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
44

 
$
27

 
$
15

 
$
20

(a) During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the non-qualified pension plan incurred settlement charges of approximately $10 million due to lump sum payments for certain individuals.
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Benefits
(In millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
 
$
37

 
$
37

 
$
12

 
$
13

Interest cost
 
174

 
177

 
69

 
70

Expected return on plan assets
 
(270
)
 
(292
)
 
(61
)
 
(49
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 

 

 
22

 
22

Amortization of actuarial net loss
 
114

 
111

 
3

 
3

Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below
 
55

 
33

 
45

 
59

Multiemployer plans
 
45

 
44

 

 

Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
 
10

 
5

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
110

 
$
82

 
$
45

 
$
59

(a) During the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, the non-qualified pension plan incurred settlement charges of approximately $10 million and $5 million, respectively, due to lump sum payments for certain individuals.
Employer Contributions
During the first nine months of 2018, U. S. Steel made cash payments of $45 million to the Steelworkers’ Pension Trust and $19 million of pension payments not funded by trusts.
During the first nine months of 2018, cash payments of $36 million were made for other postretirement benefit payments not funded by trusts.
Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $13 million and $11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $35 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
9.    Net Interest and Other Financial Costs
Net interest and other financial costs includes interest expense (net of capitalized interest), interest income, financing costs, net periodic benefit costs (other than service costs) related to pension and other post-

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employment benefits (OPEB) plans, and foreign currency derivative and remeasurement gains and losses. During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, net foreign currency gains of $3 million and losses of $6 million, respectively were recorded in other financial costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, net foreign currency gains of $11 million and losses of $21 million, respectively, were recorded in other financial costs. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were losses on debt extinguishments recognized of $77 million and $32 million, respectively.
See Note 14 for additional information on U. S. Steel’s use of derivatives to mitigate its foreign currency exchange rate exposure.

10.    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

U. S. Steel has outstanding stock-based compensation awards that were granted by the Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) and the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the Omnibus Plan), which are more fully described in Note 14 of the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. On April 26, 2016, the Company's stockholders approved the Omnibus Plan and authorized the Company to issue up to 7,200,000 shares of U. S. Steel common stock under the Omnibus Plan. The Company's stockholders authorized the issuance of an additional 6,300,000 shares under the Omnibus Plan on April 25, 2017. While awards that were previously granted under the 2005 Plan remain outstanding, all future awards will be granted under the Omnibus Plan. As of September 30, 2018, there were 10,993,930 shares available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan.

Recent grants of stock-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock units, total shareholder return (TSR) performance awards and return on capital employed (ROCE) performance awards. Stock options are generally issued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. Upon exercise of stock options, shares of U. S. Steel common stock were issued from treasury stock. Beginning in 2018, shares of common stock are issued from authorized, but unissued stock. The following table is a general summary of the awards made under the Omnibus Plan during the first nine months of 2018 and 2017. There were no stock options granted during the first nine months of 2018.
 
 
2018
 
2017
Grant Details
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
Stock Options
 

$

 
647,780

$
17.28

Restricted Stock Units
 
742,495

$
41.44

 
344,500

$
36.27

Performance Awards (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
     TSR
 
79,190

$
61.57

 
169,850

$
40.72

     ROCE (d)
 
247,510

$
43.50

 

$

(a) The share amounts shown in this table do not reflect an adjustment for estimated forfeitures.
(b) Represents the per share weighted-average for all grants during the period.
(c) The number of performance awards shown represents the target value of the award.
(d) The ROCE awards granted in 2017 are not shown in the table above because they were granted in cash.
U. S. Steel recognized pretax stock-based compensation expense in the amount of $9 million and $6 million in the three-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $26 million and $21 million in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of September 30, 2018, total future compensation expense related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements was $29 million, and the weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is approximately 1 year.

Compensation expense for stock options is recorded over the vesting period based on the fair value on the date of grant, as calculated by U. S. Steel using the Black-Scholes model. The stock options generally vest ratably over a three-year service period and have a term of ten years.

The expected annual dividends per share are based on the latest annualized dividend rate at the date of grant; the expected life in years is determined primarily from historical stock option exercise data; the expected volatility

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is based on the historical volatility of U. S. Steel stock; and the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury strip rate for the expected life of the option.

Restricted stock units awarded as part of annual grants generally vest ratably over three years. Their fair value is the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units granted in connection with new-hire or retention grants generally cliff vest three years from the date of the grant.

TSR performance awards may vest at the end of a three-year performance period if U. S. Steel's total shareholder return compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies over the three-year performance period meets performance criteria established by the Committee at the beginning of the performance period. Performance awards can vest at between zero and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the TSR performance awards is calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation.

ROCE performance awards vest at the end of a three-year performance period contingent upon meeting the specified ROCE metric established by the Committee at the beginning of the performance period. ROCE performance awards can vest at between zero and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the ROCE performance awards is the average market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
11.    Income Taxes
Tax provision
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded a tax provision of $36 million on our pretax earnings of $559 million and a tax provision of $3 million on our pretax earnings of $231 million, respectively. Included in the tax provision in the first nine months of 2018 is a benefit for the release of a portion of the domestic valuation allowance due to pretax income. Included in the tax provision in the first nine months of 2017 is a benefit of $13 million related to the carryback of certain losses to prior years, as well as a benefit of $25 million related to the Company's intent to claim a refund of Alternative Minimum Tax credits pursuant to a provision in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. As a result, the provision recorded in the third quarter of 2017 was immaterial.
The tax provision for the first nine months of 2018 is based on an estimated annual effective rate, which requires management to make its best estimate of annual pretax income or loss.
During the year, management regularly updates forecasted annual pretax results for the various countries in which we operate based on changes in factors such as prices, shipments, product mix, plant operating performance and cost estimates. To the extent that actual 2018 pretax results for U.S. and foreign income or loss vary from estimates applied herein, the actual tax provision or benefit recognized in 2018 could be materially different from the forecasted amount used to estimate the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Deferred taxes
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzes the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset may not be realized.

At September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel reviewed all available positive and negative evidence and determined that it is more likely than not that all of its net domestic deferred tax assets may not be realized.

U. S. Steel will continue to monitor the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis taking into consideration, among other items, the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term. In the future, if we determine that realization is more likely than not for deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance, the related valuation allowance will be reduced, and we will record a non-cash benefit to earnings.  
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits are the differences between a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return and the benefit recognized for accounting purposes pursuant to the guidance in ASC Topic 740 on income taxes. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $40 million and $42 million, respectively. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if

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recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $6 million as of both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
U. S. Steel records interest related to uncertain tax positions as a part of net interest and other financial costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any penalties are recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, U. S. Steel had accrued liabilities of $6 million for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
12.    Earnings and Dividends Per Common Share
Earnings Per Share Attributable to United States Steel Corporation Stockholders
Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per common share assumes the exercise of stock options, the vesting of restricted stock units and performance awards, provided in each case the effect is dilutive.
The computations for basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders
 
$
291

 
$
147

 
$
523

 
$
228

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
 

 

 

 

Basic
 
177,250

 
175,003

 
176,815

 
174,684

Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards
 
1,876

 
1,481

 
1,919

 
1,652

Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted
 
179,126

 
176,484

 
178,734

 
176,336

Basic earnings per common share
 
$
1.64

 
$
0.84

 
$
2.96

 
$
1.30

Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
1.62

 
$
0.83

 
$
2.92

 
$
1.29

The following table summarizes the securities that were antidilutive, and therefore, were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Securities granted under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended
 
1,671

 
2,679

 
1,689

 
1,677

Dividends Paid Per Share
The dividend for each of the first three quarters of 2018 and 2017 was five cents per common share.

13.    Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventories and lower of cost and net realizable value for first-in, first-out (FIFO) method inventories. The LIFO method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. The FIFO method is the predominant inventory costing method in Europe. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the LIFO method accounted for 71 percent and 75 percent of total inventory values, respectively.

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(In millions)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Raw materials
 
$
622

 
$
527

Semi-finished products
 
829

 
796

Finished products
 
441

 
356

Supplies and sundry items
 
58

 
59

Total
 
$
1,950

 
$
1,738

Current acquisition costs were estimated to exceed the above inventory values by $1,024 million and $802 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories, cost of sales decreased and earnings before interest and income taxes increased by $4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The impact from the liquidation of LIFO inventories was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Inventory includes $39 million and $42 million of land held for residential/commercial development as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
14.    Derivative Instruments
U. S. Steel is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks in our European operations. USSE’s revenues are primarily in euros and costs are primarily in euros and U.S. dollars (USD). U. S. Steel uses foreign exchange forward sales contracts (foreign exchange forwards) with maturities no longer than 12 months to exchange euros for USD to manage our currency requirements and exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are required to be recognized at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. U. S. Steel has not elected to designate these contracts as hedges. Therefore, changes in their fair value are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We mitigate the risk of concentration of counterparty credit risk by purchasing our forwards from several counterparties.
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel entered into long-term freight contracts in its domestic operations that require payment in Canadian dollars (CAD). We entered into foreign exchange forward sales contracts with maturities up to three years to exchange USD for CAD to mitigate a portion of the related risk of exchange rate fluctuations and to manage our currency requirements. We elected to designate these contracts as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, we record gains and losses on these contracts within accumulated other comprehensive income until the related contract impacts earnings. The impact related to these contracts was not material to our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2018.
From time to time U. S. Steel may use fixed-price forward physical purchase contracts to partially manage our exposure to price risk related to the purchases of natural gas, zinc and tin used in the production process. Generally, forward physical purchase contracts qualify for the normal purchase and normal sales exceptions described in ASC Topic 815 and are not subject to mark-to-market accounting. U. S. Steel also uses financial swaps to protect from the commodity price risk associated with purchases of natural gas, zinc and tin (commodity purchase swaps). Commodity purchase swaps did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial results and were classified as cash flow hedges in prior periods (their impacts are included in our expanded tabular disclosure below). Effective January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2017-12 was not material to U. S. Steel's financial results. See Note 3 for additional information on the recently adopted accounting standard.
Financial swaps are also used to partially manage the sales price of certain hot-rolled coil and iron ore pellet contract sales (sales swaps). In prior periods, we did not elect hedge accounting for these financial swaps and changes in their fair value were immediately recognized in earnings. Effective January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel elected to designate its hot-rolled coil sales swaps as cash flow hedges. See the tabular disclosure below for further details.
In accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements and disclosures, the fair value of our foreign exchange forwards, commodity purchase swaps and sales swaps was determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as "significant other observable" inputs. The inputs used are from market sources that aggregate data based upon market transactions.

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The table below shows the outstanding swap quantities used to hedge forecasted purchases and sales as of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017:
Hedge Contracts
Classification
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Natural gas (in mmbtus)
Commodity purchase swaps
 
12,345,000

 
24,142,500

Tin (in metric tons)
Commodity purchase swaps
 
470

 
320

Zinc (in metric tons)
Commodity purchase swaps
 
13,886

 
16,716

Hot-rolled coils (in tons)
Sales swaps
 
38,000

 
122,000

Iron ore pellets (in metric tons)
Sales swaps
 

 
225,000

Foreign currency (in millions of euros)
Foreign exchange forwards
 
275

 
222

Foreign currency (in millions of CAD)
Foreign exchange forwards
 
C$
58

 
C$

The following summarizes the fair value amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(In millions) Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Location
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Sales swaps
Accounts payable
 
$
6

 
$

Commodity purchase swaps
Accounts receivable
 
1

 
4

Commodity purchase swaps
Accounts payable
 
9

 
2

Commodity purchase swaps
Investments and long-term receivables
 

 
1

Commodity purchase swaps
Other long-term liabilities
 

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
Sales swaps
Accounts payable
 

 
2

Commodity purchase swaps
Accounts payable
 

 
1

Foreign exchange forwards
Accounts receivable
 
12

 

Foreign exchange forwards
Accounts payable
 

 
11

The table below summarizes the effect of hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) and amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Sales swaps (b)
 
$
6

 
$

 
Net sales
 
$
(6
)
 
$

Commodity purchase swaps
 

 
8

 
Cost of sales (c)
 
(4
)
 
(2
)
(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Iron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.
(c) Costs for commodity purchase swaps are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.

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Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Sales swaps (b)
 
$
(6
)
 
$

 
Net sales
 
$
(9
)
 
$

Commodity purchase swaps
 
(7
)
 
5

 
Cost of sales (c)
 
(3
)
 
(5
)
(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Iron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.
(c) Costs for commodity purchase swaps are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.
The table below summarizes the impact of derivative activity where hedge accounting has not been elected on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Location
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Sales swaps (a)
Net sales
 
$

 
$
5

Foreign exchange forwards (b)
Other financial costs
 
5

 
(7
)
(a) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Iron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for foreign exchange forwards to exchange USD for CAD. Foreign exchange forwards to exchange euro for USD were not classified as hedges.
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Location
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Sales swaps (a)
Net sales
 
$

 
$
7

Commodity purchase swaps
Cost of sales
 

 
3

Foreign exchange forwards (b)
Other financial costs
 
18

 
(20
)
(a) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Iron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for foreign exchange forwards to exchange USD for CAD. Foreign exchange forwards to exchange euro for USD were not classified as hedges.

