Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

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 March 31, 2011

Or

 

  [   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     .

LOGO

(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 Ö 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 Ö 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. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  Ö 

  Accelerated filer        Non-accelerated filer          Smaller reporting company        
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes      No Ö 

Common stock outstanding at April 20, 2011 – 143,768,000 shares


Table of Contents

INDEX

 

     Page  

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
 

Item 1.

   Financial Statements:   
     Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited)      1   
    

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)

     2   
    

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

     3   
    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     4   
 

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     24   
 

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     37   
 

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     38   
    

Supplemental Statistics (Unaudited)

     39   

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  
 

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      40   
 

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      49   
 

Item 6.

   Exhibits      49   

SIGNATURE

     51   

WEB SITE POSTING

     51   


Table of Contents

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)        2011             2010      

Net sales:

    

Net sales

   $ 4,557      $ 3,615   

Net sales to related parties (Note 17)

     307        281   
                

Total

     4,864        3,896   
                

Operating expenses (income):

    

Cost of sales (excludes items shown below)

     4,621        3,639   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     180        148   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (Note 5)

     169        165   

(Income) loss from investees

     (8     5   

Net gain on disposal of assets (Notes 4 and 18)

     (6     (3

Other income, net

     (1     (1
                

Total

     4,955        3,953   
                

Loss from operations

     (91     (57

Interest expense

     50        43   

Interest income

     (2     (3

Other financial (income) costs (Note 7)

     (69     68   
                

Net interest and other financial (income) costs

     (21     108   

Loss before income taxes

     (70     (165

Income tax provision (benefit) (Note 8)

     16        (7
                

Net loss

     (86     (158

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

            (1
                

Net loss attributable to United States Steel Corporation

   $ (86   $ (157

Loss per common share (Note 9) :

                

Net loss per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation shareholders:

    

- Basic

   $ (0.60   $ (1.10

- Diluted

   $ (0.60   $ (1.10

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

 

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UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

(Dollars in millions)    (Unaudited)
March 31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 421      $ 578   

Receivables, less allowance of $54 and $48

     2,451        1,921   

Receivables from related parties (Note 17)

     145        102   

Inventories (Note 10)

     2,255        2,352   

Income tax receivable (Note 8)

     66        175   

Deferred income tax benefits (Note 8)

     127        125   

Other current assets

     72        51   
                

Total current assets

     5,537        5,304   

Property, plant and equipment

     16,261        15,890   

Less accumulated depreciation and depletion

     9,634        9,404   
                

Total property, plant and equipment – net

     6,627        6,486   

Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $23 and $22

     694        670   

Intangibles – net (Note 5)

     274        275   

Goodwill (Note 5)

     1,787        1,760   

Deferred income tax benefits (Note 8)

     513        515   

Other noncurrent assets

     336        340   
                

Total assets

   $ 15,768      $ 15,350   

Liabilities

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 2,044      $ 1,738   

Accounts payable to related parties (Note 17)

     83        66   

Bank checks outstanding

     19        30   

Payroll and benefits payable

     952        938   

Accrued taxes (Note 8)

     133        116   

Accrued interest

     75        43   

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (Note 12)

     217        216   
                

Total current liabilities

     3,523        3,147   

Long-term debt, less unamortized discount (Note 12)

     3,518        3,517   

Employee benefits

     4,352        4,365   

Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities

     466        469   
                

Total liabilities

     11,859        11,498   
                

Contingencies and commitments (Note 18)

    

Stockholders’ Equity (Note 16 ):

    

Common stock (150,925,911 shares issued) (Note 9)

     151        151   

Treasury stock, at cost (7,158,562 and 7,251,715 shares)

     (572     (580

Additional paid-in capital

     3,654        3,650   

Retained earnings

     3,604        3,698   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,929     (3,068
                

Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity

     3,908        3,851   
                

Noncontrolling interests

     1        1   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 15,768      $ 15,350   

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

 

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UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)        2011             2010      

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    

Operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (86   $ (158

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (Note 5)

     169        165   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     4        3   

Pensions and other postretirement benefits

     33        (150

Deferred income taxes

     8        15   

Net gain on disposal of assets (Notes 4 and 18)

     (6     (3

Distributions received, net of equity investees income

     (6     8   

Changes in:

    

Current receivables

     (522     (426

Inventories

     151        (11

Current accounts payable and accrued expenses

     338        269   

Income taxes receivable/payable (Note 8)

     79        218   

Bank checks outstanding

     (12     (9

Currency remeasurement (gain)/loss

     (101     66   

All other, net

     (32     (46
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     17        (59
                

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (180     (125

Disposal of assets

     12        65   

Change in restricted cash, net

     2        6   

Investments, net

     (6     (10
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (172     (64
                

Financing activities:

    

Revolving credit facilities – borrowings

     240        -   

– repayments

     (240     (270

Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs

     -        582   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (4     (4

Common stock issued

     4        1   

Dividends paid

     (7     (7
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (7     302   
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     5        (11
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (157     168   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     578        1,218   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 421      $ 1,386   

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

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) produces and sells steel mill products, including flat-rolled and tubular products, in North America and Central Europe. Operations in North America also include transportation services (railroad and barge operations) and real estate operations.

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. The other information in these financial statements is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Additional information is contained in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

 

2. New Accounting Standards

 

There are no new accounting pronouncements for which adoption is expected to have a material effect on U. S. Steel’s financial statements in future accounting periods.

 

3. Segment Information

 

U. S. Steel has three reportable segments: Flat-rolled Products (Flat-rolled), U. S. Steel Europe (USSE), and Tubular Products (Tubular). The results of several other operating segments 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 income (loss) from operations. Income (loss) from operations for reportable segments and Other Businesses does not include net interest and other financial costs, income taxes, benefit expenses for current retirees and certain other items that management believes are not indicative of future results. Information on segment assets is not disclosed, as the chief operating decision maker does not review it.

The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining income from operations are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level. The transfer value for steel rounds from Flat-rolled to Tubular is based on cost. All other 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.

 

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The results of segment operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are:

 

(In millions)

First Quarter 2011

  Customer
Sales
    Intersegment
Sales
    Net
Sales
    Income
(loss)
from
investees
    Income
(loss)
from
operations
 

Flat-rolled

  $ 2,969      $ 289      $ 3,258      $ 13      $ (57

USSE

    1,223        1        1,224        -        (5

Tubular

    642        1        643        (6     30   
                                       

Total reportable segments

    4,834        291        5,125        7        (32

Other Businesses

    30        9        39        1        12   

Reconciling Items and Eliminations

    -        (300     (300     -        (71

Total

  $ 4,864      $ -      $ 4,864      $ 8      $ (91

First Quarter 2010

         

Flat-rolled

  $ 2,455      $ 219      $ 2,674      $ (5   $ (80

USSE

    964        25        989        -        12   

Tubular

    445        1        446        -        45   
                                       

Total reportable segments

    3,864        245        4,109        (5     (23

Other Businesses

    32        (21     11        -        10   

Reconciling Items and Eliminations

    -        (224     (224     -        (44

Total

  $ 3,896      $ -      $ 3,896      $ (5   $ (57

The following is a schedule of reconciling items to (loss) income from operations:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In millions)    2011     2010  

Items not allocated to segments:

    

Retiree benefit expenses

   $ (71   $ (44
                

Total reconciling items

   $ (71   $ (44

 

4. Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

Wabush Mines Joint Venture

On February 1, 2010, U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) completed the previously announced sale of its 44.6 percent interest in the Wabush Mines Joint Venture (Wabush) for approximately $60 million. Wabush owns and operates iron ore mining and pellet facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, Canada. U. S. Steel recognized an immaterial financial impact from the sale.

 

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5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

      Flat-rolled
Segment
     USSE
Segment
     Tubular
Segment
     Total  

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 922       $ 4       $ 834       $ 1,760   

Currency translation

     27         -         -         27   
                                   

Balance at March 31, 2011

   $ 949       $ 4       $ 834       $ 1,787   

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of acquired identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed from businesses acquired. We have two reporting units that have a significant amount of goodwill. Our Flat-rolled reporting unit was allocated goodwill from the Stelco Inc. (Stelco) and Lone Star Technologies Inc. (Lone Star) acquisitions in 2007. These amounts reflect the benefits we expect the Flat-rolled reporting unit to realize from expanding our flexibility in meeting our customers’ needs and running our Flat-rolled facilities at higher operating rates to source our semi-finished product needs. Our Texas Operations reporting unit, which is part of our Tubular operating segment, was allocated goodwill from the Lone Star acquisition, reflecting the benefits we expect the reporting unit to realize from the expansion of our tubular operations.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the third quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the estimated fair value of the associated reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. U. S. Steel completed its annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of 2010 and determined that there was no goodwill impairment for any of the reporting units. Goodwill impairment tests in prior years also indicated that goodwill was not impaired for either reporting unit. Accordingly, there are no accumulated impairment losses for goodwill.

Amortizable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and are detailed below:

 

          As of March 31, 2011     As of December 31, 2010  
(In millions)   Useful
Lives
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount
 

Customer relationships

    22-23 Years      $ 222      $ 36      $ 186      $ 220      $ 34      $ 186   

Other

    2-20 Years        23        10        13        23        9        14   
                                                 

Total amortizable intangible assets

          $ 245      $ 46      $ 199      $ 243      $ 43      $ 200   

The carrying amount of acquired water rights with indefinite lives as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 totaled $75 million. The water rights are tested for impairment annually in the third quarter. The 2010 and prior year tests indicated that the fair value of the water rights exceeded the carrying value. Accordingly, no impairment loss was recognized.

 

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Amortization expense was $3 million in both the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. The estimated future amortization expense of identifiable intangible assets during the next five years is $8 million for the remaining portion of 2011 and $11 million each year from 2012 to 2015.

 

6. Pensions and Other Benefits

 

The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
 
(In millions)    2011     2010     2011     2010  

Service cost

   $ 28      $ 25      $ 6      $ 5   

Interest cost

     126        135        52        57   

Expected return on plan assets

     (154     (167     (26     (27

Amortization of prior service cost

     5        6        6        6   

Amortization of net loss (gain)

     88        55        2        (3
                                

Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below

     93        54        40        38   

Multiemployer plans

     15        13        -        -   
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 108      $ 67      $ 40      $ 38   

Employer Contributions

During the first three months of 2011, U. S. Steel made $22 million in required cash contributions to the main USSC pension plans, cash payments of $15 million to the Steelworkers Pension Trust and $2 million in cash payments to other defined benefit pension plans.

During the first three months of 2011, cash payments of $77 million were made for other postretirement benefit payments not funded by trusts.

Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $10 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Health Care Legislation

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“PPACA”) includes many provisions impacting health care and health insurance coverage in the U.S. Beginning in 2013, PPACA eliminates the tax deductibility of retiree prescription drug expenses allocable to the Medicare Part D subsidies received by an employer. U. S. Steel recorded a tax charge of $27 million in the first quarter of 2010 to adjust deferred tax assets in order to recognize the estimated future tax effects. The Company believes that its retiree health indemnity plans are exempt from the PPACA’s group market reform requirements, but that the HMO plans in which many retirees participate may be required to implement these new requirements, thereby potentially resulting in higher premiums for these retirees. Based on the guidance that has been issued to date with respect to the PPACA provision which imposes an excise tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health plan coverage beginning in 2018, the Company believes it has a de minimis liability exposure for such future excise taxes on retiree medical benefits. Also, the Federal government has approved the Company’s applications under the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP), which is a temporary program established under the PPACA to reimburse the sponsor of employment-based health plans for a portion of the cost of health care benefits provided to pre-Medicare participants, and the Company expects to receive ERRP reimbursements beginning later in 2011.

 

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7. Other Financial (Income) Costs

 

Other financial (income) costs include financing costs as well as foreign currency gains and losses as a result of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of U. S. Steel’s subsidiaries. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, net foreign currency gains of $77 million and losses of $63 million, respectively, were recorded in other financial (income) costs. See note 11 for additional information on U. S. Steel’s use of derivatives to mitigate its foreign currency exchange rate exposure.

 

8. Income Taxes

 

Tax provision

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, we recorded a tax provision of $16 million on our pretax loss of $70 million and a tax benefit of $7 million on our pretax loss of $165 million, respectively. The tax provision does not reflect any tax benefit for pretax losses in Canada and Serbia, which are jurisdictions where we have recorded full valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, and also does not reflect any tax provision or benefit for certain foreign currency gains and losses that are not recognized in any tax jurisdiction. Included in the first quarter of 2010 tax benefit is a net tax benefit of $36 million resulting from the conclusion of certain tax return examinations and the remeasurement of existing tax reserves, offset by a tax charge of $27 million as a result of the U.S. health care legislation enacted in the first quarter of 2010 (see note 6).

