UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,September 30, 2020
Or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
x-20200930_g1.jpg
United States Steel CorporationCorporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware1-1681125-1897152
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
Delaware1-1681125-1897152
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
600 Grant StreetPittsburghPA15219-2800
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(412) (412) 433-1121
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
United States Steel Corporation Common StockXNew York Stock Exchange
United States Steel Corporation Common StockXChicago Stock Exchange
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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated fileroNon-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No x
Common stock outstanding at April 27,October 26, 2020 – 170,375,833220,404,216 shares




INDEX

Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements:
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Item 1A.4.
Item 4.5.
Item 5.6.
Item 6.



CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains information that may constitute ”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.amended. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in those sections. Generally, we have identified such forward-looking statements by using the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “forecast,” “aim,” "should," “will,” "may" and similar expressions or by using future dates in connection with any discussion of, among other things, operating performance, trends, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements relating to volume changes, share of sales and earnings per share changes, anticipated cost savings, potential capital and operational cash improvements, U. S. Steel's future ability or plans to take ownership of the Big River Steel joint venture as a wholly owned subsidiary, and statements expressing general views about future operating results. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the time made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the satisfaction of the conditions of creating the joint venture with Stelco in the anticipated time frame or at all and the possibility that the option will not be exercised by Stelco, possible production or operations interruptions related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that could disrupt supply or delivery of, or demand for, the Company's products, as well as the risks and uncertainties described in this report and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



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








UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)2020201920202019
Net sales:
Net sales$2,072 $2,702 $6,469 $9,001 
Net sales to related parties (Note 19)268 367 710 1,112 
Total (Note 6)2,340 3,069 7,179 10,113 
Operating expenses (income):
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below)2,295 2,902 7,174 9,301 
Selling, general and administrative expenses65 63 199 223 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization162 161 481 454 
Loss (earnings) from investees31 (31)78 (68)
Asset impairment charges (Note 1)0 263 
Gain on equity investee transactions0 (31)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 20)0 54 130 54 
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets(2)(1)(2)
Other losses, net0 5 
Total2,551 3,149 8,297 9,967 
(Loss) earnings before interest and income taxes(211)(80)(1,118)146 
Interest expense84 32 198 97 
Interest income(1)(3)(6)(13)
Other financial benefits(30)(4)(26)(2)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (other than service cost)(6)23 (22)69 
     Net interest and other financial costs47 48 144 151 
Loss before income taxes(258)(128)(1,262)(5)
Income tax benefit (Note 12)(24)(44)(48)(43)
Net (loss) earnings(234)(84)(1,214)38 
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests0 0 
Net (loss) earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation$(234)$(84)$(1,214)$38 
(Loss) earnings per common share (Note 13):
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:
-Basic$(1.06)$(0.49)$(6.43)$0.22 
-Diluted$(1.06)$(0.49)$(6.43)$0.22 
  Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2020 2019
Net sales:    
Net sales $2,397
 $3,124
Net sales to related parties (Note 20) 351
 375
Total (Note 6) 2,748
 3,499
Operating expenses (income):    
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below) 2,605
 3,172
Selling, general and administrative expenses 72
 78
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 160
 143
Loss (earnings) from investees 8
 (9)
Tubular asset impairment charges (Notes 1 and 10) 263
 
Gain on equity investee transactions (31) 
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) 41
 
Net loss on sale of assets 
 4
Other losses, net 5
 
Total 3,123
 3,388
(Loss) earnings before interest and income taxes (375) 111
Interest expense 50
 34
Interest income (4) (5)
Other financial benefits (3) (3)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (other than service cost) (8) 23
     Net interest and other financial costs 35
 49
(Loss) earnings before income taxes (410) 62
Income tax (benefit) provision (Note 13) (19) 8
Net (loss) earnings (391) 54
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
Net (loss) earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation $(391) $54
(Loss) earnings per common share (Note 14):    
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:    
-Basic $(2.30) $0.31
-Diluted $(2.30) $0.31







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

-1-


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

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions)2020201920202019
Net (loss) earnings$(234)$(84)$(1,214)$38 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments34 (40)31 (45)
Changes in pension and other employee benefit accounts16 30 97 94 
Changes in derivative financial instruments8 (2)18 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax58 (12)146 51 
Comprehensive (loss) income including noncontrolling interest(176)(96)(1,068)89 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest0 0 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to United States Steel
Corporation
$(176)$(96)$(1,068)$89 

  Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019
Net (loss) earnings $(391) $54
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:    
Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments (23) (17)
Changes in pension and other employee benefit accounts 52
 32
Changes in derivative financial instruments (5) 15
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 24
 30
Comprehensive (loss) income including noncontrolling interest (367) 84
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest 
 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to United States Steel Corporation $(367) $84






































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

-2-


UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions) March 31, 2020 December 31,
 2019
(Dollars in millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Assets    Assets
Current assets:    Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) $1,350
 $749
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7)$1,696 $749 
Receivables, less allowance of $33 and $28 1,085
 956
Receivables from related parties (Note 20) 87
 221
Receivables, less allowance of $34 and $28Receivables, less allowance of $34 and $28996 956 
Receivables from related parties (Note 19)Receivables from related parties (Note 19)103 221 
Inventories (Note 8) 2,075
 1,785
Inventories (Note 8)1,398 1,785 
Other current assets 89
 102
Other current assets51 102 
Total current assets 4,686
 3,813
Total current assets4,244 3,813 
Long-term restricted cash (Note 7) 143
 188
Long-term restricted cash (Note 7)89 188 
Operating lease assets (Note 9) 246
 230
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assets225 230 
Property, plant and equipment 17,131
 17,077
Property, plant and equipment17,477 17,077 
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion 11,724
 11,630
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion12,047 11,630 
Total property, plant and equipment, net 5,407
 5,447
Total property, plant and equipment, net5,430 5,447 
Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $8 and $5 1,421
 1,466
Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $8 and $51,286 1,466 
Intangibles – net (Note 10) 134
 150
Deferred income tax benefits (Note 13) 5
 19
Intangibles – net (Note 9)Intangibles – net (Note 9)131 150 
Deferred income tax benefits (Note 12)Deferred income tax benefits (Note 12)21 19 
Other noncurrent assets 324
 295
Other noncurrent assets305 295 
Total assets $12,366
 $11,608
Total assets$11,731 $11,608 
Liabilities    Liabilities
Current liabilities:    Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $2,033
 $1,970
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities$1,533 $1,970 
Accounts payable to related parties (Note 20) 100
 84
Accounts payable to related parties (Note 19)Accounts payable to related parties (Note 19)113 84 
Payroll and benefits payable 325
 336
Payroll and benefits payable312 336 
Accrued taxes 118
 116
Accrued taxes109 116 
Accrued interest 42
 45
Accrued interest74 45 
Current operating lease liabilities (Note 9) 60
 60
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 16) 99
 14
Current operating lease liabilitiesCurrent operating lease liabilities60 60 
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (Note 15)Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (Note 15)262 14 
Total current liabilities 2,777
 2,625
Total current liabilities2,463 2,625 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (Note 9) 193
 177
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 16) 4,616
 3,627
Noncurrent operating lease liabilitiesNoncurrent operating lease liabilities174 177 
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 15)Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 15)4,628 3,627 
Employee benefits 584
 532
Employee benefits543 532 
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 13) 6
 4
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 12)Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 12)6 
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 464
 550
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities413 550 
Total liabilities 8,640
 7,515
Total liabilities8,227 7,515 
Contingencies and commitments (Note 22) 

 

Stockholders’ Equity (Note 18):    
Common stock (179,027,981 and 178,555,206 shares issued) (Note 14) 179
 179
Treasury stock, at cost (8,653,246 and 8,509,337 shares) (175) (173)
Contingencies and commitments (Note 21)Contingencies and commitments (Note 21)
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 17):Stockholders’ Equity (Note 17):
Common stock (229,075,215 and 178,555,206 shares issued) (Note 13)Common stock (229,075,215 and 178,555,206 shares issued) (Note 13)229 179 
Treasury stock, at cost (8,670,999 shares and 8,509,337 shares)Treasury stock, at cost (8,670,999 shares and 8,509,337 shares)(175)(173)
Additional paid-in capital 4,024
 4,020
Additional paid-in capital4,398 4,020 
Retained earnings 151
 544
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19) (454) (478)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings(671)544 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 18)Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 18)(332)(478)
Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity 3,725
 4,092
Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity3,449 4,092 
Noncontrolling interests 1
 1
Noncontrolling interests55 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $12,366
 $11,608
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$11,731 $11,608 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

-3-


UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions)20202019
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Operating activities:
Net (loss) earnings$(1,214)$38 
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization481 454 
Asset impairment charges (Note 1)263 
Gain on equity investee transactions(31)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 20)130 54 
Pensions and other postretirement benefits(18)76 
Deferred income taxes (Note 12)(36)(38)
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets(2)
Equity investee loss (earnings), net of distributions received78 (64)
Changes in:
Current receivables(18)209 
Inventories495 (4)
Current accounts payable and accrued expenses(267)(325)
Income taxes receivable/payable13 27 
All other, net(23)(34)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(149)396 
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures(591)(978)
Investment in Big River Steel(3)
Proceeds from sale of assets3 
Proceeds from sale of ownership interests in equity investees8 
Investments, net(4)
Net cash used in investing activities(587)(974)
Financing activities:
Issuance of short-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 15)240 
Revolving credit facilities - borrowings, net of financing costs (Note 15)1,474 165 
Revolving credit facilities - repayments (Note 15)(1,633)
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 15)1,043 
Repayment of long-term debt (Note 15)(8)(4)
Net proceeds from public offering of common stock (Note 23)410 
Proceeds from Stelco Option Agreement, net of financing costs55 
Common stock repurchased (Note 23)0 (88)
Dividends paid(6)(26)
Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 11)(1)(7)
Net cash provided by financing activities1,574 40 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash10 (6)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash848 (544)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year (Note 7)939 1,040 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (Note 7)$1,787 $496 
  Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash    
Operating activities:    
Net (loss) earnings $(391) $54
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 160
 143
Tubular asset impairment charges (Notes 1 and 10) 263
 
Gain on equity investee transactions (31) 
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) 41
 
Pensions and other postretirement benefits (1) 30
Deferred income taxes (Note 13) 6
 6
Net loss on sale of assets 
 4
Equity investee earnings, net of distributions received 8
 (9)
Changes in:    
Current receivables (97) (124)
Inventories (204) (50)
Current accounts payable and accrued expenses 139
 (73)
Income taxes receivable/payable 3
 41
All other, net (38) 7
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (142) 29
Investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (282) (302)
Proceeds from sale of assets 1
 
Proceeds from sale of ownership interests in equity investees 8
 
Investments, net (4) 
Net cash used in investing activities (277) (302)
Financing activities:    
Revolving credit facilities - borrowings, net of financing costs (Note 16) 1,202
 
Revolving credit facilities - repayments (Note 16) (281) 
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 16) 67
 
Repayment of long-term debt (Note 16) (2) 
Common stock repurchased (Note 24) 
 (42)
Dividends paid (2) (9)
Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 12) (1) (5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 983
 (56)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (6) (2)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 558
 (331)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year (Note 7) 939
 1,040
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (Note 7) $1,497
 $709
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:    
Non-cash investing and financing activities:    
Change in accrued capital expenditures $(66) $(32)
U. S. Steel common stock issued for employee/non-employee director stock plans 17
 15
Capital expenditures funded by finance lease borrowings 29
 16
Export Credit Agreement (ECA) financing 34
 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued capital expenditures$(109)$(72)
U. S. Steel common stock issued for employee/non-employee director stock plans18 25 
Capital expenditures funded by finance lease borrowings30 37 
Export Credit Agreement (ECA) financing34 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

-4-


Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1.     Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel, or the Company) produces and sells steel products, including flat-rolled and tubular products, in North America and Europe. Operations in North America also include iron ore and coke production facilities, railroad services and real estate operations. Operations in Europe also include coke production facilities.
The year-end Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited statements but does not include all disclosures required for complete financial statements by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The other information in these condensed financial statements is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods covered.covered, including assessment of certain accounting matters using all available information including consideration of forecasted financial information in context with other information reasonably available to us. However, our future assessment of our current expectations, including consideration of the unknown future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in material impacts to our consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless disclosed otherwise. These condensed financial statements, including notes, have been prepared in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Additional information is contained in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which should be read in conjunction with these condensed financial statements.
Property, plant and equipment
U. S. Steel evaluates impairment of its property, plant and equipment whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We evaluate impairment of long-lived assets at the asset group level. Our asset groups are Flat-Rolled, welded tubular, seamless tubular and U. S. Steel Europe (USSE). Asset impairments are recognized when the carrying value of an asset group exceeds its recoverable amount as determined by the asset group's aggregate projected discounted cash flows.
During 2019, the challenging steel market environment in the U.S. and Europe and recent losses in the welded tubular asset group were considered triggering events for the Flat-Rolled, USSE and welded tubular asset groups. U. S. Steel completed a quantitative analysis of its long-lived assets for these asset groups and determined that the assets were not impaired. There were no triggering events for seamless tubular in 2019.Impairment
For the period ended March 31, 2020, the steep decline in oil prices that resulted from market oversupply and declining demand was considered a triggering event for the welded tubular and seamless tubular asset groups. A quantitative analysis was completed for both asset groups and a $263 million impairment, consisting of an impairment of $196 million for property, plant and equipment and $67 million for intangible assets (See Note 10) was recorded for the welded tubular asset group while 0no impairment was indicated for the seamless tubular asset group. There were no triggering events that required an impairment evaluation of our long-lived asset groups as of June 30, 2020 or September 30, 2020.

2.    New Accounting Standards

In MarchAugust 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (ASU 2020-06). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 requires entities to provide expanded disclosures about the terms and features of convertible instruments and amends certain guidance in ASC 260 on the computation of EPS for convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption of all amendments in the same period permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption of the ASU.
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, (ASU 2020-04). ASU 2020-04 provides optional exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to modifications of contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another rate that will be discontinued by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The exceptions in ASU 2020-04 may be applied beginning in periods up to December 31, 2022. U. S. Steel is currently assessing the impact of the ASU but does not believe it will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12). ASU 2019-12 simplifies accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions from the general principles in Topic 740 including elimination of the exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items such as other comprehensive income. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and amends certain guidance in Topic 740. ASU 2019-12 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods, with early adoption of all amendments in the same period permitted. U. S. Steel is currently assessing the impact of the ASU, but does not believe it will have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

3.    Recently Adopted Accounting Standard



In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic(Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), which adds an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under ASU 2016-13, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. ASU 2016-13 was effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim reporting periods. U. S. Steel adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020. The impact of adoption was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

-5-


U. S. Steel's significant financial instruments which are valued at cost are trade receivables (receivables). U. S. Steel's receivables carry standard industry terms and are categorized in two2 receivable pools, U.S. and U. S. Steel Europe (USSE). Both pools use customer specific risk ratings based on customer financial metrics, past payment experience and other factors and qualitatively consider economic conditions to assess the level of allowance for doubtful accounts. USSE mitigates credit risk for over 70approximately 75 percent of its receivables balance using credit insurance, letters of credit, bank guarantees, prepayments or other collateral. Below is a summary of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the segments. Additional reserve recorded in the nine month period ended March 31,September 30, 2020 primarily reflects uncertainty over near-term anticipated market conditions.
(in millions) U.S. USSE Total Allowance
Balance at December 31, 2019 $12
 $16
 $28
Additional reserve 5
 
 5
Balance at March 31, 2020 $17
 $16
 $33


(in millions)U.S.USSETotal Allowance
Balance at December 31, 2019$12 $16 $28 
Additional reserve
Balance at September 30, 2020$17 $17 $34 

4.    Segment Information
U. S. Steel has 3 reportable segments: North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), U. S. Steel Europe (USSE); and Tubular Products (Tubular). U. S. Steel's investment in Big River Steel and the results of our railroad and real estate businesses that do not constitute reportable segments are combined and disclosed in the Other Businesses category.
The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and determines resource allocations based on a number of factors, the primary measure being earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes. Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes for reportable segments and Other Businesses does not include net interest and other financial costs (income), income taxes, and certain other items that management believes are not indicative of future results.
The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level. Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for at market-based prices and are eliminated at the corporate consolidation level. Corporate-level selling, general and administrative expenses and costs related to certain former businesses are allocated to the reportable segments and Other Businesses based on measures of activity that management believes are reasonable.


The results of segment operations for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019 are:
(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings (loss)
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020Customer
Sales
Intersegment
Sales
Net
Sales
(Loss) Earnings
from
investees
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $1,974
 $62
 $2,036
 $4
 $(35)Flat-Rolled$1,728 $71 $1,799 $(3)$(159)
USSE 505
 1
 506
 
 (14)USSE495 1 496 0 13 
Tubular 255
 3
 258
 1
 (48)Tubular96 0 96 0 (52)
Total reportable segments 2,734
 66
 2,800
 5
 (97)Total reportable segments2,319 72 2,391 (3)(198)
Other Businesses 14
 28
 42
 (13) 1
Other Businesses21 23 44 (28)(13)
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (94) (94) 
 (279)Reconciling Items and Eliminations0 (95)(95)0 0 
Total $2,748
 $
 $2,748
 $(8) $(375)Total$2,340 $0 $2,340 $(31)$(211)

          
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019          
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Flat-Rolled $2,405
 $69
 $2,474
 $7
 $95
Flat-Rolled$2,277 $86 $2,363 $30 $46 
USSE 737
 3
 740
 
 29
USSE518 521 (46)
Tubular 343
 2
 345
 2
 10
Tubular262 263 (25)
Total reportable segments 3,485
 74
 3,559
 9
 134
Total reportable segments3,057 90 3,147 31 (25)
Other Businesses 14
 30
 44
 
 8
Other Businesses12 28 40 
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (104) (104) 
 (31)Reconciling Items and Eliminations(118)(118)(63)
Total $3,499
 $
 $3,499
 $9
 $111
Total$3,069 $$3,069 $31 $(80)
-6-


The results of segment operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are:
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020Customer
Sales
Intersegment
Sales
Net
Sales
(Loss) Earnings
from
investees
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled$5,199 $175 $5,374 $(15)$(523)
USSE1,403 3 1,406 0 (27)
Tubular533 6 539 3 (147)
Total reportable segments7,135 184 7,319 (12)(697)
Other Businesses44 70 114 (66)(33)
Reconciling Items and Eliminations0 (254)(254)0 (388)
Total$7,179 $0 $7,179 $(78)$(1,118)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Flat-Rolled$7,221 $250 $7,471 $63 $275 
USSE1,933 1,942 (27)
Tubular921 925 (21)
Total reportable segments10,075 263 10,338 68 227 
Other Businesses38 88 126 26 
Reconciling Items and Eliminations(351)(351)(107)
Total$10,113 $$10,113 $68 $146 
The following is a schedule of reconciling items to consolidated earnings before interest and income taxes:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)2020201920202019
Items not allocated to segments:
Asset impairment charges (Notes 1 and 9)$0 $$(263)$
Restructuring and other charges (Note 20)0 (54)(130)(54)
Gain on previously held investment in UPI0 25 
Tubular inventory impairment charge0 (24)
December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire0 (9)4 (53)
Total reconciling items$0 $(63)$(388)$(107)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions) 2020 2019
Items not allocated to segments: 
 
Tubular asset impairment charges (Notes 1 and 10) $(263) $
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) (41) $
Gain on previously held investment in UPI 25
 
December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire 
 (31)
Total reconciling items $(279) $(31)


5.    Acquisition

On February 29, 2020, U. S. Steel purchased the remaining 50% ownership interest in USS-POSCO Industries (UPI) for $3 million, net of cash received of $2 million. There was an assumption of accounts payable owed to U. S. Steel for prior sales of steel substrate of $135 million associated with the purchase that is reflected as a reduction in receivables from related parties on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. UPI is located in Pittsburg, California and markets sheet and tin mill products, principally in the western United States. UPI produces hot rolled pickled and oiled, cold-rolled sheets, galvanized sheets and tin mill products made from hot bands principally provided by U. S. Steel. UPI’s annual production capability is approximately 1.5 million tons. The remaining interest in UPI was purchased by the Company to obtain more control over the future of this investment. The Company had a liability that resulted from historical losses recorded due to our continuing involvement in the previously held equity investment in UPI.
Using step acquisition accounting wethe Company increased the value of ourits previously held equity investment to its fair value of $5 million which resulted in a gain of approximately $25 million. The gain was recorded in gain on equity investee transactions in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.



There wasReceivables of $44 million, inventories of $96 million, accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $19 million, current portion of long-term debt of $55 million and payroll and employee benefits liabilities of $78 million were recorded with the acquisition. Property, plant and equipment of $97 million which included a step-up to fair value for property, plant and equipmentstep-up of $47 million and an intangible asset of $54 million that was recorded.were also recorded on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The intangible asset, which will be amortized over ten years, arises from a land lease contract, under which a certain portion of payment owed to UPI is realized in the form of deductions from electricity costs. The intangible asset will be amortized over a ten year period. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition and the amount of revenue recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a result of the acquisition were not significant.

The following table presents the allocation of the aggregate purchase price based on estimated fair values.
-7-

 (in millions)
Assets Acquired: 
   Receivables$44
   Inventories96
   Other current assets3
   Property, plant and equipment97
   Intangibles54
   Other noncurrent assets1
      Total Assets Acquired$295
  
Liabilities Assumed: 
   UPI accounts payable for substrate purchased from U. S. Steel (a)
$135
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities19
   Payroll and benefits payable15
   Current portion of long-term debt55
   Employee benefits63
      Total Liabilities Assumed$287
  
Fair value of previously held investment in UPI$5
Purchase price - net of cash acquired3
   Difference in assets acquired and liabilities assumed$8
(a) The transaction to purchase UPI included the assumption of $135 million of accounts payable owed to U. S. Steel for prior sales of steel substrate to UPI. This amount is reflected as a reduction in receivables from related parties in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as both the corresponding receivable and payable amounts between U. S. Steel and UPI are eliminated in consolidation upon acquisition.

