United States Steel Corporation Reports 2014 Second Quarter Results And Improving Third Quarter Outlook

PITTSBURGH, July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) reported second quarter 2014 net loss of $18 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to a second quarter 2013 net loss of $78 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, and first quarter 2014 net income of $52 million, or $0.34 per diluted share.  Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2014 was $25 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, excluding a charge of $46 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for litigation reserves; a loss on assets held for sale of $9 million, or $0.06 per diluted share; and a curtailment gain of $12 million, or $0.08 per diluted share.  See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section for a description of the non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to net income (loss) attributable to U. S. Steel.

Commenting on results, U. S. Steel President and CEO Mario Longhi said, "The Carnegie Way journey continues to drive improvements as we reported operating income for each of our reportable segments and Other Businesses despite significant operating inefficiencies and logistical issues in our Flat-rolled segment."

The $132 million, or $26 per ton, of reportable segment and Other Businesses income from operations for the second quarter of 2014 compares to income from operations of $154 million, or $30 per ton, in the first quarter of 2014 and income from operations of $47 million, or $9 per ton, in the second quarter of 2013.

Other items not allocated to segments in the second quarter of 2014 consisted of a pre-tax charge of $70 million for litigation reserves, a pre-tax loss of $14 million on assets held for sale and a pre-tax curtailment gain of $19 million.

As of June 30, 2014, U. S. Steel had $1.5 billion of cash and $3.2 billion of total liquidity.  Cash provided by operating activities was $1.4 billion in the first half of 2014 primarily due to improved working capital management.  During the second quarter, we repaid the remaining $322 million of our 2014 Senior Convertible Notes.

Reportable Segments and Other Businesses

Results for our Flat-rolled segment remained positive but decreased significantly from the first quarter.  The impacts of the extraordinary weather conditions and operational issues that began in the first quarter resulted in continuing operating inefficiencies; higher repairs and maintenance costs; and logistical issues that temporarily limited our production capabilities during the second quarter.  These events resulted in both higher operating costs and lower shipments as compared to the first quarter.  Market conditions in North America did improve versus the first quarter, resulting in higher average realized proceeds in the second quarter.  The benefits generated by our Carnegie Way efforts partially offset the impact of these events and allowed us to report positive results.  As we exited the second quarter, we returned to normal operations.

We reported comparable results for our European segment in the second quarter despite the absence of the sale and swap of carbon emission allowances recognized in the first quarter.  Iron ore costs declined while shipments and average realized prices were comparable to the first quarter.

Tubular results increased compared to the first quarter.  Shipments were higher due to increased drilling activity while average realized prices were in line with the first quarter.  Raw materials costs improved as compared to the first quarter.

Outlook           

Commenting on U. S. Steel's outlook for the third quarter, Longhi said, "We expect operating income for our reportable segments and Other Businesses to increase significantly over the second quarter, as we return to normal operating levels.  We continue to earn the right to grow as the Carnegie Way transformation allows us to better meet our customers' needs and improves our earnings power. "

Results for our Flat-rolled segment are expected to improve significantly from the second quarter.  Shipments are projected to increase as we return to normal operations while average realized prices are expected to remain consistent with the second quarter. The absence of weather related and operational challenges experienced during the second quarter is expected to generate a favorable impact of approximately $150 million from reduced repairs and maintenance costs and increased operating efficiencies along with the increased shipments described above.  Inventory levels are expected to increase during the balance of the year as we work to replenish our supply chain.

We expect results for our European segment to decrease as compared to the second quarter.  Scheduled caster and blast furnace maintenance along with the normal impact of the European holiday season is expected to result in lower shipments and higher repairs and maintenance costs related to the planned outages.  These negative impacts are expected to be partially offset by a decrease in raw materials costs, primarily for iron ore.  Average realized prices are projected to be in line with the second quarter.

Tubular results are expected to improve slightly as compared to the second quarter.  Shipments are expected to decrease, due to the indefinite idling of the McKeesport and Bellville facilities, while average realized prices are projected to increase due to improved pricing and mix.  Because the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling on the OCTG trade case is expected in mid-August, we do not anticipate any benefit for the third quarter.

This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to market conditions, operating costs, shipments and prices.  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.  We present adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share, which are non-GAAP measures, as an additional measurement to enhance the understanding of our operating performance and facilitate a comparison with that of our competitors.  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, 2013, 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 second quarter earnings on Wednesday, July 30, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.  To listen to the webcast of the conference call, visit the U. S. Steel website, www.ussteel.com, and click on "Current Information" under the "Investors" section.

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

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

We present adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share, which are non-GAAP measures, as an additional measurement to enhance the understanding of our operating performance and facilitate a comparison with that of our competitors.

The following schedule reflects the reconciliation of adjusted net income:

SOURCE United States Steel Corporation