The tax provision for the first three months of 2011 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 2011 pretax results for U.S. and foreign income or loss vary from estimates applied at the end of the most recent interim period, the actual tax provision or benefit recognized in 2011 could be materially different from the forecasted amount used to estimate the tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Income tax receivable

During 2011, U. S. Steel received a net federal income tax refund of $70 million. The income tax receivable of $66 million at March 31, 2011 primarily reflects the additional federal income tax refund that we expect to receive as a result of the carryback of our 2010 losses to prior years.

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 found in ASC Topic 740 on income taxes. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $115 million at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $103 million and $100 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

U. S. Steel records interest related to uncertain tax positions as a part of net interest and other financial costs in the Statement of Operations. Any penalties are recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, U. S. Steel had accrued liabilities of $5 million and $4 million, respectively, for interest related to uncertain tax positions. U. S. Steel currently does not have any liabilities recorded for income tax penalties.

It is reasonably expected that during the next 12 months unrecognized tax benefits related to income tax issues will not change by a significant amount.

 

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Deferred taxes

As of March 31, 2011, the net domestic deferred tax asset was $560 million compared to $563 million at December 31, 2010. A substantial amount of U. S. Steel’s domestic deferred tax assets relates to employee benefits that will become deductible for tax purposes over an extended period of time as cash contributions are made to employee benefit plans and retiree benefits are paid in the future. As a result of our cumulative historical earnings, we continue to believe it is more likely than not that the net domestic deferred tax asset will be realized.

As of March 31, 2011, the net foreign deferred tax asset was $80 million, net of established valuation allowances of $934 million. At December 31, 2010, the net foreign deferred tax asset was $77 million, net of established valuation allowances of $870 million. Net foreign deferred tax assets will fluctuate as the value of the U.S. dollar changes with respect to the Canadian dollar, the euro, and the Serbian dinar. A full valuation allowance is recorded for both the Canadian and Serbian deferred tax assets primarily due to cumulative losses in these jurisdictions in recent years. If evidence changes and it becomes more likely than not that the Company will realize the deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance of $874 million for Canadian deferred tax assets and $50 million for Serbian deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2011, would be partially or fully reversed. Any reversals of these amounts would result in a decrease to income tax expense.

 

9. Income and Dividends Per Common Share

 

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to United States Steel Corporation Shareholders

Basic net income or loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted net income per common share assumes the exercise of stock options, the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards and the conversion of convertible notes (under the “if-converted” method), provided in each case that the effect is dilutive.

The computations for basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations are as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    2011     2010  

Net loss attributable to United States Steel Corporation shareholders

   $ (86   $ (157

Plus income effect of assumed conversion-interest on convertible notes

     -        -   
                

Net loss after assumed conversion

   $ (86   $ (157
                

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Basic

     143,801        143,390   

Effect of convertible notes

     -        -   

Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards

     -        -   
                

Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted

     143,801        143,390   
                

Basic earnings per common share

   $ (0.60   $ (1.10
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ (0.60   $ (1.10

 

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The following table summarizes the securities that were antidilutive, and therefore, were not included in the computations of diluted loss per common share:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In thousands)        2011              2010      

Securities granted under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan

     3,262         3,089   

Securities convertible under the Senior Convertible Notes

     27,059         27,059   
                 

Total

     30,321         30,148   

Dividends Paid Per Share

The dividend for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010 was five cents per common share.

 

10. Inventories

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. The first-in, first-out method is the predominant method of inventory costing in Europe and Canada. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the LIFO method accounted for 50 percent and 48 percent of total inventory values, respectively.

 

(In millions)    March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Raw materials

   $ 792       $ 949   

Semi-finished products

     872         851   

Finished products

     492         449   

Supplies and sundry items

     99         103   
                 

Total

   $ 2,255       $ 2,352   

Current acquisition costs were estimated to exceed the above inventory values by $1.1 billion and $885 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Cost of sales was reduced by $12 million and less than $1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as a result of liquidations of LIFO inventories.

Inventory includes $92 million and $91 million of land held for residential or commercial development as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

From time to time, U. S. Steel enters into coke swap agreements designed to reduce transportation costs. U. S. Steel shipped and received approximately 220,000 tons and 170,000 tons of coke under swap agreements during the first three months of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

U. S. Steel also has entered into iron ore pellet swap agreements. U. S. Steel shipped and received approximately 107,000 tons and 141,000 tons of iron ore pellets during the first three months of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The coke and iron ore pellet swaps are recorded at cost as nonmonetary transactions. There was no income statement impact related to these swaps in either 2011 or 2010.

 

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11. Derivative Instruments

 

U. S. Steel is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks as a result of our European and Canadian operations. USSE’s revenues are primarily in euros and costs are primarily in U.S. dollars and euros. USSC’s revenues and costs are denominated in both Canadian and U.S. dollars. In addition, foreign cash requirements have been and in the future may be funded by intercompany loans, creating intercompany monetary assets and liabilities in currencies other than the functional currency of the entities involved, which can affect income when remeasured at the end of each period. A $1.7 billion U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loan (the Intercompany Loan) from a U.S. subsidiary to a European subsidiary was the primary exposure at March 31, 2011.

U. S. Steel uses euro forward sales contracts with maturities no longer than 12 months to exchange euros for U.S. dollars to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are required to be recognized at fair value in the balance sheet. U. S. Steel has not elected to designate these euro forward sales contracts as hedges. Therefore, changes in their fair value are recognized immediately in the results of operations. The gains and losses recognized on these euro forward sales contracts may also partially offset the accounting remeasurement gains and losses recognized on the Intercompany Loan.

As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel held euro forward sales contracts with a total notional value of approximately $445 million. We mitigate the risk of concentration of counterparty credit risk by purchasing our forward sales contracts from several counterparties.

Additionally, we routinely enter into fixed-price forward physical purchase contracts to partially manage our exposure to price risk related to the purchases of natural gas and certain nonferrous metals used in the production process. During 2011 and 2010, all forward physical purchase contracts for natural gas and nonferrous metals have qualified for the normal purchases and normal sales exemption described in ASC Topic 815 and were not subject to mark-to-market accounting.

The following summarizes the location and amounts of the fair values and gains or losses related to derivatives included in U. S. Steel’s financial statements as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

(In millions)    Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value
March 31, 2011
    Fair Value
December 31, 2010
 

Foreign exchange forward contracts

   Accounts
payable
   ($ 25   ($ 11
      Statement of
Operations
Location
   Amount of Gain
(Loss)
    Amount of Gain
(Loss)
 
      Three Months ended
March 31, 2011
    Three Months ended
March 31, 2010
 

Foreign exchange forward contracts

   Other financial
costs
   ($ 25   $ 12   

In accordance with the guidance found in ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements and disclosures, the fair value of our euro forward sales contracts 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. The fair value of our forward physical purchase contracts for natural gas was also determined using Level 2 inputs. The inputs used included forward prices derived from the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 

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12. Debt

 

 

(In millions)    Interest
Rates %
   Maturity    March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

2037 Senior Notes

   6.65    2037    $ 350       $ 350   

2020 Senior Notes

   7.375    2020      600         600   

2018 Senior Notes

   7.00    2018      500         500   

2017 Senior Notes

   6.05    2017      450         450   

2014 Senior Convertible Notes

   4.00    2014      863         863   

2013 Senior Notes

   5.65    2013      300         300   

Province Note (C$150 million)

   1.00    2015      154         150   

Environmental Revenue Bonds

   4.75 - 6.88    2011 - 2030      458         458   

Recovery Zone Facility Bonds

   6.75    2040      70         70   

Fairfield Caster Lease

      2011 - 2012      20         20   

Other capital leases and all other obligations

      2011 - 2014      15         18   

Amended Credit Agreement, $750 million

   Variable    2012      -         -   

USSK Revolver, 200 million

   Variable    2013      -         -   

USSK credit facilities, 80 million

   Variable    2012 - 2015      -         -   

USSS credit facilities, 20 million and 1 billion Serbian Dinar

   Variable    2011      -         -   
                       

Total Debt

           3,780         3,779   

Less Province Note fair value adjustment

           35         36   

Less unamortized discount

           10         10   

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

           217         216   
                       

Long-term debt

             $ 3,518       $ 3,517   

To the extent not otherwise discussed below, information concerning the Senior Notes, the Senior Convertible Notes and other listed obligations can be found in note 16 of the audited financial statements in the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Issuance of Senior Notes due 2020

On March 16, 2010, U. S. Steel issued $600 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 (2020 Senior Notes). The 2020 Senior Notes were issued at 99.125% of their principal amount. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of $582 million after fees of $13 million related to the underwriting discount and third party expenses. Interest is payable semi-annually on April 1st and October 1st of each year. The 2020 Senior Notes contain covenants restricting our ability to create liens, to enter into sale-leaseback transactions and to consolidate, merge or transfer all, or substantially all of our assets. They also contain provisions requiring the purchase of the 2020 Notes upon a change of control under certain specified circumstances, as well as other customary provisions.

Obligations relating to Environmental Revenue Bonds

U. S. Steel is the ultimate obligor on $458 million of Environmental Revenue Bonds. As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel has refunded a portion of these bonds and is the direct underlying obligor on $260 million of these bonds. U. S. Steel is obligated on the remainder ($198 million, which includes $2 million of call premiums) under an agreement that was entered into when it separated from Marathon Oil Corporation (Marathon) on December 31, 2001 (the Separation). The agreement provides that on or before the tenth anniversary of the Separation (December 31, 2011), U. S. Steel will provide for the discharge of Marathon from any remaining liability under any of these bond obligations by retiring or refunding these bonds, or amending them to relieve Marathon’s liability.

 

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Amended Credit Agreement

As of March 31, 2011, there were no amounts drawn on the $750 million Credit Agreement dated May 11, 2007 (Amended Credit Agreement) and inventory values supported the full $750 million of the facility. The Amended Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant requiring U. S. Steel to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as further defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) of at least 1.10 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Amended Credit Agreement is less than the greater of 15% of the total aggregate commitments and $112.5 million. Since availability was greater than $112.5 million, compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant was not applicable. However, based on the most recent four quarters, as of March 31, 2011, we would not meet this covenant if we were to borrow more than $637.5 million under this agreement. If the value of inventory does not support the full amount of the facility or we are not able to meet this covenant in the future, the full amount of this facility would not be available to the Company.

Receivables Purchase Agreement

As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel has a Receivables Purchase Agreement (RPA) under which trade accounts receivable are sold, on a daily basis without recourse, to U. S. Steel Receivables, LLC (USSR), a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity used only for the securitization program. If U. S. Steel decides to access this facility, USSR then sells senior undivided interests in up to $525 million of the receivables to certain third-party commercial paper conduits for cash, while maintaining a subordinated undivided interest in a portion of the receivables. U. S. Steel has agreed to continue servicing the sold receivables at market rates. Because U. S. Steel receives adequate compensation for these services, no servicing asset or liability is recorded.

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there were no receivables transferred under this facility and eligible accounts receivable supported $525 million of availability under the RPA. The net book value of U. S. Steel’s retained interest in the receivables represents the best estimate of the fair market value due to the short-term nature of the receivables. The retained interest in the receivables is recorded net of the allowance for bad debts, which has historically not been significant. The RPA expires on July 19, 2013.

USSR pays the conduits a discount based on the conduits’ borrowing costs plus incremental fees. We paid $1 million in each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 relating to fees on the RPA.

Generally, the facility provides that as payments are collected from the sold accounts receivables, USSR may elect to have the conduits reinvest the proceeds in new eligible accounts receivable. As there was no activity under this facility during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no collections reinvested.

The table below summarizes the trade receivables for USSR:

 

(In millions)    March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Balance of accounts receivable-net, purchased by USSR

   $ 1,234       $ 1,004   

Revolving interest sold to conduits

     -         -   
                 

Accounts receivable-net, included in the accounts receivable balance on the balance sheet of U. S. Steel

   $ 1,234       $ 1,004   

The facility may be terminated on the occurrence and failure to cure certain events, including, among others, failure of USSR to maintain certain ratios related to the collectability of the

 

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receivables and failure to make payment under its material debt obligations and may also be terminated upon a change of control.

Change in control event

In the event of a change in control of U. S. Steel, debt obligations totaling $3,062 million at March 31, 2011, which includes the Senior Notes and Senior Convertible Notes, may be declared immediately due and payable. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement may be terminated and any amount outstanding thereunder may be declared immediately due and payable. In such event, U. S. Steel may also be required to either repurchase the leased Fairfield slab caster for $38 million or provide a letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.

U. S. Steel Košice (USSK) credit facilities

At March 31, 2011, USSK had no borrowings under its 200 million (approximately $284 million) revolving unsecured credit facility.

At March 31, 2011, USSK had no borrowings against its 80 million credit facilities (which approximated $114 million) and the availability was approximately $106 million due to approximately $8 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding.