U. S. Steel is continuing to conform accounting policies and procedures and evaluate assets and liabilities assumed. The results of this process may lead to further adjustments to the purchase price allocation presented above.








6.     Revenue

Revenue is generated primarily from contracts to produce, ship and deliver steel products, and to a lesser extent, raw materials sales such as iron ore pellets and coke by-productsand railroad services and real estate sales. Generally, U. S. Steel’s performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is recognized at a point in time, when title transfers to our customer for product shipped or services are provided. Revenues are recorded net of any sales incentives. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are treated as fulfillment activities and are recorded in both revenue and cost of sales at the time control is transferred to the customer. Costs related to obtaining sales contracts are incidental and are expensed when incurred. Because customers are invoiced at the time title transfers and U. S. Steel’s right to consideration is unconditional at that time, U. S. Steel does not maintain contract asset balances. Additionally, U. S. Steel does not maintain contract liability balances, as performance obligations are satisfied prior to customer payment for product. U. S. Steel offers industry standard payment terms.

U. S. Steel has 3 reportable segments: Flat-Rolled, USSE and Tubular. Flat-Rolled primarily generates revenue from sheet and coated product sales to North American customers. Flat-Rolled also sells slabs, iron ore pellets and coke making by-products. USSE sells slabs, sheet, strip mill plate, coated products and spiral welded pipe to customers primarily in the Eastern European market. Tubular sells seamless and electric resistance welded (ERW) steel casing and tubing (commonly known as oil country tubular goods or OCTG), standard and line pipe and mechanical tubing and primarily serves customers in the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenue from our railroad and real estate businesses is reported in the Other Businesses category in our segment reporting structure. The following tables disaggregate our revenue by product for each of ourthe reportable business segments for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively:

Net Sales by Product (In millions):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020Three Months Ended September 30, 2020Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $27
$1
$
$
$28
Semi-finished$5 $0 $0 $0 $5 
Hot-rolled sheets 502
205


707
Hot-rolled sheets239 193 0 0 432 
Cold-rolled sheets 598
45


643
Cold-rolled sheets555 43 0 0 598 
Coated sheets 711
229


940
Coated sheets778 233 0 0 1,011 
Tubular products 
9
251

260
Tubular products0 11 91 0 102 
All Other (a)
 136
16
4
14
170
All Other (a)
151 15 5 21 192 
Total $1,974
$505
$255
$14
$2,748
Total$1,728 $495 $96 $21 $2,340 
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished$69 $$$$71 
Hot-rolled sheets537 199 736 
Cold-rolled sheets627 59 686 
Coated sheets765 231 996 
Tubular products11 257 268 
All Other (a)
279 16 12 312 
Total$2,277 $518 $262 $12 $3,069 
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished$63 $2 $0 $0 $65 
Hot-rolled sheets980 544 0 0 1,524 
Cold-rolled sheets1,495 114 0  1,609 
Coated sheets2,202 664 0 0 2,866 
Tubular products0 31 520 0 551 
All Other (a)
459 48 13 44 564 
Total$5,199 $1,403 $533 $44 $7,179 
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
-8-


Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $88
$4
$
$
$92
Semi-finished$278 $11 $$$289 
Hot-rolled sheets 763
332


1,095
Hot-rolled sheets1,982 818 2,800 
Cold-rolled sheets 661
88


749
Cold-rolled sheets1,931 229 2,160 
Coated sheets 728
279


1,007
Coated sheets2,309 779 3,088 
Tubular products 
9
335

344
Tubular products31 903 934 
All Other (a)
 165
25
8
14
212
All Other (a)
721 65 18 38 842 
Total $2,405
$737
$343
$14
$3,499
Total$7,221 $1,933 $921 $38 $10,113 
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
7.     Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within U. S. Steel's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:

(In millions)September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$1,696 $476 
Restricted cash in other current assets2 
Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets89 20 
      Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$1,787 $496 

(In millions) March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents $1,350
 $676
Restricted cash in other current assets 4
 2
Long-term restricted cash 143
 31
      Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $1,497
 $709


In order to preserve cash and enhance our liquidity during the COVID-19 outbreak and disruptions in the oil and gas industry, we borrowed an additional $800 million under the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which was held as cash on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2020.

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

8.    Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventories and lower of cost and net realizable value for first-in, first-out (FIFO) method inventories. The LIFO method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. The FIFO method is the predominant inventory costing method in Europe. At March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019,, the LIFO method accounted for 6572 percent and 75 percent of total inventory values, respectively.
(In millions) March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Raw materials $633
 $628
Semi-finished products 954
 720
Finished products 428
 376
Supplies and sundry items 60
 61
Total $2,075
 $1,785

(In millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Raw materials$465 $628 
Semi-finished products557 720 
Finished products320 376 
Supplies and sundry items56 61 
Total$1,398 $1,785 
Current acquisition costs were estimated to exceed the above inventory values by $762$802 million and $735 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. As a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories, cost of sales increaseddecreased and earnings before interest and income taxes decreasedincreased by $5$11 million and $1$5 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, respectively. Cost of sales decreased and March 31,earnings before interest and income taxes increased by $12 million and $5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.respectively, as a result of liquidation of LIFO inventories.
Inventory includes $40$37 million and $40 million of land held for residential/commercial development as of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
9.    Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective transition method outlined in ASU 2018-11 which permitted application of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 using a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.
Operating lease assets consist primarily of office space, aircraft, heavy mobile equipment used in our mining operations and facilities and equipment under operating service agreements for electricity generation and scrap processing. Significant finance leases include the Fairfield slab caster lease and heavy mobile equipment used in our mining operations (see Note 16 for further details). Variable lease payments are primarily related to operating service agreements where payment is solely dependent on consumption of certain services, such as raw material and by-product processing. Generally, we are not reasonably certain that renewal options or purchase options will be exercised. There is no impact to our leased assets for residual value guarantees as the potential loss is not probable (see “Other Contingencies” in Note 22 for further details). We do not have material restrictive covenants associated with our leases or material amounts of sublease income. From time to time, U. S. Steel may enter into arrangements for the construction or purchase of an asset and then enter into a financing arrangement to lease the asset. U. S. Steel recognizes leased assets and liabilities under these arrangements when it obtains control of the asset.


The following table summarizes the lease amounts included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
(In millions)Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Assets

  
Operating
Operating lease assets (a)
$246
 $230
Finance
Property, plant and equipment (b)
82
 56
  Total Lease Assets
$328
 $286



  
Liabilities

  
Current

  
  OperatingCurrent operating lease liabilities$60
 $60
  FinanceCurrent portion of long-term debt15
 11
Non-Current

  
  OperatingNoncurrent operating lease liabilities193
 177
  FinanceLong-term debt less unamortized discount and issue costs74
 51
Total Lease Liabilities
$342
 $299
(a) Operating lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $57 million and $50 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(b) Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $29 million and $27 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

The following table summarizes lease costs included in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019.
-9-
(In millions)ClassificationThree Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Operating Lease Cost (a)
Cost of sales$18
 $21
Operating Lease CostSelling, general and administrative expenses3
 3
Finance Lease Cost

 
  AmortizationDepreciation, depletion and amortization3
 1
  InterestInterest expense1
 
Total Lease Cost
$25
 $25

(a) Operating lease cost recorded in cost of sales includes $3 million and $5 million of variable lease cost for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. An immaterial amount of variable lease cost is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and immaterial amounts of short-term lease cost are included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.









Lease liability maturities as of March 31, 2020 are shown below.
(In millions)Operating Finance Total
2020$59
 $16
 $75
202164
 19
 83
202251
 23
 74
202339
 12
 51
202431
 9
 40
After 202461
 23
 84
  Total Lease Payments$305
 $102
 $407
  Less: Interest52
 13
 65
  Present value of lease liabilities$253
 $89
 $342

Lease terms and discount rates are shown below.

As of March 31, 2020
Weighted average lease term
  Finance5 years
  Operating5 years


Weighted average discount rate
  Finance5.07%
  Operating7.40%


Supplemental cash flow information related to leases follows.
(In millions)Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
    Operating cash flows from operating leases$18
 $18
    Operating cash flows from finance leases1
 
    Financing cash flows from finance leases2
 
Right-of-use assets exchanged for lease liabilities:
 
    Operating leases32
 8
    Finance leases29
 16




10.9.     Intangible Assets
Intangible assets that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives are detailed below:
  
 As of March 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019
(In millions) Useful
Lives
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated Impairment Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
Customer relationships 22 Years $132
 $55
 $77
 $
 $132
 $76
 $56
Patents 10-15 Years 22
 7
 9
 6
 22
 8
 14
Energy Contract 10 Years 54
 
 1
 53
 
 
 
Other Intangibles 4-20 Years 14
 5
 9
 
 14
 9
 5
Total amortizable intangible assets 
 $222
 $67
 $96
 $59
 $168
 $93
 $75

As of September 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019
(In millions)Useful
Lives
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated Impairment (a)
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Amount
Customer relationships22 Years$132 $55 $77 $0 $132 $76 $56 
Patents10-15 Years22 7 10 5 22 14 
Energy Contract10 Years54 0 3 51 
Other4-20 Years14 5 9 0 14 
Total amortizable intangible assets$222 $67 $99 $56 $168 $93 $75 
Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed(a) The impairment charge was the result of the quantitative impairment analysis of the welded tubular asset group for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. For the period ended March 31, 2020, the steep decline in oil prices that resulted from market oversupply and declining demand was considered a triggering event for the welded tubular asset group. A quantitative analysis was completed and resulted in a $67 million impairment of the welded tubular asset group's intangible assets.2020. See Note 1 for further details.
Amortization expense was $3 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2020 is $5$2 million. We expect approximately $6 million in annual amortization expense through 2024.2025 and approximately $24 million in remaining amortization expense thereafter.
As part of the purchase of UPI, we acquired an intangible asset with a fair value of approximately $54 million that will be amortized over ten years. This asset arises from a land lease contract, under which a certain portion of payment owed to UPI is realized in the form of deductions from electricity costs. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
The carrying amount of acquired water rights with indefinite lives as of March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 totaled $75 million. The acquired water rights are tested for impairment annually in the third quarter, or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. U. S. Steel performed a quantitative impairment evaluation of its acquired water rights during the third quarter of 2019. Based on the results of the evaluation, the water rights were not impaired.



11.
10.    Pensions and Other Benefits
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019:
Pension
Benefits
Other
Benefits
(In millions)2020201920202019
Service cost$13 $11 $3 $
Interest cost49 59 16 22 
Expected return on plan assets(84)(81)(20)(19)
Amortization of prior service cost0 (1)
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)36 33 (4)
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below14 22 (6)15 
Multiemployer plans19 20 0 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
2 3 0 0 
Net periodic benefit cost$35 $45 $(6)$15 
(a) During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the pension plan incurred settlement charges of approximately $2 million and $3 million, respectively, due to lump sum payments for certain individuals.
-10-


2019:
  Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
(In millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019
Service cost $12
 $11
 $3
 $3
Interest cost 48
 60
 16
 23
Expected return on plan assets (81) (81) (20) (20)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 
 (2) 7
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain) 36
 33
 (4) 1
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below 15
 23
 (7) 14
Multiemployer plans 21
 18
 
 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
 6
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income) $42
 $41
 $(7) $14
(a) DuringThe following table reflects the threecomponents of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 the pension plan incurred special termination charges of approximately $6 million due to workforce restructuring.and 2019:
Pension
Benefits
Other
Benefits
(In millions)2020201920202019
Service cost$38 $33 $9 $10 
Interest cost145 178 48 68 
Expected return on plan assets(249)(243)(60)(59)
Amortization of prior service cost1 (5)22 
Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)108 99 (12)
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below43 68 (20)43 
Multiemployer plans58 57 0 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
10 3 0 0 
Net periodic benefit cost$111 $128 $(20)$43 
(a) During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the pension plan incurred settlement and special termination charges of approximately $10 million and $3 million, respectively, due to workforce restructuring and lump sum payments made to certain individuals.
Employer Contributions
During the first threenine months of 2020,, U. S. Steel made cash payments of $20$57 million to the Steelworkers’ Pension Trust $1and $6 million of pension payments not funded by trusts and $10trusts.
During the first nine months of 2020, cash payments of $37 million were made for other postretirement benefit payments not funded by trusts.
Effective May 1, 2020, Company contributions for salaried defined contribution plans were temporarily suspended. Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $10$1 million and $12 million for both the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $16 million and $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
and2019.

12.11.    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

U. S. Steel has outstanding stock-based compensation awards that were granted by the Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) and the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated (the Omnibus Plan). On April 26, 2016, theThe Company's stockholders approved the Omnibus Plan and authorized the Company to issue up to 7,200,00018,200,000 shares of U. S. Steel common stock under the Omnibus Plan. The Company's stockholders authorized the issuance of an additional 6,300,000 shares under the Omnibus Plan on April 25, 2017. While the awards that were previously granted under the 2005 Plan remain outstanding, all future awards will be granted under the Omnibus Plan. As of March 31,September 30, 2020,, there were 926,3615,995,783 shares available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan. On April 28, 2020, our stockholders approved an additional 4,700,000 shares to be available for grant under the Omnibus Plan.

Recent grants of stock-based compensation consist of restricted stock units, total stockholder return (TSR) performance awards and return on capital employed (ROCE) performance awards. Shares of common stock under the Omnibus Plan are issued from authorized, but unissued stock. The following table is a summary of the awards made under the Omnibus Plan during the first threenine months of 2020 and 2019.
 2020 201920202019
Grant Details 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
Grant Details
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
Restricted Stock Units 2,624,470
$8.83
 975,750
$23.91
Restricted Stock Units2,640,690 $8.82 1,005,500 $23.76 
Performance Awards (c)
      
Performance Awards (c)
TSR 659,620
$8.20
 210,520
$29.22
TSR671,390 $8.19 210,520 $29.22 
ROCE (d)
 
$
 526,140
$23.92
ROCE (d)
0 $0 527,470 $23.90 
(a) The share amounts shown in this table do not reflect an adjustment for estimated forfeitures.
(b) Represents the per share weighted averageweighted-average for all grants during the period.
(c) The number of performance awards shown represents the target valueshare grant of the award.


(d) The ROCE awards granted in 2020 are not shown in the table above because they were granted in cash.

-11-


U. S. Steel recognized pretax stock-based compensation expense in the amount of $4$8 million and $8$10 million in the three-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $20 million and $30 million in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively.


As of March 31,September 30, 2020,, total future compensation expense related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements was $30$16 million,, and the weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is approximately 21 months.16 months.

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

TSR performance awards may vest at varying levels at the end of a three-year performance period if U. S. Steel's total stockholder return compared to the total stockholder return of a peer group of companies meets specified performance criteria with each year in the three-year performance period weighted at 20 percent and the full three-year performance period weighted at 40 percent. TSR performance awards can vest at between 0 and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the TSR performance awards is calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation.

ROCE performance awards may vest at the end of a three-year performance period contingent upon meeting the specified ROCE goal.performance. ROCE performance awards can vest at between 0 and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the ROCE performance awards is the average market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The 2020 ROCE performance awards were granted in cash.

For further details about our stock-based compensation incentive plans and stock awards see Note 15 of the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2019.
13.12.    Income Taxes
Tax provision
For the threenine months endedMarch 31, September 30, 2020 and 2019,, we the Company recorded a tax benefit of $19$48 million on our pretax loss of $410 million and a tax provision of $8 million on our pretax earnings of $62$43 million, respectively. In general,The tax benefit for the amountfirst nine months of tax expense or benefit from continuing operations is determined without regard2020 was based on an estimated annual effective rate, which requires management to the tax effectmake its best estimate of other categories ofannual pretax income or loss, such as other comprehensive income. However, an exceptionloss. The 2020 tax benefit includes a $39 million discrete benefit related to this rule applies when there isrecording a loss from continuing operations and income from other categories. In 2020, thecomprehensive income categories and expense of $13 million for an updated estimate to tax benefit includes a discrete benefit of $10 millionreserves related to this accounting exception.an unrecognized tax benefit. Due to the full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets, the tax benefit in 2020 does not reflect any additional tax benefit for domestic pretax losses. In 2019, the tax provision reflects a benefit for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion from iron ore that we produce and consume or sell.
The tax provision for the first three months of 2020 is based on an estimated annual effective rate, which requires management to make its best estimate of annual pretax earnings 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 2020 pretax results for U.S. and foreign income or loss vary from estimates applied herein, the actual tax provision or benefit recognized in 2020 could be materially different from the forecasted amount used to estimate the tax provisionbenefit for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020.
Deferred taxes
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzes the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset may not be realized.
At March 31, 2020, U. S. Steel reviewed all available positive and negative evidence and determined that it is more likely than not that all of its net domestic deferred tax assets may not be realized.



U. S. Steel will continue to monitor the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis taking into consideration, among other items, the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term. In the future, if we determine that realization is more likely than not for deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance, the related valuation allowance will be reduced, and we will record a non-cash benefit to earnings.
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits are the differences between a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return and the benefit recognized for accounting purposes pursuant to the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740 on income taxes. The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $3 million as of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $2 million as of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
U. S. Steel records interest related to uncertain tax positions as a part of net interest and other financial costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any penalties are recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, U. S. Steel had accrued liabilities of $2 millionfor interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, respectively.
It is reasonably expected that during the next 12 months unrecognized tax benefits related to income tax positions will change by an immaterial amount.
14.13.    Earnings and Dividends Per Common Share
(Loss) Earnings Per Share Attributable to United States Steel Corporation Stockholders
Basic (loss)The effect of dilutive securities on weighted average common shares outstanding included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share is based onfor the weighted average numberthree and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 were as follows.
-12-


Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)2020201920202019
(Loss) earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders$(234)$(84)$(1,214)$38 
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic220,402 170,801 188,766 171,882 
Effect of Senior Convertible Notes0 0 
Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards0 0 629 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted220,402 170,801 188,766 172,511 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share$(1.06)$(0.49)$(6.43)$0.22 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share$(1.06)$(0.49)$(6.43)$0.22 
Excluded from the computation of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share assumes the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units and performance awards, provided in each case the effect is dilutive. The "treasury stock" method is used to calculate the dilutive effect of the Senior Convertible Notes due in 2026 (due to our current intent and policy, among other factors, to settle the principal amount of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes in cash upon conversion).
The computations for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations are as follows:
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2020 2019
(Loss) earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders $(391) $54
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
 
Basic 170,224
 173,241
Effect of convertible notes 
 
Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards 
 1,304
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted 170,224
 174,545
Basic (loss) earnings per common share $(2.30) $0.31
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $(2.30) $0.31



The following table summarizesdue to their anti-dilutive effect were 5.7 million and 5.5 million outstanding securities granted under the Omnibus Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and 4.3 million and 3.3 million outstanding securities that were antidilutive,granted under the Omnibus Plan for the three and therefore, were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per common share:
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2020 2019
Securities granted under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended 4,942
 3,179
Securities convertible under the Senior Convertible Notes 
 
Total 4,942
 3,179

nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Dividends Paid Per Share
The dividend for each of the first, quartersecond and third quarters of 2020 and 2019 was one1 cent and five5 cents per common share, respectively.


15.14.    Derivative Instruments
U. S. Steel is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks in our European operations. USSE’s revenues are primarily in euros and costs are primarily in euros and U.S. dollars.
U. S. Steel uses foreign exchange forward sales contracts to exchange euros for U.S. dollars (USD) and USD for Canadian dollars (foreign exchange forwards) with maturities no longer than 12 months to exchange euros for U.S. dollars to manage our currency requirements and exposure tomitigate the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are required to be recognized at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. U. S. Steel did not designate euro foreign exchange forwards entered into prior to July 1, 2019, as hedges; therefore, changes in their fair value were recognized immediately in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (mark-to-market accounting). For those contracts, U. S. Steel will continue to recognize changes in fair value immediately through earnings until the contracts mature. U. S. Steel elected cash flow hedge accounting for euro foreign exchange forwards prospectively effective July 1, 2019. Accordingly, future gains and losses for euro foreign exchange forwards entered into after July 1, 2019 will be recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) until the related contract impacts earnings. We mitigate the risk of concentration of counterparty credit risk by purchasing our forwards from several counterparties.
In 2018, U. S. Steel entered into long-term freight contracts in its domestic operations that require payment in Canadian dollars (CAD). We entered into foreign exchange forward contracts with remaining maturities up to 9 months to exchange USD for CAD to mitigate a portion of the related risk of exchange rate fluctuations and to manage our foreign currency requirements. We elected to designate these contracts as cash flow hedges.
U. S. Steel may use fixed-price forward physical purchase contracts to partially manage our exposure to price risk related to the purchases of natural gas, zinc, and tinFinancial swaps are used in the production process. Generally, forward physical purchase contracts qualify for the normal purchase and normal sales exceptions described in ASC Topic 815 and are not subject to mark-to-market accounting. U. S. Steel also uses financial swaps to protect from the commodity price risk associated with purchases of natural gas, zinc, tin and tinelectricity (commodity purchase swaps). In January 2020, the Company began purchasing commodity purchase swaps to mitigate variable purchase price risk for electricity at our Gary Works location. We electeduse cash flow hedge accounting for our foreign exchange forwards and for our U.S. commodity purchase swaps for natural gas, zinc and tin and use mark-to-market accounting for commodity purchase swaps used in our European operations and for electricity commodity purchase swaps.
In accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements and disclosures, the fair value of our foreign exchange forwards, The maximum derivative contract duration for commodity purchase swaps where hedge accounting was elected and sales swaps was determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as "significant other observable" inputs. The inputs used are from market sources that aggregate data based upon market transactions.not elected is 15 months and 28 months, respectively. For further details about our derivative instruments see Note 16 of the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2019.
The table below shows the outstanding swap quantities used to hedge forecasted purchases and sales as of March 31,September 30, 2020 and March 31,September 30, 2019:

Hedge ContractsClassificationSeptember 30, 2020September 30, 2019
Natural gas (in mmbtus)Commodity purchase swaps34,222,00056,873,000
Tin (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps787530
Zinc (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps8,14814,561
Electricity (in megawatt hours)Commodity purchase swaps847,6800
Foreign currency (in millions of euros)Foreign exchange forwards240 316 
Foreign currency (in millions of CAD)Foreign exchange forwards$8 $33 

Hedge ContractsClassification March 31, 2020 March 31, 2019
Natural gas (in mmbtus)Commodity purchase swaps 52,464,000
 56,894,000
Tin (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 870
 1,475
Zinc (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 21,044
 13,651
Electricity (in megawatt hours)Commodity purchase swaps 1,024,000
 
Foreign currency (in millions of euros)Foreign exchange forwards 259
 296
Foreign currency (in millions of CAD)Foreign exchange forwards C$23
 C$48

The following summarizes the fair value amounts includedThere were $8 million and $1 million in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheetsaccounts receivable and $13 million and $18 million in accounts payable recorded for derivatives designated as hedging instruments as of March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:2019, respectively. Amounts recorded in long-term asset and long-term liability accounts for derivatives designated as hedging instruments and amounts recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments were not significant as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.