At current contract values, $8 million and $6 million currently in AOCI as of September 30, 2018 will be recognized as an increase in cost of sales and a decrease in net sales, respectively, over the next year as related hedged items are recognized in earnings. The maximum derivative contract duration for commodity purchase swaps is 14 months and the maximum duration for sales swaps is 3 months.

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15.    Debt
(In millions)
 
Interest
Rates %
 
Maturity
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
2037 Senior Notes
 
6.650
 
2037
 
$
350

 
$
350

2026 Senior Notes
 
6.250
 
2026
 
650

 

2025 Senior Notes
 
6.875
 
2025
 
750

 
750

2021 Senior Secured Notes
 
8.375
 
2021
 

 
780

2020 Senior Notes
 
7.375
 
2020
 
356

 
432

Environmental Revenue Bonds
 
5.750 - 6.875
 
2019 - 2042
 
400

 
400

Fairfield Caster Lease
 
 
 
2022
 
23

 
24

Other capital leases and all other obligations
 
 
 
2019
 
1

 
1

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
 
Variable
 
2023
 

 

USSK Credit Agreement
 
Variable
 
2023
 

 

USSK credit facilities
 
Variable
 
2018
 

 

Total Debt
 
 
 
 
 
2,530

 
2,737

Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
28

 
34

Less short-term debt and long-term debt due within one year
 
 
 
 
 
4

 
3

Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,498

 
$
2,700

To the extent not otherwise discussed below, information concerning the senior notes and other listed obligations can be found in Note 16 of the audited financial statements in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Senior Note Repurchases
Through a series of open market purchases, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020 at a weighted average price of 107.119 percent of par during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Senior Secured Note Tender and Redemption
In March 2018, pursuant to a cash tender offer, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $499 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (2021 Senior Secured Notes). The aggregate cash outflow from the tender was approximately $538 million, which included $39 million in premiums. The remaining approximately $281 million aggregate principal amount of 2021 Senior Secured Notes was redeemed on April 12, 2018. The aggregate cash flow from the redemption was $302 million, which included $21 million in premiums.
Issuance of Senior Notes due 2026
In March 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% Senior Notes due March 15, 2026 (2026 Senior Notes). U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $640 million after fees of approximately $10 million related to the underwriting and third-party expenses. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to tender or otherwise redeem all of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes as discussed above.

The 2026 Senior Notes are senior and unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future senior and unsecured indebtedness. U. S. Steel will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year, commencing on September 15, 2018.

Similar to our other senior notes, the indenture governing the 2026 Senior Notes restricts our ability to create certain liens, to enter into sale leaseback transactions and to consolidate, merge, transfer or sell all, or

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substantially all of our assets. It also contains provisions requiring the purchase of the 2026 Senior Notes upon a change of control under certain specified circumstances, as well as other customary provisions.

U. S. Steel may redeem the 2026 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, or from time to time, on or after March 15, 2021 at the redemption price for such notes set forth below as a percentage of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning March 15 of the years indicated below:

Year
Redemption Price
2021
103.125
%
2022
101.563
%
2023 and thereafter
100.000
%

At any time prior to March 15, 2021, U. S. Steel may also redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes at 106.25%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, but excluding the applicable date of redemption, with proceeds from equity offerings.

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
On February 26, 2018, U. S. Steel entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Facility Agreement), replacing the Company's Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Credit Facility Agreement maintains the facility size of $1.5 billion and extends the maturity date to 2023.

As of September 30, 2018, there were no amounts drawn under the $1.5 billion Credit Facility Agreement. U. S. Steel must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $150 million. Based on the most recent four quarters as of September 30, 2018, we would have met this covenant. If we are unable to meet this covenant in future periods, the amount available to the Company under this facility would be reduced by $150 million.

The Credit Facility Agreement provides for borrowings at interest rates based on defined, short-term market rates plus a spread based on availability and includes other customary terms and conditions including restrictions on our ability to create certain liens and to consolidate, merge or transfer all, or substantially all, of our assets. The Credit Facility Agreement expires in February 2023. Maturity may be accelerated 91 days prior to the stated maturity of any outstanding senior debt if excess cash and credit facility availability do not meet the liquidity conditions set forth in the Credit Facility Agreement. Borrowings are secured by liens on certain North American inventory and trade accounts receivable.
U. S. Steel Košice (USSK) credit facilities
On September 26, 2018, USSK, and one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, as guarantor, entered into a €460 million unsecured revolving credit facility (USSK Credit Agreement), replacing USSK's €200 million revolving credit facility (Prior Facility). The USSK Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 26, 2023 and contains terms and conditions substantially similar to the Prior Facility. Concurrent with the execution of the USSK Credit Agreement, USSK reduced the size of a separate €40 million unsecured credit facility to €20 million.

At September 30, 2018, USSK had no borrowings under its €460 million (approximately $533 million) USSK Credit Agreement. The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK financial covenants, including a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum stockholders' equity to assets ratio. The covenants are measured semi-annually for the period covering the last twelve calendar months and calculated as set forth in the USSK Credit Agreement. If USSK does not comply with the USSK Credit Agreement financial covenants, it may not draw on the facility until the next measurement date, outstanding borrowings may be accelerated, or the margin on outstanding borrowings may be increased. At September 30, 2018, USSK had full availability under the USSK Credit Agreement. On October 15, 2018, USSK drew down €200 million (approximately $232 million) from its USSK Credit Agreement (See Note 25). 
At September 30, 2018, USSK had no borrowings under its €20 million and €10 million unsecured credit facilities (collectively, approximately $35 million) and the availability was approximately $33 million due to approximately $2 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. The €20 million credit facility expires in December

-21-



2018. Currently, the €10 million credit facility also expires in December 2018, but can be extended one additional year to the final maturity date at the mutual consent of USSK and its lender.
Each of these facilities bear interest at the applicable inter-bank offer rate plus a margin and contain customary terms and conditions.
Change in control event
If there is a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $2,106 million as of September 30, 2018 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK credit facilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either purchase the leased Fairfield Works slab caster for approximately $24 million or provide a letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
16.    Asset Retirement Obligations
U. S. Steel’s asset retirement obligations (AROs) primarily relate to mine, landfill closure and post-closure costs. The following table reflects changes in the carrying values of AROs:
(In millions)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
69

 
$
79

 
Obligations settled
 
(7
)
 
(8
)
 
Change in estimate of obligations



(6
)

Foreign currency translation effects
 

 
2

 
Accretion expense
 
2

 
2

 
Balance at end of period
 
$
64

 
$
69

 
Certain AROs related to disposal costs of the majority of fixed assets at our integrated steel facilities have not been recorded because they have an indeterminate settlement date. These AROs will be initially recognized in the period in which sufficient information exists to estimate their fair value.
17.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, current accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, bank checks outstanding, and accrued interest included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate fair value. See Note 14 for disclosure of U. S. Steel’s derivative instruments, which are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis.
The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s financial liabilities that were not carried at fair value at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In millions)
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
Financial liabilities:
 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (a)
 
$
2,501

 
$
2,478

 
$
2,851

 
$
2,678

(a) Excludes capital lease obligations.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments included in the table above:
Long-term debt: Fair value was determined using Level 2 inputs which were derived from quoted market prices and is based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.
Fair value of the financial liabilities disclosed herein is not necessarily representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the fair value amount consider the tax consequences of realization or settlement.
Financial guarantees are U. S. Steel’s only unrecognized financial instrument. For details relating to financial guarantees see Note 22.

-22-




18.    Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

The following table reflects the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to U. S. Steel and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (In millions)
 
Total
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
3,321

 
$
133

 
$
(845
)
 
$
176

 
$
(76
)
 
$
3,932

 
$
1

Comprehensive income (loss):
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings
 
523

 
523

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other benefit adjustments
 
143

 

 
143

 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment
 
(58
)
 

 
(58
)
 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
(11
)
 
 
 
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee stock plans
 
51

 

 

 
1

 
73

 
(23
)
 

Dividends paid on common stock
 
(27
)
 
(27
)
 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
3,942

 
$
629

 
$
(771
)
 
$
177

 
$
(3
)
 
$
3,909

 
$
1


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (In millions)
 
Total
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
2,275

 
$
(250
)
 
$
(1,497
)
 
$
176

 
$
(182
)
 
$
4,027

 
$
1

Comprehensive income (loss):
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings
 
228

 
228

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other benefit adjustments
 
146

 

 
146

 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment
 
149

 

 
149

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments
 
6

 
 
 
6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee stock plans
 
26

 

 

 

 
90

 
(64
)
 

Dividends paid on common stock
 
(26
)
 


 

 

 

 
(26
)
 

Other
 
4

 
4

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at September 30, 2017
 
$
2,808

 
$
(18
)
 
$
(1,196
)
 
$
176

 
$
(92
)
 
$
3,937

 
$
1



-23-



19.    Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
(In millions) (a)
 
Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
 
Foreign
Currency
Items
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
(1,309
)
 
$
463

 
$
1

 
$
(845
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
292

 
(58
)
 
1

 
235

Amounts reclassified from AOCI (b)
 
(149
)
 

 
(12
)
 
(161
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
143

 
(58
)
 
(11
)
 
74

Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
(1,166
)
 
$
405

 
$
(10
)
 
$
(771
)
(a)Amounts do not reflect a tax benefit as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.
(b)See table below for further details.
 
 
 
Amount reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)
Details about AOCI components
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
Amortization of pension and other benefit items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs (a)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
(22
)
 
Actuarial losses (a)
 
(39
)
 
(38
)
 
(117
)
 
(114
)
 
      Settlement, termination and
      curtailment losses (a)
 
(10
)
 
(1
)
 
(10
)
 
(5
)
 
Total pensions and other benefits items
 
(56
)
 
(47
)
 
(149
)
 
(141
)
 
Derivative reclassifications to Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
(11
)
 

 
(12
)
 

 
Total before tax
 
(67
)
 
(47
)
 
(161
)
 
(141
)
 
Tax benefit (b)
 

 

 

 

 
Net of tax
 
$
(67
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(161
)
 
$
(141
)
(a)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 8 for additional details).
(b)Amounts do not reflect a tax benefit as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.
20.    Transactions with Related Parties
Net sales to related parties and receivables from related parties primarily reflect sales of raw materials and steel products to equity investees and U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) after the Canada Companies' Creditor Arrangement Act (CCAA) filing on September 16, 2014, but before the sale to an affiliate of Bedrock Industries Group LLC (Bedrock) on June 30, 2017. Generally, transactions are conducted under long-term contractual arrangements. Related party sales and service transactions were $378 million and $272 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $1,072 million and $941 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Purchases from related parties for outside processing services provided by equity investees and USSC after the CCAA filing on September 16, 2014, but before the sale to Bedrock, amounted to $8 million and $7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $23 million and $62 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Purchases of iron ore pellets from related parties amounted to $23 million and $40 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $66 million and $120 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
Accounts payable to related parties include balances due to PRO-TEC Coating Company, LLC (PRO-TEC) of $103 million and $72 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively for invoicing and receivables collection services provided by U. S. Steel on PRO-TEC's behalf. U. S. Steel, as PRO-TEC’s exclusive sales agent, is responsible for credit risk related to those receivables. U. S. Steel also provides PRO-TEC marketing, selling and customer service functions. Payables to other related parties totaled $3 million and $2 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

-24-




21. Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were immaterial. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $18 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $30 million, which consists of charges of $35 million related to the permanent shutdown of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations and a favorable adjustment of $5 million primarily associated with a change in estimate for previously recorded environmental costs and Company-wide headcount reductions. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $24 million.
Charges for restructuring and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are recorded in the period U. S. Steel commits to a restructuring or cost reduction plan, or executes specific actions contemplated by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. Charges related to the restructuring and cost reductions are reported in restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The activity in the accrued balances incurred in relation to restructuring and other cost reduction programs during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:
 
 
Employee Related
 
Exit
 

(in millions)
 
Costs
 
Costs
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
4

 
$
34

 
$
38

Cash payments/utilization
 
(3
)
 
(15
)
 
(18
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
1

 
$
19

 
$
20


Accrued liabilities for restructuring and other cost reduction programs are included in the following balance sheet lines:
(in millions)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Accounts payable
 
$
11

 
$
26

Payroll and benefits payable
 
1

 
4

Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
 
8

 
8

Total
 
$
20

 
$
38


22.    Contingencies and Commitments
U. S. Steel is the subject of, or party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. Certain of these matters are discussed below. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, management believes that U. S. Steel will remain a viable and competitive enterprise even though it is possible that these contingencies could be resolved unfavorably.
U. S. Steel accrues for estimated costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that it will incur these costs in the future and the costs are reasonably estimable.
Asbestos matters As of September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 750 active cases involving approximately 2,300 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. At December 31, 2017, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 820 cases involving approximately 3,315 plaintiffs. As of September 30, 2018, about 1,540, or approximately 67 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, we believe that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs.

