United States Steel Corporation

Public Affairs

600 Grant Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2800

 

News

 

    Contacts: Media
      Courtney Boone
      (412) 433-6791
      Investors/Analysts
      Dan Lesnak
      (412) 433-1184

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION REPORTS 

2012 FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR RESULTS

  

·Fourth quarter reportable segment and Other Businesses income from operations of $59 million

 

·Fourth quarter net loss of $50 million, or $0.35 per diluted share including a $9 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, favorable settlement related to a supplier contract dispute

 

·Full-year reportable segment and Other Businesses income from operations was $855 million; full-year net loss was $124 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, including a net loss of $353 million primarily due to the sale of U. S. Steel Serbia

 

·Fourth quarter shipments of 5.2 million tons and net sales of $4.5 billion

 

·Strong liquidity position with $570 million of cash and $2.4 billion of total liquidity

 

PITTSBURGH, January 29, 2013 – United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) reported a fourth quarter 2012 net loss of $50 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to third quarter 2012 net income of $44 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, and a fourth quarter 2011 net loss of $211 million, or $1.46 per diluted share. For full-year 2012, U. S. Steel reported a net loss of $124 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, which included a net loss of $353 million primarily due to the sale of U. S. Steel Serbia. For full-year 2011, U. S. Steel reported a net loss of $53 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, which included an $11 million after-tax environmental remediation charge. Net loss for the fourth quarter 2012 included a $9 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, favorable settlement related to a supplier contract dispute. Net income for the third quarter 2012 included a $22 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, after-tax charge for employee lump sum payments as provided in the new labor agreement. Net loss for the fourth quarter 2011 included $51 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, of net foreign currency losses and an $11 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, after-tax environmental remediation charge.

 

 
 

  

Earnings Highlights
                     
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)  4Q 2012   3Q 2012   4Q 2011   2012   2011 
Net Sales  $4,487   $4,652   $4,819   $19,328   $19,884 
Segment income (loss) from operations                         
Flat-rolled  $11   $29   $(72)  $400   $469 
U. S. Steel Europe   7    27    (89)   34    (162)
Tubular   32    102    119    366    316 
Other Businesses   9    13    16    55    46 
Total reportable segment and Other Businesses income (loss) from operations  $59   $171   $(26)  $855   $669 
Postretirement benefit expense   (69)   (74)   (99)   (297)   (386)
Other items not allocated to segments   15    (35)   (18)   (311)  (18)
Income (loss) from operations  $5   $62   $(143)  $247   $265 
Net interest and other financial costs   64    45    102    241    238 
Income tax (benefit) provision   (8)   (27)   (34)   131    80 
Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests   (1)   -    -    (1)   - 
Net (loss) income attributable to United States Steel Corporation  $(50)  $44   $(211)  $(124)  $(53)
-Per basic share  $(0.35)  $0.30   $(1.46)  $(0.86)  $(0.37)
-Per diluted share  $(0.35)  $0.28   $(1.46)  $(0.86)  $(0.37)

 

Commenting on results, U. S. Steel Chairman and CEO John P. Surma said, “For the third consecutive quarter all three of our reportable segments had positive operating results despite the uncertain global economic environment. Lower drilling and project line pipe activity, as well as continued high import levels, significantly reduced our Tubular segment’s results. For our Flat-rolled segment, our profitability was negatively affected by the uncertain domestic fiscal situation as well as continued high levels of flat-rolled steel imports.

 

The company reported a fourth quarter 2012 reportable segment and Other Businesses income from operations of $59 million, or $11 per ton, compared to income of $171 million, or $32 per ton, in the third quarter of 2012 and a loss of $26 million, or $5 per ton, in the fourth quarter of 2011. For the year 2012, reportable segment and Other Businesses income from operations was $855 million versus $669 million for the year 2011.

 

 
 

 

For the full year 2012, we recorded a tax provision of $131 million on our pre-tax income of $6 million. The tax provision does not reflect any tax benefit for pre-tax losses in Canada, which is a jurisdiction where we have recorded a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. In addition, no material tax benefit was recorded on the $399 million loss on the sale of U. S. Steel Serbia in 2012.