(In millions) Designated as Hedging InstrumentsBalance Sheet Location March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts receivable 2
 1
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 27
 17
Commodity purchase swapsInvestments and long-term receivables 
 1
Commodity purchase swapsOther long-term liabilities 5
 7
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts receivable 6
 
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts payable 2
 1
      
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments     
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 1
 
Commodity purchase swapsOther long-term liabilities 1
 
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts receivable 3
 4
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The table below summarizes the effect of hedge accounting on AOCI and amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019:
Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in IncomeGain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCIAmount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Three Months Ended March 31, 2019(In millions)Three Months Ended September 30, 2020Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Commodity purchase swaps(8)18
 
Cost of sales (b)
(8)(4)Commodity purchase swaps19 (6)
Cost of sales (c)
(6)(4)
Foreign exchange forwards(b)5
1
 Cost of sales

(9)Cost of sales(3)
(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting prospectively for European foreign exchange forwards on July 1, 2019.
(c)Costs for commodity purchase swaps are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCIAmount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Commodity purchase swaps30 (2)
Cost of sales (c)
(26)(14)
Foreign exchange forwards (b)
(8)Cost of sales(2)
(a)The table below summarizes theearnings impact of derivative activity wherehedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting has not been electedprospectively for European foreign exchange forwards on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
    Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions) Statement of Operations Location Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Commodity purchase swaps (a)
 Cost of sales (2) 
Foreign exchange forwards Other financial costs 4
 9
July 1, 2019.
(a)(c) In January 2020, we began utilizingCosts for commodity purchase swaps to mitigate variable electricity price risk at our Gary Works location.are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.



At current contract values, $21$5 million currently in AOCI as of March 31,September 30, 2020 will be recognized as an increase in cost of sales over the next year as related hedged items areyear.
The amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings. The maximum derivative contract durationincome for commodity purchase swaps where hedge accounting was elected is 21 months. The maximum contract duration for commodity purchase swapsforeign exchange forwards where hedge accounting was not elected is 34 months.
was not material for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and was $11 million and $18 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively. These impacts were recognized in other financial costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Earnings impacts for commodity purchase swaps were not material for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019.
16.
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15.    Debt
(In millions) 
Interest
Rates %
 Maturity March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
2037 Senior Notes 6.650 2037 $350
 $350
2026 Senior Notes 6.250 2026 650
 650
2026 Senior Convertible Notes 5.000 2026 350
 350
2025 Senior Notes 6.875 2025 750
 750
Environmental Revenue Bonds 4.875 - 6.750 2024 - 2049 620
 620
Fairfield Caster Lease   2022 18
 18
Other finance leases and all other obligations   2021 - 2029 75
 48
ECA Credit Agreement Variable 2031 104
 
Amended Credit Facility, $2.0 billion Variable 2024 1,500
 600
UPI Amended Credit Facility Variable 2020 79
 
USSK Credit Agreement Variable 2023 384
 393
USSK Credit Facilities Variable 2021 
 
Total Debt     4,880
 3,779
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs     165
 138
Less short-term debt and long-term debt due within one year     99
 14
Long-term debt     $4,616
 $3,627

(In millions)Interest
Rates %
MaturitySeptember 30, 2020December 31, 2019
2037 Senior Notes6.6502037$350 $350 
2026 Senior Notes6.2502026650 650 
2026 Senior Convertible Notes5.0002026350 350 
2025 Senior Notes6.8752025750 750 
2025 Senior Secured Notes12.00020251,056 
Export-Import Credit AgreementVariable2021250 
Environmental Revenue Bonds4.875 - 6.7502024 - 2049620 620 
Fairfield Caster Lease202217 18 
Other finance leases and all other obligations2020 - 202969 48 
ECA Credit AgreementVariable2031104 
Credit Facility Agreement, $2.0 billionVariable2024500 600 
UPI Amended Credit FacilityVariable20200 
USSK Credit AgreementVariable2023410 393 
USSK Credit FacilitiesVariable20210 
Total Debt5,126 3,779 
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs236 138 
Less short-term debt and long-term debt due within one year262 14 
Long-term debt$4,628 $3,627 
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 17 of the audited financial statements in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Export-Import Credit Agreement
On September 30, 2020, U. S. Steel and its subsidiary, United States Steel International, Inc., as the borrowers, entered into an Export-Import Transaction Specific Loan and Security Agreement (Export-Import Credit Agreement) with the lenders party thereto from time to time and PNC Bank, National Association (PNC), as agent for the lenders, under which it borrowed approximately $240 million, net of transaction fees of approximately $10 million. The Export-Import Credit Agreement provides for up to $250 million of term loans, which mature on August 30, 2021, unless sooner terminated or extended by the borrowers to July 30, 2022. The maturity of the term loans under the Export-Import Credit Agreement may be extended only if the loan facility continues to be eligible for coverage (at a 95% level) under the Ex-Im Guarantee (as defined in the Export-Import Credit Agreement) and each lender consents to such extension. Interest on the term loans will accrue at a contract rate of 2.50% plus the applicable LIBOR rate. The obligations under the Export-Import Credit Agreement are secured by receivables (collateral) under certain iron ore pellet export contracts. The Export-Import Credit Agreement permits voluntary prepayments and requires mandatory prepayments with net cash proceeds of dispositions of collateral. The Export-Import Credit Agreement also contains certain customary covenants and restrictions, including restrictions on sale of assets, restrictions on incurring liens upon collateral and a requirement that the borrowers comply with the Ex-Im Borrower Agreement (entered into on September 30, 2020 by the borrowers in favor of Ex-Im Bank, the lenders and PNC, as agent for the lenders).

2025 Senior Secured Notes
On May 29, 2020, U. S. Steel issued $1.056 billion aggregate principal amount of 12.000% Senior Secured Notes due June 1, 2025 (2025 Senior Secured Notes) in a 144A private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes were issued at a price equal to 94.665% of their face value. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $977 million after fees of approximately $23 million related to underwriting and third party expenses. The notes will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2020. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by all of our existing and future direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries (other than certain subsidiaries excluded in the indenture). The notes and notes guarantees are secured by first priority-liens, subject to permitted liens, on substantially all of U. S. Steel’s domestic assets, other than certain excluded assets per the terms of the notes indenture and exclusive of the collateral required under the Credit Facility Agreement.

-15-


The Company may redeem the 2025 Senior Secured Notes, in whole or part, at its option on or after June 1, 2022 at the redemption price for such notes as a percentage of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 1st of each of the years indicated below.

YearRedemption Price
2022106 %
2023103 %
2024 and thereafter100 %

Prior to June 1, 2022, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Senior Secured Notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings for a price of 112.000% of principal amount of the 2025 Senior Secured Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable date of redemption. Upon the occurrence of certain assets sales, we are required to apply asset sale proceeds towards investments in assets that constitute Notes collateral. If all asset sale proceeds are not invested within one year, or such longer period as permitted by the indenture, the Company may be required to offer to repurchase the 2025 Senior Secured Notes up to an amount of asset sale proceeds that remain uninvested at a price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest if any to the date of such purchase. The indenture pursuant to which the 2025 Senior Secured Notes were issued contains limitations on the incurrence of additional debt secured by liens and additional customary covenants and other obligations.

Export Credit Agreement
Funding of U. S. Steel’s vendor supported Export Credit Agreement (ECA) occurred on February 19, 2020. U. S. Steel had borrowed $104 million under the ECA as of March 31,September 30, 2020. Loan repayments start six months after the starting point of credit as defined in the loan agreement with a total repayment term up to eight years. Loan availability and repayment terms are subject to certain customary covenants and events of default. The purpose of the ECA is to finance equipment purchased for the endless casting and rolling facility under construction at ourthe Mon Valley Works facility in Braddock, Pennsylvania. In response to the decline in demand for our products resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, we have delayed construction of our endless casting and rolling line at Mon Valley Works. We have also paused our borrowing under the ECA pending an update to the agreement or resumption of construction.

Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement
As of March 31,September 30, 2020,, there was $1.5 billion$500 million drawn under the $2.0 billion Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement (Credit Facility Agreement). U. S. Steel must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $200 million. Based on the most recent four quarters as of March 31,September 30, 2020, wethe Company would not have met the fixed charge coverage ratio test; therefore, the amount available to the Company under this facility is effectively reduced by $200 million. In addition, since the value of our inventory and trade accounts receivable less specified reserves calculated in accordance with the Credit Facility Agreement do not support the full amount of the facility at September 30, 2020, the amount available to the Company under this facility was further reduced by $294 million. The availability under the Credit Facility Agreement was $300 million$1.006 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2020.



The Credit Facility Agreement provides for borrowings at interest rates based on defined, short-term market rates plus a spread based on availability and includes other customary terms and conditions including restrictions on our ability to create certain liens and to consolidate, merge or transfer all, or substantially all, of our assets. The Credit Facility Agreement expires in October 2024. Maturity may be accelerated 91 days prior to the stated maturity of any outstanding senior debt if excess cash and credit facility availability do not meet the liquidity conditions set forth in the Credit Facility Agreement. Borrowings are secured by liens on certain North American inventory and trade accounts receivable. TheAvailability under this facility may be impacted by additional footprint decisions that are made to the extent the value of ourthe collateral pool of inventory and trade accounts receivable less specified reserves calculated with the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement supported the full amount of the facility at March 31, 2020.that support our borrowing availability are reduced.

The Credit Facility Agreement has customary representations and warranties including, as a condition to borrowing, that all such representations and warranties are true and correct, in all material respects, on the date of the borrowing, including representations as to no material adverse change in our business or financial condition that is not disclosed in our last published financial results. The facility also has customary defaults, including a cross-default to material indebtedness of U. S. Steel and our subsidiaries.

On September 30, 2020, U. S. Steel entered into an Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Facility Agreement with the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, to permit U. S. Steel and United States Steel International Inc. to enter into, and grant the applicable collateral pursuant to, the Export-Import Credit Agreement.

-16-


U. S. Steel Košice (USSK) Credit Facilities
At March 31,September 30, 2020, USSK had borrowings of €350 million (approximately $384$410 million) under its €460 million (approximately $504$539 million) revolving credit facility (USSK Credit Agreement). The USSK Credit Agreement expires in September 2023. The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK specific financial covenants including a minimum stockholders' equity to assets ratio and net debt to EBITDA ratio. The covenants are measured semi-annually at June and December each year for the period covering the last twelve calendar months, with the first net debt to EBITDA measurement occurring at June 2021. USSK must maintain a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 6.5 as of June 30, 2021 and 3.5 for semi-annual measurements starting December 31, 2021. If the challenging market conditions in Europe due to COVID-19 persisted for a long period and negatively impacted USSK's projected EBITDA, and if covenant compliance requirements are not met and the covenants are not amended or waived, itnoncompliance may result in an event of default, underin which case USSK may not draw upon the facility, and the majority lenders, as defined in the USSK Credit Agreement, may cancel any and all commitments, and/or accelerate full repayment of any or all amounts outstanding under the USSK Credit Agreement. On December 23, 2019, USSK entered into a supplemental agreement that amendedAn event of default under the USSK Credit Agreement leverage covenant and pledged certain USSK trade receivables and inventory as collateralcould also result in supportan event of USSK's obligations.

At March 31, 2020, USSK had availability of €110 million (approximately $120 million)default under the USSK Credit Facility Agreement. The USSK Credit Agreement expires in September 2023.

The USSK Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, terms and conditions, including, as a condition to borrowing, that it met certain financial covenants since the last measurement date, and that all such representations and warranties are true and correct, in all material respects, on the date of the borrowing, and representations as to no material adverse change in our business or financial condition since December 31, 2017. The facilityUSSK Credit Facility Agreement also hascontains customary defaults,events of default, including a cross-default upon acceleration of material indebtedness of USSK and its subsidiaries.

At March 31,September 30, 2020, USSK had 0 borrowings under its €20 million and €10 million credit facilities (collectively, approximately $33$35 million) and the availability was approximately $32$33 million due to approximately $1$2 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding.
Each of these facilities bear interest at the applicable inter-bank offer rate plus a margin and contain customary terms and conditions.
USS-POSCO Industries Credit Facility
At March 31, 2020,The USS-POSCO Industries (UPI) had borrowings of $79 million under its $110 million revolving credit facility (UPI Amended Credit Facility). Borrowings are secured by liensFacility agreement was terminated on certain UPI inventoryJuly 17, 2020 and trade accounts receivable. Thethe outstanding borrowings were repaid using cash on hand. Upon termination of the UPI Amended Credit Facility, provides for borrowings at interest rates based on defined, short-term market rates plusUPI was added as a spread based onsubsidiary guarantor to the Credit Facility Agreement, which increased the amount of collateral and availability and includes other customary terms and conditions. At March 31, 2020, UPI had availability of $13 million under the UPI Amended Credit Facility. The agreement expires in August 2020.Facility Agreement.
Change in control event
If there is a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $4,166$4,420 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK credit


facilitiessubstantially all of our debt arrangements may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either purchase the leased Fairfield Works slab caster for approximately $19$17 million or provide a letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.

17.16.    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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate fair value. See Note 1514 for disclosure of U. S. Steel’s derivative instruments, which are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis.
On October 31, 2019, a wholly owned subsidiary of U. S. Steel purchased a 49.9% ownership interest in Big River Steel. The transaction included a call option (U. S. Steel Call Option) to acquire the remaining 50.1% within the next four years at an agreed-upon price formula, which in years three and four is based on Big River Steel’s achievement of certain metrics that include: free cash flow, product development, safety and the completion of a proposed expansion of Big River Steel's existing manufacturing line. The transaction also included options where the other Big River Steel equity owners can require U. S. Steel to purchase their 50.1% ownership interest (Class B Common Put Option) or require U. S. Steel to sell its ownership interest (Class B Common Call Option) after the U. S. Steel Call Option expires.
All of the options are marked to fair value each period using a Monte Carlo simulation which is considered a Level 3 valuation technique. Level 3 valuation techniques include inputs to the valuation methodology that are considered unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The net change in fair value of the options related to our purchase of the equity investment in Big River Steel during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 resulted in an $11$40 million decrease to net interest and other financial costs. The financial impact was primarily due to an increase in U. S. Steel’s credit spread partially offset by a lower risk free interest rate and a lower Big River Steel equity value.
The following table shows the change in fair value by option.option for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020.
(In millions) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value asset/(liability)
at December 31, 2019
 Fair Value
Mark to Market
gain/(loss)
 Fair Value asset/(liability)
at March 31, 2020
U. S. Steel Call Option Investments and Long-Term Receivables $166
 $(28) $138
Class B Common
Put Option
 Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities $(192) $39
 $(153)
Class B Common
Call Option
 Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities $(2) $
 $(2)
Net Mark to Market Impact     $11
  

(In millions)Balance Sheet LocationFair Value asset/(liability)
at December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Mark to Market
gain/(loss)
Fair Value asset/(liability)
at September 30, 2020
U. S. Steel Call OptionInvestments and Long-Term Receivables$166 $(96)$70 
Class B Common
Put Option
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities$(192)$135 $(57)
Class B Common
Call Option
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities$(2)$$(1)
Net Mark to Market Impact$40 
The fair value of the U. S. Steel Call Option and Class B Common Put Option are most significantly impacted by certain unobservable inputs including:including Big River Steel’s equity value (Equity Value); and Volatility, which is calculated from the market price movements of certain peer companies. Increases in Equity Value increase the fair value of the U. S. Steel Call Option and decrease the fair value of the Class B Common Put Option. For the period ended March 31, 2020, the equity value was adjusted downward to reflect uncertainty in the market related to COVID-19 impacts. Increases in Volatility increase both the fair value of the U. S. Steel Call Option and the Class B Common Put Option.volatility. The Class B Common Put Option is also
-17-


significantly impacted by U. S. Steel’s credit spread (Credit Spread) whichspread. A significant factor in determining equity value is the estimated premium to borrow money in excessdiscounted forecasted cash flows of Big River Steel. Forecasted cash flows are primarily impacted by the risk-free rate consideringforecasted market price of steel and metallic inputs as well as the subordinated natureexpected timing of the Class B Common Put Option. Increasessignificant capital expenditures. The most recent updated forecast indicated an increase in the Credit Spread reduceequity value which was the fair valueprimary factor that led to a favorable mark-to-market adjustment of $34 million that is reflected in other financial benefits in the Class B Common Put Option.Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three month period ended September 30, 2020. See Note 20 of the audited financial statements in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 for further details.

Stelco Option for Minntac Mine Interest

On April 30, 2020 (the Effective Date), the Company entered into an Option Agreement with Stelco, Inc. (Stelco), that grants Stelco the option to purchase a 25 percent interest (the Option Interest) in a to-be-formed entity (the Joint Venture) that will own the Company’s current iron ore mine located in Mt. Iron, Minnesota (the Minntac Mine). As consideration for the Option, Stelco will pay the Company an aggregate amount of $100 million in 5 $20 million installments, which began on the Effective Date and will end on December 31, 2020. In the event Stelco exercises the option, Stelco will contribute an additional $500 million to the Joint Venture, which amount shall be remitted solely to U. S. Steel in the form of a one-time special distribution, and the parties will engage in good faith negotiations to finalize the master agreement (pursuant to which Stelco will acquire the Option Interest) and the limited liability company agreement of the Joint Venture. As of September 30, 2020, Stelco has made installment payments totaling $60 million which are recorded net of transaction costs in noncontrolling interest in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s financial liabilities that were not carried at fair value at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
(In millions) Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
Financial liabilities: 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (a)
 $4,009
 $4,621
 $3,576
 $3,575
(a) Excludes finance lease obligations.
2019. The fair value of long-term debt 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.inputs.
Fair value of the financial liabilities disclosed herein is not necessarily representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the fair value amount consider the tax consequences of realization or settlement.
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(In millions)Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Financial liabilities:
Short-term and long-term debt (a)$4,448 $4,804 $3,576 $3,575 
Financial guarantees are U. S. Steel’s only unrecognized financial instrument. For details relating to financial guarantees see Note 22.(a) Excludes finance lease obligations.

































-18-



18.