-25-



The following table shows the number of asbestos claims in the current period and the prior three years:
Period ended
 
Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 
New
Claims
 
Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2015
 
3,455
 
415
 
275
 
3,315
December 31, 2016
 
3,315
 
225
 
250
 
3,340
December 31, 2017
 
3,340
 
275
 
250
 
3,315
September 30, 2018
 
3,315
 
1,225
 
210
 
2,300
(a) The period ending September 30, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.
Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into three groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.
The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition. However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, including: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims. Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular quarter.
Environmental matters U. S. Steel is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for noncompliance. Changes in accrued liabilities for remediation activities where U. S. Steel is identified as a named party are summarized in the following table:
(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Beginning of period
$
179

Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable
2

Obligations settled
(4
)
End of period
$
177

Accrued liabilities for remediation activities are included in the following Consolidated Balance Sheet lines:
(In millions)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Accounts payable
 
$
30

 
$
29

Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities
 
147

 
150

Total
 
$
177

 
$
179

Expenses related to remediation are recorded in cost of sales and were immaterial for both the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017. It is not currently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred or the penalties that may be imposed. Due to uncertainties inherent in remediation projects and the associated liabilities, it is reasonably possible that total remediation costs for active matters may exceed the accrued liabilities by as much as 15 to 30 percent.

-26-



Remediation Projects
U. S. Steel is involved in environmental remediation projects at or adjacent to several current and former U. S. Steel facilities and other locations that are in various stages of completion ranging from initial characterization through post-closure monitoring. Based on the anticipated scope and degree of uncertainty of projects, we categorize projects as follows:
(1)
Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development - Projects which are still in the development phase. For these projects, the extent of remediation that may be required is not yet known, the remediation methods and plans are not yet developed, and/or cost estimates cannot be determined. Therefore, significant costs, in addition to the accrued liabilities for these projects, are reasonably possible. There are six environmental remediation projects where additional costs for completion are not currently estimable, but could be material. These projects are at Fairfield Works, Lorain Tubular, USS-POSCO Industries (UPI), the Fairless Plant, Cherryvale Zinc and the former steelmaking plant at Joliet, Illinois. As of September 30, 2018, accrued liabilities for these projects totaled $1 million for the costs of studies, investigations, interim measures, design and/or remediation. It is reasonably possible that additional liabilities associated with future requirements regarding studies, investigations, design and remediation for these projects could be as much as $30 million to $50 million.
(2)
Significant Projects with Defined Scope - Projects with significant accrued liabilities with a defined scope. As of September 30, 2018, there are three significant projects with defined scope greater than or equal to $5 million each, with a total accrued liability of $134 million. These projects are Gary Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (accrued liability of $26 million), the former Geneva facility (accrued liability of $62 million), and the former Duluth facility St. Louis River Estuary (accrued liability of $46 million).
(3)
Other Projects with a Defined Scope - Projects with relatively small accrued liabilities for which we believe that, while additional costs are possible, they are not likely to be significant, and also include those projects for which we do not yet possess sufficient information to estimate potential costs to U. S. Steel. There are two other environmental remediation projects which each had an accrued liability of between $1 million and $5 million. The total accrued liability for these projects at September 30, 2018 was $4 million. These projects have progressed through a significant portion of the design phase and material additional costs are not expected.
The remaining environmental remediation projects each have an accrued liability of less than $1 million each. The total accrued liability for these projects at September 30, 2018 was approximately $6 million. We do not foresee material additional liabilities for any of these sites.
Post-Closure Costs – Accrued liabilities for post-closure site monitoring and other costs at various closed landfills totaled $22 million at September 30, 2018 and were based on known scopes of work.
Administrative and Legal Costs – As of September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel had an accrued liability of $8 million for administrative and legal costs related to environmental remediation projects. These accrued liabilities were based on projected administrative and legal costs for the next three years and do not change significantly from year to year.
Capital Expenditures For a number of years, U. S. Steel has made substantial capital expenditures to bring existing facilities into compliance with various laws relating to the environment. In the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, such capital expenditures totaled $55 million and $39 million, respectively. U. S. Steel anticipates making additional such expenditures in the future; however, the exact amounts and timing of such expenditures are uncertain because of the continuing evolution of specific regulatory requirements.
EU Environmental Requirements - Under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), USSK's final allocation of free allowances for the Phase III period, which covers the years 2013 through 2020 is 48 million allowances. We estimate a shortfall of approximately 16 million allowances for the Phase III period. Based on projected future production levels, we started to purchase allowances in the third quarter of 2017 to meet the annual compliance submission in the future. As of September 30, 2018, we have purchased approximately 10 million European Union Allowances totaling €101 million (approximately $117 million). However, due to a number of variables such as the future market value of allowances, future production levels and future emissions intensity levels, we cannot reliably estimate the full cost of complying with the ETS regulations at this time.
The EU’s Industry Emission Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for Iron and Steel production to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated

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emission levels. Our most recent broad estimate of future capital expenditures for projects that go beyond BAT requirements is €138 million (approximately $160 million) over the 2017 to 2020 program period. In order to receive full grant amounts USSK is required to comply with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually. USSK complied with these covenants as of September 30, 2018. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure potential claims from the Slovak Government for repayment of a portion of the grant funds received.
Due to other EU legislation, BAT for Large Combustion Plants (LCP), we are required to make changes to the boilers at our steam and power generation plant in order to comply with stricter air emission limits for large combustion plants. The requirements for LCP resulted in the construction of a new boiler and certain upgrades to our existing boilers. In January 2014, the operation of USSK's boilers was approved by the European Commission (EC) as part of Slovakia's Transitional National Plan (TNP) for bringing all boilers in Slovakia into compliance by no later than 2020. The TNP establishes emissions ceilings for each category of emissions (total suspended particulate, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx)). The allowable amount of discharged emissions from existing boilers will decrease each year until mid-2020. These projects will result in a reduction in electricity, emissions, and operating, maintenance and waste disposal costs. The construction of both boilers is complete with a total final installed cost of €128 million (approximately $150 million). Broad legislative changes were enacted by the Slovak Republic to extend the scope of support for renewable sources of energy, that are intended to allow USSK to participate in Slovakia's renewable energy incentive program once the boiler projects are completed.
Guarantees – The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4 million at September 30, 2018.
Other contingencies Under certain operating lease agreements covering various equipment, U. S. Steel has the option to renew the lease or to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term. If U. S. Steel does not exercise the purchase option by the end of the lease term, U. S. Steel guarantees a residual value of the equipment as determined at the lease inception date (totaling approximately $16 million at September 30, 2018). No liability has been recorded for these guarantees as the potential loss is not probable.
Insurance U. S. Steel maintains insurance for certain property damage, equipment, business interruption and general liability exposures; however, insurance is applicable only after certain deductibles and retainages. U. S. Steel is self-insured for certain other exposures including workers’ compensation (where permitted by law) and auto liability. Liabilities are recorded for workers’ compensation and personal injury obligations. Other costs resulting from losses under deductible or retainage amounts or not otherwise covered by insurance are charged against income upon occurrence.
U. S. Steel uses surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide whole or partial financial assurance for certain obligations such as workers’ compensation. The total amount of active surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit being used for financial assurance purposes was approximately $197 million as of September 30, 2018, which reflects U. S. Steel’s maximum exposure under these financial guarantees, but not its total exposure for the underlying obligations. A significant portion of our trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by the Credit Facility Agreement. The remaining trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by restricted cash. Restricted cash, which is recorded in other current and noncurrent assets, totaled $41 million and $44 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Capital Commitments At September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $649 million.
Contractual Purchase Commitments – U. S. Steel is obligated to make payments under contractual purchase commitments, including unconditional purchase obligations. Payments for contracts with remaining terms in excess of one year are summarized below (in millions):
Remainder of 2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
Later
Years
 
Total
$195
 
$581
 
$482
 
$309
 
$304
 
$1,147
 
$3,018
The majority of U. S. Steel’s unconditional purchase obligations relates to the supply of industrial gases, and certain energy and utility services with terms ranging from two to 15 years. Unconditional purchase obligations also include coke and steam purchase commitments related to a coke supply agreement with Gateway Energy &

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Coke Company LLC (Gateway) under which Gateway is obligated to supply a minimum volume of the expected targeted annual production of the heat recovery coke plant, and U. S. Steel is obligated to purchase the coke from Gateway at the contract price. As of September 30, 2018, if U. S. Steel were to terminate the agreement, it may be obligated to pay in excess of $168 million.
Total payments relating to unconditional purchase obligations were $147 million and $132 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $454 million and $425 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
23.    U. S. Steel Canada Inc. Retained Interest
On June 30, 2017, U. S. Steel completed the restructuring and disposition of USSC through a sale and transfer of all of the issued and outstanding shares in USSC to an affiliate of Bedrock. In accordance with the Second Amended and Restated Plan of Compromise, Arrangement and Reorganization, approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on June 9, 2017, U. S. Steel received approximately $127 million in satisfaction of its secured claims, including interest, which resulted in a gain of $72 million on the Company's retained interest in USSC. U. S. Steel also agreed to the discharge and cancellation of its unsecured claims for nominal consideration. The terms of the settlement also included mutual releases among key stakeholders, including a release of all claims against the Company regarding environmental, pension and other liabilities.
24.    Equity Investee Transactions

On September 29, 2017, a subsidiary of U. S. Steel completed the sale of its 15% ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company L.C. for $105 million.  As a result of the transaction, U. S. Steel recognized a gain of approximately $26 million

On May 31, 2018, U. S. Steel assigned its equity ownership interest in Leeds Retail Center, LLC and recognized a gain of approximately $18 million.

25.    Subsequent Events
On October 15, 2018, U. S. Steel and the United Steelworkers (USW) reached a tentative agreement on successor four-year Collective Bargaining Agreements covering approximately 14,000 USW-represented employees at all of the company’s domestic flat-rolled and iron ore mining facilities as well as tubular operations in Fairfield, Alabama, Lorain, Ohio, and Lone Star, Texas. The tentative agreements remain subject to ratification, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of November of 2018.
On October 15, 2018, USSK drew down €200 million (approximately $232 million) from its USSK Credit Agreement and subsequently repatriated most of the funds to its parent, U. S. Steel.  U. S. Steel intends to use the funds, together with cash on hand, for the redemption of its 7.375% Senior Notes due in 2020 (2020 Senior Notes) as discussed below.  
On October 23, 2018, a subsidiary of U. S. Steel completed the sale of its 40% ownership interest in Acero Prime, S. R. L. de CV. As a result of the transaction, U. S. Steel recognized a pretax gain of approximately $20 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.
On November 1, 2018, U. S. Steel issued a notice to redeem its 2020 Senior Notes. On December 3, 2018, the next business day after the redemption date, the Company will redeem for cash all of its outstanding 2020 Senior Notes (approximately $356 million aggregate principal amount), at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. The redemption will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the USSK Credit Agreement. U. S. Steel will incur a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $20 million associated with this redemption.


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Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Net sales by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are set forth in the following table:
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
(Dollars in millions, excluding intersegment sales)
 
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
%
Change
Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled)
 
$
2,632

 
$
2,249

 
17
%
 
$
7,114

 
$
6,265

 
14
%
U. S. Steel Europe (USSE)
 
767

 
710

 
8
%
 
2,438

 
2,123

 
15
%
Tubular Products (Tubular)
 
313

 
276

 
13
%
 
888

 
682

 
30
%
     Total sales from reportable segments
 
3,712

 
3,235

 
15
%
 
10,440

 
9,070

 
15
%
Other Businesses
 
17

 
13

 
31
%
 
47

 
47

 
%
Net sales
 
$
3,729

 
$
3,248

 
15
%
 
$
10,487

 
$
9,117

 
15
%

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Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the three months ended September 30, 2018 versus the three months ended September 30, 2017 is set forth in the following table:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Steel Products (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Mix
 
FX (b)
 
Coke &
Other
(c)
 
Net
Change
Flat-Rolled
 
4
 %
 
16
%
 
(1
)%
 
 %
 
(2
)%
 
17
%
USSE
 
3
 %
 
7
%
 
(1
)%
 
(1
)%
 
 %
 
8
%
Tubular
 
(2
)%
 
13
%
 
1
 %
 
 %
 
1
 %
 
13
%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory
Net sales were $3,729 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with $3,248 million in the same period last year. The increase in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment primarily reflects higher realized prices (increase of $131 per net ton) across all product types and increased shipments (increase of 115 thousand net tons) due to accelerated demand for steel products in line with the recent economic growth. The increase in sales for the USSE segment was primarily due to higher average realized euro-based prices (increase of €31 per net ton) and increased shipments (increase of 34 thousand net tons) due to improved market conditions. The increase in sales for the Tubular segment resulted from higher realized prices (increase of $169 per net ton) due to improved market conditions.
Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is set forth in the following table:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Steel Products (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
 
Price
 
Mix
 
FX (b)
 
Coke &
Other
(c)
 
Net
Change
Flat-Rolled
 
4
%
 
10
%
 
(1
)%
 
%
 
1
%
 
14
%
USSE
 
1
%
 
5
%
 
1
 %
 
8
%
 
%
 
15
%
Tubular
 
11
%
 
18
%
 
1
 %
 
%
 
%
 
30
%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory
Net sales were $10,487 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with $9,117 million in the same period last year. The increase in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment primarily reflects higher realized prices (increase of $77 per net ton) across all product types and increased shipments (increase of 332 thousand net tons) due to accelerated demand for steel products in line with the recent economic growth. The increase in sales for the USSE segment was primarily due to strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar and higher average realized euro-based prices (increase of €28 per net ton). The increase in sales for the Tubular segment resulted from higher realized prices (increase of $209 per net ton) and increased shipments (increase of 55 thousand net tons) due to improved market conditions.