 

As of December 31, 2012, U. S. Steel had $570 million of cash and $2.4 billion of total liquidity compared to $408 million of cash and $1.8 billion of total liquidity at December 31, 2011. In 2012 net debt as reflected on the balance sheet was reduced by approximately $450 million as cash from operations in excess of capital spending was used to repay borrowings on our credit facilities and increase cash on hand.

 

Reportable Segments and Other Businesses

 

Flat-rolled fourth quarter results remained positive but decreased from the third quarter due to lower average realized prices and shipments, partially offset by lower operating costs. Average realized prices and shipments were lower compared to the third quarter, as cautious purchasing patterns continued in light of the uncertain global economic outlook and the domestic fiscal situation and compressed mill lead times. Operating costs decreased due to lower raw materials and repairs and maintenance costs partially offset by higher natural gas costs.

 

Fourth quarter results for our European segment remained positive but lower than the third quarter. Average realized prices decreased reflecting lower spot market and quarterly contract pricing, while shipments remained comparable to the third quarter. Operating costs decreased compared to the third quarter primarily due to lower raw materials costs partially offset by higher energy costs.

 

 
 

 

Fourth quarter results for our Tubular segment were well below third quarter results. Average realized prices and shipments decreased as end users reduced drilling activity and project line pipe purchases were delayed. Inventory management and continued high import levels also adversely affected order rates as we approached year-end. Operating costs increased due to lower production levels.

 

Outlook

 

Commenting on U. S. Steel’s outlook for the first quarter, Surma said, “We continue to be challenged by uncertain global economic and steel market conditions. We expect a slight improvement in the European and Tubular segment operating results with Flat-rolled segment results expected to be near breakeven. Total reportable segment and Other Businesses operating results are expected to be comparable to the fourth quarter.”

 

We expect Flat-rolled segment results to be near breakeven in the first quarter. Steel buyers in North America continued to exhibit caution early in the year, but recent increases in our daily order entry rates suggest increased spot market demand as the quarter progresses. We expect higher shipments in the first quarter than the fourth quarter with increases across many of our industry segments. Average spot prices are expected to be higher than the fourth quarter as recently announced price increases take effect. Lower prices for market-based contracts, which tend to lag the spot market, are expected to offset the higher spot market prices with overall first quarter average realized prices for the Flat-rolled segment being comparable to the fourth quarter. Raw materials costs are expected to decrease slightly as lower coal prices are partially offset by higher scrap prices. Total operating costs are expected to be slightly higher compared to the fourth quarter.

 

First quarter results for our European segment are projected to improve compared to the fourth quarter due to a significant increase in shipments. Despite continued economic challenges, shipments are anticipated to increase due to additional contract volume and improving spot market activity caused by service center and distributor restocking. Average realized prices are expected to decrease due to a higher mix of hot-rolled shipments as well as the effect of lower firm contract prices, which are partially offset by increasing spot market prices. Iron ore costs are projected to increase in the first quarter.

 

 
 

 

We expect first quarter results for our Tubular segment to improve compared to the fourth quarter due to decreased operating costs and a slight increase in shipments as drilling activity begins to improve. Average realized prices are expected to be slightly lower as compared to the fourth quarter, while operating costs are expected to decrease due to reduced repairs and maintenance costs and improved operating efficiencies.

 

*****

 

This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to market conditions, operating costs, shipments, prices, capital spending, and employee benefit costs and payments. Although we believe that we are experiencing a gradual economic recovery, there are signs of continued economic issues, including the European sovereign debt and domestic fiscal situations. U. S. Steel cannot control or predict the impact. Other more normal factors that could affect market conditions, costs, shipments and prices for both North American and European operations include: (a) foreign currency fluctuations and related activities; (b) global product demand, prices and mix; (c) global and company steel production levels; (d) plant operating performance; (e) natural gas, electricity, raw materials and transportation prices, usage and availability; (f) international trade developments, including court decisions, legislation and agency decisions on petitions and sunset reviews; (g) the impact of fixed prices in energy and raw materials contracts (many of which have terms of one year or longer) as compared to short-term contract and spot prices of steel products; (h) changes in environmental, tax, pension and other laws; (i) the terms of collective bargaining agreements; (j) employee strikes or other labor issues; and (k) U.S. and global economic performance and political developments. Domestic steel shipments and prices could be affected by import levels and actions taken by the U.S. Government and its agencies, including those related to CO2 emissions, climate change and shale gas development. Economic conditions and political factors in Europe and Canada that may affect U. S. Steel Europe’s and U. S. Steel Canada’s results include, but are not limited to: (l) taxation; (m) nationalization; (n) inflation; (o) fiscal instability; (p) political issues; (q) regulatory actions; and (r) quotas, tariffs, and other protectionist measures. In accordance with “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, cautionary statements identifying important factors, but not necessarily all factors, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements have been included in U. S. Steel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and in subsequent filings for U. S. Steel.