17.    Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

The following table reflects the first threenine months of 2020 and 2019 reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to U. S. Steel and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (In millions)TotalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Paid-in
Capital
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year$4,093 $544 $(478)$179 $(173)$4,020 $1 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss(391)(391)     
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other benefit adjustments52  52     
Currency translation adjustment(23)— (23)— — — — 
Derivative financial instruments(5) (5)
Employee stock plans2 — — 0 (2)4 — 
Dividends paid on common stock(2)(2)     
Balance at March 31, 2020$3,726 $151 $(454)$179 $(175)$4,024 $1 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss(589)(589)— — — — — 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other benefit adjustments29 — 29 — — — — 
Currency translation adjustment20 — 20 — — — — 
Derivative financial instruments15 — 15 — — — — 
Employee stock plans8 — — 8 — 
Common Stock Issued410 — — 50 — 360 — 
Dividends paid on common stock(1)— — — (1)— 
Stelco Option Agreement37 — —    37 
Other(1)— —    (1)
Balance at June 30, 2020$3,654 $(438)$(390)$229 $(175)$4,391 $37 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss(234)(234)— — — — — 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other benefit adjustments16 — 16 — — — — 
Currency translation adjustment34 — 34 — — — — 
Derivative financial instruments8 — 8 — — — — 
Employee stock plans10 — — 10 — 
Dividends paid on common stock(3)— — — (3)— 
Stelco Option Agreement18 — —   18 
Other1 1 —     
Balance at September 30, 2020$3,504 $(671)$(332)$229 $(175)$4,398 $55 
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In millions)TotalRetained EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Paid-in
Capital
Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year$4,203 $1,212 $(1,026)$177 $(78)$3,917 $1 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings54 54      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other benefit adjustments32 — 32     
Currency translation adjustment(17)— (17)— — — — 
Derivative financial instruments15 15 
Employee stock plans2 — — 1 (6)7 — 
Common stock repurchased(42)— — — (42)  
Dividends paid on common stock(9)(9)— — — — — 
Cumulative effect upon adoption of lease accounting standard(2)(2)     
Balance at March 31, 2019$4,236 $1,255 $(996)$178 $(126)$3,924 $1 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings68 68 — — — — — 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other benefit adjustments32 — 32 — — — — 
Currency translation adjustment12 — 12 — — — — 
Derivative financial instruments(11)— (11)— — — — 
Employee stock plans12 — — 1 (1)12 — 
Common stock repurchased(28)— — — (28)— — 
Dividends paid on common stock(9)(9)— — — — — 
Balance at June 30, 2019$4,312 $1,314 $(963)$179 $(155)$3,936 $1 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss(84)(84)     
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other benefit adjustments30  30     
Currency translation adjustment(40) (40)    
Derivative financial instruments(2) (2)    
Employee stock plans11   0 0 11  
Common stock repurchased(18)   (18)  
Dividends paid on common stock(8)(8)     
Other(1)(1)     
Balance at September 30, 2019$4,200 $1,221 $(975)$179 $(173)$3,947 $1 

-20-
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
(In millions)
 Total Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year $4,093
 $544
 $(478) $179
 $(173) $4,020
 $1
Comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss (391) (391) 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 52
 
 52
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment (23) 
 (23) 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments (5)   (5)        
Employee stock plans 2
 
 
 

 (2) 4
 
Dividends paid on common stock (2) (2) 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2020 3,726
 151
 (454) 179
 (175) 4,024
 1


Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
(In millions)
 Total Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year $4,203
 $1,212
 $(1,026) $177
 $(78) $3,917
 $1
Comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings 54
 54
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 32
 
 32
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment (17) 
 (17) 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 15
   15
        
Employee stock plans 2
 
 
 1
 (6) 7
 
Common stock repurchased (42) 

 
 
 (42) 

 
Dividends paid on common stock (9) (9) 
 
 
 

 
Cumulative effect upon adoption of lease accounting standard (2) (2) 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2019 4,236
 1,255
 (996) 178
 (126) 3,924
 1




19.18.    Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

(In millions) Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
 Foreign
Currency
Items
 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total(In millions)Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
Foreign
Currency
Items
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on DerivativesTotal
Balance at December 31, 2019 $(843) $381
 $(16) $(478)Balance at December 31, 2019$(843)$381 $(16)$(478)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7
 (23) (17) (33)Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications6 31 (6)31 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
 45
 
 12
 57
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
91 0 24 115 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 52
 (23) (5) 24
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)97 31 18 146 
Balance at March 31, 2020 $(791) $358
 $(21) $(454)
Balance at September 30, 2020Balance at September 30, 2020$(746)$412 $2 $(332)
        
Balance at December 31, 2018 $(1,416) $403
 $(13) $(1,026)Balance at December 31, 2018$(1,416)$403 $(13)$(1,026)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (b)
 
 (17) 25
 8
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)(b)
 32
 
 (10) 22
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassificationsOther comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(3)(45)(12)(60)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
97 14 111 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 32
 (17) 15
 30
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)94 (45)51 
Balance at March 31, 2019 $(1,384) $386
 $2
 $(996)
Balance at September 30, 2019Balance at September 30, 2019$(1,322)$358 $(11)$(975)
(a)See table below for further details.
(b)The Company previously disclosed in Note 20 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2019, an increase to AOCI of $63 million in the Other comprehensive income before reclassifications line item and a decrease to AOCI of $31 million in the Amounts reclassified from AOCI line item for the three months ended March 31, 2019 amounts for Pension and Other Benefit Items. These amounts should have been disclosed as an increase to AOCI of $0 million and an increase to AOCI of $32 million, respectively, which have been corrected in the table above. The Company concluded that the errors were not material to the financial statements of any prior annual or interim period and therefore, amendments of previously filed reports are not required. The revision had no impact on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Quarterly periods not presented herein will be revised, as applicable, in future filings.
   
Amount reclassified from AOCI (b)
 (In millions) Three Months Ended March 31,
 Details about AOCI components 2020 2019
 Amortization of pension and other benefit items    
 
Prior service costs (a)
 $(2) $7
 
Actuarial losses (a)
 32
 34
 UPI Purchase Accounting Adjustment 23
 
 Total pensions and other benefits items 53
 41
 Derivative reclassifications to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations 12
 (13)
 Total before tax 65
 28
 Tax provision (8) (6)
 Net of tax $57
 $22
Amount reclassified from AOCI (a)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
Details about AOCI components (in millions)2020201920202019
Amortization of pension and other benefit items
Prior service costs (a)
$(1)$$(4)$23 
Actuarial losses (a)
32 33 96 101 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
2 2 
UPI Purchase Accounting Adjustment0 23 
Total pensions and other benefits items33 44 117 127 
Derivative reclassifications to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations6 28 19 
Total before tax39 49 145 146 
Tax provision(15)(12)(30)(35)
Net of tax$24 $37 $115 $111 
(a)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 1110 for additional details).
(b)The corrections noted in footnote (b) to the table above are consistently reflected in this table.
20.19.    Transactions with Related Parties
Net sales to related parties and receivables from related parties primarily reflect sales of raw materials and steel products to equity investees. Generally, transactions are conducted under long-term contractual arrangements. Related party sales and service transactions are primarily related to equity investees and were $351$268 million and $375$367 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019,, respectively and $710 million and $1,112 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The transaction to purchase UPI included the assumption of $135 million of accounts payable owed to U. S. Steel for prior sales of steel substrate to UPI. This amount is reflected as a reduction in receivables from related parties on the Company's Condensed Consolidated


Balance Sheet as both the corresponding receivable and payable amounts between U. S. Steel and UPI are eliminated in consolidation upon acquisition. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Purchases from related parties for outside processing services provided by equity investees amounted to $28$9 million and $9$7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019,, respectively and $47 million and $23 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Purchases of iron ore pellets from related parties amounted to $18$19 millionand$20 $27 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.respectively, and $53 million and $78 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
Accounts payable to related parties include balances due to PRO-TEC Coating Company, LLC (PRO-TEC) of $91$109 million and $82$82 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019,, respectively for invoicing and receivables collection services provided by U. S. Steel on PRO-TEC's behalf. U. S. Steel, as PRO-TEC’s exclusive sales agent, is
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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 $9$4 million and $2 million at March 31,for the periods ending September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
, respectively.

21.20.    Restructuring and Other Charges

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the Company recorded restructuring and other charges of $41$130 million, which consists of charges of $22$72 million for the indefinite idling of our Keetac mining operations and a significant portion of the Great Lakes Works, $13 million for the indefinite idling of Lorain Tubular Operations and a significant portion of Lone Star Tubular Operations, $13 million and $6$32 million for special pension termination chargesemployee benefit costs related to the Company-wide headcount reductions.reductions and headcount reductions under a VERP offered at USSK, respectively. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $8approximately $130 million.
Charges for restructuring initiatives are recorded in the period U. S. Steel commits to a restructuring plan, or executes specific actions contemplated A portion of these cash payments, approximately $29 million, were funded by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. Charges for restructuring are reported in restructuring and other charges inpostretirement benefit trust (VEBA) per an agreement with the Condensed Consolidated StatementsUnited Steelworkers of Operations.America.
The activity in the accrued balances incurred in relation to restructuring programs during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 were as follows:
(In millions) Employee Related Costs Exit Costs Total
Balance at December 31, 2019 $87
 $125
 $212
Additional charges 18
 23
 41
Cash payments/utilization (4) (4) (8)
Balance at March 31, 2020 $101
 $144
 $245

(In millions)Employee Related CostsExit CostsNon-cash ChargesTotal
Balance at December 31, 2019$87 $125 $$212 
Additional charges75 51 130 
Cash payments/utilization(93)(37)(4)(134)
Balance at September 30, 2020$69 $139 $$208 

Accrued liabilities for restructuring programs are included in the following balance sheet lines:

(In millions) March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Accounts payable $66
 $46
Payroll and benefits payable 73
 64
Employee benefits 28
 23
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 78
 79
Total $245
 $212


(In millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Accounts payable$47 $46 
Payroll and benefits payable38 64 
Employee benefits30 23 
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities93 79 
Total$208 $212 
22.
21.    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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. However, management


believes that U. S. Steel will remain a viable and competitive enterprise even though it is possible that these contingencies could be resolved unfavorably.
U. S. Steel accrues for estimated costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that it will incur these costs in the future and the costs are reasonably estimable.
Asbestos matters As of March 31,September 30, 2020,, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 808850 active cases involving approximately 2,4002,435 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. About 1,540, or approximately 6463 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. At December 31, 2019, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 800 cases involving approximately 2,390 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.
-22-


The following table shows the number of asbestos claims in the current period and the prior three years:
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled and
Resolved
(a)
 New Claims Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315
December 31, 2018 3,315 1,285 290 2,320
December 31, 2019 2,320 195 265 2,390
March 31, 2020 2,390 90 100 2,400
Period endedOpening
Number
of Claims
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled and
Resolved (a)
New ClaimsClosing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 20173,3402752503,315
December 31, 20183,3151,2852902,320
December 31, 20192,3201952652,390
September 30, 20202,3901852302,435
(a) The period ending December 31, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.
Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into 3 groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.
The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition. However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, including: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims.
Further, U. S. Steel does not believe that an accrual for unasserted claims is required. At any given reporting date, it is probable that there are unasserted claims that will be filed against the Company in the future. In 2019, the Company engaged an outside valuation consultant to assist in assessing its ability to estimate an accrual for unasserted claims. This assessment was based on the Company's settlement experience, including recent claims trends. The analysis focused on settlements made over the last several years as these claims are likely to best represent future claim characteristics. After review by the valuation consultant and U. S. Steel management, it was determined that the Company could not estimate an accrual for unasserted claims.
Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition.
Environmental matters U. S. Steel is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for noncompliance. Changes in accrued liabilities for remediation activities where U. S. Steel is identified as a named party are summarized in the following table:


(In millions)Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Beginning of period$186
Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable1
Obligations settled(9)
End of period$178

(In millions)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
Beginning of period$186
Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable5
Obligations settled(29)
End of period$162
Accrued liabilities for remediation activities are included in the following Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet lines:
(In millions) March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Accounts payable $55
 $53
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 123
 133
Total $178
 $186

(In millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Accounts payable$52 $53 
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities110 133 
Total$162 $186 
Expenses related to remediation are recorded in cost of sales and were immaterial for both the three monthand nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and March 31,September 30, 2019. It is not currently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred or the penalties that may be imposed. Due to uncertainties inherent in remediation projects and the associated liabilities, it is reasonably possible that total remediation costs for active matters may exceed the accrued liabilities by as much as 20 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 categorizethe Company categorizes projects as follows:
(1)
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Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development - Projects which are still in the development phase. For these projects, the extent of remediation that may be required is not yet known, the remediation methods and plans are not yet developed, and/or cost estimates cannot be determined. Therefore, significant costs, in addition to the accrued liabilities for these projects, are reasonably possible. There are 6 environmental remediation projects where additional costs for completion are not currently estimable, but could be material. These projects are at Fairfield Works, Lorain Tubular, USS-POSCO Industries (UPI), the Fairless Plant, Gary Works and the former steelmaking plant at Joliet, Illinois. As of March 31, 2020, accrued liabilities for these projects totaled $2 million for the costs of studies, investigations, interim measures, design and/or remediation. It is reasonably possible that additional liabilities associated with future requirements regarding studies, investigations, design and remediation for these projects could be as much as $30 million to $45 million.
(2)
Significant Projects with Defined Scope - Projects with significant accrued liabilities with a defined scope. As of March 31, 2020, there are 4 significant projects with defined scope greater than or equal to $5 million each, with a total accrued liability of $118 million. These projects are Gary Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (accrued liability of $24 million), the former Geneva facility (accrued liability of $41 million), the Cherryvale zinc site (accrued liability of $9 million) and the former Duluth facility St. Louis River Estuary (accrued liability of $44 million).
(3)
Other Projects with a Defined Scope - Projects with relatively small accrued liabilities for which we believe that, while additional costs are possible, they are not likely to be significant, and also include those projects for which we do not yet possess sufficient information to estimate potential costs to U. S. Steel. There are 2 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, 2020 was $4 million. These projects have progressed through a significant portion of the design phase and material additional costs are not expected.

(1)Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development - Projects which are still in the development phase. For these projects, the extent of remediation that may be required is not yet known, the remediation methods and plans are not yet developed, and/or cost estimates cannot be determined. Therefore, significant costs, in addition to the accrued liabilities for these projects, are reasonably possible. There are 5 environmental remediation projects where additional costs for completion are not currently estimable, but could be material. These projects are at Fairfield Works, Lorain Tubular, USS-POSCO Industries (UPI), the Fairless Plant, and the former steelmaking plant at Joliet, Illinois. As of September 30, 2020, accrued liabilities for these projects totaled $1 million for the costs of studies, investigations, interim measures, design and/or remediation. It is reasonably possible that additional liabilities associated with future requirements regarding studies, investigations, design and remediation for these projects could be as much as $25 million to $40 million.
(2)Significant Projects with Defined Scope - Projects with significant accrued liabilities with a defined scope. As of September 30, 2020, there are 4 significant projects with defined scope greater than or equal to $5 million each, with a total accrued liability of $105 million. These projects are Gary Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (accrued liability of $27 million), the former Geneva facility (accrued liability of $26 million), the Cherryvale zinc site (accrued liability of $8 million) and the former Duluth facility St. Louis River Estuary (accrued liability of $44 million).
(3)Other Projects with a Defined Scope - Projects with relatively small accrued liabilities for which we believe that, while additional costs are possible, they are not likely to be significant, and also include those projects for which we do not yet possess sufficient information to estimate potential costs to U. S. Steel. There are 2 other environmental remediation projects which each had an accrued liability of between $1 million and $5 million. The total accrued liability for these projects at September 30, 2020 was $3 million. These projects have progressed through a significant portion of the design phase and material additional costs are not expected.
The remaining environmental remediation projects each have an accrued liability of less than $1 million each. The total accrued liability for these projects at March 31,September 30, 2020 was approximately $3 million. We do$3 million. The Company does 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$23 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 and were based on known scopes of work.
Administrative and Legal Costs – As of March 31,September 30, 2020,, U. S. Steel had an accrued liability of $11$11 million for administrative and legal costs related to environmental remediation projects. These accrued liabilities were based on projected administrative and legal costs for the next three years and do not change significantly from year to year.
Capital Expenditures For a number of years, U. S. Steel has made substantial capital expenditures to comply with various regulations, laws and other requirements relating to the environment. In the first threenine months of 2020 and 2019, such capital expenditures totaled $4$8 million and $16$40 million, respectively. U. S. Steel anticipates making additional such expenditures in the future, which may be material; however, the exact amounts and timing of such expenditures are uncertain because of the continuing evolution of specific regulatory requirements.
EU Environmental Requirements- Under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), USSK's final allocation of allowances for the Phase III period, which covers the years 2013 through 2020 is 48 million allowances. Based on projected total production levels, we started to purchase allowances in the third quarter of 2017 to meet the annual compliance submission in the future. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, we have purchased approximately 12.212.3 million European Union Allowances (EUA) totaling €141.1 million (approximately $154.6$165.2 million) to cover the estimated shortfall of emission allowances. We estimate that the total shortfall will be approximately 12.512.2 million allowances for the Phase III period. The fullexact cost of complying with the ETS regulations will depend on future production levels and future emissions intensity levels.levels, however our estimated shortfall of emission allowances is covered by purchased European Union Allowances.
The EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for Iron and Steel production to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated emission levels. Our most recent estimate of total capital expenditures for projects to comply with or go beyond BAT requirements is €138 million (approximately $151$161.6 million) over the actual program period. These costs may be mitigated if USSK complies with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually.annually according to EU funding rules. USSK complied with these covenants as of March 31,September 30, 2020. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure the full value of estimated expenditures. There could be increased operating costs associated with these projects, such as increased energy and maintenance costs. We are currently unable to reliably estimate what the increase in operating costs will be as many projects are in the development stage.
Environmental 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 divested. These indemnifications and cost sharing agreements have included provisions 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 clean-up or remediation costs relating to the business sold or its then existing conditions or past practices related to non-compliance with environmental laws. Most of the recent indemnification 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 or operators of property formerly owned or operated by U. S. Steel may have common law claims and cost recovery and contribution rights against U. S. Steel related to 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 divested and deconsolidated. Aside from the environmental liabilities already recorded as a result of these transactions due to specific environmental remediation activities and cases (included in the $178$162 million of accrued liabilities for remediation discussed above), there are no other known probable and estimable environmental liabilities related to these transactions.
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Guarantees – The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4$7 million at March 31, 2020.September 30, 2020.
Other contingencies Under certain operating lease agreements covering various equipment, U. S. Steel has the option to renew the lease or to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term. If U. S. Steel does not exercise the purchase option by the end of the lease term, U. S. Steel guarantees a residual value of the


equipment as determined at the lease inception date (totaling approximately $26$23 million at March 31, 2020)September 30, 2020). NaN liability has been recorded for these guarantees as the potential loss is not probable.
Insurance U. S. Steel maintains insurance for certain property damage, equipment, business interruption and general liability exposures; however, insurance is applicable only after certain deductibles and retainages. U. S. Steel is self-insured for certain other exposures including workers’ compensation (where permitted by law) and auto liability. Liabilities are recorded for workers’ compensation and personal injury obligations. Other costs resulting from losses under deductible or retainage amounts or not otherwise covered by insurance are charged against income upon occurrence.
U. S. Steel uses surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide whole or partial financial assurance for certain obligations such as workers’ compensation. The total amount of active surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit being used for financial assurance purposes was approximately $170$210 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020,, which reflects U. S. Steel’s maximum exposure under these financial guarantees, but not its total exposure for the underlying obligations. A significant portion of our trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by ourthe Credit Facility Agreement. The remaining trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by restricted cash. Restricted cash, which is recorded in other current and noncurrent assets, totaled $147$91 million and $190$190 million at March 31,September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019,, respectively.
Capital Commitments At March 31,September 30, 2020,, U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $895 million.$730 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 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Later
Years
 Total
$568 $675 $568 $335 $108 $612 $2,866

Remainder of 20202021202220232024Later
Years
Total
$162$694$621$386$163$832$2,858
The majority of U. S. Steel’s unconditional purchase obligations relaterelates to the supply of industrial gases, and certain energy and utility services with terms ranging from two to 16 years. Unconditional purchase obligations also include coke and steam purchase commitments related to a coke supply agreement with Gateway Energy & Coke Company LLC (Gateway) under which Gateway is obligated to supply a minimum volume of the expected targeted annual production of the heat recovery coke plant, and U. S. Steel is obligated to purchase the coke from Gateway at the contract price. As of March 31,September 30, 2020,, if U. S. Steel were to terminate the agreement, it may be obligated to pay in excess of $131 million.$117 million.
Total payments relating to unconditional purchase obligations were $168$123 million and $158$167 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $425 million and $493 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
2019, respectively.
23.22.    Significant Equity Investments

Summarized unaudited income statement information for our significant equity investments for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019 is reported below (amounts represent 100% of investee financial information):

(In millions)20202019
Net sales$1,087 $1,857 
Cost of sales983 1,624 
Operating income36 190 
Net earnings5 172 
Net earnings attributable to significant equity investments5 172 
(In millions) 2020 2019
Net sales $317
 $299
Cost of sales 287
 259
Operating income 17
 28
Net earnings 10
 25
Net earnings attributable to significant equity investments 10
 25


U. S. Steel's portion of the equity in net (loss) earnings of the significant equity investments above was $6$(11) million and $14$66 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is included in the (loss) earnings from investees line on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
While no equity investments
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were significant in the 2020 period, the amounts for 2020 in the table above reflect financial information for the equity investments that were significant equity investments in the 2019 period.
24.
23.    Common Stock Repurchase ProgramIssued and Repurchased
In November 2018,On June 22, 2020, U. S. Steel announced a two yearissued 50 million shares of common stock repurchase program that allowed for the repurchase(par value $1 per share) at a price of up to $300 million$8.2075 per share, resulting in net proceeds of its outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market or privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of management. approximately $410 million.
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, U. S. Steel repurchased 2,115,8755,289,475 shares of common stock for approximately $42$88 million. In December 2019, the Board of Directors terminated the authorization for the common stock repurchase program.
program that was announced in November 2018.
25.    Subsequent Events

Flat-Rolled Operating Configuration
In April of 2020, U. S. Steel announced operational adjustments across its North American footprint, including idling its Keetac Iron Ore Operations, Blast Furnaces #6 and #8 at Gary Works and Blast Furnace #1 at Mon Valley Works, reductions to coke production at its Clairton Plant, and reduced operating levels in the Tubular business and other production facilities, for an indefinite period of time. Additionally, U. S. Steel will adjust production at its Minntac operations in line with the blast furnace idlings. These actions will be taken to further enhance U. S. Steel’s ability to preserve cash and liquidity given the continued uncertainty from the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the continued headwinds in global oil and gas markets.  As a result, we expect to record one-time restructuring charges of approximately $40 million to $50 million in the second quarter of 2020. Operating configurations are continuously being evaluated to properly respond to ever changing conditions. If further operational adjustments are made, additional one-time restructuring charges will be incurred. 

USSK Labor Productivity Strategy
In April of 2020, USSK amended its labor agreement to include a Voluntary Early Retirement Program (VERP) that will be offered to certain employees of USSK.  Employees can elect early retirement under the VERP between May 4, 2020 and May 22, 2020 with a termination date of June 30, 2020 for most employees. Special termination benefit charges of $25 million to $35 million are expected to be recorded in the second quarter of 2020 related to this VERP.