U. S. Steel Serbia (USSS) credit facilities

At March 31, 2011, USSS had no borrowings against its facilities which consist of facilities for general corporate purposes of up to 20 million and facilities for overdrafts of up to 1 billion Serbian dinars (which together totaled approximately $42 million), subject in each case to a borrowing base calculation based upon the value of USSS’s inventory of finished and semi-finished inventory. At March 31, 2011, USSS inventory values were sufficient to utilize the entire amount of the facilities.

 

13. Asset Retirement Obligations

 

U. S. Steel’s asset retirement obligations (AROs) primarily relate to mine and landfill closure and post-closure costs. The following table reflects changes in the carrying values of AROs:

 

(In millions)    March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 39       $ 45   

Additional obligations incurred

     -         1   

Obligations settled

     -         (7

Foreign currency translation effects

     1         (2

Accretion expense

     1         2   
                 

Balance at end of period

   $ 41       $ 39   

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.

 

14. Variable Interest Entities

 

Effective January 1, 2010, U. S. Steel adopted updates to ASC Topic 810 related to improvements to financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities. The updates to ASC Topic 810 include a criterion that requires the primary beneficiary to have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity. Due to the addition of this criterion, the adoption resulted in the deconsolidation of the following entities from our consolidated financial statements on a prospective basis.

 

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Gateway Energy & Coke Company, LLC

Gateway Energy & Coke Company, LLC (Gateway) is a wholly owned subsidiary of SunCoke Energy, Inc. in which U. S. Steel has no ownership interest. Gateway has constructed a heat recovery coke plant with an expected annual capacity of 650,000 tons of coke at U. S. Steel’s Granite City Works that began operations in the fourth quarter of 2009. U. S. Steel has a 15-year arrangement to purchase coke from Gateway under which Gateway is obligated to supply 90 percent to 105 percent of the expected annual capacity of the heat recovery coke plant, and U. S. Steel is obligated to purchase the coke from Gateway at the contract price. As of March 31, 2011, a maximum default payment of approximately $277 million would apply if U. S. Steel terminates the agreement.

There are three activities that most significantly impact Gateway’s economic performance: procurement of coking coal used in the production of coke, direction of the operations associated with the production of coke and steam and direction of the sale of coke and steam. U. S. Steel and Gateway jointly direct the sale of coke and steam due to the 15-year arrangement described above; however, U. S. Steel does not have the power to direct the other activities that most significantly impact Gateway’s economic performance. Since the only activity in which U. S. Steel shares power is less significant than the combination of the other significant activities, U. S. Steel is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2010, U. S. Steel deconsolidated Gateway and all activity with Gateway is now accounted for as third party transactions.

Daniel Ross Bridge, LLC

Daniel Ross Bridge, LLC (DRB) was established for the development of a 1,600 acre master-planned community in Hoover, Alabama. The economic performance of DRB is significantly impacted by the fair value of the underlying property. The activities that most directly impact DRB’s economic performance are the development, marketing, and sale of the underlying property, none of which are directed by U. S. Steel. Since U. S. Steel does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact DRB’s economic performance, U. S. Steel is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, U. S. Steel deconsolidated DRB and began accounting for this entity using the equity method of accounting effective January 1, 2010.

 

15. 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 11 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 assets and liabilities that were not carried at fair value at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

     March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  
(In millions)    Fair
Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
     Carrying
Amount
 

Financial assets:

           

Investments and long-term receivables (a)

   $ 48       $ 48       $ 46       $ 46   

Financial liabilities:

           

Debt (b)

   $ 4,455       $ 3,700       $ 4,512       $ 3,695   
  (a)

Excludes equity method investments.

  (b) 

Excludes capital lease obligations.

 

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The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments included in the table above:

Investments and long-term receivables: Fair value is based on discounted cash flows. U. S. Steel is subject to market risk and liquidity risk related to its investments; however, these risks are not readily quantifiable.

Long-term debt instruments: 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 assets and 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 18.

 

16. Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

The following table reflects the first three months of 2011 and 2010 reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to United States Steel Corporation and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests:

 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2011

  Total     Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Common
Stock
    Treasury
Stock
    Paid-in
Capital
    Non-
Controlling
Interest
 

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 3,852        $ 3,698      $ (3,068   $ 151      $ (580   $ 3,650      $ 1   

Comprehensive income:

               

Net loss

    (86     (86     (86          

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

               

Pension and other benefit adjustments

    64        64          64           

Currency translation adjustment

    75        75          75           

Employee stock plans

    12                8        4     

Dividends paid on common stock

    (7       (7          

Other

    (1       (1          
                                                               

Balance at March 31, 2011

  $ 3,909      $ 53      $ 3,604      $ (2,929   $ 151      $ (572   $ 3,654      $ 1   

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2010

  Total     Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Common
Stock
    Treasury
Stock
    Paid-in
Capital
    Non-
Controlling
Interest
 

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 4,979        $ 4,209      $ (2,728   $ 151      $ (608   $ 3,652      $ 303   

Comprehensive income:

               

Net loss

    (158     (158     (157             (1

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

               

Pension and other benefit adjustments

    60        60          60           

Currency translation adjustment

    (18     (18       (18        

Employee stock plans

    3                2        1     

Dividends paid on common stock

    (7       (7          

Adoption of ASC Topic 810 (Note 14)

    (301                 (301

Cumulative effect of ASC Topic 810 adoption

    (1       (1          
                                                               

Balance at March 31, 2010

  $ 4,557      $ (116   $ 4,044      $ (2,686   $ 151      $ (606   $ 3,653      $ 1   

 

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17. Related Party Transactions

 

Net sales to related parties and receivables from related parties primarily reflect sales of steel products to equity investees. Generally, transactions are conducted under long-term market-based contractual arrangements. Related party sales and service transactions were $307 million and $281 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Purchases from related parties for outside processing services provided by equity investees amounted to $12 million and $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Purchases of iron ore pellets from related parties amounted to $44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. There were no purchases of iron ore pellets from related parties for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Accounts payable to related parties include balances due to PRO-TEC Coating Company (PRO-TEC) of $82 million and $62 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, for invoicing and receivables collection services provided by U. S. Steel. 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 $1 million and $4 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

18. 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.

Asbestos matters As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 585 active cases involving approximately 3,125 plaintiffs. Many of these cases involve multiple defendants (typically from fifty to more than one hundred). About 2,600, or approximately 83 percent, of these claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, it believes 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel paid approximately $4 million in settlements. These settlements and other dispositions resolved approximately 55 claims. New case filings in the first three months of 2011 added approximately 90 claims. At December 31, 2010, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 550 active cases involving approximately 3,090 plaintiffs. During 2010, U. S. Steel paid approximately $8 million in settlements. These settlements and other dispositions resolved approximately 200 claims. New case filings in the year ended December 31, 2010 added approximately 250 claims. Most claims filed in 2011 and 2010 involved individual or small groups of claimants as many jurisdictions no longer permit the filing of mass complaints.

Historically, these claims against U. S. Steel fall into three major groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos at U. S. Steel facilities (referred to as “premises claims”); (2) claims made by industrial workers allegedly exposed to products manufactured by

 

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U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and general maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel. In general, the only insurance available to U. S. Steel with respect to asbestos claims is excess casualty insurance, which has multi-million dollar retentions. To date, U. S. Steel has received minimal payments under these policies relating to asbestos claims.

These asbestos cases allege a variety of respiratory and other diseases based on alleged exposure to asbestos. U. S. Steel is currently a defendant in cases in which a total of approximately 230 plaintiffs allege that they are suffering from mesothelioma. The potential for damages against defendants may be greater in cases in which the plaintiffs can prove mesothelioma.

In many cases in which claims have been asserted against U. S. Steel, the plaintiffs have been unable to establish any causal relationship to U. S. Steel or its products or premises; however, with the decline in mass plaintiff cases, the incidence of claimants actually alleging a claim against U. S. Steel is increasing. In addition, in many asbestos cases, the claimants have been unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any identifiable injury or compensable loss at all; that any injuries that they have incurred did in fact result from alleged exposure to asbestos; or that such alleged exposure was in any way related to U. S. Steel or its products or premises.

The amount U. S. Steel has accrued for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial position. U. S. Steel does not accrue for unasserted asbestos claims because it is not possible to determine whether any loss is probable with respect to such claims or even to estimate the amount or range of any possible losses. The vast majority of pending claims against U. S. Steel allege so-called “premises” liability-based alleged exposure on U. S. Steel’s current or former premises. These claims are made by an indeterminable number of people such as truck drivers, railroad workers, salespersons, contractors and their employees, government inspectors, customers, visitors and even trespassers. In most cases the claimant also was exposed to asbestos in non-U. S. Steel settings; the relative periods of exposure between U. S. Steel and non-U. S. Steel settings vary with each claimant; and the strength or weakness of the causal link between U. S. Steel exposure and any injury vary widely as do the nature and severity of the injury claimed.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation. Despite this uncertainty, 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. Among the factors considered in reaching this conclusion are: (1) the generally declining trend in the number of claims; (2) that it has been many years since U. S. Steel employed maritime workers or manufactured or sold asbestos containing products; and (3) U. S. Steel’s history of trial outcomes, settlements and dismissals.

Environmental mattersU. 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 are summarized in the following table:

 

(In millions)    Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 

Beginning of period

   $ 198   

Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable

     1   

Payments

     (5
        

End of period

   $ 194   

 

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Accrued liabilities for remediation activities are included in the following balance sheet lines:

 

(In millions)    March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Accounts payable

   $ 18       $ 18   

Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities

     176         180   
                 

Total

   $ 194       $ 198   

Expenses related to remediation are recorded in cost of sales and totaled $1 million in each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. It is not presently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred. Due to uncertainties inherent in remediation projects and the associated liabilities, it is possible that total remediation costs for active matters and projects with ongoing study and scope development may exceed the accrued liabilities by as much as 15 to 30 percent.

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 are those projects which are still in the study and 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 cost estimates cannot be determined. Therefore, material costs, in addition to the accrued liabilities for these projects, are reasonably possible.

(2) Significant Projects with Defined Scope are those projects with significant accrued liabilities, a defined scope and little likelihood of material additional costs.

(3) Other Projects are those projects with relatively small accrued liabilities for which we believe that, while additional costs are possible, they are not likely to be material, and those projects for which we do not yet possess sufficient information to form a judgment about potential costs.

Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development – There are five environmental remediation projects where reasonably possible additional costs for completion are not currently estimable, but could be material. These projects are four Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) programs (at Fairfield Works, Lorain Tubular, USS-POSCO Industries (UPI) and the Fairless Plant) and a voluntary remediation program at the former steel making plant at Joliet, Illinois. As of March 31, 2011, accrued liabilities for these projects totaled $3 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 $25 million to $45 million. Depending on agency negotiations and other factors, the scope of the UPI project may become defined in 2011.

Significant Projects with Defined Scope – As of March 31, 2011, a total of $45 million was accrued for projects at or related to Gary Works where the scope of work is defined, including RCRA program projects, Natural Resource Damages (NRD) claims, completion of projects for the Grand Calumet River in northwest Indiana and the related Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU), and closure costs for three hazardous waste disposal sites and one solid waste disposal site.

 

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Additional projects with defined scope include the Municipal Industrial & Disposal Company (MIDC) site in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, the St. Louis Estuary and Upland Project in Duluth, Minnesota and a project at U. S. Steel’s former Geneva Works in Geneva, Utah. As of March 31, 2011, accrued liabilities for these three additional projects totaled $97 million. U. S. Steel does not expect material additional costs related to these projects.

Other Projects – There are six 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 March 31, 2011 was $12 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 for which we have sufficient information to form a judgment each had an accrued liability of less than $1 million. The total accrued liability for these projects at March 31, 2011 was $8 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 $23 million at March 31, 2011 and were based on known scopes of work.

Administrative and Legal Costs – As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel had an accrued liability of $6 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 ExpendituresFor 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 three months of 2011 and 2010, such capital expenditures totaled $18 million and $43 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.

CO2 Emissions – Current and potential regulation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions remains a significant issue for the steel industry, particularly for integrated steel producers such as U. S. Steel. The regulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has either become law or is being considered by legislative bodies of many nations, including countries where we have operating facilities. The European Union (EU) has established greenhouse gas regulations based upon national allocations and a cap and trade system. In Canada, both the federal and Ontario governments have issued proposed requirements for greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published rules for regulating requirements as further described below. In the last Congress, legislation was passed in the House of Representatives and introduced in the Senate. We do not know what action, if any, may be taken by the new Congress. The EU has issued proposed regulations under their cap and trade system for the period 2013-2020 which appear to be more stringent than the current requirements.