Pension and other benefits costs
Pension and other benefit costs (other than service cost) are reflected within net interest and other financial costs and the service cost component is reflected within cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Defined benefit and multiemployer pension plan costs included in cost of goods sold totaled $28 million and $82 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $28 million and $81 million in the comparable periods in 2017.

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Costs related to defined contribution plans totaled $11 million and $32 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $11 million and $32 million in the comparable periods in 2017.
Other benefit expense included in cost of sales totaled $4 million and $12 million in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $4 million and $13 million in the comparable periods in 2017.

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $81 million and $251 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $75 million and $223 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. For both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 the increase is primarily due to an increase in variable compensation.

Operating configuration update                            
In March 2018, U. S. Steel announced that it would restart the "B" blast furnace and steelmaking facilities at its Granite City Works facility, which would enable the Company to support anticipated increased demand for steel produced in the United States as a result of the Section 232 investigation into steel imports. The restart occurred in the second quarter of 2018.

Additionally, in June 2018, U. S. Steel announced that it would restart the "A" blast furnace at its Granite City Works facility, which will support increased demand for steel manufactured in the United States, while allowing the Company to continue to support customers during planned asset revitalization efforts. The restart was completed in October 2018.

In March 2017, U. S. Steel made the strategic decision to permanently shut down and relocate the Lorain #6 Quench & Temper Mill as a result of the challenging market conditions for tubular products.

U. S. Steel will continue to evaluate potential strategic and organizational opportunities, which may include the acquisition, divestiture or consolidation of assets. We continue to focus on strategically deploying cash (including capital investments under our asset revitalization program), in order to invest in areas consistent with our long-term strategy, and are considering various possibilities, that we believe would further that goal and ultimately result in greater stockholder value. The Company will pursue opportunities based on its long-term strategy, and what the Board of Directors determines to be in the best interests of the Company's stockholders at the time.

Better operating performance in our Flat-Rolled segment, coupled with relatively stable market conditions during 2017 and 2018, have resulted in improved segment results in recent quarters. As we continue with the implementation of our asset revitalization program, described below, and increase investment in our facilities, we expect to realize the sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery and cost that we are targeting to position us to succeed over the long term and to support future growth initiatives.

Asset Revitalization
As part of our long-term strategy, the Board of Directors approved a $2 billion multi-year asset revitalization program focused on our Flat-Rolled segment. Management evaluated performance in the key industries we serve, and developed projects across multiple Flat-Rolled segment assets with a focus on continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery and cost. The Company views this program as essential to improving reliability and our ability to compete effectively in the industry. As we revitalize our assets, we expect to increase profitability, productivity and operational stability and reduce volatility.
The asset revitalization program includes projects to address short-term operational and maintenance enhancements as well as larger initiatives. The projects vary in scope and cost. The investments specifically address issues that are critical to delivering quality products to our customers in a timely manner.
The identified projects and schedule may change to address our customers’ needs, current and future economic operating conditions, and risks identified in the production cycle. Through the multi-year asset revitalization program, we expect to make total capital investments of $1.5 billion, which consist of capital investments in our iron making facilities, steel making facilities, hot rolling facilities, and finishing facilities. The Company plans to fund the program through cash generated from operations and cash on hand.

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The benefits of the asset revitalization program are already evident, as we have achieved performance improvements from assets in which we have invested.  We continue to experience operational challenges on assets we have not yet fully addressed.   We expect further improvements in performance as we execute the remainder of our structured asset revitalization program.


Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were immaterial. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $18 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $30 million, which consists of charges of $35 million related to the permanent shutdown of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations and a favorable adjustment of $5 million primarily associated with a change in estimate for previously recorded environmental costs and Company-wide headcount reductions. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $24 million.
Charges for restructuring and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are recorded in the period U. S. Steel commits to a restructuring or cost reduction plan, or executes specific actions contemplated by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. Charges related to the restructuring and cost reductions are reported in the restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is set forth in the following table:

 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Flat-Rolled
 
$
305

 
$
161

 
89
 %
 
$
562

 
$
293

 
92
%
USSE
 
72

 
73

 
(1
)%
 
297

 
215

 
38
%
Tubular
 
7

 
(7
)
 
200
 %
 
(55
)
 
(93
)
 
41
%
Total earnings from reportable segments
 
384

 
227

 
69
 %
 
804

 
415

 
94
%
Other Businesses
 
16

 
12

 
33
 %
 
44

 
34

 
29
%
Segment earnings before interest and income taxes
 
400

 
239

 
67
 %
 
848

 
449

 
89
%
Items not allocated to segments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Gain on equity investee transactions
 

 
21




 
18

 
21

 

Granite City Works restart costs
 
(27
)
 

 


 
(63
)
 

 

Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges
 

 

 


 
8

 

 

Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc.
 

 




 

 
72

 

Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets
 

 

 


 

 
(35
)
 

Total earnings before interest and income taxes
 
$
373

 
$
260

 
43
 %
 
$
811

 
$
507

 
60
%
Segment results for Flat-Rolled
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
%
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)
 
$
305

 
$
161

 
89
%
 
$
562

 
$
293

 
92
%
Gross margin
 
16
%
 
13
%
 
3
%
 
14
%
 
11
%
 
3
%
Raw steel production (mnt)
 
2,933

 
2,821

 
4
%
 
8,558

 
8,247

 
4
%
Capability utilization
 
68
%
 
66
%
 
2
%
 
67
%
 
65
%
 
2
%
Steel shipments (mnt)
 
2,659

 
2,544

 
5
%
 
7,777

 
7,445

 
4
%
Average realized steel price per ton
 
$
859

 
$
728

 
18
%
 
$
807

 
$
730

 
11
%
The increase in Flat-Rolled results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to higher average realized prices (approximately $325 million) as a result of improved market conditions, and increased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $30 million). This change was offset by increased spending for maintenance and outage costs (approximately $90 million), higher raw material costs (approximately $75 million), and an increase in other operating costs primarily due to increased variable compensation (approximately $45 million).
The increase in Flat-Rolled results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to higher average realized prices (approximately $610 million) as a result of improved market conditions, increased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $75 million) and lower energy costs (approximately $20 million). This change was partially offset by higher raw material costs (approximately $245 million), increased spending for maintenance and outage costs (approximately $125 million) and an increase in other operating costs primarily due to increased variable compensation (approximately $65 million).
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017 increased primarily as a result of higher average realized prices.

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Segment results for USSE
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
%
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)
 
$
72

 
$
73

 
(1
)%
 
$
297

 
$
215

 
38
%
Gross margin
 
13
%
 
15
%
 
(2
)%
 
16
%
 
14
%
 
2
%
Raw steel production (mnt)
 
1,210

 
1,235

 
(2
)%
 
3,810

 
3,778

 
1
%
Capability utilization
 
96
%
 
98
%
 
(2
)%
 
102
%
 
101
%
 
1
%
Steel shipments (mnt)
 
1,101

 
1,067

 
3
 %
 
3,384

 
3,333

 
2
%
Average realized steel price per ton
 
$
669

 
$
639

 
5
 %
 
$
695

 
$
617

 
13
%
USSE results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 remained consistent compared to the same period in 2017. The results included an increase due to higher average realized euro-based prices (approximately $45 million). This increase was offset by higher raw material costs (approximately $30 million) and increased other costs (approximately $15 million).
The increase in USSE results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was due to higher average realized euro-based prices (approximately $115 million) and the strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar (approximately $65 million). These increases were partially offset by higher raw material costs (approximately $50 million), which includes a favorable first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory impact and increased operating costs (approximately $50 million).
Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 decreased primarily as a result of reduced capacity utilization. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 increased primarily as a result of higher realized prices.
Segment results for Tubular
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
%
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes ($ millions)
 
$
7

 
$
(7
)
 
200
 %
 
$
(55
)
 
$
(93
)
 
41
%
Gross margin
 
7
%
 
4
%
 
3
 %
 
%
 
(5
)%
 
5
%
Steel shipments (mnt)
 
184

 
185

 
(1
)%
 
564

 
509

 
11
%
Average realized steel price per ton
 
$
1,602

 
$
1,433

 
12
 %
 
$
1,477

 
$
1,268

 
16
%
The increase in Tubular results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to higher average realized prices (approximately $20 million) and decreased other costs (approximately $15 million). These increases were partially offset by higher substrate costs (approximately $20 million).
The increase in Tubular results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to higher average realized prices (approximately $90 million) and improved shipment volumes (approximately $10 million). This increase was partially offset by higher substrate costs (approximately $60 million).
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017 increased primarily as a result of higher average realized prices.
Results for Other Businesses

Other Businesses had income of $16 million and $44 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to income of $12 million and $34 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.



-35-



Items not allocated to segments

We recognized a gain on equity investee transactions of $18 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as a result of the assignment of our entire equity ownership interest in Leeds Retail Center, LLC in May 2018. We recognized a $21 million gain on equity investee transactions in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to the sale of our 15% ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company, L.C.

We recognized $27 million and $63 million in Granite City Works restart costs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as a result of costs associated with the restart of the "A" and "B" blast furnaces at Granite City Works.

We recorded an $8 million favorable adjustment in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to Granite City Works temporary idling charges as a result of the decision to restart the "B" blast furnace and steelmaking facilities at this facility in 2018.

We recognized a $72 million gain associated with our retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the restructuring and disposition of USSC on June 30, 2017.

We recorded a $35 million loss on the shut down of certain tubular assets in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the permanent shut down and relocation of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations.
Net interest and other financial costs
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
%
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Interest expense
 
$
41

 
$
60

 
(32
)%
 
$
134

 
$
173

 
(23
)%
Interest income
 
(6
)
 
(5
)
 
20
 %
 
(16
)
 
(13
)
 
23
 %
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
3

 
31

 
(90
)%
 
77

 
32

 
141
 %
Other financial costs
 
2

 
12

 
(83
)%
 
4

 
37

 
(89
)%
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost)
 
19

 
15

 
27
 %
 
53

 
47

 
13
 %
Total net interest and other financial costs
 
$
59

 
$
113

 
(48
)%
 
$
252

 
$
276

 
(9
)%

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes and repurchased through a tender offer $780 million of its 2021 Senior Secured Notes for an aggregate cash outflow of approximately $840 million, which included $60 million in premiums. Additionally, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 2020 Senior Notes during the first nine months of 2018.  The loss on debt extinguishment line in the table above includes $66 million in premiums and $11 million in unamortized debt issuance costs which were written off in connection with the extinguishment of debt.  For further information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due to a loss on debt extinguishment in the three months ended September 30, 2017, reduced interest expense due to our improved debt profile and net foreign currency gains on our euro-U.S. dollar derivatives.
The decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due to reduced interest expense as a result of our improved debt profile and net foreign currency gains on our euro-U.S. dollar derivatives partially offset by a higher loss on debt extinguishment in 2018.
The net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) components of pension and other benefit costs are reflected in the table above, and increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same

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periods last year mainly due to higher settlement charges in 2018 resulting from lump sum payments for certain individuals.
Total net periodic pension cost, including service cost and multiemployer plans, is expected to total approximately $143 million in 2018. Total other benefits costs, including service cost, in 2018 are expected to total approximately $60 million. The pension cost projection includes approximately $60 million of contributions to the Steelworkers Pension Trust.
Income taxes
The income tax provision was $23 million and $36 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to less than $1 million and $3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. In 2018, the tax provision reflects a benefit for the release of a portion of the domestic valuation allowance due to pretax income. Included in the tax provision in the first nine months of 2017 is a benefit of $13 million related to the carryback of certain losses to prior years, as well as a benefit of $25 million related to the Company's intent to claim a refund of Alternative Minimum Tax credits pursuant to a provision in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. As a result, the provision recorded in the third quarter of 2017 was immaterial.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Act) was signed into law. The 2017 Act includes changes to U.S. federal tax rates, imposes significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, allows for the immediate expensing of capital expenditures, and puts into effect the migration from a worldwide system of taxation to a territorial system, among other things. After review, we have determined that the 2017 Act will have a minimal impact on the 2018 effective tax rate due to the Company's current corporate tax structure and net operating losses. However, we had a reduction in cash taxes paid in 2018 due to the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax and expect that benefit to continue in future years.
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzes the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset may not be realized.
Despite six consecutive quarters of pretax domestic income, at September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel determined that the negative evidence, including the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term, still outweighs the positive evidence and concluded that is more likely than not that all of its net domestic tax asset may not be realized.
As our projections for 2019 are refined in the fourth quarter of this year, and with consideration of the profitability of our domestic operations in 2017 and year to date in 2018, it is reasonably possible that we may conclude that realization is more likely than not for some or all of the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance, and we will reduce the related valuation allowance and record a non-cash benefit.
For further information on income taxes see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation were $291 million and $523 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net earnings of $147 million and $228 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The changes primarily reflect the factors discussed above.
BALANCE SHEET
Accounts receivable increased by $294 million from year-end 2017 primarily due to higher average realized prices as well as increased shipment volumes across all of our segments.
Inventories increased by $212 million from year-end 2017 primarily as a result of increased operating levels and higher raw material prices.
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities increased by $355 million from year-end 2017 primarily as a result of increased operating levels and higher raw material prices across all of our segments.
Property, plant and equipment, net increased by $363 million due to the level of capital expenditures exceeding depreciation expense.
Payroll and benefits payable increased by $78 million from year-end 2017 primarily due to increased accruals for variable compensation.