Minntac Mine Option Agreement
On April 30, 2020 (the Effective Date), the Company entered into an Option Agreement (Option Agreement) with Stelco Inc., a corporation governed under the laws of Canada (Stelco), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company granted Stelco the option (Option) to acquire an undivided 25% interest (the Option Interest) in a to-be-formed entity (the Joint Venture) that will own the Company’s current iron ore mine located in Mt. Iron, Minnesota (the Minntac Mine). As consideration for the Option, Stelco will pay the Company an aggregate amount of $100 million in 5 $20 million installments, which began on the Effective Date and will end on or before December 31, 2020 (the date upon which the final installment is paid, the Final Payment Date). In the event Stelco exercises the Option, Stelco will contribute an additional $500 million to the Joint Venture, and the parties will engage in good faith negotiations to finalize the master agreement (pursuant to which Stelco will acquire the Option Interest) and the limited liability company agreement of the Joint Venture. Concurrently with, and subject to, the execution and delivery of the Option Agreement, the Company and Stelco also entered into an Amended and Restated Pellet Sale and Purchase Contract.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement, Stelco may exercise the Option at any time during the period commencing on the Final Payment Date and expiring at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 31, 2027 unless earlier terminated.





Item 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
U. S. Steel's results in the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2020 were significantly impacted by market challenges in each of the Company's three reportable segments: North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), U. S. Steel Europe (USSE) and Tubular Products (Tubular). In Flat-Rolled, for the three month period, results improved from the prior quarter due to the resumption of more typical operations from consumers of steel in North America that had been completely or partially shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As regions unevenly re-opened from pandemic related temporarily idlings, demand levels increased, though demand remains at below typical levels. While steel prices did increase towards the end of the quarter, continued low spot prices in the third quarter flowed through into slightly lower contractual prices impacting the quarter. For the nine month period, Flat-Rolled results were largely impacted by the reset of calendar year fixed contract prices, andas well as lost shipments at quarter end due to many customers ceasing operations duecustomer operating restrictions and lower demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the sharp decline in North American steel demand, driving raw steel capacity utilization rates sharply lower to restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.almost 50%, there was also significant spot price erosion that followed. USSE continuescontinued to experience margin compression due to ongoingmodestly recovered but still weak performance of the manufacturing sector andcombined with continued high levels of imports.imports and high raw materials costs. In Tubular, the COVID-19 outbreak and the disruptionscontinued disruption in the oil and gas industry, are negatively impactingas well as pandemic-related impacts, reduced demand for oil and gas and severely impacted energy prices, creating significant reductions of drilling activity in the market.U.S.

Net sales by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are set forth in the following table:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, excluding intersegment sales)20202019%
Change
20202019%
Change
Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled)$1,728 $2,277 (24)%$5,199 $7,221 (28)%
U. S. Steel Europe (USSE)495 518 (4)%1,403 1,933 (27)%
Tubular Products (Tubular)96 262 (63)%533 921 (42)%
     Total sales from reportable segments2,319 3,057 (24)%7,135 10,075 (29)%
Other Businesses21 12 75 %44 38 16 %
Net sales$2,340 $3,069 (24)%$7,179 $10,113 (29)%
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  Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
  
(Dollars in millions, excluding intersegment sales) 2020 2019 % Change
Flat-Rolled $1,974
 $2,405
 (18)%
USSE 505
 737
 (31)%
Tubular 255
 343
 (26)%
     Total sales from reportable segments 2,734
 3,485
 (22)%
Other Businesses 14
 14
  %
Net sales $2,748
 $3,499
 (21)%



Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 versus the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 is set forth in the following table:
 
Steel Products(a)
 
Steel Products(a)
 Volume Price Mix 
FX(b)
 
Coke & Other(c)
 Net ChangeVolumePriceMix
FX(b)
Other(c)
Net Change
Flat-Rolled (7)% (12)% 2% —% (1)% (18)%Flat-Rolled(17)%(7)%5%—%(5)%(24)%
USSE (24)% (6)% 2% (2)% (1)% (31)%USSE3%(12)%(1)%6%—%(4)%
Tubular (9)% (14)% (2)% —% (1)% (26)%Tubular(58)%(6)%1%—%3%(60)%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) IncludesPrimarily of sales of raw materials and coke and scrap inventorymaking by-products

Net sales were $2,748 million infor the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared with $3,499 million into the same period last year. Thein 2019 were $2,340 million and $3,069 million, respectively.
For the Flat-Rolled segment the decrease in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment resulted from decreased shipments (decrease of 500 thousand tons) across all products, lower average realized prices (decrease of $87$20 per net ton), notably for hot-rolled across all products and decreased shipments (decreasecontinued significant levels of 216 thousand tons) notably for lower value-added products. The USSE segment continues to experience significant market challenges, which resulted in decreased sales versus the same period last year. The change in sales forlow-priced semi-finished and flat-rolled carbon and alloy steel imports.
For the USSE segment was primarily due to decreased shipments (decrease of 263 thousand net tons) in most product categories from continued high levels of imports and significantly weaker economic conditions, primarily in the manufacturing sector. The decrease in sales for the Tubular segment resulted from lower average realized prices (decrease of $266$48 per net ton) andacross most products.
For the Tubular segment the decrease in sales resulted from decreased shipments (decrease of 20103 thousand tons) across all products, lower average realized prices (decrease of $187 per net tons) from lower demandton) across all products and continued high levels of importsenergy tubular imports.

Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is set forth in the tubular market.following table:

Steel Products(a)
VolumePriceMix
FX(b)
Other(c)
Net Change
Flat-Rolled(19)%(8)%3%—%(4)%(28)%
USSE(22)%(7)%2%—%—%(27)%
Tubular(31)%(9)%(1)%—%—%(41)%
Pension and other benefits costs(a) Excludes intersegment sales

(b) Foreign currency translation effects
Pension and other benefit costs (other than service cost) are reflected within net interest and other financial costs and the service cost component is reflected within cost(c) Primarily of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.raw materials and coke making by-products
Defined benefit and multiemployer pension plan costs included
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in cost of goods sold totaled $332019 were $7,179 million and $29$10,113 million, in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Costs related to defined contribution plans totaled $11 million and $12 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
Other benefit expense includedFor the Flat-Rolled segment the decrease in costsales resulted from decreased shipments (decrease of sales totaled $31,729 thousand tons) across most products, lower average realized prices (decrease of $58 per net ton) across all products and continued significant levels of low-priced semi-finished and flat-rolled carbon and alloy steel imports (over 9.6 million in both the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.metric tons worth over $6.2 billion from January to August 2020).
For the USSE segment the decrease in sales resulted from decreased shipments (decrease of 632 thousand tons) across most products and lower average realized prices (decrease of $44 per net ton) across all products.
For the Tubular segment the decrease in sales resulted from decreased shipments (decrease of 186 thousand tons) across all prime products, lower average realized prices (decrease of $230 per net ton) across all products and continued high levels of energy tubular imports (over 1.3 million metric tons worth over $1.5 billion from January to August 2020).

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $72$65 million and $78$199 million in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, compared to $63 million and $223 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The decrease in expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 versus the same period in 2019 primarily resulted from the suspension of the Company's defined contribution plans during the second quarter of 2020.

Restructuring and other charges

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the Company recorded restructuring and other charges of $41$130 million, which consists of charges of $22$72 million for the indefinite idling of our Keetac mining operations and a significant portion of Great
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Lakes Works, $13 million for the indefinite idling of our ofLorain Tubular Operations and Lone Star Tubular Operations, $13 million and Lorain Tubular Operations and $6$32 million for employee benefit costs related to Company-wide headcount reductions.

Charges for restructuring initiatives are recorded in the period the Company commits toreductions and headcount reductions under a restructuring plan, or executes specific actions contemplated by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. ChargesVERP offered at USSK, respectively. Cash payments were made related to restructuring are reported in restructuringseverance and other charges inexit costs of approximately $130 million. See Note 20 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Operations.for further details.

Strategic projects and technology investments

The Company expectshas articulated its “best of both” strategy which seeks to invest approximately $500 million,enhance the Company’s competitiveness and create long-term stockholder value by leveraging the technology of which approximately 40 percent has already been spent,mini mills with the advantages of integrated mills to upgradecreate value-added products differentiated by cost and capability. Our investment in Big River Steel is the Gary Works hot strip mill through a seriescornerstone of projects focused on expanding the line's competitivethis strategy.


advantages. The Gary Works hot strip mill will further differentiate itself as a leader in heavy-gauge products in strategic markets. The Company currently has paused planned upgrades and will continue to evaluate the pace and timeline for completing the remaining investments in the Gary Works hot strip mill.

In October 2019, the Company completed the first step in acquiring Big River Steel in Osceola, Arkansas through the purchase of a 49.9% ownership interest at a purchase price of approximately $700 million in cash, with a call option to acquire the remaining 50.1% within the next four years at an agreed-upon price formula based on Big River Steel’s achievement of certain metrics that include: free cash flow, product development, safety and the completion of a proposed expansion of Big River Steel's existing manufacturing line. Big River Steel currently operates a technologically advanced mini mill with approximately 1.65 million tons of steel making capacity and is currently constructing a second electric arc furnace that will double its steel making capacity.

The Company has been and is currently evaluating its alternatives with respect to the option to acquire the remaining 50.1% of Big River Steel, and it expects to continue to do so. We could exercise this option at any time, without prior notice. However, there can be no assurance as to if or when the Company will exercise the option.

In addition to the investment in Big River Steel, the Company has identified other core assets for investment as part of the “best of both” strategy.

The Company expects to invest approximately $500 million, of which approximately 45 percent has already been spent, to upgrade the Gary Works hot strip mill through a series of projects focused on expanding the line's competitive advantages. The Gary Works hot strip mill will further differentiate itself as a leader in heavy-gauge products in strategic markets. The Company plans to resume certain capability upgrades in conjunction with planned outages after having delayed upgrades as part of the Company's comprehensive response to impacts from COVID-19. The Company will continue to evaluate the pace and timeline for completing the remaining investments in the Gary Works hot strip mill.

In May 2019, U. S. Steel announced that it willplans to construct a new endless casting and rolling facility at its Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, and a cogeneration facility at its Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, both part of the Company's Mon Valley Works. This investment in state-of-the-art sustainable steel technology is expected to significantly upgrade the production capability of our lowest liquid steel cost mill in the U.S., while further reducing conversion costs through improved process efficiencies, yield and energy consumption. The investment is currently expectedCompany plans to be at least $1.5 billion and is expected to generate run-rate earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of approximately $275 million upon completion. The Company continues to evaluate design and engineering for the project. The company currently expects groundbreakingpurchase certain equipment for this project under our Export Credit Agreement to be delayedbetter prepare for an indeterminate period untilgroundbreaking when market conditions become more certain.

In February 2019, U. S. Steel restarted construction of the EAF steelmaking facility at its Tubular Operations in Fairfield, Alabama. The EAF is expected to strengthen ourthe Company's competitive position and reduce rounds cost by $90 per ton as the Company becomes self-sufficient in its rounds supply. TheConstruction of the EAF is expectedwas completed in October 2020. Utilization of the EAF will be subject to begin producing steeloverall demand in the second half of 2020.Tubular business.

In January 2019, U. S. Steel announced the construction of a new Dynamo line at USSE. The new line, a $130 million investment, has an annual capacity of approximately 100,000 metric tons. Construction on the Dynamo line began in mid-2019 and was targetedbut due to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2020 but based on currentchallenging market conditions, the project is delayed.has been paused. Upon its completion, the new line will enable production of sophisticated silicon grades of non-grain oriented (NGO) electrical steels to support increased demand in vehicles and generators.

COVID-19 and Disruptions in the Oil and Gas Industries

The global pandemic resulting from the novel coronavirus designated as COVID-19 has had a significant impact on economies, businesses and individuals around the world. Efforts by governments around the world to contain the virus have involved, among other things, border closings and other significant travel restrictions; mandatory stay-at-home and work-from-home orders in numerous countries, including the United States; mandatory business closures; public gathering limitations; and prolonged quarantines. These efforts and other governmental and individual reactions to the pandemic have led to significant disruptions to commerce, lower consumer demand for goods and services and general uncertainty regarding the near-term and long-term impact of the COVID-19 virus on the domestic and international economy and on public health. These developments and other consequences of the outbreak have had, and could continue to materially adverselyhave, a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance has identified U. S. Steel's business as a critical infrastructure industry, essential to the economic prosperity, security and continuity of the United States. Similarly, in Slovakia, U. S. Steel Košice (USSK)was identified by the government as a strategic and critical company, essential to economic prosperity, and continues to
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operate. We areThe Company is following and exceeding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and other applicable local requirements to keepmitigate the threat of COVID-19 exposure in our employees safe.workplace.

The duration, severity, speed and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak ispandemic remains highly uncertain and the extent to which COVID-19 will affect our operations will dependdepends on future developments, such as potential surges of the outbreak, which cannot be predicted at this time. Although we continuethe Company has continued to operate, we haveit has experienced, and are likely tomay continue to experience, significant reductions in demand for our products. The Company believes that second quarter financial results marked the trough for the year, and the third quarter saw a meaningful improvement in customer demand.
In addition, the
The oil and gas industry, which is one of our significant end markets, has been experiencingexperienced and continues to experience, a significant amount of disruption and oversupply at a time of declining demand, resulting in a decline in profitability. Our Tubular operations support the oil and gas industry, and therefore the industry's decline has led to a significant decline in demand for our Tubular products. TheIn the first quarter of 2020 the steep decline in oil prices was considered a triggering event for our welded tubular and seamless tubular asset groups, and as a consequence, we have recorded a $263 million impairment


charge for the welded tubular asset group (see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details).

In response to the initial decline in demand for our products resulting from the COVID-19 outbreakpandemic and the disruptions in the oil and gas industry, we have takentook a number of actions to mitigate the impact on our business and to preserve cash and enhance our liquidity. liquidity, including:
On June 22, 2020, we issued 50 million shares of common stock for $8.2075 per share, yielding net proceeds of approximately $410 million.
On May 29, 2020, we completed the sale of $1.056 billion aggregate principal amount of 12.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 for net proceeds of approximately $977 million.
On March 23, 2020, we borrowed an additional $800 million under the Fifth AmendedCredit Facility Agreement to bolster our cash balance. $100 million was repaid in the second quarter of 2020 and Restated Credit Agreement, and will holdanother $900 million was repaid in the cash on our balance sheet. third quarter of 2020.
We also announced a $125 million reduction in expected 2020 capital expenditures, including a delay in the construction of our endless casting and rolling line at Mon Valley Works. We are also evaluating the potential loan and other financial assistance programs available under the federal CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, to support companies adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operating configuration changes in response to market conditions and COVID-19

The Company hasalso adjusted its operating configuration in response to changingdeclining market conditions including the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, significant recent changes in global oil and gas markets and increasing global overcapacity and unfairly traded imports by indefinitely and temporarily idling certain of its facilities. U. S. Steel will continue to adjust its operating configuration in order to align production with its order book and meet the needs of our customers.

In March and Aprilthe first half of 2020, we took additional footprint actions to adjust our footprint by temporarily idleidling certain operations for an indefinite period to better align production with customer demand, including:demand. The operations that remained idle as of September 30, 2020 included:
Blast FurnacesFurnace #4 #6 and #8 at Gary Works
Blast Furnace A at Granite City Works
Blast Furnace #1 at Mon Valley Works
Lone Star Tubular Operations
All or most of Lorain Tubular Operations
Keetac Iron Ore Operations
Wheeling Machine Products coupling production facility at Hughes Springs, Texas

As of September 30, 2020 the carrying value of the idled fixed assets for facilities noted above was: Gary Works blast furnace #4, $45 million; Granite City Works Blast Furnace A, $65 million; Lone Star Tubular Operations, $5 million; Lorain Tubular Operations, $70 million; and Keetac Iron Ore Operations, $80 million.

Additionally, U. S. Steel will reducereduced coke production at its Clairton Plant and will adjustadjusted production at its Minntac operations in line with the blast furnace idlings. U. S. Steel will reduce operating levels in the Tubular business and other production facilities and will continue to evaluate its operating configuration to properly respond to ever changing conditions. WhenAs market conditions improve,change, we willcontinually assess the footprint required to support our customers’ needs and make decisions about resuming production at idled facilities or increasing production at facilities operating at reduced levels. In connection with the temporary idlings described above, we have taken actions to appropriately streamline our footprint and workforce.

As of March 31, 2020 the carrying value of the idled fixed assets within the facilities noted above was: Gary Works blast furnaces, $130 million; Granite City Works Blast Furnace A, $65 million; Mon Valley Works Blast Furnace #1, $35 million; Lone Star Tubular Operations, $10 million; Lorain Tubular Operations, $75 million; and Keetac Iron Ore Operations, $80 million.

In December 2019, U. S. Steel announced that it would indefinitely idle a significant portion of Great Lakes Works. The Company began idling the iron and steelmaking facilities in March 2020 and expects to begin idling the hot strip mill rolling facility before the end ofin June 2020. The carrying value of the Great Lakes Works facilities that we intend to indefinitely idle was approximately $370$340 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020.

In December 2019, the Company completed the indefinite idling of its East Chicago Tin (ECT) operations within its Flat-Rolled segment. ECT was indefinitely idled primarily due to increased tin import levels in the U.S. Additionally, U. S. Steel indefinitely idled its finishing facility in Dearborn, Michigan (which operates an electrolytic galvanizing line), during the fourth quarter of 2019. The carrying value of these facilities was approximately $20 million as of March 31, 2020.

In October 2019, the Company announced an enhanced operating model and organizational structure to accelerate the Company’s strategic transformation and better serve its customers. The new operating model was effective January 1, 2020 and is centered around manufacturing, commercial, and technological excellence. Our former “commercial entity” structure was put into place to deepen understanding of business ownership and our relationships with customers and allowed the Company to identify the technology that would differentiate our products and processes on the basis of cost and/or capabilities. The new enhanced operating model is a logical next step in the execution of the Company’s strategy and will make us a more nimble company positioned to deliver the benefits of our strategy through the cycle.



In July 2019, U. S. Steel began implementing a labor productivity strategy at USSK so that it could better compete in the European steel market, which has experienced softening demand as well as a significant increase in imports. It is anticipated that the labor productivity strategy will result in total headcount reductions, including contractors, of approximately 2,500 by the end of 2021. As of March 31, 2020, approximately 1,950 positions, including approximately 425 contractors, were eliminated.

In June 2019, to better align global production with its order book U. S. Steel idled a blast furnace in Europe resulting in a monthly blast furnace production capacity reduction of approximately 125,000 tons. Blast furnace production may resume when market conditions improve.
As of March 31, 2020 the carrying value of this idled blast furnace was $10 million.




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Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is set forth in the following table:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
% ChangeThree months ended September 30,%
Change
Nine months ended September 30,%
Change
(Dollars in millions)2020 2019(Dollars in millions)2020201920202019
Flat-RolledFlat-Rolled$(35) $95
(137)%Flat-Rolled$(159)$46 (446)%$(523)$275 (290)%
USSEUSSE(14) 29
(148)%USSE13 (46)128 %(27)(27)— %
TubularTubular(48) 10
(580)%Tubular(52)(25)(108)%(147)(21)(600)%
Total earnings from reportable segments(97) 134
(172)%Total (loss) earnings from reportable segments(198)(25)(692)%(697)227 (407)%
Other BusinessesOther Businesses1
 8
(88)%Other Businesses(13)(263)%(33)26 (227)%
Segment (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes(96) 142
(168)%Segment (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes(211)(17)(1,141)%(730)253 (389)%
Items not allocated to segments:Items not allocated to segments:    Items not allocated to segments:
Tubular asset impairment charges(263) 
 Asset impairment charges— — (263)— 
Gain on previously held investment in UPI25
 
 Restructuring and other charges— (54)(130)(54)
Restructuring and other charges(41) 
 Gain on previously held investment in UPI— — 25 — 
December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire
 (31) Tubular inventory impairment charge— — (24)— 
December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire— (9)(53)
Total (loss) earnings before interest and income taxesTotal (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes$(375) $111
(438)%Total (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes$(211)$(80)(164)%$(1,118)$146 (866)%

Segment results for Flat-Rolled
Three months ended September 30,%
Change
Nine months ended September 30,%
Change
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
% Change2020201920202019
2020 2019
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(35) $95
(137)%
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(159)$46 (446)%$(523)$275 (290)%
Gross margin7% 10%(3)%Gross margin1 %%(7)% %10 %(10)%
Raw steel production (mnt)3,148
 3,075
2 %Raw steel production (mnt)2,207 2,783 (21)%6,823 8,842 (23)%
Capability utilization74% 73%1 %Capability utilization52 %65 %(13)%53 %70 %(17)%
Steel shipments (mnt)2,509
 2,725
(8)%Steel shipments (mnt)2,155 2,654 (19)%6,454 8,183 (21)%
Average realized steel price per ton$711
 $798
(11)%Average realized steel price per ton$712 $732 (3)%$714 $771 (7)%
Intersegment sales to Tubular (mnt)$92
 $81
14 %

The decrease in Flat-Rolled results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to to:
lower average realized prices (approximately $255$130 million) and
decreased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $55$60 million). This change was
decreased Mining sales (approximately $60 million),
these changes were partially offset by by:
lower raw material costs primarily for purchased scrap and better blast furnace usage from improved reliability (approximately $75$10 million),
decreased operating costs (approximately $20 million)
lower energy costs (approximately $75$10 million)
lower other costs (approximately $5 million)

The decrease in Flat-Rolled results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to:
lower average realized prices (approximately $565 million)
decreased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $270 million)
decreased Mining sales (approximately $100 million)
increased other costs primarily due to lower joint venture earnings and higher depreciation (approximately $60 million),
-30-


these changes were partially offset by:
lower raw material costs (approximately $95 million)
decreased operating costs (approximately $15 million) and decreased other
lower energy costs including sales, general and administrative (approximately $15$85 million).
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 decreased primarily as a result of lower sales volume and average realized prices.