 

 
 

 

A Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited), Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (Unaudited), Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) and Preliminary Supplemental Statistics (Unaudited) for U. S. Steel are attached.

 

The company will conduct a conference call on fourth quarter earnings on Tuesday, January 29, at 3 p.m. EST. To listen to the webcast of the conference call, visit the U. S. Steel website, www.ussteel.com, and click on “Overview” then “Current Information” under the “Investors” section.

 

For more information on U. S. Steel, visit our website at www.ussteel.com.

 

-oOo-

 

2013-xxx

 

 
 

 

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended   Year Ended 
   Dec. 31   Sept. 30   Dec. 31   Dec. 31   Dec. 31 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2012   2011   2012   2011 
                     
NET SALES  $4,487   $4,652   $4,819   $19,328   $19,884 
                          
OPERATING EXPENSES (INCOME):                         
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below)   4,216    4,311    4,647    17,630    18,326 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   142    166    183    654    733 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   171    163    169    661    681 
Income from investees   (28)   (48)   (19)   (144)   (85)
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets   (12)   (1)   (15)   296    (25)
Other income, net   (7)   (1)   (3)   (16)   (11)
                          
Total operating expenses   4,482    4,590    4,962    19,081    19,619 
                          
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS   5    62    (143)   247    265 
Net interest and other financial costs   64    45    102    241    238 
                          
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND                         
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS   (59)   17    (245)   6    27 
Income tax (benefit) provision   (8)   (27)   (34)   131    80 
                          
Net (loss) income   (51)   44    (211)   (125)   (53)
Less: Net loss attributable to the                         
noncontrolling interests   (1)   -    -    (1)   - 
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION  $(50)  $44   $(211)  $(124)  $(53)
                          
COMMON STOCK DATA:                         
                          
Net (loss) income per share attributable to United                         
States Steel Corporation shareholders:                         
-Basic  $(0.35)  $0.30   $(1.46)  $(0.86)  $(0.37)
-Diluted  $(0.35)  $0.28   $(1.46)  $(0.86)  $(0.37)
                          
Weighted average shares, in thousands                         
-Basic   144,351    144,350    144,071    144,237    143,967 
-Diluted   144,351    171,673    144,071    144,237    143,967 
                          
Dividends paid per common share  $0.05   $0.05   $0.05   $0.20   $0.20 

 

 
 

 

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

CASH FLOW STATEMENT (Unaudited)

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011 
         
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Net loss  $(125)  $(53)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   661    681 
Pensions and other postretirement benefits   (181)   (24)
Deferred income taxes   74    (68)
Net loss (gain) on disposal of assets   296    (25)
Working capital changes   326    (552)
Income taxes receivable/payable   17    133 
Currency remeasurement (gain) loss   (15)   40 
Other operating activities   82    36 
Total   1,135    168 
           
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities:          
Capital expenditures   (723)   (848)
Disposal of assets   155    41 
Other investing activities   (34)   (6)
Total   (602)   (813)
           
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:          
Revolving credit facilities       - borrowings   523    4,715 
                                                  - repayments   (653)   (4,570)
Receivables Purchase Agreement (payments) proceeds   (380)   380 
Issuance of long-term debt, net of refinancing costs   485    193 
Repayment of long-term debt   (319)   (216)
Common stock issued   -    3 
Dividends paid   (29)   (29)
Other financing activities   -    1 
Total   (373)   477 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   2    (2)
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   162    (170)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year   408    578 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year  $570   $408 

 

 
 

 

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)

 