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Long-term debt decreased by $202 million from year-end 2017 primarily due to the tender of approximately $499 million of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes in March 2018 and the redemption of the remaining $281 million in April 2018 and the repurchase of $75 million of our 2020 Senior Notes throughout 2018, partially offset by the issuance of $650 million aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Senior Notes in March 2018 . For additional information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Employee benefits decreased by $93 million from year-end 2017 primarily as a result of impacts from the natural maturation of our pension plans.

CASH FLOW
Net cash provided by operating activities was $722 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $546 million in the same period last year. The increase in cash from operations is primarily due to stronger financial results, partially offset by changes in working capital period over period.
Changes in working capital can vary significantly depending on factors such as the timing of inventory production and purchases, which is affected by the length of our business cycles as well as our captive raw materials position, customer payments of accounts receivable and payments to vendors in the regular course of business.
Our key working capital components include accounts receivable and inventory. The accounts receivable and inventory turnover ratios for the three months and twelve months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Twelve Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Accounts Receivable Turnover
 
2.3

 
2.2

 
8.5

 
8.6

Inventory Turnover
 
1.7

 
1.6

 
6.4

 
6.1

The increase in the inventory turnover approximates one day for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to September 30, 2017 and is primarily due to an increase in cost of goods sold mainly attributed to higher raw material costs. The increase in the inventory turnover approximates three days for the twelve months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to September 30, 2017 and is primarily due to an increase in cost of goods sold mainly attributed to higher raw material costs.
The accounts receivable turnover remained consistent for the three months and twelve months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the three months and twelve months ended September 30, 2017.
The last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. At September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the LIFO method accounted for 71 percent and 74 percent of total inventory values, respectively. In the U.S., management monitors inventory realizability by comparing the LIFO cost of inventory with the replacement cost of inventory. To the extent the replacement cost (i.e., market value) of inventory is lower than the LIFO cost of inventory, management will write the inventory down. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 the replacement cost of the inventory was higher by approximately $1,024 million and $802 million, respectively. Additionally, based on the Company’s latest internal forecasts and its inventory requirements, management does not believe there will be significant permanent LIFO liquidations that would impact earnings for the remainder of 2018.
Our cash conversion cycle for the third quarter of 2018 decreased by four days as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 as shown below:

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Cash Conversion Cycle
2018
 
 
2017
 
$ millions
 
Days
 
 
$ millions
 
Days
Accounts receivable, net (a)
$
1,673

 
41
 
 
$
1,379

 
43
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
+ Inventories (b)
$
1,950

 
55
 
 
$
1,738

 
58
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (c)
$
2,523

 
70
 
 
$
2,163

 
71
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
= Cash Conversion Cycle (d)
 
 
26
 
 
 
 
30
(a) Calculated as Average Accounts Receivable, net divided by total Net Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(b) Calculated as Average Inventory divided by total Cost of Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(c) Calculated as Average Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities less bank checks outstanding and other current liabilities divided by total Cost of Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(d) Calculated as Accounts Receivable Days plus Inventory Days less Accounts Payable Days.

The cash conversion cycle is a non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measure. We believe the cash conversion cycle is a useful measure in providing investors with information regarding our cash management performance and is a widely accepted measure of working capital management efficiency. The cash conversion cycle should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to other GAAP metrics as an indicator of performance.
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were $646 million, compared with $291 million in the same period in 2017. Flat-rolled capital expenditures were $531 million and included spending for the Great Lakes Blast Furnace D4 Major Repairs, Mon Valley sulfur dioxide (SO2) Boiler Stack project, Great Lakes Blast Furnace D4 No. 1 Stove Rebuild, Clairton C-Battery, Minntac Open Pit Equipment, Gary Hot Strip Mill Motors and Table Covers, Granite City A Restart and various other infrastructure, environmental and strategic projects. Tubular capital expenditures of $33 million primarily related to Offshore Operations Threading Line No. 5 and Swage extension, Lorain No. 3 Rotary Mill Reliability, as well as various other strategic capital projects. USSE capital expenditures of $63 million consisted of spending for No. 3 coke battery Thru-Wall Replacement, Blast Furnace 1 No. 13 Stove Rebuild, Continuous Pickle Line 1 upgrade and various other infrastructure and environmental projects.
U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2018, totaled $649 million.
Capital expenditures for 2018 are expected to total approximately $1 billion and remain focused largely on strategic, infrastructure and environmental projects, as well as asset revitalization of our equipment to improve our operating reliability and efficiency, and product quality and cost by focusing on investments in our North American Flat-Rolled segment.
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs, totaled $640 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $640 million after fees of approximately $10 million related to underwriting and third-party expenses. For further information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Repayment of long-term debt totaled $922 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Pursuant to a cash tender offer, U. S. Steel repurchased $499 million of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes in March 2018 and redeemed the remaining $281 million in April 2018. Approximately $60 million in premiums were paid for the 2021 Senior Secured Notes transactions. Additionally, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 2020 Senior Notes through a series of open market purchases at a weighted average price of 107.119 percent of par during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and paid premiums of approximately $5 million.
For further information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s liquidity as of September 30, 2018:
(Dollars in millions)

 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,344

 
Amount available under $1.5 Billion Credit Facility Agreement
1,500


Amount available under USSK credit facilities
566


Total estimated liquidity
$
3,410

 
As of September 30, 2018, $197 million of the total cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. Substantially all of the liquidity attributable to our foreign subsidiaries can be accessed without the imposition of income taxes as a result of the election effective December 31, 2013 to liquidate for U.S. income tax purposes a foreign subsidiary that holds most of our international operations.
On February 26, 2018, U. S. Steel entered into the Credit Facility Agreement, replacing its Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Credit Facility Agreement maintains the facility size of $1.5 billion and extends the maturity date to 2023.
As of September 30, 2018, there were no amounts drawn under the $1.5 billion Credit Facility Agreement. U. S. Steel must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $150 million. Based on the four quarters as of September 30, 2018, we would have met this covenant. If we are unable to meet this covenant in future periods, the amount available to the Company under this facility would be reduced by $150 million.
On September 26, 2018, USSK, and one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, as guarantor, entered into a 460 million unsecured revolving credit facility (USSK Credit Agreement), replacing USSK's 200 million revolving credit facility (Prior Facility). The USSK Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 26, 2023 and contains terms and conditions similar to the Prior Facility. Concurrent with the execution of the USSK Credit Agreement, USSK reduced the size of a separate €40 million unsecured credit facility to €20 million.
At September 30, 2018, USSK had no borrowings under its 460 million (approximately $533 million) USSK Credit Agreement. The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK financial covenants, including a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum stockholders' equity to assets ratio. The covenants are measured semi-annually for the period covering the last twelve calendar months and calculated as set forth in the USSK Credit Agreement. If USSK does not comply with the USSK Credit Agreement financial covenants, it may not draw on the facility until the next measurement date, outstanding borrowings may be accelerated, or the margin on outstanding borrowings may be increased. At September 30, 2018, USSK had full availability under the USSK Credit Agreement. On October 15, 2018, USSK drew down €200 million (approximately $232 million) from its USSK Credit Agreement and subsequently repatriated most of the funds to its parent, U. S. Steel.  U. S. Steel intends to use the funds, together with cash on hand, for the redemption of its 7.375% Senior Notes due in 2020 (2020 Senior Notes) as discussed below.  
At September 30, 2018, USSK had no borrowings under its €20 million and €10 million unsecured credit facilities (collectively approximately $35 million) and the aggregate availability was approximately $33 million due to approximately $2 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. The €20 million credit facility expires in December 2018. Currently, the €10 million credit facility also expires in December 2018, but can be extended one additional year to the final maturity date at the mutual consent of USSK and its lender.

Through a series of open market purchases, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 2020 Senior Notes at a weighted average price of 107.119 percent of par during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

On November 1, 2018, U. S. Steel issued a notice to redeem its 2020 Senior Notes. On December 3, 2018, the next business day after the redemption date, the Company will redeem for cash all of its outstanding 2020 Senior Notes (approximately $356 million aggregate principal amount), at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. The redemption will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the USSK Credit

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Agreement. U. S. Steel will incur a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $20 million associated with this redemption.
In March 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $640 million after fees of approximately $10 million related to the underwriting and third-party expenses. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repurchase all of our outstanding 2021 Senior Secured Notes (see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Debt" for further details). U. S. Steel will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year, commencing on September 15, 2018.
We may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding long-term debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, exchange transactions, redemptions or otherwise. Such purchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, and other factors and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved may be material.
We use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. The use of some forms of financial assurance and cash collateral have a negative impact on liquidity. U. S. Steel has committed $197 million of liquidity sources for financial assurance purposes as of September 30, 2018. Increases in certain of these commitments which use collateral are reflected within cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
At September 30, 2018, in the event of a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $2,106 million as of September 30, 2018 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK credit facilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either repurchase the leased Fairfield slab caster for $24 million or provide a cash collateralized letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4 million at September 30, 2018. If any default related to the guaranteed indebtedness occurs, U. S. Steel has access to its interest in the assets of the investees to reduce its potential losses under the guarantees.
Our major cash requirements in 2018 are expected to be for capital expenditures, including asset revitalization, employee benefits and operating costs, which includes purchases of raw materials. We finished the third quarter of 2018 with $1,344 million of cash and cash equivalents and $3.4 billion of total liquidity. Available cash is left on deposit with financial institutions or invested in highly liquid securities with parties we believe to be creditworthy.
The Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program under which up to $300 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock may be acquired over the next two years at the discretion of management.  The shares will be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions.  Under the program, the purchases will be funded from cash on hand, and the repurchased shares will be held as treasury shares.  As of September 30, 2018, there were no repurchases under this program.
U. S. Steel management believes that U. S. Steel's liquidity will be adequate to satisfy our obligations for the foreseeable future, including obligations to complete currently authorized capital spending programs. Future requirements for U. S. Steel’s business needs, including the funding of acquisitions and capital expenditures, scheduled debt maturities, repurchase of debt, share buybacks, contributions to employee benefit plans, and any amounts that may ultimately be paid in connection with contingencies, are expected to be financed by a combination of internally generated funds (including asset sales), proceeds from the sale of stock, borrowings, refinancings and other external financing sources.
Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies
Some of U. S. Steel’s facilities were in operation before 1900. Although management believes that U. S. Steel’s environmental practices have either led the industry or at least been consistent with prevailing industry practices, hazardous materials may have been released at current or former operating sites or delivered to sites operated by third parties.

Our U.S. facilities are subject to environmental laws applicable in the U.S., including the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), as well as state and local laws and regulations.


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U. S. Steel has incurred and will continue to incur substantial capital, operating, and maintenance and remediation expenditures as a result of environmental laws and regulations, related to release of hazardous materials, which in recent years have been mainly for process changes to meet CAA obligations and similar obligations in Europe.

Midwest Plant Incident

On April 11, 2017, there was a process waste water release at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana that impacted a water outfall that discharges to Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel identified the source of the release and made the necessary repairs.  We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, resumed operations in a controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of use and penalty requests from the involved governmental agencies.  In January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging CWA and Permit violations at Midwest. On April 2, 2018, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel and the relevant governmental agencies consisting of all material terms to resolve the CWA and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) violations at the Midwest Plant. A public comment period for the Consent Decree ensued. U. S. Steel, U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana continue to review those comments. The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initially agreed to stay their actions pending finalization of the Consent Decree, but filed a motion to lift that stay in July 2018.  On September 13, 2018, both The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago filed motions to intervene in the Consent Decree case which remain pending.