Segment results for USSE
Three Months Ended September 30,%
Change
Nine Months Ended September 30,%
Change
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
% Change2020201920202019
20202019
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(14)$29
(148)%
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes ($ millions)Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes ($ millions)$13 $(46)128 %$(27)$(27)— %
Gross margin4%9%(5)%Gross margin10 %(2)%12 %5 %%%
Raw steel production (mnt)882
1,159
(24)%Raw steel production (mnt)873 823 %2,400 3,130 (23)%
Capability utilization71%94%(23)%Capability utilization69 %65 %%64 %84 %(20)%
Steel shipments (mnt)801
1,064
(25)%Steel shipments (mnt)790 765 %2,201 2,833 (22)%
Average realized steel price per ($/ton)$611
$670
(9)%Average realized steel price per ($/ton)$608 $656 (7)%$616 $660 (7)%
Average realized steel price per (€/ton)554
590
(6)%Average realized steel price per (€/ton)520 590 (12)%548 587 (7)%

The decreaseincrease in USSE results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to to:
increased shipments (approximately $10 million)
the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the euro (approximately $10 million)
lower raw material costs (approximately $55 million)
lower operating costs (approximately $25 million)
lower energy costs (approximately $10 million)
lower other costs (approximately $10 million),
these changes were partially offset by:
lower average realized prices (approximately $40$60 million)

The USSE results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared equally in total to the same period in 2019 primarily due to:
lower average realized prices (approximately $110 million),
this change was offset by:
lower raw material costs (approximately $70 million)
lower operating costs (approximately $15 million)
lower energy costs (approximately $5 million)
lower other costs (approximately $20 million)
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 increased primarily as a result of lower costs.

Segment results for Tubular
Three Months Ended September 30,%
Change
Nine Months Ended September 30,%
Change
2020201920202019
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(52)$(25)(108)%$(147)$(21)600 %
Gross margin(39)%(4)%(35)%(20)%%(22)%
Steel shipments (mnt)71 174 (59)%390 576 (32)%
Average realized steel price per ton$1,230 $1,417 (13)%$1,271 $1,501 (15)%

The decrease in Tubular results for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to:
-31-


lower average realized prices (approximately $10 million)
decreased shipments, including volume inefficiencies (approximately $25$15 million) and the weakening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar (approximately $10 million). This change was partially offset by lower spending and
increased other costs (approximately $5 million)
these changes were partially offset by:
decreased operating costs (approximately $5 million)

The decrease in Tubular results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to:
lower average realized prices (approximately $80 million)
decreased shipments, including volume inefficiencies (approximately $55 million)
increased energy costs (approximately $5 million)
increased other costs (approximately $15 million),
these changes were partially offset by:
lower substrate and rounds costs (approximately $30 million).
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 decreased primarily as a result of lower sales volume and average realized prices.
Segment results for Tubular
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
% Change
 20202019
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(48)$10
(580)%
Gross margin(12)%7%(19)%
Steel shipments (mnt)187
207
(10)%
Average realized steel price per ton$1,283
$1,549
(17)%
The decrease in Tubular results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to lower average realized prices (approximately $45 million), decreased shipments, including volume inefficiencies (approximately $20 million), increased investment related costs (approximately $10 million), higher energy costs (approximately $5 million) and increased other costs (approximately $10 million). These changes were partially offset by lower substrate and rounds costs (approximately $30 million).
Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 decreased primarily as a result of lower average realized from lower demand and continued high levels of imports in the tubular market.
Results for Other Businesses

Other Businesses had earningslosses of $1$13 million and $8$33 million in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, compared to earnings of $8 million and $26 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The decrease in earnings primarily resulted from recording our share of losses from our equity investment in Big River Steel.

Items not allocated to segments

We recordedtubular asset impairment charges of $263 million in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 as described in Notes 1 and 109 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We recorded restructuring and other charges of $130 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. We recorded restructuring and other charges of $54 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. See Note 20 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recorded a $25 million gain on our previously held investment in UPI in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 as described in Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We recorded a tubular inventory impairment charge of $24 million in the threenine months ended March 31, 2020 restructuring and other charges of $41 million as described under the "Restructuring and other charges" headingabove.September 30, 2020.



We incurred $31recorded a $4 million reduction of costs associated with the December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. We recorded $9 million and $53 million of costs associated with the December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, (seerespectively. See Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section for more details).details.

Net interest and other financial costs
Three Months Ended September 30,%
Change
Nine Months Ended September 30,%
Change
(Dollars in millions)2020201920202019
Interest expense$84 $32 (163)%$198 $97 (104)%
Interest income(1)(3)(67)%(6)(13)(54)%
Other financial benefits(30)(4)650 %(26)(2)1,200 %
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (other than service cost)(6)23 126 %(22)69 132 %
Total net interest and other financial costs$47 $48 %$144 $151 %
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
%
Change
(Dollars in millions)2020 2019
Interest expense$50
 $34
47 %
Interest income(4) (5)(20)%
Other financial benefits(3) (3) %
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (other than service cost)(8) 23
(135)%
Total net interest and other financial costs$35
 $49
(29)%


The decrease in netNet interest and other financial costs remained consistent in the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period last year is primarilyand included increased interest expense due to a higher level of debt, lower net periodic benefit cost (as discussed below) partially offset byand increased other financial benefits, primarily from changes in the value of options related to our equity investment in Big River Steel.

Net interest and other financial costs remained consistent in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period last year and included lower net periodic benefit cost (as discussed below), increased other financial benefits, primarily from changes in the value of options related to our equity investment in Big River Steel and increased interest expense due to a higher level of debt.
-32-


The net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) components of pension and other benefit costs are reflected in the table above, and decreased in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods last year primarily due to the better than expected 2019 asset performance, lower amortization of prior service costs, lower future healthcare costs, and reduced participation in our retiree health plans.
Income taxes
The income tax (benefit) provisionwas $(19)$(24) million and $8$(48) million in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared to $(44) million and $(43) million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

The Company regularly evaluates the need for a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax benefits by assessing whether it is more likely than not it will realize these benefits in future periods. In general,assessing the amount of tax expense or benefit from continuing operations is determined without regardneed for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, related to the likelihood of realization of its deferred income tax effectbenefits, and based on the weight of other categories of income or loss, such as other comprehensive income. However, an exception to this rule applies when therethat evidence, determines whether a valuation allowance is a loss from continuing operations and income from other categories. Included inrequired.

During the tax benefit in the first three monthsthird quarter of 2020, management reviewed the Company’s current and forecasted operating results, current economic market conditions impacting the steel industry, and tax planning strategies. As of September 30, 2020, the Company concluded that it is a discrete benefit of $10 million relatedmore likely than not the Company will be able to this accounting exception. Duerealize its foreign deferred income tax benefits in future periods. Management will continue to assess the fullneed for a valuation allowance on our domesticand given the cyclical nature of the steel industry, the continued high level of steel imports, and future demand for steel and steel related products, may reach a different conclusion in future periods. As of September 30, 2020, the Company’s net foreign deferred tax assets the tax benefit in 2020 does not reflect any additional tax benefit for domestic pretax losses. In 2019, the tax provision reflects a benefit for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion from iron ore that we produce and consume or sell.were $21 million.

For further information on income taxes see Note 13Net losses attributable to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 United States Steel Corporation hadwere $234 million and $1,214 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to a net loss of $391$84 million and net earnings of $54$38 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The changes primarily reflect the factors discussed above.



BALANCE SHEETLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash
increased by $601 million from year-end 2019 primarily as a result of borrowings on our revolving credit facilities. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Receivables from related parties decreased by $134 million primarily from the transaction to purchase USS-POSCO Industries (UPI) which included the assumption of $135 million of accounts payable owed to U. S. Steel for prior sales of steel substrate to UPI. This amount is reflected as a reduction in receivables from related parties as both the corresponding receivable and payable amounts between U. S. Steel and UPI are eliminated in consolidation upon acquisition. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Inventories increased by $290 million from year-end 2019 primarily as a result of decreased sales and the addition of the UPI inventory amount to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Property, plant and equipment, net decreased by $40 million from year-end 2019 primarily due to a $196 million write-down of impaired welded tubular assets (see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details) partially offset by additional property, plant and equipment of $97 million due to the consolidation of UPI as a result of the acquisition of the remaining 50% ownership interest and the level of capital expenditures exceeding depreciation expense.
Intangibles - net decreased by $16 million from year-end 2019 primarily due to a $67 million write-down of impaired welded tubular intangible assets partially offset by an acquired intangible asset of $54 million related to a UPI electricity contract. See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities increased by $79 million from year-end 2019 primarily as a result of an increase in the days in accounts payable cash conversion cycle.
Current portion of long-term debt increased by $85 million from year-end 2019 primarily as a result of adding the UPI Amended Credit Facility acquired through U. S. Steel's purchase of the 50% ownership interest in UPI.
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs increased by $989 million from year-end 2019 primarily due to borrowings on the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement. See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Employee benefits increased by $52 million from year-end 2019 primarily as a result of adding the UPI other postretirement employee benefit plans to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities decreased by $86 million primarily from liabilities eliminated as a result of U. S. Steel's purchase of the 50% ownership interest in UPI and the change in value of the put option acquired with our purchase of Big River Steel.

CASH FLOW
Net cash used by operating activities was $142$149 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $29$396 million in the same period last year. The decrease in cash from operations is primarily due to lower financial results, partially offset by changes in working capital period over period.
Changes in working capital can vary significantly depending on factors such as the timing of inventory production and purchases, which is affected by the length of our business cycles as well as our captive raw materials position, customer payments of accounts receivable and payments to vendors in the regular course of business.
Our key Funding from working capital components include accounts receivable and inventory. The accounts receivable and inventory turnover ratios forduring the threefirst nine months and twelve months ended March 31,of 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Twelve Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2020 2019 2020 2019
Accounts Receivable Turnover2.3
 2.1
 8.4
 8.8
Inventory Turnover1.3
 1.5
 5.5
 6.4


The increase in the accounts receivable turnover approximates 5 days for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period ended March 31,in 2019 and isincreased primarily due to receivable collections exceeding the decreasefrom reductions in salesinventory from lower shipments and average realized prices across all of our segments. The decreasereductions in the accounts receivable turnover approximates 2 days for the twelve months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the same period ended March 31, 2019 and is primarily due to decreased salesproduction as a result of lower shipments and average realized prices across all of our segments.
The decrease in the inventory turnover approximates 7 days and 10 days for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months and twelve months ended March 31, 2019, respectively, and is primarily due to decreased shipments across all our segments.
The last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. The LIFO method accounted for 65 percent and 73 percent of total inventory values at the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 respectively. In the U.S., management monitors inventory realizability by comparing the LIFO cost of inventory with the replacement cost of inventory. To the extent the replacement cost (i.e., market value) of inventory is lower than the LIFO cost of inventory, management will write the inventory down. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 the replacement costeconomic impacts of the inventory was higher by approximately $762 million and $735 million, respectively. Additionally, based on the Company’s latest internal forecasts and its inventory requirements, management does not believe there will be significant permanent LIFO liquidations that would impact earnings for the remainder of 2020.COVID-19 pandemic.

Our cash conversion cycle for the firstthird quarter of 2020 decreasedincreased by one daytwo days as compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 as shown below:
Cash Conversion Cycle2020  2019Cash Conversion Cycle20202019
$ millions Days  $ millions Days$ millionsDays$ millionsDays
Accounts receivable, net (a)
$1,172 39  $1,177 42
Accounts receivable, net (a)
$1,09940$1,17742
   
+ Inventories (b)
$2,075 68  $1,785 64
+ Inventories (b)
$1,39861$1,78564
   
- Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (c)
$2,075 71  $1,970 69
- Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (c)
$1,63062$1,97069
   
   
= Cash Conversion Cycle (d)
 36  37
= Cash Conversion Cycle (d)
3937
(a) Calculated as Average Accounts Receivable, net divided by total Net Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(b) Calculated as Average Inventory divided by total Cost of Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(c) Calculated as Average Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities less bank checks outstanding and other current liabilities divided by total Cost of Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(d)Calculated as Accounts Receivable Days plus Inventory Days less Accounts Payable Days.

The cash conversion cycle is a non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measure. We believe the cash conversion cycle is a useful measure in providing investors with information regarding our cash management performance and is a widely accepted measure of working capital management efficiency. The cash conversion cycle should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to other GAAP metrics as an indicator of performance.

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURESThree Months Ended 
 March 31,
(dollars in millions)2020 2019
Flat-Rolled (a)
192
 247
U. S. Steel Europe34
 34
Tubular54
 19
Other Businesses2
 2
Total282
 302
The last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. At both September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the LIFO method accounted for 72 percent and 71 percent of total inventory values, respectively. In the U.S., management monitors inventory realizability by comparing the LIFO cost of inventory with the replacement cost of inventory. To the extent the replacement cost (i.e., market value) of inventory is lower than the LIFO cost of inventory, management will write the inventory down. As of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019 the replacement cost of the inventory was higher by approximately $802 million and $735 million, respectively. Additionally, based on the Company’s latest internal forecasts and its inventory requirements, management does not believe there will be significant permanent LIFO liquidations that would impact earnings for the remainder of 2020.
For
Capital expenditures for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, capital expenditures were $282$591 million, compared with $302$978 million in the same period in 2019. Flat-Rolled2019. Flat-rolled capital expenditures were $192$391 million and included spending for Mon Valley


Endless Casting and Rolling, Gary Hot Strip Mill upgrades, Mining Equipment and various other infrastructure, environmental, and strategic projects. USSE capital expenditures of $34$64 million consisted of spending for improved Sinter Strand Emissionemission control, and improved Ore Bridges Emission controlBF 2 Stove and various other infrastructure and environmental projects. Tubular capital expenditures were $54$133 million and included spending for the Fairfield Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project and various other infrastructure and environmental projects.
To align its strategic projects with the current market realities, in March 2020 the Company announced a reduction in total planned capital expenditures for 2020 by $125 million to approximately $750 million.
U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment at March 31,September 30, 2020, totaled $895$730 million.

Revolving credit facilities - borrowings,Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $1.534 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 as the Company bolstered its liquidity and financial flexibility through the receipt of net proceeds of financing costs totaled $1,202$977 million primarily due tofrom the issuance of the 2025 Senior Secured Notes, $240 million from borrowings on the FifthExport-Import Credit Agreement and $410 million from the offering of 50,000,000 shares of common stock.
The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s liquidity as of September 30, 2020:
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$1,696 
Amount available under $2.0 Billion Credit Facility Agreement1,006 
Amount available under USSK credit facilities162 
Total estimated liquidity$2,864 
As of September 30, 2020, $321 million of the total cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Substantially all of the liquidity attributable to our foreign subsidiaries can be accessed without the imposition of income taxes as a result of the election effective December 31, 2013 to liquidate for U.S. income tax purposes a foreign subsidiary that holds most of our international operations.

Certain of our credit facilities, including the Credit Facility Agreement.Agreement, the USSK Credit Agreement, the Export-Import Credit Agreement, and the Export Credit Agreement, contain standard terms and conditions including customary material adverse change clauses. If a material adverse change was to occur, our ability to fund future operating and capital requirements could be negatively impacted.


Issuance ofWe may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding long-term debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, exchange transactions, redemptions or otherwise. Such purchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, and other factors and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved may be material. See Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding U. S. Steel's debt.

We use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. The use of some forms of financial assurance and cash collateral have a negative impact on liquidity. U. S. Steel has committed $210 million of liquidity sources for financial assurance purposes as of September 30, 2020. Increases in certain of these commitments which use collateral are reflected within cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

As of September 30, 2020, Stelco has made installment payments totaling $60 million under the Option Agreement which are recorded in noncontrolling interest net of financingtransaction fees in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

We finished the third quarter of 2020 with $1.696 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $2.864 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. U. S. Steel management believes that our liquidity will be adequate to fund our requirements based on our current assumptions
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with respect to our results of operations and financial condition, including the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when taken together with the ongoing disruption in the oil and gas industry.

We expect that our estimated liquidity requirements will consist primarily of the remaining portion of our 2020 planned strategic and sustaining capital expenditures, interest expense, and operating costs totaled $67 million primarily due to and employee benefits for our operations after taking into account the footprint actions and cost reductions at our plants and headquarters described above, partially offset by the anticipated benefits of working capital management. Our available liquidity at September 30, 2020 consists principally of our cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our Export Credit Agreement.

Revolving credit facilities - repayments totaled $281 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to repayments on the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK Credit Agreement.Facilities. Management continues to evaluate market conditions in our industry and our global liquidity position, and may consider additional actions to further strengthen our balance sheet and optimize liquidity, which may include drawing on available capacity under the Credit Facility Agreement and/or the USSK Credit Facilities, or reducing outstanding borrowings under those facilities from time to time if deemed appropriate by management.

Should we elect to exercise our call option to purchase Big River Steel, a portion of their indebtedness may necessitate a refinancing. The option exercise will trigger a change of control and/or event of default under certain existing indebtedness of Big River Steel in a principal amount of approximately $500 million, the governing documents of which provide the debt holders with the right to require the repurchase of the debt upon a change of control. If Big River Steel is unable to successfully amend such outstanding indebtedness, we may be required to refinance such indebtedness at a premium.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Long-livedLong lived assets - U. S. Steel evaluates long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those productive assets exceed their recoverable amount as determined by the asset group's projected undiscounted cash flows. We evaluate the impairment of long-lived assets at the asset group level. Our primary asset groups are Flat-Rolled, welded tubular, seamless tubular and USSE.

During 2019, the challenging steel market environment in the U.S. and Europe and recent losses in the welded tubular asset group were considered triggering events for the Flat-Rolled, USSE and welded tubular asset groups. U. S. Steel completed a quantitative analysis of its long-lived assets for these asset groups and determined that the assets were not impaired. The percentage excess of estimated future cash flows over the net assets was greater than 30 percent for our welded tubular asset group. The key assumptions used to estimate the recoverable amounts for the welded tubular asset group were estimates of future commercial prices, commercial program management and efficiency improvements over the 12-year remaining useful life of the primary welded tubular assets. The percentage excess of estimated future cash flows over the net assets was greater than 75 percent for both the Flat-Rolled and USSE asset groups. In 2019, there were no triggering events for the seamless tubular asset group that required long-lived assets to be evaluated for impairment.

For the period ended March 31, 2020, the steep decline in oil prices that resulted from market oversupply and declining demand was considered a triggering event for the welded tubular and seamless tubular asset groups. A quantitative analysis was completed for both asset groups. The percentage excessgroups and a $263 million impairment was recorded as of estimated future cash flows overMarch 31, 2020 for the net assetswelded tubular asset group while no impairment was greater than 100%indicated for the seamless tubular asset group but indicated an impairment and required further evaluation of the net assets in the welded tubular asset group. The liquidation method was used to determine the fair value of the welded tubular assets which resulted in an impairment of $196 million and $67 million to property, plant and equipment and intangibles, respectively. There were no triggering events for the Flat-Rolled and USSEthat required an impairment evaluation of our long-lived asset groups that required long-lived assets to be evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2020.




LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s liquidity as of March 31, 2020:
(Dollars in millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents$1,350
Amount available under $2.0 Billion Credit Facility Agreement300
Amount available under USSK credit facilities152
UPI Amended Credit Facility13
Total estimated liquidity$1,815
As of March 31, 2020, $228 million of the total cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. Substantially all of the liquidity attributable to our foreign subsidiaries can be accessed without the imposition of income taxes as a result of the election effective December 31, 2013 to liquidate for U.S. income tax purposes a foreign subsidiary that holds most of our international operations.

During March 2020, as a precautionary measure taken to mitigate the potential economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, U. S. Steel increased its borrowings under its Fifth Credit Facility Agreement. As of March 31, 2020, there was $1.5 billion drawn under the $2.0 billion Fifth Credit Facility Agreement. U. S. Steel must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $200 million. Based on the four quarters as of March 31, 2020, we would not have met this covenant. So long as we continue to not meet this covenant, the amount available to the Company is effectively reduced by $200 million. As a result, availability under this facility was $300 million as of March 31, 2020. Availability under this facility may be impacted by additional footprint decisions that are made to the extent the value of the collateral pool of inventory and accounts receivable that support our borrowing availability are reduced.

As of March 31, 2020, USSK had borrowings of €350 million (approximately $384 million) under its €460 million (approximately $504 million) revolving credit facility. The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK financial covenants, including a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum stockholders' equity to assets ratio. The covenants are measured semi-annually at June and December each year for the period covering the last twelve calendar months, with the first net debt to EBITDA measurement occurring at June 2021. USSK must maintain a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 6.5 as of June 30, 20212020 and 3.5September 30, 2020. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for semi-annual measurements starting December 31, 2021. Iffurther details.

Financial instruments – The fair value of the challengingoptions associated with our investment in Big River Steel can fluctuate significantly depending on fair valuation model inputs that include equity value, volatility and credit spread. A significant factor in determining equity value is the discounted forecasted cash flows of Big River Steel. Forecasted cash flows are primarily impacted by the forecasted market conditions in Europe due to COVID-19 persisted for a long periodprice of steel and negatively impacted USSK's projected EBITDA, and if covenant compliance requirements are not amended or waived, it may result inmetallic inputs as well as the expected timing of significant capital expenditures. The most recent updated forecast indicated an event of default, under which USSK may not draw upon the facility, and the majority lenders, as definedincrease in the USSK Credit Agreement, may cancel any and all commitments, and/or accelerate full repaymentequity value which was the primary factor that led to a favorable mark-to-market adjustment of any or all amounts outstanding under the USSK Credit Agreement.