On May 13, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency published its final Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule establishing a mechanism for regulating GHG emissions from facilities through the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting process. Starting in 2011, new projects that increase GHG emissions by more than 75,000 tons per year have new PSD requirements based on best available control technology (BACT), but only if the project also significantly increases emissions of at least one non-GHG pollutant. Only existing sources with Title V permits or new sources obtaining Title V permits for non-GHG pollutants will also be required to address GHG emissions. Starting July 1, 2011, new sources not already subject to

 

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Title V requirements that emit over 100,000 tons per year, or modifications to existing permits that increase GHG emissions by more than 75,000 tons per year, will be subject to PSD and Title V requirements. On November 17, 2010 the EPA issued its “PSD and Title V Permitting Guidance for Greenhouse Gases” and “Available and Emerging Technologies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Iron and Steel Industry.” With this guidance, EPA intends to help state and local air permitting authorities identify greenhouse gas reductions under the Clean Air Act. Additionally, the EPA revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and lead in 2010 and is in the process of revising the NAAQS for 2.5 micron particulate matter, ozone and sulfur dioxides.

It is impossible to estimate the timing or impact of these or other future government action on U. S. Steel, although it could be significant. Such impacts may include substantial capital expenditures, costs for emission allowances, restriction of production, and higher prices for coking coal, natural gas and electricity generated by carbon based systems.

In July 2008, Slovakia granted USSK CO2 emission allowances as part of the national allocation plan for the 2008 to 2012 trading period (NAP II) approved by the European Commission. Based on actual CO2 emissions to date, we believe that USSK will have sufficient allowances for the NAP II period without purchasing additional allowances. USSK entered into transactions to sell and swap a portion of our emissions allowances and recognized gains related to these transactions which are reflected in the net gain on disposal of assets line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. U. S. Steel recognized gains related to these transactions of approximately $6 million during both the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

In December 2010, Slovakia enacted an 80 percent tax on excess emission allowances registered in 2011 and 2012. The amount of this tax will vary with USSK’s production levels and the implementing regulations that may be issued. USSK has recorded expense of $5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Environmental and other indemnifications – Throughout its history, U. S. Steel has sold numerous properties and businesses and many of these sales included indemnifications and cost sharing agreements related to the assets that were sold. These indemnifications and cost sharing agreements have related to the condition of the property, the approved use, certain representations and warranties, matters of title and environmental matters. While most of these provisions have not specifically dealt with environmental issues, there have been transactions in which U. S. Steel indemnified the buyer for non-compliance with past, current and future environmental laws related to existing conditions and there can be questions as to the applicability of more general indemnification provisions to environmental matters. Most recent indemnifications and cost sharing agreements are of a limited nature only applying to non-compliance with past and/or current laws. Some indemnifications and cost sharing agreements only run for a specified period of time after the transactions close and others run indefinitely. In addition, current owners of property formerly owned by U. S. Steel may have common law claims and contribution rights against U. S. Steel for environmental matters. The amount of potential environmental liability associated with these transactions and properties is not estimable due to the nature and extent of the unknown conditions related to the properties sold. Aside from the environmental liabilities already recorded as a result of these transactions due to specific environmental remediation activities and cases (included in the $194 million of accrued liabilities for remediation discussed above), there are no other known environmental liabilities related to these transactions.

Guarantees – The maximum outstanding guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $31 million at March 31, 2011. In the event that 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.

 

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Contingencies related to the Separation from MarathonIn the event of a bankruptcy of Marathon, $247 million of obligations related to Environmental Revenue Bonds, the Fairfield Caster Lease and the coke battery lease at the Clairton Plant may be declared immediately due and payable.

Antitrust Class Actions In a series of lawsuits filed in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois beginning September 12, 2008, individual direct or indirect buyers of steel products have asserted that eight steel manufacturers, including U. S. Steel, conspired in violation of antitrust laws to restrict the domestic production of raw steel and thereby to fix, raise, maintain or stabilize the price of steel products in the United States. The cases are filed as class actions and claim treble damages for the period 2005 to present, but do not allege any damage amounts. U. S. Steel is vigorously defending these lawsuits and does not believe that it has any liability regarding these matters.

Investment Canada Action – On July 17, 2009, the Attorney General of Canada initiated a proceeding under Section 40 of Canada’s Investment Canada Act by filing an application in the Canadian federal court that seeks to impose a financial penalty on U. S. Steel due to the Company’s alleged failure to comply with two of the 31 undertakings made by U. S. Steel to the Minister of Industry in connection with the 2007 acquisition of Stelco. The specific undertakings at issue concern production and employment levels anticipated at U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) assuming certain business conditions. In response to a previous written demand from the Minister with respect to this matter, the Company provided full disclosure regarding the operations at USSC and the impact that the sudden and severe world-wide economic downturn has had on the global steel sector and all of the Company’s North American operations, including operations at USSC. In accordance with the specific language of the undertakings at issue, the unprecedented economic downturn, the effects of which were beyond the control of the company, expressly excuse any non-attainment of the production and employment levels targeted by the 2007 submission. The Company is vigorously defending the matter and believes that the action is without justification or authority.

Randle’s Reef – The Canadian and Ontario governments have identified a sediment deposit in Hamilton Harbor, commonly referred to as Randle’s Reef, near USSC’s Hamilton Works for remediation, for which the regulatory agencies estimate expenditures of approximately C$105 million (approximately $108 million). The national and provincial governments have each allocated C$30 million (approximately $31 million) for this project and they have stated that they will be looking for local sources, including industry, to fund C$30 million (approximately $31 million). USSC has committed C$7 million (approximately $7 million) as its contribution, which has been accrued accordingly. Funding sources for the balance of the estimated project cost remain to be identified and additional contributions are being sought.

Other contingenciesUnder 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 $8 million at March 31, 2011). 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

 

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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 $171 million as of March 31, 2011, which reflects U. S. Steel’s maximum exposure under these financial guarantees, but not its total exposure for the underlying obligations. Most of the trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by restricted cash. Restricted cash, which is recorded in other current and noncurrent assets, totaled $194 million at March 31, 2011, of which $6 million was classified as current, and $196 million at December 31, 2010, of which $7 million was classified as current.

Capital CommitmentsAt March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $609 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 2011
   2012      2013      2014      2015      Later
Years
     Total  

$1,682

   $ 1,697       $ 1,157       $ 485       $ 450       $ 4,024       $ 9,495   

The majority of U. S. Steel’s unconditional purchase obligations relate to the supply of industrial gases, energy and utility services and coke and steam purchase commitments related to a coke supply agreement with Gateway Energy & Coke Company LLC (see note 14) with terms ranging from two to 16 years. Total payments relating to unconditional purchase obligations were approximately $150 million and $140 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis include forward-looking statements concerning trends or events potentially affecting the businesses of United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel). These statements typically contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends” or similar words indicating that future outcomes are not known with certainty and are subject to risk factors that could cause these outcomes to differ significantly from those projected. In accordance with “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, these statements are accompanied by cautionary language identifying important factors, though not necessarily all such factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. For discussion of risk factors affecting the businesses of U. S. Steel, see Item 1A. Risk Factors and “Supplementary Data – Disclosures About Forward-Looking Statements” in U. S. Steel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “U. S. Steel,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to U. S. Steel and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated by the context.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales by segment for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 are set forth in the following table:

 

     Quarter Ended
March 31,
        
(Dollars in millions, excluding intersegment sales)    2011      2010      %
Change
 

Flat-rolled Products (Flat-rolled)

   $ 2,969       $ 2,455         21

U. S. Steel Europe (USSE)

     1,223         964         27

Tubular Products (Tubular)

     642         445         44
                    

Total sales from reportable segments

     4,834         3,864         25

Other Businesses

     30         32         -6
                    

Net sales

   $ 4,864       $ 3,896         25

Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 versus the quarter ended March 31, 2010 is set forth in the following table:

Quarter Ended March 31, 2011 versus Quarter Ended March 31, 2010

 

     Steel Products (a)              
      Volume     Price     Mix     FX (b)    

Coke &

Other

    Net
Change
 

Flat-rolled

     8     13     0     0     0     21

USSE

     -5     30     2     -1     1     27

Tubular

     30     10     1     0     3     44

 

  (a)

Excludes intersegment sales

  (b) 

Foreign currency translation effects

Net sales were $4,864 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared with $3,896 million in the same quarter last year. The increase in sales for the Flat-rolled segment primarily reflected higher average realized prices (up $66 per ton) and increased shipments (up 0.4 million tons). The increase in sales for

 

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the European segment was primarily due to higher average realized euro-based prices (up 159 per ton) partially offset by a slight decrease in shipments (down 0.1 million tons) and unfavorable changes in foreign currency translation effects. The increase in sales for the Tubular segment resulted primarily from higher shipments (up 0.1 million tons) and higher average realized prices (up $58 per ton).

Pension and other benefits costs

Defined benefit and multiemployer pension plan costs totaled $108 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $67 million in the first quarter of 2010. The $41 million increase is primarily due to a decline in the market-related value of pension plan assets and higher amortization of unrecognized losses, both of which relate to pension plan asset losses experienced in 2008.

Costs related to defined contribution plans totaled $10 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $2 million in the first quarter of 2010. The increase is primarily due to costs related to the Company match of employee 401(k) contributions which was temporarily suspended during the first quarter of 2010.

Other benefits costs, including multiemployer plans, totaled $40 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $38 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $180 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $148 million in the first quarter of 2010. The increase is primarily related to a $20 million increase in pension and other benefits costs, which is a portion of the $41 million increase discussed under pension and other benefits costs above, in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Income (loss) from operations by segment for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 is set forth in the following table:

 

     Quarter Ended
March 31,
       
(Dollars in millions)      2011         2010      

%

Change

 

Flat-rolled

   $ (57   $ (80     29

USSE

     (5     12        -142

Tubular

     30        45        -33
                  

Total loss from reportable segments

     (32     (23     -39

Other Businesses

     12        10        20
                  

Reportable segments and Other Businesses loss from operations

     (20     (13     -54

Retiree benefit expenses

     (71     (44     -61
                  

Total loss from operations

   $ (91   $ (57     -60

 

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Segment results for Flat-rolled

 

    Quarter Ended
March 31,
       
     2011     2010    

%

Change

 

Loss from operations ($ millions)

  $ (57   $ (80     29

Raw steel production (mnt)

    4,598        4,383        5

Capability utilization

    77     73     5

Steel shipments (mnt)

    3,954        3,572        11

Average realized steel price per ton

  $ 720      $ 654        10

The improvement in Flat-rolled results in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 resulted mainly from net favorable changes in commercial effects (approximately $225 million), favorable changes from increased steel substrate sales to our Tubular segment (approximately $55 million) and decreased energy costs (approximately $40 million). These improvements were partially offset by higher raw materials costs (approximately $140 million), increased spending (approximately $140 million) and increased costs related to pension and other benefits (approximately $15 million) which is a portion of the $41 million increase as discussed under pension and other benefits costs above.

Segment results for USSE

 

    Quarter Ended
March 31,
       
     2011     2010    

%

Change

 

Income from operations ($ millions)

  $ (5   $ 12        -142

Raw steel production (mnt)

    1,681        1,588        6

Capability utilization

    92     87     6

Steel shipments (mnt)

    1,445        1,522        -5

Average realized steel price per ton

  $ 823      $ 614        34

The decrease in USSE results in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 was primarily due to higher raw material costs (approximately $260 million) and increased spending (approximately $25 million) partially offset by net favorable changes in commercial effects (approximately $270 million).

Segment results for Tubular

 

     Quarter Ended
March 31,
        
      2011      2010     

%

Change

 

Income from operations ($ millions)

   $ 30       $ 45         -33

Steel shipments (mnt)

     425         310         37

Average realized steel price per ton

   $ 1,447       $ 1,389         4

The decrease in Tubular results in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 resulted mainly from increased costs for steel substrate (approximately $60 million) and increased spending (approximately $10 million) partially offset by net favorable changes in commercial effects (approximately $55 million).

 

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Results for Other Businesses

Other Businesses generated income of $12 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to income of $10 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Items not allocated to segments

The increase in retiree benefit expenses in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 resulted from a decline in the market-related value of pension plan assets and higher amortization of unrecognized losses, both of which relate to pension plan asset losses experienced in 2008.

Net interest and other financial costs

 

     Quarter Ended
March 31,
       
(Dollars in millions)      2011         2010       %
Change
 

Interest and other financial costs

   $ 58      $ 48        21

Interest income

     (2     (3     -33

Foreign currency (gains) losses

     (77     63     
                  

Total net interest and other financial costs

   $ (21   $ 108        -119

The favorable change in net interest and other financial costs in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year was mainly due to net foreign currency gains in 2011 compared to net foreign currency losses in 2010 which primarily resulted from the accounting remeasurement effects on a U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loan (the Intercompany Loan) from a U.S. subsidiary to a European subsidiary that had an outstanding balance of $1.7 billion at March 31, 2011 partially offset by euro-U.S. dollar derivatives activity, which we use to mitigate our foreign currency exchange rate exposure. Additionally, interest expense increased in the first quarter of 2011 due to the $600 million of Senior Notes which were issued on March 19, 2010 being outstanding for the entire first quarter 2011. For additional information on U. S. Steel’s foreign currency exchange activity, see note 11 to the Financial Statements and “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk.”