Slovak Operations

The EU’s Industry Emission Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for iron and steel production, to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated emission levels. This directive includes operational requirements for air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid waste disposal and energy conservation, dictates certain operating practices and imposes stricter emissions limits. Producers were required to be in compliance with the iron and steel BAT by March 8, 2016, unless specific exceptions or extensions were granted by the Slovak environmental authority. USSK updated existing operating permits for different facilities involved in producing iron and steel in the plant in accordance with the new BAT requirements. Through this process for some facilities, USSK has obtained extensions from the 2016 compliance deadline in order to meet or exceed the BAT requirements. Compliance with stricter emissions limits going beyond BAT requirements makes us eligible for EU funding support and prepares us for any further tightening of environmental protection standards. Our most recent broad estimate of likely total capital expenditures for projects to comply with or go beyond the BAT requirements for the 2017 to 2020 program period is €138 million (approximately $161 million). Through September 30, 2018, USSK spent €9 million (approximately $11 million) toward the total estimated capital expenditures for the 2017 to 2020 program period.

The EU has various programs under which funds are allocated to member states to implement broad public policies which are then awarded by the member states to public and private entities on a competitive basis. The funding intensity under these programs currently ranges from 55 percent of defined eligible costs on a project under the standard state scheme to 90 percent under an approved ad hoc scheme to improve the air quality in the Košice region of Slovakia. Based on our list of projects that comprise the approximate €138 million (approximately $161 million) of spending noted, we currently believe we will be eligible to receive up to €78 million (approximately $91 million) of incentive grants. This could potentially reduce our net cash expenditures to approximately €60 million (approximately $70 million). The actual amount of capital spending will be dependent upon, among other things, the actual amount of incentive grants received. In order to receive full grant amounts, USSK is required to comply with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually. USSK complied with these covenants as of September 30, 2018. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure potential claims from the Slovak Government for repayment of a portion of the grant funds received.

We also believe there will be increased operating costs associated with these projects, such as increased energy and maintenance costs. We are currently unable to reliably estimate what the increase in operating costs will be as many projects are still in the development stage.

On March 28, 2017, the Regional Court in Košice issued an ex parte judicial lien on USSK's real property to plaintiffs in an ongoing legal case. Following a decision of the Slovakian Supreme Court, which reversed and remanded the

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lien petition to the Regional Court, the lien has been removed. The Regional Court, which had originally issued the ex parte judicial lien, has decided that the imposition of a lien is not warranted and has not re-imposed the lien. The underlying case is still ongoing.

For further discussion of laws applicable in Slovakia and the EU and their impact on USSK, see Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters, EU Environmental Requirements.”


New and Emerging Environmental Regulations

United States and European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations

Future compliance with CO2 emission requirements may include substantial costs for emission allowances, restriction of production and higher prices for coking coal, natural gas and electricity generated by carbon based systems. Because we cannot predict what requirements ultimately will be imposed in the U.S. and Europe, it is difficult to estimate the likely impact on U. S. Steel, but it could be substantial. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13783 instructing the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to review the Clean Power Plan. On October 16, 2017, the U.S. EPA proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan after reviewing the plan pursuant to President Trump’s executive order. Any repeal and/or replacement of the Clean Power Plan is likely to be challenged by various proponents of the plan, such as environmental groups and certain states. Any impacts to our operations as a result of any future greenhouse gas regulations are not estimable at this time since the matter is unsettled. In any case, to the extent expenditures associated with any greenhouse gas regulation, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of U. S. Steel's products and services, operating results will be reduced. In addition, on April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA Administrator signed a notice in which the U.S. EPA withdrew from its prior January 12, 2017 Final Determination regarding greenhouse gas emission standards for model year (MY) 2022-2025 light duty vehicles. In the April 2, 2018 notice, the U.S. EPA provided its new determination that the greenhouse gas emission standards for MY 2022-2025 light duty vehicles are not appropriate in light of the record before the U.S. EPA and, therefore, the standards should be revised. The U.S. EPA, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will initiate a notice and comment rulemaking in a forthcoming Federal Register notice to further consider appropriate standards for MY 2022-2025 light-duty vehicles. California and other states have threatened to sue the U.S. EPA over the Agency’s withdrawal of the prior determination. There have been no material changes in U. S. Steel’s exposure to European Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations since December 31, 2017.

United States - Air

The CAA imposes stringent limits on air emissions with a federally mandated operating permit program and civil and criminal enforcement sanctions. The CAA requires, among other things, the regulation of hazardous air pollutants through the development and promulgation of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Standards. The U.S. EPA has developed various industry-specific MACT standards pursuant to this requirement. The CAA requires the U.S. EPA to promulgate regulations establishing emission standards for each category of Hazardous Air Pollutants. The U.S. EPA also must conduct risk assessments on each source category that is already subject to MACT standards and determine if additional standards are needed to reduce residual risks.

While our operations are subject to several different categories of NESHAP and MACT standards, the principal impact of these standards on U. S. Steel operations includes those that are specific to coke making, iron making, steel making and iron ore processing.

The U.S. EPA is currently in the process of completing a Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel MACT regulations, Coke MACT regulations, and Taconite Iron Ore Processing MACT regulations as required by the CAA. The U.S. EPA is under a court order to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel regulations no later than March 13, 2020; and to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Taconite Iron Ore Processing Regulations by June 30, 2020. Because the U.S. EPA has not completed its review, any impacts related to the U.S. EPA’s review of these standards cannot be estimated at this time.

On March 12, 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) submitted a CAA Section 126 petition to the U.S. EPA. In the petition, the DEC asserts that stationary sources from the following nine states are interfering with attainment or maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

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in New York state: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. DEC is requesting the U.S. EPA to require sources of nitrogen oxides in the nine states to reduce such emissions. On May 4, 2018, citing Section 307(d)(10) of the CAA, the U.S. EPA issued a notice extending the deadline for the agency to respond to the petition until November 9, 2018. The U.S. EPA indicated the extension is justified because more time is needed to review the petition and to solicit public comment. U.S. EPA approval of the petition could potentially result in increased capital and operating costs to our operations in the states identified in the petition.

The CAA also requires the U.S. EPA to develop and implement NAAQS for criteria pollutants, which include, among others, particulate matter (PM) - consisting of PM10 and PM2.5, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, SO2, and ozone.

In June 2010, the U.S. EPA significantly lowered the primary NAAQS for SO2 from 140 parts per billion (ppb) on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Subsequently, the U.S. EPA designated the areas in which Great Lakes Works and Mon Valley Works facilities are located as nonattainment with the 2010 standard for the SO2 NAAQS. The non-attainment designation requires the facilities to implement operational and/or capital improvements to demonstrate attainment with the 2010 standard. U. S. Steel worked with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) in developing a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania SIP that includes reductions of SO2 and improved dispersion from U. S. Steel sources. The SIP is currently being reviewed by the U.S. EPA. In addition, as noted in the Legal Proceedings section, U. S. Steel continues to work with the regulatory authorities to address the Wayne County, Michigan (where Great Lakes Works is located) nonattainment status. The operational and financial impacts of the SO2 NAAQS is not estimated to be material at this time.

In October 2015, the U.S. EPA lowered the NAAQS for ozone from 75 ppb to 70 ppb. On November 6, 2017, the U.S. EPA designated most areas in which we operate as attainment with the 2015 standard. In a separate ruling, on June 4, 2018, the U.S. EPA designated other areas in which we operate as “marginal nonattainment” with the 2015 ozone standard. Because any regulatory or permitting actions to bring the ozone nonattainment areas into attainment have yet to be proposed or developed, the operational and financial impact of the ozone NAAQS cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

On December 14, 2012, the U.S. EPA lowered the annual standard for PM2.5 from 15 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) to 12 ug/m3, and retained the PM2.5 24-hour and PM10 NAAQS rules. In December 2014, the U.S. EPA designated some areas in which U. S. Steel operates as nonattainment with the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard. On April 6, 2018, the U.S. EPA published a notice that Pennsylvania, California and Idaho failed to submit a SIP to demonstrate attainment with the 2012 fine particulate standard by the deadline established by the CAA. As a result of the notice, Pennsylvania, in which we operate, is required to submit a SIP to the U.S. EPA no later than November 7, 2019 to avoid sanctions. Because it is early in the SIP development stages, any impacts to U. S. Steel cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

In 2010, the U.S. EPA retained the annual nitrogen dioxide NAAQS standard, but created a new 1-hour NAAQS and established new data reduction and monitoring requirements. While the U.S. EPA has classified all areas as being in attainment or unclassifiable, it is requiring implementation of a network of monitoring stations to assess air quality. Until the network is implemented and further designations are made, the impact on operations at U. S. Steel facilities cannot be reasonably estimated.

In July 2018, the ACHD provided U. S. Steel, ACHD Regulation Subcommittee members and interested parties with draft regulations that would modify the existing air regulations applicable to coke plants in Allegheny County. While ACHD currently has some of the most stringent air regulations in the country governing coke plants, which apply to U. S. Steel’s coke plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania (the only remaining coke plant in Allegheny County and one of two remaining in Pennsylvania), the draft regulations would reduce the current allowable emissions from coke plant operations and would be more stringent than the Federal Best Available Control Technology and Lowest Achievable Emission Rate requirements. In various meetings with ACHD, U. S. Steel has raised significant objections, in particular, that ACHD has not demonstrated that continuous compliance with the draft rule is economically and technologically feasible. While U. S. Steel continues to meet with ACHD regarding the draft rule, U. S. Steel will take appropriate actions to ensure that any rule promulgated by ACHD complies with their statutory authority. Adopting the draft rule or similar rule could be material to U. S. Steel.

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Environmental Remediation

In the United States, U. S. Steel has been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at eight sites under CERCLA as of September 30, 2018. Of these, there are three sites where information requests have been received or there are other indications that U. S. Steel may be a PRP under CERCLA, but where sufficient information is not presently available to confirm the existence of liability or to make a reasonable estimate with respect to any potential liabilities. There are also 18 additional sites where U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs in excess of $100,000 under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. At many of these sites, U. S. Steel is one of a number of parties involved and the total cost of remediation, as well as U. S. Steel’s share, is frequently dependent upon the outcome of ongoing investigations and remedial studies. U. S. Steel accrues for environmental remediation activities when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably estimable. As environmental remediation matters proceed toward ultimate resolution or as remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those previously accrued may be required.
For further discussion of relevant environmental matters, see "Part II. Other information - Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Proceedings."
The total accrual for such liabilities at September 30, 2018 was $177 million. These amounts exclude liabilities related to asset retirement obligations, disclosed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
U. S. Steel is the subject of, or a party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
U. S. Steel did not enter into any material off-balance sheet arrangements during the third quarter of 2018.

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GUIDANCE

Market conditions remain solid, with stable end-user steel consumption. We experienced lower customer order rates for an extended period, driven by falling spot and index prices. However, we expect continued strength in steel demand will support favorable market conditions as we enter 2019.

We expect results for our Flat-rolled segment to continue to improve primarily due to increased shipments and lower maintenance and outage costs, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Despite a softening in the energy tubulars market, we expect a slight improvement in Tubular segment results primarily due to increased shipments, partially offset by lower average realized prices. We expect results for our European segment to decrease primarily due to inventory revaluation adjustments related to raw material price volatility.

We currently expect fourth quarter 2018 adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $575 million, which would result in full-year 2018 adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.8 billion.

Please refer to the table below for the reconciliation of Guidance net earnings to adjusted EBITDA.
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA GUIDANCE (a)
 
 
Quarter Ended
Year Ended
 
 
December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
2018
2018
Reconciliation to Projected Adjusted EBITDA Included in Guidance
 
 
 
Projected net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation included in Guidance
$
349

$
872

 
Estimated income tax expense
30

66

 
Estimated net interest and other financial costs
75

327

 
Estimated depreciation, depletion and amortization
136

520

 
Gain on equity investee transactions
(20
)
(38
)
 
Granite City Works restart costs
5

68

 
Granite City works adjustment to temporary idling charges

(8
)
 
Projected adjusted EBITDA included in Guidance
$
575

$
1,807

(a) Note: projected adjusted EBITDA included in Guidance excludes one-time costs resulting from the future ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement.