At March 31, 2020, USSK had availability of €110$34 million (approximately $120 million) under the USSK Credit Agreement. The USSK Credit Agreement expiresthat is reflected in September 2023.
The USSK Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties including, as a condition to borrowing, that it met certainother financial covenants since the last measurement date, and that all such representations and warranties are true and correct,benefits in all material respects, on the date of the borrowing, and representations as to no material adverse change in our business or financial condition since December 31, 2017. The facility also has customary defaults, including a cross-default upon acceleration of material indebtedness of USSK and its subsidiaries.
As of March 31, 2020, USSK had no borrowings under its €20 million and €10 million credit facilities (collectively, approximately $33 million) and the availability was approximately $32 million due to approximately $1 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. These facilities expire in December 2021.
At March 31, 2020, UPI had borrowings of $79 million under its $110 million revolving credit facility (UPI Amended Credit Facility). Borrowings are secured by liens on certain UPI inventory and trade accounts receivable. The UPI Amended Credit Facility provides for borrowings at interest rates based on defined, short-term market rates plus a spread based on availability and includes other customary terms and conditions. At March 31, 2020, UPI had availability of $13 million under the UPI Amended Credit Facility. The agreement expires in August 2020.



As of March 31, 2020, we had borrowings of $104 million under the Export Credit Agreement (ECA). Loan repayments start six months after the starting point of credit as defined in the loan agreement with a total repayment term up to eight years. Loan availability and repayment terms are subject to certain customary covenants and events of default. The purpose of the ECA is to finance equipment purchased for the endless casting and rolling facility under construction at our Mon Valley Works facility in Braddock, Pennsylvania. In response to the decline in demand for our products resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, we have delayed construction of our endless casting and rolling line at Mon Valley Works. We have also paused our borrowing under the ECA pending an update to the agreement or resumption of construction.
We may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding long-term debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, exchange transactions, redemptions or otherwise. Such purchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, and other factors and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved may be material.
We use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. The use of some forms of financial assurance and cash collateral have a negative impact on liquidity. U. S. Steel has committed $170 million of liquidity sources for financial assurance purposes as of March 31, 2020. Increases in certain of these commitments which use collateral are reflected within cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
At March 31, 2020,Operations for the three month period ended September 30, 2020. The future fair value of these financial instruments may vary significantly as forecasts are updated and other input fluctuations are included in the event of a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $4.2 billion as of March 31, 2020 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK credit facilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either repurchase the leased Fairfield slab caster for $19 million or provide a cash collateralized letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4 million at March 31, 2020. If any default relatedvaluation model. See Note 16 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.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Our major cash requirements in 2020 are expected to be for capital expenditures, employee benefits and operating costs, which includes purchases of raw materials. We finished the first quarter of 2020 with $1,350 million of cash and cash equivalents and $1.8 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.
In March 2020, U. S. Steel announced that as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is planning to reduce its 2020 capital spending by $125 million to approximately $750 million. The Company plans to delay construction of the endless casting and rolling line and cogeneration facility at its Mon Valley Works and has paused upgrades to capital spending for improvements to the Gary Works hot strip mill. The investment in a new non-grain oriented electrical steel line at USSE remains delayed. The Company expects to complete the EAF at Tubular as planned, with first arc anticipated in the second half of 2020 as this project was prefunded with environmental revenue bonds issued in the fourth quarter of 2019.
On April 30, 2020 (the Effective Date), the Company entered into an Option Agreement (Option Agreement) with Stelco Inc., a corporation governed under the laws of Canada (Stelco), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company granted Stelco the option (Option) to acquire an undivided 25% interest (the Option Interest) in a to-be-formed entity (the Joint Venture) that will own the Company’s current iron ore mine located in Mt. Iron, Minnesota (the Minntac Mine). As consideration for the Option, Stelco will pay the Company an aggregate amount of $100 million in five $20 million installments, which began on the Effective Date and will end on or before December 31, 2020 (the date upon which the final installment is paid, the Final Payment Date). In the event Stelco exercises the Option, Stelco will contribute an additional $500 million to the Joint Venture, and the parties will engage in good faith negotiations to finalize the master agreement (pursuant to which Stelco will acquire the Option Interest) and the limited liability company agreement of the Joint Venture. Concurrently with, and subject to, the execution and delivery of the Option Agreement, the Company and Stelco also entered into an Amended and Restated Pellet Sale and Purchase Contract.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement, Stelco may exercise the Option at any time during the period commencing on the Final Payment Date and expiring at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 31, 2027 unless earlier terminated.



If U. S. Steel management determines that market conditions are favorable, after taking into account our liquidity requirements, including the amounts available under our existing credit facilities, we may seek opportunities to improve our liquidity position by raising capital through the issuance of equity or equity-linked securities, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, which may include the issuance of debt securities, including debt securities that may be convertible into our equity interests, secured by certain of our assets, and/or guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing transactions, which we may conduct through one or more public or private transactions.
The Company’s credit ratings were recently downgraded by three credit ratings agencies, all citing, among other things, the uncertainty in duration and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business.
U. S. Steel management believes that U. S. Steel's liquidity will be adequate to satisfy our obligations for the foreseeable future, including obligations to complete currently authorized capital spending programs. Future requirements for U. S. Steel’s business needs, including the funding of acquisitions and capital expenditures, scheduled debt maturities, repurchase of debt, share buyback, contributions to employee benefit plans, and any amounts that may ultimately be paid in connection with contingencies, are expected to be financed by a combination of internally generated funds (including asset sales), proceeds from the sale of stock, borrowings, refinancings and other external financing sources. Certain of our credit facilities, including the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement, the USSK Credit Agreement and the ECA, contain standard terms and conditions including customary material adverse change clauses. If a material adverse change were to occur, our ability to fund future operating and capital requirements could be negatively impacted.  








Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies
Some of U. S. Steel’s facilities were in operation before 1900. Although the Company believes that its environmental practices have either led the industry or at least been consistent with prevailing industry practices, hazardous materials have been and may continue to be released at current or former operating sites or delivered to sites operated by third parties.

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

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


EU Environmental Requirements and Slovak Operations
Under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), USSK's final allocation of allowances for the Phase III period, which covers the years 2013 through 2020 is 48 million allowances. Based on projected total production levels, we started to purchase allowances in the third quarter of 2017 to meet the annual compliance submission in the future. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, we have purchased approximately 12.212.3 million European Union Allowances (EUA) totaling €141.1 million (approximately $154.6$165.2 million) to cover the estimated shortfall of emission allowances. We estimate that the total shortfall will be approximately 12.512.2 million allowances for the Phase III period. The fullexact cost of complying with the ETS regulations will depend on future production levels and future emissions intensity levels.levels, however our estimated shortfall of emission allowances is covered by purchased European Union Allowances.

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The EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for Iron and Steel production, to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated emission levels. Our most recent broad estimate of total capital expenditures for projects to comply with or go beyond BAT requirements is €138 million (approximately $151$161.6 million) over the actual program period. These costs may be mitigated if USSK complies with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually.annually according to EU funding rules. USSK complied with these covenants as of March 31,September 30, 2020. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure the full value of estimated expenditures. There could be increased operating costs associated with these projects, such as increased energy and maintenance costs. We are currently unable to reliably estimate what the increase in operating costs will be as many projects are in the development stage.

For further discussion of laws applicable in Slovakia and the EU and their impact on USSK, see Note 2221 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters, EU Environmental Requirements.”

New and Emerging Environmental Regulations

United States and European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations

Future compliance with CO2CO2 emission requirements may include substantial costs for emission allowances, restriction of production and higher prices for coking coal, natural gas and electricity generated by carbon-based systems. Because we cannot predict what requirements ultimately will be imposed in the U.S. and Europe, it is difficult to estimate the likely impact on U. S. Steel, but it could be substantial. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13783 instructing the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to review the Clean Power Plan. On October 16, 2017, the U.S. EPA proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan after reviewing the plan pursuant to President Trump’s executive order. Any repeal and/or replacement of the Clean Power Plan is likely to be challenged by various proponents of the plan, such as environmental groups and certain states. Any impacts to our operations as a result of any future greenhouse gas regulations are not estimable at this time since the matter is unsettled. In any case, to the extent expenditures associated with any greenhouse gas regulation, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of U. S. Steel's products and services, operating results will be reduced.

There have been no material changes in U. S. Steel’s exposure to European Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations since December 31, 2019.



United States - Air

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

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

The U.S. EPA is currently in the process of completing a Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel MACT regulations, Coke MACT regulations, and Taconite Iron Ore Processing MACT regulations as required by the CAA. The U.S. EPA is under a court order to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel regulations no later than May 5, 2020; and to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Taconite Iron Ore Processing Regulations by June 30, 2020.

On August 16, 2019, U.S. EPA published a proposed Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) rule for the Integrated Iron and Steel MACT category in the Federal Register. Register. Based on the results of U.S. EPA’s risk review, the Agency proposed that risks due to emissions of air toxics from the Integrated Iron and Steel category are acceptable and that the current regulations provided an ample margin of safety to protect public health. Under the technology review, U.S. EPA proposed that there are no developments in practices, processes or control technologies that necessitate revision of the standards. U.S. EPA accepted comments on the proposed rule until November 7, 2019. Based upon our analysis of the integrated iron and steel proposed rule, the Company does not expect any material impact if the rule is finalized as proposed. For the Taconite Iron Ore Processing category, based on the results of the Agency’s risk review, U.S. EPA is proposing that risks from emissions of air toxics from this source category are acceptable and that the existing standards provide an ample margin of safety. Furthermore, under the technology review, the Agency identified no cost-effective developments in controls, practices, or processes to achieve further emissions reductions. Therefore, U.S. EPA is proposing no revisions to the existing standards based on the RTRs. U.S. EPA accepted comments on the taconite proposed rule until October 25, 2019. Based upon our analysis of the proposed taconite rule, the Company does not expect any material impact if the rule is finalized as proposed.proposed. Because the U.S. EPA has not completed its review of the Coke MACT regulations, any impacts related to the U.S. EPA’s review of the coke standards cannot be estimated at this time.
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On March 12, 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), along with other petitioners, submitted a CAA Section 126(b) petition to the U.S. EPA. In the petition, the DEC asserts that stationary sources from the following nine states are interfering with attainment or maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in New York: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. DEC is requesting the U.S. EPA to require sources of nitrogen oxides in the nine states to reduce such emissions. In a final rule promulgated in the October 18, 2019, Federal Register, EPA denied the petition. On October 29, 2019, New York, New Jersey, and the City of New York petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for review of U. S.U.S. EPA’s denial of the petition. The matter remains before the Court.

The CAA also requires the U.S. EPA to develop and implement NAAQS for criteria pollutants, which include, among others, particulate matter (PM) - consisting of PM10PM10 and PM2.5,PM2.5, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2)(SO2), and ozone.


In June 2010, the U.S. EPA significantly lowered the primary NAAQS for SO2SO2 from 140 parts per billion (ppb) on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Subsequently, U.S. EPA designated the areas in which Great Lakes Works and Mon Valley Works facilities are located as nonattainment with the 2010 standard for the SO2SO2 NAAQS. The non-attainment designation requires the region to implement operational and/or capital improvements to demonstrate attainment with the 2010 standard. U. S. Steel worked with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) in developing a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania SIP that includes reductions of SO2SO2 and improved dispersion from U. S. Steel sources. On November 19, 2018, U.S. EPA published a proposed rule to approve the SIP. Pursuant to a consent decree in Center for Biological Diversity, et al., v. Wheeler,


No. 4:18-cv-03544 (N.D. Cal.), EPA has agreed to take final action on the SIP submittal no later than April 30, 2020. In addition, as noted in the Legal Proceedings section, U. S. Steel continues to work with the regulatory authorities to address the Wayne County, Michigan (where Great Lakes Works is located) nonattainment status. The operational and financial impacts of the SO2SO2 NAAQS are not estimated to be material at this time.

In October 2015, the U.S. EPA lowered the NAAQS for ozone from 75 ppb to 70 ppb. On November 6, 2017, the U.S. EPA designated most areas in which we operate as attainment with the 2015 standard. In a separate ruling, on June 4, 2018, the U.S. EPA designated other areas in which we operate as “marginal nonattainment” with the 2015 ozone standard. On December 6, 2018, U.S. EPA published a final rule regarding implementation of the 2015 ozone standard. Because no state regulatory or permitting actions to bring the ozone nonattainment areas into attainment have yet to be proposed or developed for U. S. Steel facilities, the operational and financial impact of the ozone NAAQS cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

On December 14, 2012, the U.S. EPA lowered the annual standard for PM2.5PM2.5 from 15 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) to 12 ug/m3, and retained the PM2.5PM2.5 24-hour and PM10PM10 NAAQS rules. In December 2014, the U.S. EPA designated some areas in which U. S. Steel operates as nonattainment with the 2012 annual PM2.5PM2.5 standard. On April 6, 2018, the U.S. EPA published a notice that Pennsylvania, California and Idaho failed to submit a SIP to demonstrate attainment with the 2012 fine particulate standard by the deadline established by the CAA. As a result of the notice, Pennsylvania, a state in which we operate, was required to submit a SIP to the U.S. EPA no later than November 7, 2019 to avoid sanctions. On April 29, 2019, the ACHD published a draft SIP for the Allegheny County nonattainment area which demonstrates that all of Allegheny County will meet its reasonable further progress requirements and be in attainment with the 2012 PM2.5PM2.5 annual and 24-hour NAAQS by December 31, 2021 with the existing controls that are in place. On September 12, 2019, the Allegheny County Board of Health unanimously approved the draft SIP. The draft SIP was then sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). PADEP submitted the SIP to U.S. EPA for approval on November 1, 2019. To date, U.S. EPA has not taken action on PADEP’s submittal. On April 14, 2020, EPA proposed to retain the 12 ug/m3 annual and 35 ug/3 24-hour PM2.5PM2.5 standards without revision.

In July 2018, the ACHD provided U. S. Steel, ACHD Regulation Subcommittee members and interested parties with draft regulations that would modify the existing air regulations applicable to coke plants in Allegheny County. While ACHD currently has some of the most stringent air regulations in the country governing coke plants, which apply to U. S. Steel’s coke plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania (the only remaining coke plant in Allegheny County and one of two remaining in Pennsylvania), the draft regulations would reduce the current allowable emissions from coke plant operations and would be more stringent than the Federal Best Available Control Technology and Lowest Achievable Emission Rate requirements. In various meetings with ACHD, U. S. Steel has raised significant objections, in particular, that ACHD has not demonstrated that continuous compliance with the draft rule is economically and technologically feasible. While U. S. Steel continues to meet with ACHD regarding the draft rule, U. S. Steel believes that any rule promulgated by ACHD must comply with its statutory authority. If the draft rule or similar rule is adopted, the financial and operational impacts to U. S. Steel could be material. To assist in developing rules objectively and with adequate technical justification, the June 27, 2019, Settlement Agreement, establishes procedures that would be used when developing a new rule. For further details on the June 27, 2019 Settlement Agreement with ACHD see "Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Proceedings - Mon Valley Works."

Environmental Remediation

In the United States, U. S. Steel has been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at sixfive sites under CERCLA as of March 31,September 30, 2020. Of these, there are three sites for which information requests have been received or there are other indications that U. S. Steel may be a PRP under CERCLA, but sufficient information is not presently available to confirm the
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existence of liability or to make a reasonable estimate with respect to any potential liabilities. There are also 1718 additional sites for which U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs in excess of $100,000 under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. At many of these sites, U. S. Steel is one of a number of parties involved and the total cost of remediation, as well as U. S. Steel’s share, is frequently dependent upon the outcome of ongoing investigations and remedial studies. U. S. Steel accrues for environmental remediation activities when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably estimable. As environmental remediation matters proceed toward ultimate resolution or as remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those previously accrued may be required.

For further discussion of relevant environmental matters, see "Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Proceedings."


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
U. S. Steel did not enter into any new material off-balance sheet arrangements during the firstthird quarter of 2020.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE
U. S. Steel continues to face import competition, much of which is unfairly traded, supported by foreign governments, and fueled by massive global steel overcapacity, currently estimated to be over 440700 million metric tons per year. These imports, as well as the underlying policies/practices and overcapacity, impact the Company’s operational and financial performance. U. S. Steel continues to lead efforts to address these challenges that threaten the Company, ourits workers, ourits stockholders, and ourthe country’s national and economic security.

As of the date of this filing, pursuant to a series of Presidential Proclamations issued in accordance with Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, U.S. imports of certain steel products are subject to a 25 percent tariff, except for imports from: (1) Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea, which are subject to restrictive quotas; (2) Canada and Mexico, which are not subject to either tariffs or quotas but tariffs could be re-imposed on surging product groups after consultations; and (3) Australia, which is not subject to tariffs, quotas, or an anti-surge mechanism. A January 24,An August 2020 Presidential Proclamation expandedreduced the Section 232 tariffsfourth quarter 2020 quota for semi-finished steel imports from Brazil and announced December consultations regarding 2021 quotas. In August 2020, the U.S. and Mexico announced that Mexico would establish a steel export licensing system to cover importsmonitor recent U.S. import surges of certain downstreamsemi-finished steel, productsstandard pipe, and mechanical tubing from countries subject toMexico through June 2021. In September 2020, the Section 232 tariffs, effective February 8, 2020.
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) published new regulations that require steel import license applicants to report the “melted and poured” country of origin to monitor import surges and circumvention for products covered by the Section 232.

DOC is managing a process in which U.S. companies may request and/or oppose temporary product exclusions from the Section 232 tariffs or quotas. Over 133,000186,000 exclusions have been requested for steel products. U. S. Steel opposes exclusion requests for products that are the same as, or substitute products for, those produced by U. S. Steel.

Several legal challenges and retaliatory trade measures have been initiated in response to the Section 232 action. In February 2020,action continue before the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) upheld the constitutionality of the Section 232 statute. The American Institute for International Steel has appealed the CAFC’s decision to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether to hear the appeal by October 2020. There are currently twenty Section 232 challenges before the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT). Multiple countries have challenged the Section 232 action at the World Trade Organization (WTO), imposed retaliatory tariffs, and/or acted to safeguard their domestic steel industries from increased steel imports. In turn, the United States has challenged the retaliation at the WTO.

Since its implementation in March 2018, the Section 232 action has supported the U.S. steel industry's and U. S. Steel’s investments in advanced steel capacity, technology, and skills, thereby strengthening U.S. national and economic security. The Company continues to actively defend the Section 232 action through all available tools and strategies, including by highlighting these benefits and the importance of maintaining the Section 232 action.

In February 2019, the European Commission (EC) imposed a definitive tariff rate quota safeguard on certain steel imports:of 25 percent tariffs on certain steel imports that exceed quotas effective through June 2021. In FebruaryJune 2020, the EC initiated a second review ofmade several minor adjustments to the steel safeguard to consider whether any adjustments should be made.safeguard.

Antidumping duties (AD) and countervailing (CVD or antisubsidy)countervailing/antisubsidy duties (CVD) apply in addition to the Section 232 tariffs and quotas and the EC’s safeguard, and AD/CVD orders will last beyond the Section 232 action and EC’s safeguard. Thus, U. S. Steel continues to actively defend and maintain the 54 U.S. AD/CVD orders and 11 EU AD/CVD orders covering products U. S. Steel produces in multiple proceedings before the DOC, U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), CIT, CAFC, the EC and European courts, and the WTO.

Following the 2018 investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the United States began imposing 15continues to impose 7.5 to 25 percent tariffs on certain imports from China, including certain steel products. Following the U.S.-China “Phase One” Trade Agreement, effective February 14, 2020, the 15 percent tariffs were reduced to 7.5 percent but the 25 percent tariffs remain in place pending the negotiation of a Phase Two agreement.

The Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Steel Committee and trilateral negotiations between the United States, EU, and Japan continue to address global overcapacity.

U. S. Steel will continue to execute a broad, global strategy to maximize opportunities and navigate challenges presented by imports, global steel overcapacity, and international trade law and policy developments.
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NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Notes 2 and 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.



Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
U. S. Steel is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations, including financial, market, political, and economic risks. The global pandemic resulting from the novel coronavirus designated as COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our business and the global economy. The economic uncertainty has increased volatility in the financial markets and could adversely affect our liquidity and ability to access the capital markets. In response to the decline in demand for our products resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak,pandemic, in March 2020 we borrowed an additional $800 million under the FifthCredit Facility Agreement. After successful capital market activities and improvements in market conditions, the Company repaid $100 million and $900 million on the Credit Facility Agreement during the three month periodperiods ended March 31, 2020.June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $2.1$1.3 billion in outstanding variable interest debt. An increase in the variable interest rate increases our interest expense and interest paid. A quarter percent increase in the variable interest rate on the amount of variable interest rate indebtedness as of March 31,September 30, 2020 would increase annual interest expense by approximately $5$3 million. See Note 1615 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. In the future, we may enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility.   




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, 2020.September 30, 2020. These disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that were designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed with or submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are: (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable law and regulations. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31,September 30, 2020,, 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.