The income tax provision was $16 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to an income tax benefit of $7 million in the same period of 2010. The 2011 effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate because losses in Canada and Serbia, which are jurisdictions where we have recorded a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, do not generate a tax benefit for accounting purposes and because we had net foreign currency gains that are not recognized in any tax jurisdiction. These foreign currency gains relate to the accounting measurement effects of the Intercompany Loan. Included in the first quarter of 2010 tax benefit is a net tax benefit of $36 million resulting from the conclusion of certain tax return examinations and the remeasurement of existing tax reserves, offset by a tax charge of $27 million as a result of the U.S. health care legislation enacted in the first quarter.

The tax provision for the first quarter of 2011 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, operating performance and cost estimates. To the extent that actual 2011 pretax results for U.S. and foreign income or loss vary from estimates made at the end of the most recent interim period, the actual tax provision or benefit recognized in 2011 could be materially different from the forecasted amount used to estimate the tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

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The net domestic deferred tax asset was $560 million at March 31, 2011 compared to $563 million at December 31, 2010. A substantial amount of U. S. Steel’s domestic deferred tax assets relates to employee benefits that will become deductible for tax purposes over an extended period of time as cash contributions are made to employee benefit plans and retiree benefits are paid in the future. As a result of our cumulative historical earnings and available tax planning strategies, we continue to believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

At March 31, 2011, the net foreign deferred tax asset was $80 million, net of established valuation allowances of $934 million. At December 31, 2010, the net foreign deferred tax asset was $77 million, net of established valuation allowances of $870 million. Net foreign deferred tax assets will fluctuate as the value of the U.S. dollar changes with respect to the Canadian dollar, the euro and the Serbian dinar. A full valuation allowance is recorded for both the Canadian and Serbian deferred tax assets primarily due to cumulative losses in these jurisdictions in recent years. If evidence changes and it becomes more likely than not that the Company will realize the deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance of $874 million for Canadian deferred tax assets and $50 million for Serbian deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2011, would be partially or fully reversed. Any reversals of these amounts would result in a decrease to tax expense.

For further information on income taxes see note 8 to the Financial Statements.

The net loss attributable to United States Steel Corporation was $86 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $157 million in the first quarter of 2010. The improvement primarily reflects the factors discussed above.

BALANCE SHEET

Receivables increased by $573 million from year-end 2010 as first quarter 2011 shipment volumes and average realized prices increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2010.

Inventories decreased by $97 million from year-end 2010 as a result of a reduction in raw material inventories after a year end inventory build in anticipation of the normal seasonal transportation impacts.

Income tax receivable decreased by $109 million from year-end 2010 primarily due to a net federal income tax refund of $70 million that was received in the first quarter of 2011 as a result of our overpayment of 2010 federal income taxes.

Accounts payable increased by $323 million from year-end 2010 primarily due to increased production levels compared to the fourth quarter of 2010.

CASH FLOW

Net cash provided by operating activities was $17 million for the first quarter of 2011, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $59 million in the same period last year. The improvement is primarily due to improved net income in the first quarter of 2011. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2011, we received a net federal income tax refund of $70 million as discussed above. In the first quarter of 2010, we made a $140 million voluntary pension contribution to our main defined benefit pension plan and received a $208 million U.S. federal tax refund.

Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2011 were $180 million, compared with $125 million in the same period in 2010. Flat-rolled expenditures were $125 million and included spending for construction of carbon alloy facilities at Gary Works, construction of a technologically and environmentally advanced

 

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coke battery at the Mon Valley Works’ Clairton Plant, development of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and various other infrastructure, environmental and strategic projects. USSE expenditures of $23 million included spending for environmental projects and for blast furnace coal injection projects. Tubular expenditures of $31 million consisted primarily of spending for a quench and temper line at our Lorain Tubular Operations in Ohio.

U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment at March 31, 2011, totaled $609 million.

Capital expenditures for 2011 are expected to total approximately $990 million and remain focused largely on environmental and other strategic infrastructure projects. We have accelerated several projects in the United States and Europe to improve our coke self-sufficiency. Engineering and construction of a technologically and environmentally advanced coke battery at the Mon Valley Works’ Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania is underway with completion expected in 2013. We are constructing a two module carbon alloy facility at our Gary Works in Indiana which utilizes an environmentally compliant, energy efficient and flexible production technology with a projected capacity of 500,000 tons per year with completion expected in 2012. We have received the necessary air permits for up to 1 million tons of such capacity. We are also constructing blast furnace coal injection facilities in Europe, which we expect to come on line later in 2011 at which time all five blast furnaces in Europe will have access to pulverized coal, a lower cost source of carbon than coke. In order to more efficiently serve our tubular product customers’ increased focus on North American shale resources, construction on a new quench and temper line is underway at our Lorain Tubular Operations in Ohio and is expected to be completed later in 2011. In an effort to increase our participation in the automotive market as vehicle emission and safety requirements become more stringent, PRO-TEC Coating Company, our joint venture in Ohio with Kobe Steel, Ltd., has a new automotive continuous annealing line under construction that is being financed at the joint venture level and is expected to be completed in 2013. We are also continuing our efforts to implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to replace outdated information technology systems and to help us operate more efficiently. The completion of the ERP project is expected to provide further opportunities to streamline, standardize and centralize business processes in order to maximize cost effectiveness, efficiency and control across our global operations.

Over the longer term, we are considering business strategies to take advantage of our significant iron ore resource position in the United States and to further reduce our dependence on certain other raw materials such as metallurgical coal and coke. We are considering an expansion of our Keetac mining and pelletizing facility in order to increase our iron ore self-sufficiency. The required permitting activities are underway. We also are examining alternative iron and steelmaking technologies such as gas-based, direct-reduced iron and electric arc steelmaking. These technologies may increase our cost competitiveness, flexibility and agility by, among other things, taking advantage of our iron ore resource position as well as the increasing abundance of natural gas reserves in North America with the advancement of unconventional drilling and completion technologies for shale resource development. We continue to pursue other strategies to efficiently increase the use of natural gas in our operations given the significant cost and environmental advantages of this fuel. Our capital investments in the future may reflect such strategies, although we expect that iron and steel-making through the blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace manufacturing processes will remain our primary processing technology for the long term.

The foregoing statements regarding expected 2011 capital expenditures, capital projects and expected benefits from the implementation of the ERP project are forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect our capital spending and the projects include: (i) levels of cash flow from operations; (ii) general economic conditions; (iii) business conditions; (iv) cost and availability of capital; (v) receipt of necessary permits; and (vi) unforeseen hazards such as contractor performance, material shortages, weather conditions, explosions or fires. There is also a risk that the completed projects will not produce

 

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at the expected levels and within the costs currently projected. Predictions regarding benefits resulting from the implementation of the ERP project are subject to uncertainties. We may not be able to successfully implement the ERP project without experiencing difficulties. In addition, the expected benefits of implementing the ERP project might not be realized or the costs of implementation might outweigh the benefits realized. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

Disposal of assets in the first quarter of 2011 primarily reflects cash proceeds of approximately $6 million from transactions to swap a portion of the emissions allowances at U. S. Steel Košice (USSK) as well as various other transactions, none of which were individually material. Disposal of assets in the first quarter of 2010 primarily reflects cash proceeds of approximately $60 million from the sale of U. S. Steel’s 44.6 percent interest in the Wabush Mines Joint Venture.

Borrowings against revolving credit facilities in the first quarter of 2011 reflect amounts drawn against USSK’s 280 million total unsecured revolving credit facilities.

Repayments of revolving credit facilities in the first quarter of 2011 reflect USSK’s repayment of the outstanding borrowings under its 280 million total unsecured revolving credit facilities. Repayments of revolving credit facilities in the first quarter of 2010 reflect USSK’s repayment of the outstanding borrowings under its 200 million unsecured revolving credit facility.

Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs in the first quarter of 2010 reflects the issuance of $600 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020. U. S. Steel received net proceeds of $582 million after related discounts and other fees.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s liquidity as of March 31, 2011:

(Dollars in millions)

 

Cash and cash equivalents    $ 421   
Amount available under $750 Million Credit Facility(a)      638   
Amount available under Receivables Purchase Agreement      525   
Amount available under USSK credit facilities      390   
Amount available under USSS credit facilities      42   
        
Total estimated liquidity    $ 2,016   

 

(a) 

As of March 31, 2011, there were no amounts drawn on the Amended Credit Agreement and inventory levels supported the full $750 million capacity of the facility. Since availability under the Amended Credit Agreement was greater than $112.5 million, compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio was not applicable. However, based on the most recent four quarters, as of March 31, 2011, we would not meet the fixed charge coverage ratio. Therefore, we reduced the availability in the above table to $637.5 million.

As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel has a Receivables Purchase Agreement (RPA) under which trade accounts receivable are sold, on a daily basis without recourse, to U. S. Steel Receivables, LLC (USSR), a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity used only for the securitization program. If U. S. Steel decides to access this facility, USSR then sells senior undivided interests in up to $525 million of the receivables to certain third-party commercial paper conduits for cash, while maintaining a subordinated undivided interest in a portion of the receivables. U. S. Steel has agreed to continue servicing the sold receivables at market rates. Because U. S. Steel receives adequate compensation for these services, no servicing asset or liability is recorded.

The RPA may be terminated on the occurrence and failure to cure certain events, including, among others, failure by U. S. Steel to make payments under our material debt obligations and any failure to

 

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maintain certain ratios related to the collectability of the receivables. As of March 31, 2011, there were no receivable transfers under this facility and eligible accounts receivable supported $525 million of availability under the RPA. The RPA expires on July 19, 2013.

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 collateral have a negative impact on liquidity. U. S. Steel has committed $149 million of liquidity sources for financial assurance purposes as of March 31, 2011.

In the event of a bankruptcy of Marathon Oil Corporation, obligations of $247 million relating to Environmental Revenue Bonds and two capital leases may be declared immediately due and payable.

The maximum outstanding guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $31 million at March 31, 2011. In the event that 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 2011 are expected to be for capital expenditures, employee benefits and working capital requirements, including purchases of raw materials. We finished the first quarter of 2011 with $421 million of available cash and $2 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. As business conditions have started to recover, our working capital requirements have increased and any future increases may require us to draw upon our credit facilities for necessary cash. Should we experience a significant increase in orders or an unexpected need for funds that cannot be met with available cash and our liquidity facilities, we may need to access the capital markets.

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, contributions to employee benefit plans, payments of retiree benefits 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.

Our opinion regarding liquidity is a forward-looking statement based upon currently available information. To the extent that operating cash flow is materially lower than recent levels or external financing sources are not available on terms competitive with those currently available, future liquidity may be adversely affected.

Debt and Senior Convertible Notes Ratings

There have been no changes to our ratings since December 31, 2010.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

U. S. Steel did not enter into any new material off-balance sheet arrangements during the first quarter of 2011.

Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies

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. In recent years, these expenditures have been mainly for process changes in order to meet Clean Air Act obligations and

 

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similar obligations in Europe and Canada, although ongoing compliance costs have also been significant. To the extent that these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products and services, operating results will be reduced. U. S. Steel believes that our major North American, and many European, integrated steel competitors are confronted by substantially similar conditions and thus does not believe that our relative position with regard to such competitors is materially affected by the impact of environmental laws and regulations. However, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our competitive position with regard to domestic mini-mills, some foreign steel producers (particularly in developing economies such as China) and producers of materials which compete with steel, all of which may not be required to incur equivalent costs in their operations. In addition, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities and its production methods. U. S. Steel is also responsible for remediation costs related to our prior disposal of environmentally sensitive materials. Many of our competitors do not have similar historical liabilities.

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

USSC is subject to the environmental laws of Canada, which are comparable to environmental standards in the United States. Environmental regulation in Canada is an area of shared responsibility between the federal government and the provincial governments, which in turn delegate certain matters to municipal governments. Federal environmental statutes include the federal Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Fisheries Act. Various provincial statutes regulate environmental matters such as the release and remediation of hazardous substances; waste storage, treatment and disposal; and air emissions. As in the United States, Canadian environmental laws (federal, provincial and local) are undergoing revision and becoming more stringent.

USSK is subject to the environmental laws of Slovakia and the European Union (EU). A related law of the EU commonly known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, Regulation 1907/2006) requires the registration of certain substances that are produced in the EU or imported into the EU. USSK made the necessary registrations in a timely manner and is currently compliant with REACH.