We present earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures, as additional measurements to enhance the understanding of our operating performance. We believe that EBITDA, considered along with net earnings (loss), is a relevant indicator of trends relating to our operating performance and provides management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results to the operating results of other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the effects of gains on the sale of ownership interests in equity investees, facility restart costs and significant temporary idling charges. We present adjusted EBITDA to enhance the understanding of our ongoing operating performance and established trends affecting our core operations, by excluding the effects of items such as gains on the sale of ownership interests in equity investees, facility restart costs and significant temporary idling charges that can obscure underlying trends. U. S. Steel's management considers adjusted EBITDA as an alternative measure of operating performance and not as an alternative measure of the Company's liquidity. U. S. Steel’s management considers adjusted EBITDA useful to investors by facilitating a comparison of our operating performance to the operating performance of our competitors. Additionally, the presentation of adjusted EBITDA provides insight into management’s view and assessment of the Company’s ongoing operating performance, because management does not consider the adjusting items when evaluating the Company’s financial performance or in preparing the Company’s annual financial Guidance. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for net earnings (loss) or other financial measures as computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP and is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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LABOR AGREEMENT
On October 15, 2018, U. S. Steel and the United Steelworkers (USW) reached a tentative agreement on successor four-year Collective Bargaining Agreements covering approximately 14,000 USW-represented employees at all of the company’s domestic flat-rolled and iron ore mining facilities as well as tubular operations in Fairfield, Alabama, Lorain, Ohio, and Lone Star, Texas. The tentative agreements remain subject to ratification, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of November of 2018.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE
U. S. Steel continues to face import competition, much of which is unfairly-traded, supported by foreign governments, and fueled by massive global steel overcapacity. Such practices, policies, and overcapacity impact the Company’s operational and financial performance. U. S. Steel continues to lead the industry in efforts to address dumped and subsidized imports and global overcapacity that threaten the Company, our workers, our shareholders, and our country’s national and economic security.
U. S. Steel continues to actively defend and maintain the 54 antidumping and countervailing (antisubsidy) duty orders covering products U. S. Steel produces in proceedings before the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Through a series of Presidential Proclamations pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as of October 31, 2018, U.S. imports of certain steel products are subject to a 25 percent tariff, except for imports from: (1) Turkey, which are subject to a 50 percent tariff; (2) Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea, which are subject to restrictive quotas; and (3) Australia, which is not subject to either tariffs or quotas. The DOC is managing a process in which U.S. companies may request and/or oppose temporary product exclusions from the Section 232 tariffs or quotas. Over 30,000 exclusions have been requested. U. S. Steel is actively opposing exclusion requests for products that are the same or similar products to those U. S. Steel produces.
Several legal challenges, trade measures, and retaliation actions have been initiated in response to the Section 232 action on steel. In the U.S., the American Institute for International Steel’s constitutional challenge to the Section 232 statute filed in June 2018 before the CIT is in the briefing stage. Multiple countries have challenged the Section 232 action at the WTO and/or imposed retaliatory tariffs. Mexico imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S. steel and other products in June 2018. Canada imposed a countermeasure surtax of 25 percent on imports of U.S. steel and other products in July 2018 and imposed a provisional safeguard in the form of tariff rate quotas (TRQs; 25 percent tariffs on imports that exceed the quota) on certain steel products in October 2018. The European Union imposed 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on imports of U.S. steel and other products in June 2018 and imposed a provisional TRQ safeguard on global steel imports in July 2018. In response, the United States has challenged the above retaliation at the WTO.
Following an investigation of China’s technology transfer and intellectual property violations by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, approximately $250 billion of U.S. imports from China, including finished steel couplings and some products used in steel production, are subject to 10 to 25 percent tariffs.
On September 30, 2018, the United States, Canada, and Mexico agreed in principle to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a new free trade agreement that is intended to replace the current North American Free Trade Agreement. USMCA contains several new provisions designed to increase the use of USMCA-origin steel and increase trade enforcement coordination among the three countries. To become law, USMCA must be ratified and implemented by the three governments. The agreement in principle to USMCA does not change the current Section 232 steel action or retaliation thereto.
U. S. Steel continues to execute a broad, global strategy to maximize opportunities and navigate challenges presented by imports, global steel overcapacity, and international trade law and policy developments.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Notes 2 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

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Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There were no material changes in U. S. Steel's exposure to market risk from December 31, 2017.


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Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
U. S. Steel has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2018. These disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that were designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed with or submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are: (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable law and regulations. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There have not been any changes in U. S. Steel’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, U. S. Steel’s internal control over financial reporting.


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UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
SEGMENT EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES:
 

 

 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled
 
$
305

 
$
161

 
$
562

 
$
293

U. S. Steel Europe
 
72

 
73

 
297

 
215

Tubular
 
7

 
(7
)
 
(55
)
 
(93
)
     Total reportable segments
 
384

 
227

 
804

 
415

Other Businesses
 
16

 
12

 
44

 
34

Items not allocated to segments:
 

 

 

 

 Gain on equity investee transactions
 

 
21

 
18

 
21

 Granite City Works restart costs
 
(27
)
 

 
(63
)
 

 Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges
 

 

 
8

 

 Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc.
 

 

 

 
72

 Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets
 

 

 

 
(35
)
Total earnings before interest and income taxes
 
$
373

 
$
260

 
$
811

 
$
507

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 

 

 

 

Flat-Rolled
 
$
213

 
$
134

 
531

 
206

U. S. Steel Europe
 
25

 
28

 
63

 
62

Tubular
 
9

 
8

 
33

 
19

Other Businesses
 
18

 
1

 
19

 
4

     Total
 
$
265

 
$
171

 
$
646

 
$
291

OPERATING STATISTICS
 

 

 

 

Average realized price: ($/net ton) (a)
 

 

 

 

     Flat-Rolled
 
$
859

 
$
728

 
807

 
730

     U. S. Steel Europe
 
669

 
639

 
695

 
617

     Tubular
 
1,602

 
1,433

 
1,477

 
1,268

Steel Shipments:(a)(b)
 

 

 

 

     Flat-Rolled
 
2,659

 
2,544

 
7,777

 
7,445

     U. S. Steel Europe
 
1,101

 
1,067

 
3,384

 
3,333

     Tubular
 
184

 
185

 
564

 
509

Intersegment Shipments:(b)
 

 

 

 

     Flat-Rolled to Tubular
 
26

 
43

 
158

 
137

     U. S. Steel Europe to Flat-Rolled
 

 

 
22

 
47

Raw Steel Production:(b)
 

 

 

 

     Flat-Rolled
 
2,933

 
2,821

 
8,558

 
8,247

     U. S. Steel Europe
 
1,210

 
1,235

 
3,810

 
3,778

Raw Steel Capability Utilization: (c)
 

 

 

 

     Flat-Rolled
 
68
%
 
66
%
 
67
%
 
65
%
     U. S. Steel Europe
 
96
%
 
98
%
 
102
%
 
101
%
(a) 
Excludes intersegment transfers.
(b) 
Thousands of net tons.
(c) 
Based on annual raw steel production capability of 17.0 million net tons for Flat-Rolled and 5.0 million net tons for USSE.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
GENERAL LITIGATION

On April 11, 2017, there was a process waste water release at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana that impacted a water outfall that discharges to Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel identified the source of the release and made the necessary repairs.  We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, resumed operations in a controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of use and penalty requests from the involved governmental agencies.  In January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging CWA and Permit violations at Midwest. On April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel and the relevant governmental agencies consisting of all material terms to resolve the CWA and NPDES violations at the Midwest Plant. A public comment period for the Consent Decree ensued. U. S. Steel, U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana continue to review those comments. The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initially agreed to stay their actions pending finalization of the Consent Decree, but filed a motion to lift that stay in July 2018.  On September 13, 2018, both The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago filed motions to intervene in the Consent Decree case which remain pending.

On August 9, 2017, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued rulemaking proposals to replace the current sulfate standard with an equation-based standard. As part of the rulemaking process, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) was appointed to preside over public hearings and comments. The Company and others challenged the standards and presented evidence that the standards were unsupported by science and that the MPCA failed to consider associated costs as part of the rulemaking process. On January 9, 2018, the ALJ rejected the MPCA’s proposals, concluding that the MPCA failed to comply with state law requirements for drafting and adopting a new standard, that portions of the rule were unsupported by the MPCA’s evidence and that the MPCA proposal was unconstitutional due to vagueness. On March 28, 2018, the MPCA submitted comments to the Chief ALJ seeking revisions to these determinations. The ALJ has not reversed the decision and the litigation on this matter has ended. However, the Minnesota Governor rejected any new wild rice legislation and by Executive Order created a new "Wild Rice Task Force." This Task Force is to issue a new wild rice report by the end of December 2018. U. S. Steel has representation on this Task Force.
On October 2, 2017, an Amended Shareholder Class Action Complaint was filed in Federal Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania consolidating previously-filed actions. Separately, four related shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in State and Federal courts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The underlying consolidated class action lawsuit alleges that U. S. Steel, certain current and former officers, an upper level manager of the Company and the financial underwriters who participated in the August 2016 secondary public offering (collectively, Defendants) violated federal securities laws in making false statements and/or failing to discover and disclose material information regarding the financial condition of the Company. The lawsuit claims that this conduct caused a prospective class of plaintiffs to sustain damages during the period from January 27, 2016 to April 25, 2017 as a result of the prospective class purchasing the Company's common stock at artificially inflated prices and/or suffering losses when the price of the common stock dropped. The derivative lawsuits generally make the same allegations against the same officers and also allege that certain current and former members of the Board of Directors failed to exercise appropriate control and oversight over the Company and were unjustly compensated. The plaintiffs seek to recover losses that were allegedly sustained. The class action Defendants moved to dismiss plaintiffs’ claims. On September 29, 2018 the Court ruled on those motions granting them in part and denying them in part. The Company is vigorously defending the remaining claims.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS

The following is a summary of the proceedings of U. S. Steel that were pending or contemplated as of September 30, 2018, under federal and state environmental laws. Information about specific sites where U. S. Steel is or has been engaged in significant clean up or remediation activities is also summarized below. Except as described herein, it is not possible to accurately predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.



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CERCLA Remediation Sites

Claims under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) have been raised with respect to the cleanup of various waste disposal and other sites. Under CERCLA, potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for a site include current owners and operators, past owners and operators at the time of disposal, persons who arranged for disposal of a hazardous substance at a site, and persons who transported a hazardous substance to a site. CERCLA imposes strict and joint and several liabilities. Because of various factors, including the ambiguity of the regulations, the difficulty of identifying the responsible parties for any particular site, the complexity of determining the relative liability among them, the uncertainty as to the most desirable remediation techniques, and the amount of damages and cleanup costs and the time period during which such costs may be incurred, we are unable to reasonably estimate U. S. Steel’s ultimate liabilities under CERCLA.

As of September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel has received information requests or been identified as a PRP at a total of eight CERCLA sites, three of which have liabilities that have not been resolved. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that U. S. Steel’s liability for CERCLA cleanup and remediation costs at the other five sites will be between $100,000 and $1 million for 4 of the sites, and over $5 million for 1 site as described below.

Duluth Works

The former U. S. Steel Duluth Works site was placed on the National Priorities List under CERCLA in 1983 and on the State of Minnesota’s Superfund list in 1984. Liability for environmental remediation at the site is governed by a Response Order by Consent executed with the MPCA in 1985 and a Record of Decision signed by MPCA in 1989. U. S. Steel has partnered with the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) of U.S. EPA Region 5 to address contaminated sediments in the St. Louis River Estuary and several other Operable Units that could impact the Estuary if not addressed. An amendment to the Project Agreement between U. S. Steel and GLNPO was executed during the second quarter of 2018 to recognize the costs associated with implementing the proposed remedial plan at the site.

While work continues on completion of the remedial design and educating the public and key stakeholders on the details of the plan, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Additional study, investigation, design, oversight costs, and implementation of U. S. Steel's preferred remedial alternatives on the upland property and Estuary are currently estimated as of September 30, 2018 at approximately $46 million.

RCRA and Other Remediation Sites

U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. There are 18 such sites where remediation is being sought involving amounts in excess of $100,000. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that liability for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with eight sites have potential costs between $100,000 and $1 million per site, five sites may involve remediation costs between $1 million and $5 million per site and five sites are estimated to or could have, costs for remediation, investigation, restoration or compensation in excess of $5 million per site.

For more information on the status of remediation activities at U. S. Steel’s significant sites, see the discussions related to each site below.

Gary Works

On October 23, 1998, the U.S. EPA issued a final Administrative Order on Consent (Order) addressing Corrective Action for Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU) throughout Gary Works. This Order requires U. S. Steel to perform a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation (RFI), a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) and Corrective Measure Implementation. While work continues on several items, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Until the remaining Phase I work and Phase II field investigations are completed, it is not possible to assess what additional expenditures will be necessary for Corrective Action projects at Gary Works. In total, the accrued liability for Corrective Action projects is approximately $26 million as of September 30, 2018, based on our current estimate of known remaining costs.

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Geneva Works

At U. S. Steel’s former Geneva Works, liability for environmental remediation, including the closure of three hazardous waste impoundments and facility-wide corrective action, has been allocated between U. S. Steel and the current property owner pursuant to an agreement and a permit issued by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ). Having completed the investigation on a majority of the remaining areas identified in the permit, U. S. Steel has determined the most effective means to address the remaining impacted material is to manage those materials in a previously approved on-site Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU). While preliminary approval of the conceptual CAMU design has been granted by the UDEQ, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of approximately $62 million as of September 30, 2018, for our estimated share of the remaining costs of remediation.