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

On April 11, 2017, there was a process waste-water release at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana, that impacted a water outfall that discharges to Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel identified the source of the release and made the necessary repairs. We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, resumed operations in a controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of use and penalty requests from the involved governmental agencies. In January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging Clean Water Act (CWA) and Permit violations at Midwest. On April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel and the relevant governmental agencies consisting of all material terms to resolve the CWA and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) violations at the Midwest Plant. A public comment period for the Consent Decree ensued. The suits that the Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago filed are currently stayed. The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago also filed motions, which were granted, to intervene in the Consent Decree case. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a revised Consent Decree and a motion with the Court to enter the Consent Decree as final on November 20, 2019. Surfrider Foundation, City of Chicago and other non-governmental organizations filed objections to the revised Consent Decree. The DOJ and U. S. Steel made filings in support of the revised Consent Decree.
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On November 30, 2018, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued a new Water Discharge Permit for the Minntac Tailings Basin waters. The Permit contains new sulfate limitations applicable to water in the Tailings Basin and groundwater flowing from U. S. Steel’s property. The MPCA also acted on the same date, denying the Company’s requests for variances from ground and surface water standards and request for a contested case hearing. U. S. Steel filed appeals with the Minnesota Court of Appeals challenging the actions taken by the MPCA. Separate appeals were filed by a Minnesota Native American Tribe (Fond du Lac Band) and a nonprofit environmental group (Water Legacy). All cases were consolidated. On December 9, 2019, the courtCourt issued a favorable ruling to U. S. Steel, removing the sulfate limitations for the Tailings Basin and groundwater. The opposing parties filed appeals with the Minnesota Supreme Court on January 8, 2020 which were accepted by that Court. The appeals are currently on hold awaiting a separate related decision of the U. S. Supreme Court case which could impact the Court of Appeals decision. The litigationBriefing is expected to resume in the summer ofnow complete with argument scheduled for November 9, 2020.

On October 2, 2017, an Amended Shareholder Class Action Complaint was filed in Federal Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania consolidating previously-filed actions. Separately, five related shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in State and Federal courts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the Delaware Court of Chancery. The underlying consolidated class action lawsuit alleges that U. S. Steel, certain current and former officers, an upper level manager of the Company and the financial underwriters who participated in the August 2016 secondary public offering of the Company's common stock (collectively, Defendants) violated federal securities laws in making false statements and/or failing to discover and disclose material information regarding the financial condition of the Company. The lawsuit claims that this conduct caused a prospective class of plaintiffs to sustain damages during the period from January 27, 2016 to April 25, 2017 as a result of the prospective class purchasing the Company's common stock at artificially inflated prices and/or suffering losses when the price of the common stock dropped. The derivative lawsuits generally make the same allegations against the same officers and also allege that certain current and former members of the Board of Directors failed to exercise appropriate control and oversight over the Company and were unjustly compensated. The plaintiffs seek to recover losses that were allegedly sustained. The class action Defendants moved to dismiss plaintiffs’ claims. On September 29, 2018 the Court ruled on those motions granting them in part and denying them in part. On March 18, 2019, the plaintiffs withdrew the claims against the Defendants related to the 2016 secondary offering. As a result, the underwriters are no longer parties to the case. The Company and the individual defendants are vigorously defending the remaining claims. On December 31, 2019, the Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion to certify the proceeding as a class action. The Company's appeal of that decision has been denied by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Discovery is proceeding.






ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS

The following is a summary of the proceedings of U. S. Steel that were pending or contemplated as of March 31,September 30, 2020, under federal and state environmental laws. Information about specific sites where U. S. Steel is or has been engaged in significant clean up or remediation activities is also summarized below. Except as described herein, it is not possible to accurately predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.

CERCLA Remediation Sites

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

As of March 31,September 30, 2020, U. S. Steel has received information requests or been identified as a PRP at a total of sixfive CERCLA sites, three of which have liabilities that have not been resolved. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that U. S. Steel’s liability for CERCLA cleanup and remediation costs at the other threetwo sites will be between $100,000 and $1 million for twoone of the sites, and over $5 million for one site as described below.

Duluth Works

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

While work continues on requesting proposals for implementingrefinement of the remedial design, permitting, contractor selection/procurement and educating the public and key stakeholders on the details of the plan, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the three
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nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. Additional, study, investigation, design, oversight costs, and implementation of U. S. Steel's preferred remedial alternatives on the upland property and Estuary are currently estimated as of March 31,September 30, 2020 at approximately $44 million.

Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) and Other Remediation Sites

U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. There are 1718 such sites where remediation is being sought involving amounts in excess of $100,000. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that liability for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with seveneight sites have potential costs between $100,000 and $1 million per site, five sites may involve remediation costs between $1 million and $5 million per site and five sites are estimated to or could have, costs for remediation, investigation, restoration or compensation in excess of $5 million per site.

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

Gary Works

On October 23, 1998, the U.S. EPA issued a final Administrative Order on Consent (Order) addressing Corrective Action for Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU) throughout Gary Works. This Order requires U. S. Steel to perform a RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI), a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) and Corrective Measure Implementation.


Evaluations are underway at six groundwater areas on the east side of the facilityfacility. An Interim Stabilization Measure work plan has been approved by U.S. EPA for one of the six areas and it is likely that corrective measures will be required, but it is not possible at this timea contractor has been selected to define a scope or estimate costs for what may be required byinstall the U.S. EPA.remedial system. Until the remaining Phase I work and Phase II field investigations are completed, it is not possible to assess what additional expenditures will be necessary for Corrective Action projects at Gary Works. In total, the accrued liability for Corrective Action projects is approximately $24$27 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020, based on our current estimate of known remaining costs. Significant additional costs associated with the six groundwater areas at this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Geneva Works

At U. S. Steel’s former Geneva Works, liability for environmental remediation, including the closure of three hazardous waste impoundments and facility-wide corrective action, has been allocated between U. S. Steel and the current property owner pursuant to an agreement and a permit issued by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ). Having completed the investigation on a majority of the remaining areas identified in the permit, U. S. Steel has determined the most effective means to address the remaining impacted material is to manage those materials in a previously approved on-site Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU). U. S. Steel awarded a contract for the implementation of the CAMU project during the fourth quarter of 2018. Construction, waste stabilization and placement along with closure of the CAMU are scheduled to be complete in 2020. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of approximately $41$26 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020, for our estimated share of the remaining costs of remediation.

USS-POSCO Industries (UPI)

In February 2020, U. S. Steel purchased the remaining 50 percent interest in UPI, a former joint venture that is located in Pittsburg, California between subsidiaries of U. S. Steel and POSCO. Prior to formation of the joint venture, UPI's facilities were previously owned and operated solely by U. S. Steel which assumed responsibility for the existing environmental conditions. U. S. Steel continues to monitor the impacts of the remedial plan implemented in 2016 to address groundwater impacts from trichloroethylene at SWMU 4. Evaluations continue for the SWMUs known as the Northern Boundary Group and it is likely that corrective measures will be required, but it is not possible at this time to define a scope or estimate costs for what may be required by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. As such, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, approximately $942,000$1 million has been accrued for ongoing environmental studies, investigations and remedy monitoring. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2221 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.” See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements "Acquisition" for further details regarding U. S. Steel's purchase of UPI.

In 2017, the Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs (County Health Services) conducted inspections of UPI’s facility, which resulted in the identification of several alleged environmental violations. Thereafter, UPI was able to resolve many of the issues to the satisfaction of County Health Services, but UPI also encountered some delays and disagreements pertaining to certain alleged violations. In 2018, County Health Services referred the matter to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. In October 2019, UPI and the District Attorney’s Office agreed to a tentative settlement whereby UPI would pay $2.4 million in civil penalties in installments over 24 months. The tentative settlement also calls for UPI to spend $1 million on environmental compliance at its facility (expenditures that benefit UPI). In addition, the tentative settlement includes a $1 million suspended penalty that would be due if UPI were to fall out of compliance during the compliance period. The parties are currently in the process of negotiating and documenting the details of the settlement.

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Fairfield Works

A consent decree was signed by U. S. Steel, the U.S EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice and filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (United States of America v. USX Corporation) in December 1997. In accordance with the consent decree, U. S. Steel initiated a RCRA corrective action program at the Fairfield Works facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, with the approval of the U.SU.S. EPA, assumed primary responsibility for regulation and oversight of the RCRA corrective action program at Fairfield Works. While work continues on different aspects of the program, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. In total, the accrued liability for remaining work under the Corrective Action Program, was approximately $174,000$26,000 at March 31,September 30, 2020. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2221 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Fairless Plant

In April 1993, U. S. Steel entered into a consent order with the U.S EPA pursuant to RCRA, under which U. S. Steel would perform Interim Measures (IM), an RFI and CMS at our Fairless Plant. A Phase I RFI Final Report was submitted in September of 1997. With U.S EPA’s agreement, in lieu of conducting subsequent phases of the RFI and the CMS, U. S. Steel has been working through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Act 2 Program to characterize and remediate facility parcels for redevelopment. While work continues on these items, there has been


no material change in the status of the project during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, the accrued liability to maintain the interim measures, and clear properties through the Act 2 process is approximately $213,000.$121,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2221 to the Condensed Consolidated 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 and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) commenced discussions about RCRA Corrective Action at Lorain Tubular Operations. A Phase I RFI on the identified SWMUs and Areas of Contamination was submitted in March 2012. While discussions continue with OEPA on drafting the Statement of Basis identifying potential remedies to address areas documented in the Phase II RFI, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. As of March 31,September 30, 2020, costs to complete additional projects are estimated to be approximately $79,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2221 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Joliet Works

The 50-acre parcel at the former Joliet Works is enrolled in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) voluntary Site Remediation Program (the Program). The Program requires investigation and establishment of cleanup objectives followed by submission/approval of a Remedial Action Plan to meet those objectives. The 50-acre parcel was divided into four subareas with remedial activities completed in 2015 for three of the subareas. While work continues to define the extent of impacts at the remaining subarea, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $258,000$226,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2020. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2221 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Cherryvale (KS) Zinc

In April 2003, U. S. Steel and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. (SSB) entered into a Consent Order with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) concerning a former zinc smelting operation in Cherryvale, Kansas. Remediation of the site proper was essentially completed in 2007. The Consent Order was amended on May 3, 2013, to require investigation (but not remediation) of potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting operation. On November 22, 2016, KDHE approved a State Cooperative Final Agency Decision Statement that identified the remedy selected to address potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting site. The Removal Action Design Plan was approved during the second quarter of 2018. The Waste Deposition Area design and the Interim Risk Management Plan (which includes institutional controls) were approved by KDHE during the fourth quarter of 2018. An amended consent order for remediation was signed in May 2019 and a remediation contract was executed in June 2019.U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of approximately $9$8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2020, for our estimated share of the cost of remediation.

South Works

On August 29, 2017, U. S. Steel was notified by the U.S. Coast Guard of a sheen on the water in the North Vessel Slip at our former South Works in Chicago, Illinois. U. S. Steel has been working with the IEPA under their voluntary Site Remediation Program since 1993 to evaluate the condition of the property including the North Vessel Slip. The result of this cooperative effort
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has been the issuance of a series of “No Further Remediation” (NFR) notices to U. S. Steel including one specific to the North Vessel Slip. U. S. Steel has notified the IEPA of the potential changed condition and is working closely with the IEPA and the U. S.U.S. Coast Guard to determine the source of the sheen and options to address the issue. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $97,000$322,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2020.








Air Related Matters


Great Lakes Works

In June 2010, the EPA significantly lowered the primary (NAAQS) for SO2 from 140 ppb on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Based upon the 2009-2011 ambient air monitoring data, the U.S. EPA designated the area in which Great Lakes Works is located as nonattainment with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

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

On January 17, 2019, U. S. Steel and EGLE met to discuss resolution of violations that were alleged to have occurred intermittently in 2017 and 2018 regarding opacity from: the D4 Blast Furnace slag pit, D4 Blast Furnace backdraft stack, B2 Blast Furnace casthouse roof monitor, B2 Blast Furnace backdraft stack, and Basic Oxygen Furnace Shop Roof Monitor; and exceedances of applicable limits at the pickle line. More recently, EGLE advised U. S. Steel that it was assessing a civil penalty of approximately $370,000 for these alleged violations. U. S. Steel and EGLE continue to negotiate resolution.

Granite City Works

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

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

Minnesota Ore Operations

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


regarding the five indurating lines at Minntac. Notice of a 30-day comment period of the settlement agreement was published in the September 11, 2019, Federal Register.Register. The comment period expired on October 11, 2019. U. S. Steel will work with U.S. EPA to address any comments. U. S. Steel and U.S. EPA continue to negotiate resolution for Keetac.




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Mon Valley Works

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

On December 24, 2018, U. S. Steel's Clairton Plant experienced a fire, affecting portions of the facility involved in desulfurization of the coke oven gas generated during the coking process. With the desulfurization process out of operation as a result of the fire, U. S. Steel was not able to certify compliance with Clairton Plant’s Title V permit levels for sulfur emissions. U. S. Steel promptly notified ACHD, which has regulatory jurisdiction for the Title V permit, and updated the ACHD regularly on our efforts to mitigate any potential environmental impacts until the desulfurization process was returned to normal operations. Of the approximately 2,400 hours between the date of the fire and April 4, 2019, when the Company resumed desulfurization, there were ten intermittent hours where average SO2SO2 emissions exceeded the hourly NAAQS for SO2SO2 at the Allegheny County regional air quality monitors located in Liberty and North Braddock boroughs which are near U. S. Steel's Mon Valley Works facilities. On February 13, 2019, PennEnvironment and Clean Air Council, both environmental, non-governmental organizations, sent U. S. Steel a 60-day notice of intent to sue letter pursuant to the CAA. The letter alleged Title V permit violations at the Clairton, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson facilities as a result of the December 24, 2018 Clairton Plant fire. The 60-day notice letter also alleged that the violations caused adverse public health and welfare impacts to the communities surrounding the Clairton, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson facilities. PennEnvironment and Clean Air Council subsequently filed a Complaint in Federal Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania on April 29, 2019 to which U. S. Steel has responded. On May 3, 2019, ACHD filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit which was granted by the Court. On June 25, 2019, ACHD filed its Complaint in Intervention, seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties regarding the alleged Permit violations following the December 24, 2018 fire. The parties are currently engaged in discovery.

Following up to its May 2, 2019, notice of intent to sue U. S. Steel, on August 26, 2019 the Environmental Integrity Project, the Breathe Project and Clean Air Council, environmental, non-governmental organizations, filed a complaint in the Western District Court of Pennsylvania alleging that the Company did not report releases of reportable quantities of hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and coke oven emissions from the Clairton, Edgar Thomson and Irvin facilities as would be required under CERCLA because of the fire. An action was initiated in Federal Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania. U. S. Steel moved to dismiss that action in its entirety. That motion was granted by the District Court on May 14, 2020. The Company will vigorously defend against these claims.Plaintiffs have appealed that dismissal.

On April 24, 2019, U. S. Steel was served with a class action complaint that was filed in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas related to the December 24, 2018 fire at Clairton. The complaint asserts common law nuisance and negligence claims and seeks compensatory and punitive damages that allegedly were the result of U. S. Steel's conduct that resulted in the fire and U. S. Steel's operations subsequent to the fire. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. U. S. Steel is vigorously defending the matter.

Water Related Matters

On February 7, 2020, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued an Amended Notice of Violation and Proposed Agreed Order related to alleged NPDES permit water discharge violations at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana during the period of November 2018 through December 2019 unrelated to the violations resolved in the Consent Decree. The Proposed Agreed Order seeks corrective actions, a civil penalty, and stipulated penalties for future violations. The parties continue to negotiate a Proposed Agreed Order.
ASBESTOS LITIGATION
As of March 31,September 30, 2020, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 808850 active cases involving approximately 2,4002,435 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. About 1,540, or approximately 6463 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. At December 31, 2019, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 800 active cases involving approximately 2,390 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.

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The following table shows activity with respect to asbestos litigation:
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
Period endedOpening
Number
of Claims
Claims
Dismissed, Settled and Resolved
(a)
New
Claims
Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315December 31, 20173,3402752503,315
December 31, 2018 3,315 1,285 290 2,320December 31, 20183,3151,2852902,320
December 31, 2019 2,320 195 265 2,390December 31, 20192,3201952652,390
March 31, 2020 2,390 90 100 2,400
September 30, 2020September 30, 20202,3901852302,435
(a) The period ending December 31, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.

Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into three groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.
The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition. However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, including: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims.
Further, U. S. Steel does not believe that an accrual for unasserted claims is required. At any given reporting date, it is probable that there are unasserted claims that will be filed against the Company in the future. In 2018 and 2019, the Company engaged an outside valuation consultant to assist in assessing its ability to estimate an accrual for unasserted claims. This assessment was based on the Company's settlement experience, including recent claims trends. The analysis focused on settlements made over the last several years as these claims are likely to best represent future claim characteristics. After review by the valuation consultant and U. S. Steel management, it was determined that the Company could not estimate an accrual for unasserted claims.
Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition.




Item 1A. Risk Factors

The outbreak of COVID-19 and disruptions in the oil and gas industry have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The global pandemic resulting from the novel coronavirus designated as COVID-19 has had a significant impact on economies, businesses and individuals around the world. Efforts by governments around the world to contain the virus have involved, among other things, border closings and other significant travel restrictions; mandatory stay-at-home and work-from-home orders in numerous countries, including the United States; mandatory business closures; public gathering limitations; and prolonged quarantines. These efforts and other governmental, business and individual responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to significant disruptions to commerce, lower consumer demand for goods and services and general uncertainty regarding the near-term and long-term impact of the COVID-19 virus on the domestic and international economy and on public health. These developments and other consequences of the outbreak have and could continue to materially adversely impact the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance has identified U. S. Steel's business as a critical infrastructure industry, essential to the economic prosperity, security and continuity of the United States. Similarly, in Slovakia, U. S. Steel Kosice was identified by the government as a strategic and critical company, essential to economic prosperity, and continues to operate. However, although we continue to operate, we have experienced and are likely to continue to experience, significant reductions in demand. For example, theThe oil and gas industry, which is one of our significant end markets, has been experiencing a significant amount of disruption and has been experiencing oversupply at a time of declining demand, resulting in a decline in profitability. Our Tubular operations support the oil and gas industry, and therefore the industry's decline has led to a significant decline in demand for our Tubular products. We also may experience disruptions to our operations resulting from changes in government policy or guidance; quarantines of employees, customers and suppliers in areas affected by the outbreak; and closures of businesses or manufacturing facilities that are critical to our business or our supply chain.

The COVID-19 pandemic could also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to access the capital markets. The Company’s credit ratings were recently downgraded earlier this year by three credit ratings agencies, all citing, among other things, the uncertainty in duration and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business. Uncertainty regarding the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions to the oil and gas industry may, for example, adversely impact our ability to raise additional capital, or require
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additional capital, or require additional reductions in capital expenditures that are otherwise needed, to support working capital or continuation of our "best of both" strategy. Additionally, government stimulus programs may not be available to the Company, its customers, or its suppliers, or may prove to be ineffective. Furthermore, in the event that the impact from the COVID-19 outbreak causes us to be unable to satisfy any of our financial covenants under the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness, the availability of credit facilities may become limited, or we may be required to renegotiate such agreements on less favorable terms. For example, based on the most recent four quarters as of March 31,September 30, 2020, we have not met the fixed charge negative covenant test under our Credit Facility Agreement, and accordingly, the amount available to the Company under this facility was reduced by $200 million, meaning that asmillion. In addition, since the value of March 31,our inventory and trade accounts receivable less specified reserves calculated in accordance with the Credit Facility Agreement do not support the full amount of the facility at September 30, 2020, the amount available to the Company under this facility was further reduced by $294 million. As of September 30, 2020, the availability under the Credit Facility Agreement was $300 million.$1.006 billion. If we are unable to access additional credit at the levels we require, or the cost of credit is greater than expected, it could materially adversely affect our operating results.

COVID-19 could negatively affect our internal controls over financial reporting as a portion of our workforce is required to work from home and therefore new processes, procedures, and controls could be required to respond to changes in our business environment.

The Company may be susceptible to increased litigation related to, among other things, the financial impacts of the pandemic on its business, its ability to meet contractual obligations due to the pandemic, employment practices or policies adopted during the health crisis, or litigation related to individuals contracting COVID-19 as result of alleged exposures on Company premises.

In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty. The current outbreak and continued spread of COVID-19 could causehas caused a global recession, which would havehas had a further material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The full extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak will affect our operations, and the steel industry generally, remains highly uncertain and will ultimately depend on future developments which cannot be predicted at this time, including, but not limited to, the duration, severity, speed and scope of the outbreak, the length of time required for demand to return and normal economic and operating conditions


to resume. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak may also have the effect of exacerbating many of the other risks described in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our debt, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control, such as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption in the oil and gas industry. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our debt.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our debt. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. The Credit Facility Agreement governing the ABL Facility, the documents governing the USSK Credit Facilities, the documents governing the Export-Import Credit Agreement and the indentures governing our existing senior unsecured notes and our 2025 Senior Secured Notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and may also restrict our ability to raise debt or equity capital to be used to repay other debt when it becomes due. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due.
Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and holders of our notes could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under the ABL Facility and the USSK Credit Facilities could terminate their commitments to loan money, accelerate full repayment of any or all amounts outstanding (which may result in the cross-acceleration of certain of our other debt obligations) and the lenders could foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. All of these events would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

We may not fully realize the expected monetary benefits from our iron ore assets.

A component of our strategy includes monetizing our excess iron ore assets. Once Stelco Inc. completes the remaining payments and U. S. Steel has received the $100 million aggregate option price, Stelco will hold an option (“Option”) to acquire an
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undivided 25% interest in a to-be-formed entity that will own the Company’s current iron ore mine located in Mt. Iron, Minnesota. There is a possibility that Stelco may not make the remaining partial payments and may not exercise its Option in the anticipated timeframe or at all. If the proposed joint venture with Stelco is not successful, fails to provide the benefits we expect, or is not created at all, we may in the future have more iron ore than we need to support the business. Additionally, the existence of the Option may deter future potential opportunities to monetize the iron ore assets.
Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 150 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.

Item 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.
Item 6.EXHIBITS
31.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
95
101The following financial information from United States Steel Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2020 formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File - (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).


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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
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
By
By/s/ Manpreet S. Grewal
Manpreet S. Grewal
Vice President & Controller
May 1, 2020
October 30, 2020
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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