USSS is subject to the environmental laws of Serbia. Under the terms of the acquisition in 2003, USSS is responsible for only those costs and liabilities associated with environmental events occurring subsequent to the completion of an environmental baseline study in June 2004, which was submitted to the Government of Serbia.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulation

The current and potential regulation of greenhouse gas emissions remains a significant issue for the steel industry, particularly for integrated steel producers such as U. S. Steel. The regulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has either become law or is being considered by legislative bodies of many nations, including countries where we have operating facilities. In the United States, the EPA has published rules for regulating greenhouse gas emissions for certain facilities and has implemented various reporting requirements as further described below. In the last Congress, legislation was passed in the House of Representatives and introduced in the Senate. We do not know what action, if any, may be taken by the new Congress. The EU has established greenhouse gas regulations while in Canada, a regulatory framework for greenhouse gas emissions has been published, details of which are discussed below. International negotiations to supplement and eventually replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol are ongoing.

 

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The U.S. EPA has classified CO2 as a harmful gas. Under this premise, it has implemented a new greenhouse gas emission inventory and reporting requirement for all facilities emitting 25,000 metric tons or more per year of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases (CO2e). The regulation required facilities to collect information on CO2e and report emissions to the EPA by September 30, 2011, covering the 2010 calendar year. Most domestic U. S. Steel facilities are required to comply with the new reporting requirements. U. S. Steel has implemented ongoing monitoring plans to meet this requirement and will report emissions to the EPA prior to the deadline.

On May 13, 2010 the EPA published its final Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule establishing a mechanism for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from facilities through the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting process. Starting January 2, 2011, new projects that increase greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75,000 tons per year, have new PSD requirements based on best available control technology (BACT), but only if the project also significantly increases emissions of at least one non-greenhouse gas pollutant. Only existing sources with Title V permits or new sources obtaining Title V permits for non-greenhouse gas pollutants will also be required to address greenhouse gas emissions. Starting July 1, 2011 new sources not already subject to Title V requirements that emit over 100,000 tons per year of greenhouse gas emissions, or modifications to existing permits that increase greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75,000 tons per year, will be subject to PSD and Title V requirements. On November 17, 2010 the EPA issued its “PSD and Title V Permitting Guidance for Greenhouse Gases” and “Available and Emerging Technologies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Iron and Steel Industry.” Through this guidance, the EPA intends to help state and local air permitting authorities identify greenhouse gas reduction options and BACT for greenhouse gases under the CAA. U. S. Steel is currently evaluating the cost of compliance with these regulations.

The European Commission (EC) has created an Emissions Trading System (ETS). Under the ETS, the EC establishes CO2 emissions limits for every EU member state and approves grants of CO2 emission allowances to individual emitting facilities pursuant to national allocation plans that are proposed by each of the member states. The allowances can be bought and sold by emitting facilities to cover the quantities of CO2 they emit in their operations.

In July 2008, Slovakia granted USSK CO2 emission allowances as part of the national allocation plan for the 2008 to 2012 trading period (NAP II) approved by the European Commission. Based on actual carbon emissions to date, we believe that USSK will have sufficient allowances for the NAP II period without purchasing additional allowances. USSK entered into transactions to sell and swap a portion of our emissions allowances and recognized gains related to these transactions of approximately $6 million in both quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

In December 2010, Slovakia enacted an 80 percent tax on excess emission allowances registered in 2011 and 2012. The amount of this tax will vary with USSK’s production levels and the implementing regulations that may be issued. USSK has recorded expense of $5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

In 2007, Canada’s federal government announced a framework climate change plan that involved mandatory reduction targets for all major greenhouse gas producing industries. To this date, this plan has not been implemented. More recently, the federal government has indicated that it is committed to reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, but also stated that this target is subject to adjustment in order to remain consistent with the emerging cap-and-trade system in the United States. At this point, it is unclear when Canadian federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions will be developed and whether they will reflect the targets or approach of the previously announced plan. On June 12, 2009, Canada’s federal government released for comment two draft guides related to the establishment of an Offset System in Canada. These draft

 

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documents propose rules and provide guidance on the requirements and processes to create offset credits and the requirements and processes to verify the eligible greenhouse gas reductions achieved from an offset project. Canada’s federal government has stated that, once in place, the Offset System will compliment the proposed cap-and-trade system and help in generating greenhouse gas emissions reductions across the country. If greenhouse gas cap-and-trade legislation becomes law in Canada, it could have economic and operational consequences for U. S. Steel. It is impossible to estimate the timing or impact of these or other future government action on U. S. Steel.

In December 2007, the Ontario government announced its own Action Plan on Climate Change (the Ontario Action Plan). The Ontario Action Plan targets reductions in Ontario greenhouse gas emissions of six percent below 1990 levels by 2014, 15 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. In December 2008, Ontario launched a consultation process towards the development of a cap-and-trade system and in May 2009, the Ontario government released a discussion paper regarding cap-and-trade. The Ontario government has amended the Environmental Protection Act in order to provide the regulatory authority to set-up a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system; however, such a system has not yet been developed. The Ontario government also passed a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Regulation (the Regulation) on December 1, 2009. The Regulation is intended to provide the foundation for Ontario to implement a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases. The Regulation requires facilities that emit more than 25,000 tons of CO2e or more per year to annually report their emissions, starting with 2010 emissions. The Ontario government has indicated that it plans to develop a cap-and-trade system that aligns with other systems being developed in North America, including in the United States.

Environmental Remediation

In the United States, U. S. Steel has been notified that we are a potentially responsible party (PRP) at 21 sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) as of March 31, 2011. In addition, there are 12 sites related to U. S. Steel where we have received information requests or other indications that we may be a PRP under CERCLA but where sufficient information is not presently available to confirm the existence of liability or make any judgment as to the amount thereof. There are also 40 additional sites related to U. S. Steel where remediation is being sought under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking remediation 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 thereof, is frequently dependent upon the outcome of 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 determinable. As environmental remediation matters proceed toward ultimate resolution or as additional remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those previously accrued may be required. See note 18 to the Financial Statements.

For discussion of relevant environmental items, see “Part II. Other Information – Item 1. Legal Proceedings – Environmental Proceedings.”

During the first quarter of 2011, U. S. Steel recorded a net increase of $1 million to our accruals for environmental matters for U.S. and international facilities. The total accrual for such liabilities at March 31, 2011 was $194 million. These amounts exclude liabilities related to asset retirement obligations, disclosed in note 13 to the 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

 

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aggregate, be material to the U. S. Steel 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 to U. S. Steel.

MINE SAFETY

Our Minntac and Keetac iron ore pellet operations are subject to the reporting requirements in Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) that was enacted in July of 2010. Under the Act, we are required to disclose certain information about our mining operations, such as the number of certain types of violations and orders issued under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The following table provides the required information for any notification received by our iron ore operations regarding any reportable information during the three months ended March 31, 2011:

 

Mine
(MSHA ID)
  Total # of
Significant &
Substantial
violations
under
Act §104
    Total # of
orders
under
Act §104(b)
    Total # of
unwarrantable
failure
citations and
orders under
Act §104(d)
    Total # of
violations
under
Act §110(b)(2)
    Total # of
orders
under
Act §107(a)
    Total dollar
value of
proposed
assessments
from MSHA
    Total # of
mining
related
fatalities
    Received
written
notice
under
Act §104(e)
(yes/no)?
    Total # of
Legal Actions
Pending
Before the
Federal Mine
Safety and
Health Review
Commission (a)
 

Mt. Iron (2100819, 2100820, 2100282)

    39        1        0        0        0      $  -        0        no        89   

Keewatin (2103352)

    6        0        0        0        0      $  -        0        no        8   

 

(a) 

Includes all legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, together with the Administrative Law Judges thereof, for each of our iron ore operations. All of the legal actions were initiated by us to contest citations, orders or proposed assessments issued by the Federal Mine Safety and Health administration, and if we are successful, may result in the reduction or dismissal of those citations, orders or assessments.

OUTLOOK

We expect to report a significant overall operating profit, primarily due to the realization of price increases in our Flat-rolled segment. Order rates for most customer groups, which began to improve later in the fourth quarter, remained firm throughout the first quarter. While recent order rates have moderated, we remain cautiously optimistic that improving global economic conditions will continue, further stimulating end user demand. We are assessing the effect of the events in Japan on our business. Some of our automotive customers have reduced April builds and adjusted future production schedules due to parts shortages. We expect reductions in automotive production during the quarter to be made up in 2011 as vehicle inventories, presently low compared to historical levels, will need to be replenished.

Flat-rolled results for the second quarter 2011 are expected to improve significantly compared to the first quarter 2011 driven largely by significantly higher average realized prices. Raw materials costs are expected to remain relatively stable, reflecting our iron ore, coal and coke position. Average realized prices are expected to increase from first quarter 2011 as we realize the benefits from increases in spot and contract prices, with index-based contract prices reflecting significantly higher published market price assessments. Raw steel capability utilization is expected to increase from the first quarter of 2011 as all of our steelmaking facilities are expected to operate for the majority of the period except for Hamilton Works.

We expect second quarter 2011 results for USSE to be in line with the first quarter 2011 as increased average realized prices are expected to be offset by higher raw materials costs and decreased shipments. Average realized prices are expected to increase from first quarter 2011 as we realize the benefits from increases in contract prices. Our raw steel capability utilization rate is expected to decrease from the first quarter of 2011 due to reduced spot market demand caused by increased production across Europe and the rising threat of imports. Strength of underlying demand, as well as low to moderate inventory levels across

 

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the supply chain, should limit the duration of this current cycle. Based on the current low level of spot customer orders, we have decided to accelerate planned maintenance on a blast furnace in Serbia, originally scheduled for later in the year. We will continue to adjust our blast furnace configuration to coincide with our customers’ order rates.

Second quarter results for Tubular are expected to be in line with the first quarter as the benefits of increased average realized prices and shipments will be offset by higher costs for hot-rolled bands supplied by our Flat-rolled segment and purchased rounds. Average realized transaction prices are expected to increase from first quarter levels as price increases take effect and product mix improves.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

In March 2010, the Department of Commerce (DOC) and International Trade Commission (ITC) initiated five-year (sunset) reviews of antidumping orders against hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from Brazil and Japan, a countervailing duty order against hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from Brazil, and a suspension agreement concerning hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from Russia. In expedited reviews of the Brazilian, Japanese and Russian cases, the DOC issued preliminary determinations, on July 30, 2010, that revocation of the orders and agreement would likely lead to continued or resumed dumping at rates of 17.70% to 184.56%. In a full review of the Brazilian countervailing duty order, the DOC issued its final determination on November 29, 2010, of the likelihood of a resumed subsidy, but at a rate of zero percent. The ITC conducted a hearing in its injury investigation of this case on April 6, 2011 and a decision is expected in May 2011.

On December 1, 2010, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) initiated an expiry review of the Canadian antidumping orders against hot-rolled carbon and alloy steel sheet and strip from Brazil, China, Taiwan, India, South Africa and Ukraine and a subsidy order against India. On March 31, 2011, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) found a likelihood of continued or resumed dumping with respect to respondent countries China, Brazil, Taiwan, India and Ukraine (and the likelihood of continued or resumed subsidization in the case of India) if the orders were to be rescinded, but it found that dumping from South Africa would not be likely to continue or resume. The CITT will continue the expiry review with respect to Brazil, China, Taiwan, India and Ukraine to determine whether the orders will be extended for an additional five years beyond August 15, 2011.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See note 2 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, 2010.

 

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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 March 31, 2011. 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 is: (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 March 31, 2011, 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)

 

     Quarter Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)      2011         2010    

SEGMENT INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

    

Flat-rolled

   $ (57   $ (80

U. S. Steel Europe

     (5     12   

Tubular

     30        45   
                

Total reportable segments

     (32     (23

Other Businesses

     12        10   

Items not allocated to segments

     (71     (44
                

Total loss from operations

   $ (91   $ (57

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

    

Flat-rolled

   $ 125      $ 80   

U. S. Steel Europe

     23        44   

Tubular

     31        -   

Other Businesses

     1        1   
                

Total

   $ 180      $ 125   

OPERATING STATISTICS

    

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

    

Flat-rolled

   $ 720      $ 654   

U. S. Steel Europe

     823        614   

Tubular

     1,447        1,389   

Steel Shipments: (a)(b)

    

Flat-rolled

     3,954        3,572   

U. S. Steel Europe

     1,445        1,522   

Tubular (a)

     425        310   

Raw Steel Production: (b)

    

Flat-rolled

     4,598        4,383   

U. S. Steel Europe

     1,681        1,588   

Raw Steel Capability Utilization: (c)

    

Flat-rolled

     77     73

U. S. Steel Europe

     92     87

 

(a)

Excludes intersegment transfers.

(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 net tons for U. S. Steel Europe.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

GENERAL LITIGATION

In a series of lawsuits filed in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois beginning September 12, 2008, individual direct or indirect buyers of steel products have asserted that eight steel manufacturers, including U. S. Steel, conspired in violation of antitrust laws to restrict the domestic production of raw steel and thereby to fix, raise, maintain or stabilize the price of steel products in the United States. The cases are filed as class actions and claim treble damages for the period 2005 to present, but do not allege any damage amounts. U. S. Steel is vigorously defending these lawsuits and does not believe that it has any liability regarding these matters.