USS-POSCO Industries (UPI)

A joint venture in Pittsburg, California between subsidiaries of U. S. Steel and POSCO, UPI's facilities were previously owned and operated solely by U. S. Steel which retains primary responsibility for the existing environmental conditions. Work continues to monitor the impacts of the remedial plan implemented in 2016 to address groundwater impacts from trichloroethylene at SWMU 4. Evaluations continue for the three SWMUs known as the Northern Boundary Group and it is likely that corrective measures will be required, but it is not possible at this time to define a scope or estimate costs for what may be required by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. As such, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, approximately $1 million has been accrued for ongoing environmental studies, investigations and remedy monitoring. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Fairfield Works

A consent decree was signed by U. S. Steel, the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice and filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (United States of America v. USX Corporation) in December 1997. In accordance with the consent decree, U. S. Steel initiated a RCRA corrective action program at the Fairfield Works facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, with the approval of the U.S. EPA, assumed primary responsibility for regulation and oversight of the RCRA corrective action program at Fairfield Works. While work continues on different aspects of the program, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. In total, the accrued liability for remaining work under the Corrective Action Program, was approximately $252,000 at September 30, 2018. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Fairless Plant

In April 1993, U. S. Steel entered into a consent order with the U.S. EPA pursuant to RCRA, under which U. S. Steel would perform Interim Measures (IM), an RFI and CMS at our Fairless Plant. A Phase I RFI Final Report was submitted in September of 1997. With U.S. EPA’s agreement, in lieu of conducting subsequent phases of the RFI and the CMS, U. S. Steel has been working through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Act 2 Program to characterize and remediate facility parcels for redevelopment. While work continues on these items, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, the accrued liability to maintain the interim measures, and clear properties through the Act 2 process is approximately $189,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

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Lorain Tubular Operations

In September 2006, U. S. Steel and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) commenced discussions about RCRA Corrective Action at Lorain Tubular Operations. A Phase I RFI on the identified SWMUs and Areas of Contamination was submitted in March 2012. While discussions continue with OEPA on finalizing the Phase II RFI report that addresses additional investigations of soil, site wide groundwater and the pipe mill lagoon, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, costs to complete additional projects are estimated to be approximately $98,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”


Joliet Works

The 50-acre parcel at the former Joliet Works is enrolled in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) voluntary Site Remediation Program (the Program). The Program requires investigation and establishment of cleanup objectives followed by submission/approval of a Remedial Action Plan to meet those objectives. The 50-acre parcel was divided into four subareas with remedial activities completed in 2015 for three of the subareas. While work continues to define the requirements for further investigation of the remaining subarea, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $287,000 as of September 30, 2018. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Cherryvale (KS) Zinc

In April 2003, U. S. Steel and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. (SSB) entered into a Consent Order with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) concerning a former zinc smelting operation in Cherryvale, Kansas. Remediation of the site proper was essentially completed in 2007. The Consent Order was amended on May 3, 2013, to require investigation (but not remediation) of potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting operation. On November 22, 2016, KDHE approved a State Cooperative Final Agency Decision Statement that identified the remedy selected to address potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting site. The Removal Action Design Plan was approved during the second quarter of 2018, and work continues on finalizing the institutional controls required under the Plan. Negotiations of an amended consent order for remediation is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2018, an accrual of approximately $220,000 remains available for addressing these outstanding issues. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

South Works

On August 29, 2017, U. S. Steel was notified by the U.S. Coast Guard of a sheen on the water in the North Vessel Slip at our former South Works in Chicago, Illinois.  U. S. Steel has been working with the IEPA under their voluntary Site Remediation Program since 1993 to evaluate the condition of the property including the North Vessel Slip. The result of this cooperative effort has been the issuance of a series of “No Further Remediation” (NFR) notices to U. S. Steel including one specific to the North Vessel Slip. U. S. Steel has notified the IEPA of the potential changed condition and is working closely with the IEPA and the U. S. Coast Guard to determine the source of the sheen and options to address the issue. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $25,000 as of September 30, 2018.

Air Related Matters

Great Lakes Works

In June 2010, the U.S. EPA significantly lowered the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for SO2 from 140 parts per billion (ppb) on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Based upon the 2009-2011 ambient

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air monitoring data, the U.S. EPA designated the area in which Great Lakes Works is located as nonattainment with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

As result, pursuant to the CAA, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) was required to submit a SIP to the U.S. EPA that demonstrates that the entire nonattainment area (and not just the monitor) would be in attainment by October 2018 by using conservative air dispersion modeling.  To develop the SIP, U. S. Steel met with MDEQ on multiple occasions and had offered reduction plans to MDEQ but the parties could not agree to a plan. MDEQ, instead promulgated Rule 430 which was solely directed at U. S. Steel. The Company challenged Rule 430 before the Michigan Court of Claims who by Order dated October 4, 2017, granted the Company’s motion for summary disposition voiding Rule 430 finding that it violated rule-making provisions of the Michigan Administrative Procedures Act and Michigan Constitution. Since Rule 430 has been invalidated and MDEQ's SIP has not been approved, U.S. EPA has indicated that it would promulgate a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) pursuant to its obligations and authority under the Clean Air Act. Because development of the FIP is in the early stages, the impacts of the nonattainment designation to the Company are not estimable at this time.

On October 8, 2018, U. S. Steel received a Violation Notice from MDEQ in which MDEQ alleges that U. S. Steel exceeded applicable limits at the pickle line based upon the results of a stack test conducted in April 2018. U. S. Steel is responding to the MDEQ with information regarding improvements made at the pickle line and related equipment since April 2018. No penalty has been assessed.

On January 31, 2018, U. S. Steel received a Violation Notice from MDEQ in which MDEQ alleges that U. S. Steel exceeded the applicable six-minute opacity standard at the B2 Blast Furnace Casthouse on October 25, 2017. U. S. Steel responded to the notice on February 21, 2018. No penalty has been assessed.

On May 27, 2015, Great Lakes Works received a Violation Notice in which MDEQ alleged that U. S. Steel did not obtain a required permit to install a BOP vessel replacement that occurred in November 2014. U. S. Steel responded to MDEQ on June 17, 2015. While the resolution of the matter is uncertain at this time, it is not anticipated that the resolution will be material to U. S. Steel.

Granite City Works

In October 2015, Granite City Works received a Violation Notice from IEPA in which the IEPA alleges that U. S. Steel violated the emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds from the Basic Oxygen Furnace Electrostatic Precipitator Stack. In addition, the IEPA alleges that U. S. Steel exceeded its natural gas usage limit at its CoGeneration Boiler. U. S. Steel responded to the notice and is currently discussing resolution of the matter with IEPA.

Although discussions with IEPA regarding the foregoing alleged violations are ongoing and the resolution of these matters is uncertain at this time, it is not anticipated that the result of those discussions will be material to U. S. Steel.

Minnesota Ore Operations

On February 6, 2013, the U.S. EPA published a FIP that applies to taconite facilities in Minnesota. The FIP establishes and requires emission limits and the use of low NOx reduction technology on indurating furnaces as Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART). While U. S. Steel installed low NOx burners on three furnaces at Minntac and is currently obligated to install low NOx burners on the two other furnaces at Minntac pursuant to existing agreements and permits, the rule would require the installation of a low NOx burner on the one furnace at Keetac for which U. S. Steel did not have an otherwise existing obligation. U. S. Steel estimates expenditures associated with the installation of low NOx burners of as much as $25 to $30 million. In 2013, U. S. Steel filed a petition for administrative reconsideration to the U.S. EPA and a petition for judicial review of the 2013 FIP and denial of the Minnesota SIP to the Eighth Circuit. In April 2016, the U.S. EPA promulgated a revised FIP with the same substantive requirements for U. S. Steel. In June 2016, U. S. Steel filed a petition for administrative reconsideration of the 2016 FIP to the U.S. EPA and a petition for judicial review of the 2016 FIP before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. While the proceedings regarding the petition for judicial review of the 2013 FIP remained stayed, oral arguments regarding the petition for judicial review of the 2016 FIP were heard by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on November 15, 2017. Thus, both petitions for judicial review remain with the Eighth Circuit. On December 4, 2017, U.S. EPA published a notification in the Federal Register in which the U.S. EPA denied U. S. Steel’s administrative petitions for reconsideration and stay of the 2013 FIP and 2016 FIP. On February 1, 2018, U. S. Steel filed a petition for judicial review of U.S. EPA’s denial of the administrative petitions for reconsideration to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. U. S. Steel continues to defend its three petitions

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that are before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding BART requirements at Minntac and Keetac while pursuing a resolution that would include an equitable revision to the FIP.

Mon Valley Works

On November 9, 2017, U.S. EPA Region III and ACHD jointly issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) regarding the Company’s Edgar Thomson facility in Braddock, PA. In addition, on November 20, 2017, ACHD issued a separate, but related NOV to the Company regarding the Edgar Thomson facility. In the NOVs, based upon their inspections and review of documents collected throughout the last two years, the agencies allege that the Company has violated the CAA by exceeding the allowable visible emission standards from certain operations during isolated events. In addition, the agencies allege that the Company has violated certain maintenance, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. U. S. Steel met with U.S. EPA Region III and ACHD on December 18, 2017. ACHD, U.S. EPA Region III and U. S. Steel continue to negotiate a potential resolution of the matter.

U. S. Steel received a civil enforcement order with an assessed penalty in the amount of $263,400 from the ACHD on April 4, 2018. The allegations in the order are based on events that were alleged to have occurred in February and March of 2016. The allegations were the subject of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations that were resolved through a settlement agreement after U. S. Steel contested the OSHA citations.  Specifically, the ACHD alleges that U. S. Steel failed to properly abate asbestos-containing material in conformance with applicable permits and regulations.  After meeting with U. S. Steel, on May 3, 2018, the ACHD vacated the original order and issued a new order reducing the penalty to $198,600 for alleged violations of the asbestos Operating and Maintenance Permit. U. S. Steel appealed the new order on June 4, 2018. In addition, the ACHD issued three new civil enforcement orders on June 3, 2018, assessing a total penalty of $91,100 for the Company’s alleged failure to submit quarterly reports of asbestos removed under its Operating and Maintenance Permits at the Irvin Works, Edgar Thomson, and Clairton plants in 2015, 2016, 2017, and the first quarter of 2018. The Company appealed the June 3, 2018 orders on June 28, 2018. The cases were consolidated. After agreeing to perform some community supplemental environmental projects to offset part of the penalty, U. S. Steel withdrew the appeal of the consolidated cases on October 15, 2018.

On June 28, 2018, U. S. Steel received an Enforcement Order from the ACHD for the Clairton plant for alleged violations of various environmental permit and regulatory requirements pertaining to air emissions. The total penalty demand is $1,091,950 for alleged violations that were to have occurred in late 2017 and early 2018. ACHD ordered U. S. Steel to conduct a SO2 stack test of C Battery Quench Tower exhaust. ACHD also ordered U. S. Steel to provide an assessment of all emissions points at the Clairton facility to ACHD; and to propose measures, for ACHD approval, to reduce SO2, particulate matter and visible emissions within sixty days of receipt of the Order. In the Order, ACHD demanded that if U. S. Steel fails to meet any requirements in the Order, U. S. Steel shall place its two worst performing batteries on hot idle until ACHD determines U. S. Steel is in compliance with the Order. U. S. Steel has appealed the Order and posted the penalty amount in an escrow account; and is currently engaged in discovery regarding the matter. A hearing date has been scheduled for December 3, 2018.

On October 17, 2018, ACHD issued an administrative order and assessed a penalty of $620,300 for violations regarding fugitive emission sources (coke oven doors, lids, offtakes, charging, high opacity doors and soaking) at the Clairton plant that were alleged to have occurred during the second quarter of 2018. We are currently reviewing the Order and will take appropriate action once our review is complete.
ASBESTOS LITIGATION
As of September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 750 active cases involving approximately 2,300 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. At December 31, 2017, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 820 active cases involving approximately 3,315 plaintiffs. As of September 30, 2018, about 1,540, or approximately 67 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, we believe that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs.

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The following table shows activity with respect to asbestos litigation:
Period ended
 
Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 
New
Claims
 
Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2015
 
3,455
 
415
 
275
 
3,315
December 31, 2016
 
3,315
 
225
 
250
 
3,340
December 31, 2017
 
3,340
 
275
 
250
 
3,315
September 30, 2018
 
3,315
 
1,225
 
210
 
2,300
(a) The period ending September 30, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.

Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into three groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.

The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition.  However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, including: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims. Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular quarter.



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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Please refer to item 1A. of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and item 1A. of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q  for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 for a description of the principal risk factors affecting our business.

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Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 150 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.

Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 6.
EXHIBITS
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
95
 
 
 
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


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SIGNATURE
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 chief accounting officer thereunto duly authorized.
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
 
 
By
 
/s/ Colleen M. Darragh
 
 
 
 
Colleen M. Darragh
 
 
Vice President & Controller
November 2, 2018
WEB SITE POSTING
This Form 10-Q will be posted on the U. S. Steel web site, www.ussteel.com, within a few days of its filing.

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