   Dec. 31   Dec. 31 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011 
         
Cash and cash equivalents  $570   $408 
Receivables, net   2,090    2,046 
Receivables sold to third party conduits   -    380 
Inventories   2,503    2,775 
Other current assets   211    165 
Total current assets   5,374    5,774 
Property, plant and equipment, net   6,408    6,579 
Investment and long-term receivables, net   609    683 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net   2,075    2,045 
Other assets   773    992 
           
Total assets  $15,239   $16,073 
           
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities  $1,800   $2,063 
Payroll and benefits payable   977    1,003 
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt   2    20 
Borrowings under Receivables Purchase Agreement   -    380 
Other current liabilities   211    183 
Total current liabilities   2,990    3,649 
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount   3,936    3,828 
Employee benefits   4,416    4,600 
Other long-term liabilities   419    495 
United States Steel Corporation stockholders' equity   3,476    3,500 
Noncontrolling interests   2    1 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $15,239   $16,073 

 

 
 

 

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

PRELIMINARY SUPPLEMENTAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended   Year Ended 
   Dec. 31   Sept. 30   Dec. 31   Dec. 31   Dec. 31 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2012   2011   2012   2011  
                     
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS                         
Flat-rolled  $11   $29   $(72)  $400   $469 
U. S. Steel Europe   7    27    (89)(a)   34(a)   (162)(a)
Tubular   32    102    119    366    316 
Other Businesses   9    13    16    55    46 
                          
Reportable Segment and Other Businesses (Loss) Income from Operations   59    171    (26)   855    669 
Postretirement benefit expenses   (69)   (74)   (99)   (297)   (386)
Other items not allocated to segments:                         
Loss on sale of U. S. Steel Serbia   -    -    -    (399)   - 
Gain on sale of transportation assets   -    -    -    89    - 
Supplier contract dispute settlement   15    -    -    15    - 
Property tax settlements   -    -    -    19    - 
Labor agreement lump sum payments   -    (35)   -    (35)   - 
Environmental remediation charge   -    -    (18)   -    (18)
                          
Total Income (Loss) from Operations  $5   $62   $(143)  $247   $265 
                          
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES                         
Flat-rolled  $141   $89   $189   $625   $616 
U. S. Steel Europe   17    15    16    38    109 
Tubular   17    17    10    42    104 
Other Businesses   12    8    7    18    19 
                          
Total  $187   $129   $222   $723   $848 
                          

 

(a) Includes income from operations for USSK of $51 million and $44 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Includes a loss from operations for USSK of ($22) million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

 

 
 

 

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION 

PRELIMINARY SUPPLEMENTAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended   Year Ended 
   Dec. 31   Sept. 30   Dec. 31   Dec. 31   Dec. 31 
   2012   2012   2011   2012   2011 
                     
OPERATING STATISTICS                         
Average realized price: ($/net ton) (a)                         
Flat-rolled   721    741    741    750    759 
U. S. Steel Europe   718    731    770    742    845 
USSK   718    731    783    743    862 
Tubular   1,624    1,676    1,711    1,687    1,612 
Steel Shipments: (a) (b)                         
Flat-rolled   3,924    3,972    3,784    15,974    15,509 
U. S. Steel Europe   905    911    1,153    3,816    4,932 
Tubular   407    457    482    1,886    1,812 
Total Steel Shipments   5,236    5,340    5,419    21,676    22,253 
                          
USSK   905    911    908    3,743    3,690 
                          
Intersegment Shipments: (b)                         
Flat-rolled to Tubular   393    456    431    1,803    1,770 
U. S. Steel Europe to Flat-rolled   -    128    -    249    71 
Raw Steel Production : (b)                         
Flat-rolled   4,686    4,699    4,593    19,116    18,600 
U. S. Steel Europe   969    1,140    1,211    4,522    5,640 
USSK   969    1,140    945    4,434    4,201 
Raw Steel Capability Utilization: (c)                         
Flat-rolled   77%   77%   75%   78%   77%
U. S. Steel Europe   77%   90%   65%   87%   76%
USSK   77%   90%   75%   88%   84%
                          

(a)Excludes intersegment shipments.
(b)Thousands of net tons.
(c)Based on annual raw steel production capability of 24.3 million net tons for Flat-rolled and 7.4 million tons for U. S. Steel Europe. Subsequent to the sale of USSS on January 31, 2012, annual raw steel production capability for USSE is 5.0 million net tons.