On July 17, 2009, the Attorney General of Canada initiated a proceeding under Section 40 of Canada’s Investment Canada Act by filing an application in the Canadian federal court that seeks to impose a financial penalty on U. S. Steel due to the Company’s alleged failure to comply with two of the 31 undertakings made by U. S. Steel to the Minister of Industry in connection with the 2007 acquisition of Stelco. The specific undertakings at issue concern production and employment levels anticipated at U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) assuming certain business conditions. In response to a previous written demand from the Minister with respect to this matter, the Company provided full disclosure regarding the operations at USSC and the impact that the sudden and severe world-wide economic downturn has had on the global steel sector and all of the Company’s North American operations, including operations at USSC. In accordance with the specific language of the undertakings at issue, the unprecedented economic downturn, the effects of which were beyond the control of the Company, expressly excuse any non-attainment of the production and employment levels targeted by the 2007 submission. The Company is vigorously defending the matter and believes that the action is without justification or authority.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS

Gary Works

On March 4, 2010 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified U. S. Steel that the requirements of the January 26, 1998 Clean Water Act consent decree in United States of America v. USX (Northern District of Indiana) had been satisfied. As of March 31, 2011, project costs have amounted to $60.7 million. In 1998, U. S. Steel also entered into a consent decree with the public trustees, which resolves liability for natural resource damages on the same section of the Grand Calumet River. U. S. Steel, following the Court’s termination of the Clean Water Act consent decree, will pay the public trustees $1.0 million for ecological monitoring costs. In addition, U. S. Steel is obligated to perform, and has initiated, ecological restoration in this section of the Grand Calumet River. In total, the accrued liability for the above projects based on the estimated remaining costs was approximately $2 million at March 31, 2011.

At Gary Works, U. S. Steel has agreed to close three hazardous waste disposal sites: D5, along with an adjacent solid waste disposal unit, Terminal Treatment Plant (TTP) Area; T2; and D2 combined with a portion of the Refuse Area, where a solid waste disposal unit overlaps with the hazardous waste disposal unit. The sites are located on plant property. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) approved the closure plans for these sites. Implementation of the D5 and TTP Area plans began during the third quarter of 2010 and is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2011. Implementation of the T2 plan began in the first quarter of 2011. As of March 31, 2011, the accrued liability for estimated costs to close these sites is $16 million.

 

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On October 23, 1998, EPA issued a final Administrative Order on Consent 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 Measure Study (CMS) and Corrective Measure Implementation at Gary Works. Reports of field investigation findings for Phase I work plans have been submitted to EPA. Through March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel had spent $31.4 million for corrective action studies, Vessel Slip Turning Basin interim measures and other corrective actions. U. S. Steel received approval on a proposal to the EPA for a facility wide perimeter groundwater monitoring program and a sampling and analysis plan (SAP) for several SWMUs in the Solid Waste Management Areas east of the Vessel Slip Turning Basin. U. S. Steel has also received a partial approval on a second SAP for a portion of the sediments behind the East Breakwall. Implementation of these programs continued during the first quarter of 2011. Additional studies and proposals have been submitted to EPA. Until the remaining Phase I work and Phase II field investigations are completed, it is impossible to assess what additional expenditures will be necessary for Corrective Action projects at Gary Works. In total, the accrued liability for all of the above projects was approximately $26 million as of March 31, 2011, based on the estimated remaining costs.

On November 26, 2007, IDEM issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) alleging three pushing violations and one door violation on the No. 2 Battery that were to have occurred on July 11, 2007. On December 20, 2007, IDEM made a verbal penalty demand of $123,000 to resolve these alleged violations. U. S. Steel provided written responses to the NOVs. Negotiations regarding these NOVs are ongoing.

On October 3, 2007, November 26, 2007, March 2, 2008 and March 18, 2008, IDEM issued NOVs alleging opacity limitation violations from the coke plant and Blast Furnaces Nos. 4 and 8. To date, no penalty demand has been made by IDEM regarding these NOVs. U. S. Steel is currently negotiating resolution of these NOVs with IDEM.

On July 3, 2008, EPA Region V issued a Notice of Violation/Finding of Violation (NOV/FOV) alleging violations resulting from a multi-media inspection conducted in May 2007 and subsequent information collection requests pursuant to Section 114 of the Clean Air Act. These alleged violations include those currently being prosecuted by IDEM that are identified above. Other alleged violations include the reline of No. 4 Blast Furnace in 1990 without a New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit, and opacity limit excursions from hot iron transfer cars, slag skimming, slag pits, and the blast furnace casting house. The NOV/FOV also alleges violations relating to hydrochloric acid pickling, blast furnace relief valves and blast furnace flares. While a penalty demand is expected, EPA Region V has not yet made such a demand. Since issuing the NOV/FOV, EPA Region V has issued additional Section 114 information requests to Gary Works. U. S. Steel has responded to the requests and is currently negotiating resolution of the NOV/FOV and other request issues with EPA Region V and IDEM. EPA has indicated that it has referred the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

On February 18, 2009, U. S. Steel received a letter from IDEM alleging that Gary Works was culpable for an ambient air quality exceedance for PM10 at the IITRI Monitoring Site. In November 2010, U. S. Steel and IDEM amended the December 2006 Air Agreed Order to resolve this matter. The resolution requires U. S. Steel to continue monitoring PM10 at the IITRI monitor through December 31, 2011; implement specific best management practices at the Sinter Plant storage piles; and to complete a Supplemental Environmental Project consisting of the installation of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station and adding at least seven CNG vehicles to its fleet by September 30, 2011, at a capital expenditure of approximately $490,000, which excludes the costs associated with the seven vehicles. U. S. Steel has constructed the CNG fueling station which is currently in the commissioning phase.

 

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On April 13, 2009, Gary Works received an NOV from EPA Region V for alleged violations for New Source Review for reline of No. 13/14 during 2004-2005. U. S. Steel continues to meet with IDEM and EPA to negotiate resolution of the NOV. EPA has indicated that it has referred the matter to the DOJ.

Mon Valley Works

On March 17, 2008, U. S. Steel entered a Consent Order and Agreement (COA) with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) to resolve alleged opacity limitation and pushing and traveling violations from older coke oven batteries at its Clairton Plant and to resolve alleged opacity violations from its Edgar Thomson Plant. Under the COA, U. S. Steel paid a civil penalty of $301,800 on March 25, 2008. The COA requires U. S. Steel to conduct interim repairs on existing batteries and make improvements at the Ladle Metallurgical Facility and Steelmaking Shop at the Edgar Thomson Plant. The COA also required that Batteries 1, 2 and 3 be shutdown by August 11, 2015. On September 30, 2010, U. S. Steel and ACHD amended the COA to require U. S. Steel to install two new Low Emissions Quench Towers to replace existing towers and bring Batteries 1, 2 and 3 into compliance rather than shutting them down. We are repairing existing Batteries 19 and 20 and we continue to make improvements on Batteries 1, 2 and 3. The capital costs for the quench towers is estimated to be $60 million while the cost of improvements at Batteries 1, 2 and 3 cannot be estimated at this time. U. S. Steel is also completing upgrades at its Edgar Thomson Plant that would reduce emissions. U. S. Steel shut down Batteries 7, 8 and 9 in 2009 as required by the COA.

On October 8, 2009, Mon Valley Clairton Plant received an NOV from ACHD alleging that the Clairton Plant was culpable for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) Pennsylvania ambient air quality standard exceedances. The NOV requires U. S. Steel to submit a plan with milestones to reduce and minimize fugitive emissions of coke oven gas from the coke producing operations at Clairton including identification of coke oven gas emission sources and method of improved emission prevention and control. While U. S. Steel appealed the NOV on October 16, 2009, U. S. Steel submitted an Action Plan to ACHD that was required by the NOV. U. S. Steel and ACHD have performed H2S modeling and are in the process of evaluating all potential sources of H2S in the area. U. S. Steel and ACHD continue to meet and discuss resolution.

Midwest Plant

A former disposal area located on the east side of the Midwest Plant was designated a SWMU (East Side SWMU) by IDEM before U. S. Steel acquired this plant from National Steel Corporation. U. S. Steel submitted a Closure Plan to IDEM recommending consolidation and “in-place” closure of the East Side SWMU. IDEM approved the Closure Plan in January 2010. Implementation of the Closure Plan began during the third quarter of 2010 and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2011. The remaining cost is expected to be approximately $1 million and was recorded as an accrued liability as of March 31, 2011.

Fairless Plant

In January 1992, U. S. Steel commenced negotiations with EPA regarding the terms of an Administrative Order on consent, pursuant to RCRA, under which U. S. Steel would perform an RFI and a CMS at our Fairless Plant. A Phase I RFI report was submitted during the third quarter of 1997. The cost to U. S. Steel to continue to maintain the interim measures and develop a Phase II/III RFI Work Plan is estimated to be $522,000. It is reasonably possible that additional costs of as much as $25 to $45 million may be incurred at this site in combination with four other projects. See note 18 to the Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments – Environmental Matters – Remediation Projects – Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

 

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Fairfield Works

A consent decree was signed by U. S. Steel, EPA and the U.S. DOJ and filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (United States of America v. USX Corporation) on December 11, 1997. In accordance with the consent decree, U. S. Steel paid a civil penalty of $1 million, completed two supplemental environmental projects at a cost of $1.75 million and initiated a RCRA corrective action program at the Fairfield Works facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) with the approval of EPA assumed primary responsibility for regulation and oversight of the RCRA corrective action program at Fairfield Works. ADEM is currently reviewing the Phase II RFI work plan. In January 1999, ADEM included the former Ensley facility site in Fairfield Corrective Action. As of March 31, 2011, costs to complete the remediation of this area have amounted to $1.3 million. In total, the accrued liability was approximately $1 million as of March 31, 2011, based on estimated remaining costs. It is reasonably possible that additional costs of as much as $25 to $45 million may be incurred at this site in combination with four other projects. See note 18 to the Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments – Environmental Matters – Remediation Projects – Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Lorain Tubular Operations

In September 2006, U. S. Steel received a letter from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) inviting U. S. Steel to enter into discussions about RCRA Corrective Action at Lorain Tubular Operations. A Phase I RFI on the identified SWMUs and AOCs is complete and under review by OEPA. As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel has spent $671,000 on studies at this site. Costs to complete additional studies are estimated to be $659,000. It is reasonably possible that additional costs of as much as $25 to $45 million may be incurred at this site in combination with four other projects. See note 18 to the Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments – Environmental Matters – Remediation Projects – Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

On November 16, 2010, OEPA issued an NOV to U. S. Steel for allegedly not submitting a complete and timely NOx Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) study of Lorain Tubular Operations, as required by OEPA RACT rules. To comply with OEPA NOx RACT rules, U. S. Steel will install ultra low NOx burners on the No. 4 seamless rotary furnace at an estimated capital expenditure of $3 million with completion expected in early 2012.

Great Lakes Works

On February 13, 2007, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and U. S. Steel agreed to an Administrative Consent Order (the Order) that resolves alleged violations of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits at the Great Lakes Works facility. As required by the Order, U. S. Steel has paid a civil penalty of $300,000 and has reimbursed MDEQ $50,000 in costs. The Order identified certain compliance actions to address the alleged violations. U. S. Steel has completed work on most of these compliance actions, and has initiated work on the others. As of March 31, 2011, $1.8 million has been spent on the project. In addition, $161,000 remains accrued for possible additional requirements.

On October 5, 2009, after an inspection of Great Lakes Works and receiving responses to its 114 Request, as part of EPA Region V’s regional enforcement initiative, U. S. Steel received an NOV/FOV from EPA Region V alleging that Great Lakes Works violated casthouse roof monitor and baghouse opacity limits; slag pit opacity limits; Basic Oxygen Process roof monitor opacity limits; and certain permit recordkeeping and parametric monitoring requirements. U. S. Steel has met with EPA regarding the alleged violations and continues to negotiate resolution of the matter. EPA advised U. S. Steel that it has referred the matter to the DOJ.

 

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Granite City Works

U. S. Steel received two NOVs, dated February 20, 2004 and March 25, 2004, for air violations at the coke batteries, the blast furnace and the steel shop at our Granite City Works facility. All of the issues have been resolved except for an issue relating to air emissions that occurs when coke is pushed out of the ovens, for which a compliance plan has been submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). IEPA referred the two NOVs to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for enforcement. On December 18, 2007, U. S. Steel and IEPA entered into a consent order (State of Illinois ex. rel. Lisa Madigan vs. United States Steel Corporation), which resolved the issues raised in the two NOVs. In December 2006, IEPA added to its complaint by adding a release of coke oven gas in February 2006. The Order required that U. S. Steel: (1) pay a penalty of $300,000, which U. S. Steel paid on January 10, 2008; (2) demonstrate compliance with Coke Oven Pushing Operations in accordance with the compliance schedule provided in the Order; (3) comply with the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) opacity emissions in accordance with the schedule provided in the Order; and (4) submit to IEPA a revised permit application with the correct sulfur dioxide emission factors. In February 2011, U. S. Steel demonstrated compliance with the applicable requirements and in March 2011, U. S. Steel certified compliance with the applicable regulations.

At Granite City Works, U. S. Steel and Gateway Energy & Coke Company, LLC (Gateway), a subsidiary of SunCoke Energy, Inc., have agreed with two environmental advocacy groups to establish an Environmental Trust Fund (Trust), which requires the permittees (U. S. Steel and Gateway) to collectively deposit $1.0 million by September 30th of each year, beginning September 30, 2008 and ending September 30, 2012. To date, U. S. Steel and Gateway have paid the first three of five installments towards the fund.

On February 2, 2009, U. S. Steel received an NOV from IEPA alleging approximately 16 separate violations at Granite City Works, including inappropriate charging a battery while off the collecting main; failing to perform some required MACT monthly and quarterly inspections; failing to timely repair the baffles on the quench tower; failing to adequately wash the baffles on the quench tower; inappropriately using the emergency pour station at the BOP; failing to sufficiently apply a wetting agent to the slag from Blast Furnace A and failing to update and properly implement its Fugitive Dust Program. On November 16, 2009, U. S. Steel received a notice of intent to pursue legal action regarding the alleged violations from IEPA. Resolution of these issues continues to be negotiated with IEPA.

On March 17, 2009, U. S. Steel received an NOV from IEPA alleging the following at Granite City Works: door leaks from B Battery; volatile organic compounds from pressure relief valves from gas blanketing tank; coke by products process unit and information (lacking); failure to report retagging project for benzene in service equipment; and, failure to maintain records for benzene in service equipment repairs. IEPA has not made a penalty demand to date. Resolution of the issues identified in the NOV continues to be negotiated with IEPA. On November 16, 2009, Granite City Works received a notice of intent to pursue legal action regarding the alleged violations from IEPA. U. S. Steel continues to discuss resolution with the IEPA.

On October 5, 2009, U. S. Steel received an NOV/FOV from EPA Region V alleging that Granite City Works: failed to apply for and obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration/New Source Review permit for the 1994 B Blast Furnace reline (while the furnace was owned by National Steel Corporation); exceeded BOP roof monitor opacity limits, exceeded blast furnace casthouse roof monitor opacity limits; and failed to complete certain permit recordkeeping and parameteric monitoring requirements. Granite City Works has met with EPA regarding the alleged violations and continues to negotiate resolution of the matter. EPA advised U. S. Steel that it has referred the matter to the Department of Justice.

 

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On July 1, 2010, U. S. Steel entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the IEPA that requires Granite City Works to achieve reductions in emissions of particulate matter. U. S. Steel will evaluate and install appropriate controls to achieve this purpose. To complete the obligations pursuant to the MOU, U. S. Steel anticipates incurring a capital expenditure of approximately $30 million to install additional pollution controls at the BOF.

On August 19, 2010, U. S. Steel notified the IEPA that it could not certify compliance with air emission requirements for the coke plant with regards to coke doors and the coke scrubber car. U. S. Steel submitted compliance plans indicating that it would make repairs to the coke oven doors, evaluate the heating system and the scrubber car by November 30, 2010, certify compliance by February 28, 2011 and update the compliance plan after the results of the evaluation are known. U. S. Steel has completed its self-imposed obligations pursuant to the schedule it submitted to IEPA. IEPA issued a Violation Notice on November 10, 2010 and has indicated that it reserves the right to refer the matter to the Attorney General.

To comply with the Illinois State NOx RACT rule, U. S. Steel will install Flue Gas Recirculation and Continuous Emission Monitors on Boilers 11 and 12 at Granite City Works, at a capital expenditure of approximately $3 million. U. S. Steel will also install a NOx continuous emissions monitor for the slab reheat furnaces at a capital expenditure of approximately $1 million.

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. As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel has spent $17.2 million to complete remediation on certain areas of the site. Having completed the investigation on a majority of the remaining areas identified in the permit, U. S. Steel has determined that 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). U. S. Steel has recorded a liability of $65 million as of March 31, 2011, for our estimated share of the remaining costs of remediation, including the construction, waste management, closure and post closure of a CAMU.

USS-POSCO Industries (UPI)

At UPI, a joint venture between subsidiaries of U. S. Steel and POSCO Industries, corrective measures have been implemented for the majority of the former SWMUs. Prior to the formation of UPI, U. S. Steel owned and operated the Pittsburg, California facility and retained responsibility for the existing environmental conditions. Seven SWMUs remain at the facility, five of which require further remediation. Two SWMUs may not require further action pending a No Further Action decision by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Of the five SWMUs requiring remediation, U. S. Steel has completed investigation of two SWMUs and studies are ongoing concerning the other three. Discussions with the DTSC regarding possible future corrective measures for these three SWMUs are in progress. While it is likely that corrective measures will be required at these SWMUs, it is not possible at this time to define a scope or estimate costs for what may be required by DTSC. It is reasonably possible that additional costs of as much as $25 to $45 million may be incurred at this site in combination with four other projects. See note 18 to the Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments – Environmental Matters – Remediation Projects – Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

 

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Other

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 was essentially completed in 2007 and U. S. Steel and SSB continue to work with KDHE to address the remaining issues. At March 31, 2011, an accrual of $161,000 remains available for these project contingencies.

On January 18, 2011, KDHE signed a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) which obligates U. S. Steel to prepare and implement a corrective action plan for two sites in Girard, Kansas. The sites are referred to as the Girard Zinc Works and the Cherokee Lanyon #2 site. The CAFO recognizes a single project incorporating the corrective action for both sites. As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $2 million to conduct the remedial measure.

In January of 2004, U. S. Steel received notice of a claim from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and notice of claims from citizens of a cap failure at the Dayton Landfill. U. S. Steel’s allocated share is approximately 16 percent. The Remedial Action Plan for the site was approved by TCEQ in June 2009. Implementation of remedial measures is expected to begin in 2011 following final design approval by TCEQ. The accrued liability for U. S. Steel’s share to implement the remedial measure with long term monitoring was approximately $2 million as of March 31, 2011. U. S. Steel and others have filed a lawsuit seeking contribution from approximately 50 parties that used the site.

The Canadian and Ontario governments have identified a sediment deposit, commonly referred to as Randle’s Reef, in Hamilton Harbor near USSC’s Hamilton Works for remediation, for which the regulatory agencies estimate expenditures of approximately C$105 million (approximately $108 million). The national and provincial governments have each allocated C$30 million (approximately $31 million) for this project and they have stated that they will be looking for local sources, including industry, to fund C$30 million (approximately $31 million). USSC has committed C$7 million (approximately $7 million) as its contribution. Funding sources for the balance of the estimated project cost remain to be identified and additional contributions are being sought.

ASBESTOS LITIGATION

As of March 31, 2011, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 585 active cases involving approximately 3,125 plaintiffs. At December 31, 2010, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 550 active cases involving approximately 3,090 plaintiffs.

About 2,600, or approximately 83 percent, of these claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, it believes 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. Most of the claims filed in 2008 through 2011 involve individual or small groups of claimants.

Historically, these claims against U. S. Steel fall into three major groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos at U. S. Steel facilities (referred to as “premises claims”); (2) claims made by industrial workers allegedly exposed to products formerly manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and general maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel. The ultimate outcome of any claim depends upon a myriad of legal and factual issues, including whether the plaintiff can prove actual disease, if any; actual exposure, if any, to U. S. Steel products; the duration of exposure to asbestos, if any, on U. S. Steel’s premises and the plaintiff’s exposure to other sources of asbestos. In general, the only insurance available to U. S. Steel with respect to asbestos claims is excess casualty insurance, which has multi-million dollar

 

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self-insured retentions. To date, U. S. Steel has received minimal payments under these policies relating to asbestos claims.

These asbestos cases allege a variety of respiratory and other diseases based on alleged exposure to asbestos. U. S. Steel is currently a defendant in cases in which a total of approximately 230 plaintiffs allege that they are suffering from mesothelioma. The potential for damages against defendants may be greater in cases in which the plaintiffs can prove mesothelioma.

In many cases in which claims have been asserted against U. S. Steel, the plaintiffs have been unable to establish any causal relationship to U. S. Steel or our products or premises; however, with the decline in mass plaintiff cases the incidence of claimants actually alleging a claim against U. S. Steel is increasing. In addition, in many asbestos cases, the plaintiffs have been unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any identifiable injury or compensable loss at all; that any injuries that they have incurred did in fact result from alleged exposure to asbestos; or that such alleged exposure was in any way related to U. S. Steel or our products or premises.

In every asbestos case in which U. S. Steel is named as a party, the complaints are filed against numerous named defendants and generally do not contain allegations regarding specific monetary damages sought. To the extent that any specific amount of damages is sought, the amount applies to claims against all named defendants and in no case is there any allegation of monetary damages against U. S. Steel. Historically, approximately 89 percent of the cases against U. S. Steel did not specify any damage amount or stated that the damages sought exceeded the amount required to establish jurisdiction of the court in which the case was filed. (Jurisdictional amounts generally range from $25,000 to $75,000.) U. S. Steel does not consider the amount of damages alleged, if any, in a complaint to be relevant in assessing our potential exposure to asbestos liabilities.

U. S. Steel aggressively pursues grounds for the dismissal of U. S. Steel from pending cases and litigates cases to verdict where we believe litigation is appropriate. U. S. Steel also makes efforts to settle appropriate cases, especially mesothelioma cases, for reasonable, and frequently nominal, amounts.

The following table shows activity with respect to asbestos litigation:

 

Period ended    Opening
Number
of Claims
     Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
     New
Claims
     Closing
Number
of Claims
     Amounts
Paid to
Resolve
Claims
(in millions)
 

December 31, 2008

     3,000         400         450         3,050       $ 13   

December 31, 2009

     3,050         200         190         3,040       $ 7   

December 31, 2010

     3,040         200         250         3,090       $ 8   

March 31, 2011

     3,090         55         90         3,125       $ 4   

The amount U. S. Steel has accrued for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial position. U. S. Steel does not accrue for unasserted asbestos claims because it is not possible to determine whether any loss is probable with respect to such claims or even to estimate the amount or range of any possible losses. The vast majority of pending claims against us allege so-called “premises” liability-based exposure on U. S. Steel’s current or former premises. These claims may be made by an indeterminable number of people such as truck drivers, railroad workers, salespersons, contractors and their employees, government inspectors, customers, visitors and even trespassers. In most cases, the claimant also was exposed to asbestos in non-U. S. Steel settings; the relative periods of exposure between U. S. Steel and non-U. S. Steel settings vary with each claimant; and the strength or weakness of the causal link between U. S. Steel exposure and any injury vary widely as do the nature and severity of the injury claimed.

 

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It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation. Despite this uncertainty, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular period. Among the factors considered in reaching this conclusion are: (1) the generally declining trend in the number of claims; (2) that it has been many years since U. S. Steel employed maritime workers or manufactured or sold asbestos containing products; and (3) U. S. Steel’s history of trial outcomes, settlements and dismissals.

The foregoing statements of belief are forward-looking statements. Predictions as to the outcome of pending litigation are subject to substantial uncertainties with respect to (among other things) factual and judicial determinations, and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

 

 

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following is an addition to the risk factors disclosed in U. S. Steel’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

We may be adversely impacted by recent events in Japan

A number of our customers, particularly in the automotive market, rely upon suppliers in Japan for certain components of their product. If the earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear power plant problem in Japan prevent our customers from receiving sufficient supplies of these components our business may be adversely affected.

 

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

  10.1       Administrative Regulations for the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated
  10.2       Form of Stock Option Grant Form Agreement under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated
  10.3       Form of Performance Award Grant Form Agreement under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated
  10.4       Form of Restricted Stock Unit Annual Grant Form Agreement under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated
  10.5       Form of Restricted Stock Unit Retention Grant Form Agreement under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated
  10.6       United States Steel Corporation Non Tax-Qualified Pension Plan Amended Effective February 21, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United States Steel Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2011, Commission File Number 1-16811.
  10.7       Non-Employee Director Fee Arrangements
  10.8       United States Steel Corporation Executive Management Supplemental Pension Program, amended effective March 1, 2011
  10.9       United States Steel Corporation Supplemental Thrift Plan as amended and restated on April 25, 2011
  10.10       Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers
  31.1       Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2       Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.1       Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2       Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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  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/ Gregory A. Zovko
   Gregory A. Zovko
   Vice President and Controller

April 26, 2011

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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