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Exhibit 99(a)
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
NEWS RELEASE 1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2589
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CLEVELAND-CLIFFS REPORTS
SECOND QUARTER 2000 EARNINGS
Cleveland, OH, July 26, 2000 - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (NYSE:CLF) today
reported second quarter earnings of $11.0 million, or $1.04 per diluted share,
and first half earnings of $7.5 million, or $.71 per diluted share. Earnings for
both periods included a $9.8 million after-tax recovery on an insurance claim
related to lost 1999 sales, and a $6.4 million after-tax charge to earnings to
recognize the decrease in value of the Company's investment in publicly-traded
common stock. Excluding the two special items, second quarter earnings were $7.6
million, or $.72 per diluted share, and first half earnings were $4.1 million,
or $.39 per diluted share.
Net income in the second quarter of 1999 was $7.8 million, or $.70 per
diluted share. First half 1999 earnings were $10.5 million, or $.94 per diluted
share, including income from favorable after-tax adjustments of $2.8 million
that mainly related to refunds of prior years' state taxes.
Following is a summary of results:
(In Millions, Except Per Share)
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Second Quarter First Half
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2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
Income Before Special Items:
Amount $ 7.6 $7.8 $4.1 $ 7.7
Per Share .72 .70 .39 .69
Special Items:
Amount 3.4 - 3.4 2.8
Per Share .32 - .32 .25
Net Income:
Amount 11.0 7.8 7.5 10.5
Per Share 1.04 .70 .71 .94
Before special items, second quarter 2000 earnings were $.2 million
below 1999, and first half earnings in 2000 were $3.6 million lower than 1999.
The decreases in second quarter and first half earnings were primarily due to
lower pellet sales margins and higher equity losses from Cliffs and Associates
Limited (CAL), partially offset by higher sales volume and increased royalties
and management fees.
John S. Brinzo, Cliffs' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said,
"Despite a $1.6 million increase in the equity loss from CAL in the second
quarter of 2000, Cliffs reported higher per share earnings before special items.
The improvement reflects higher earnings from Cliffs' core iron ore business in
2000 and the reduction in shares outstanding from share repurchase activity over
the last year."
Iron ore pellet sales in the second quarter of 2000 were 3.4 million
tons compared with 2.4 million tons in 1999. First-half sales were 4.1 million
tons versus 2.7 million tons in 1999. The favorable earnings impact of higher
sales volume was more than offset by lower unit margins due to a decrease in
price realization and higher mine operating costs. The average price realization
declined in 2000 principally as a result of the mix of sales under various
contracts. Operating costs were higher in 2000 primarily due to
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higher natural gas and diesel fuel costs, a temporary outage of the Empire Mine
primary crushers in March, and a train derailment on the railroad which serves
the Wabush Mine in February.
Iron ore pellet production at Cliffs-managed mines increased to 10.8
million tons in the second quarter of 2000 from 10.5 million tons in the second
quarter of 1999. First-half production was 20.6 million tons, up from 20.1
million tons in 1999. Following is a summary of production for the first half of
2000 and 1999:
(Tons in Millions)
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First Half First Half
2000 1999
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Cliffs' Cliffs'
Total Share Total Share
----------- --------- ----------- ---------
Empire 3.8 .8 4.0 .9
Hibbing 4.0 .6 3.8 .6
LTV Steel Mining 3.8 - 3.5 -
Northshore 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2
Tilden 3.8 1.5 3.8 1.5
Wabush 3.0 .7 2.8 .6
----------- --------- ----------- ---------
Total 20.6 5.8 20.1 5.8
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While production plans are subject to change as the year progresses,
the six mines are currently scheduled to produce in excess of 42 million tons in
2000, an all time record. Cliffs' share of scheduled production for the year is
11.8 million tons, up from 8.8 million tons in 1999.
The higher equity losses from CAL in 2000 reflect ongoing difficulties
in starting the hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant in Trinidad and that the CAL
facility was in construction through the first quarter of 1999. Equity losses
from CAL in 2000 of $3.9 million and $7.1 million in the second quarter and
first half, respectively, were $1.6 million and $3.7 million higher than in
1999. As noted in the Company's July 11, 2000, news release, Cliffs is
continuing to assess its options with regard to CAL, including a thorough
evaluation of all alternatives.
SPECIAL ITEMS IN 2000
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Cliffs lost more than one million tons of iron ore pellet sales to
Rouge Industries in 1999 as a result of the extended shutdown of two blast
furnaces following a tragic explosion at the power plant that supplies Rouge. As
a result, Cliffs has a business interruption insurance claim for $18.3 million.
The Company has recorded a pre-tax recovery on the claim of $15.0 million ($9.8
million after-tax) in the second quarter based on negotiations with the
insurance adjuster. The Company will continue to pursue the balance of the
claim, but given the complexity of the insurance issues, any additional amounts
will not be recorded until outstanding issues are satisfactorily resolved.
Cliffs owns 842,000 common shares of LTV Corporation (LTV), which the
Company received as a creditor in the 1993 reorganization of LTV. The shares
were originally valued at $11.5 million, or $13.65 per share, when acquired. At
June 30, 2000, the market value of the shares was $2.4 million, or $2.88 per
share. Cliffs recorded a $9.1 million pre-tax charge ($6.4 million after-tax) to
earnings in the second quarter to recognize the reduction in value. Previously,
changes in the market value of the shares were charged directly to shareholders'
equity.
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OUTLOOK
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Brinzo said, "Although there are signs of weakness in the North
American steel business, operating levels remain high. Cliffs' iron ore pellet
sales are expected to be 11.5 million tons for the full year 2000, which is
nearly all of the Company's capacity. While we are optimistic on sales volume,
sales margins continue to be adversely impacted by higher energy costs. We are
focused on taking necessary actions to reduce costs and resolve CAL operations.
We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value, as evidenced by the Board's
recent action to increase the share repurchase authorization."
* * * * *
Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest supplier of iron ore products to the
North American steel industry and is developing a significant ferrous metallics
business. Subsidiaries of the Company manage six iron ore mines in North America
and hold equity interests in five of the mines. Cliffs has a major iron ore
reserve position in the United States and is a substantial iron ore merchant.
References in this news release to "Cliffs" and "Company" include subsidiaries
and affiliates as appropriate in the context.
This news release contains predictive statements regarding production
and sales volumes and cost levels for the full year 2000. These statements are
intended to be made as "forward-looking" within the safe harbor protections of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company
believes that its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable
assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Reference
is made to the detailed explanation of the many factors and risks that may cause
such predictive statements to turn out differently, as set forth in the
Company's 1999 Annual Report and reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, available publicly on Cliffs' web site.
Contacts
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Media: David L. Gardner, (216) 694-5407
Financial Community: Fred B. Rice, (800) 214-0739 or (216) 694-5459
To obtain faxed copies of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc news releases dial (800)778-3888
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CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
Three Months Six Months
Ended June 30, Ended June 30,
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(In Millions Except Per Share Amounts) 2000 1999 2000 1999
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REVENUES
Product sales and services $116.6 $82.9 $140.4 $ 96.5
Royalties and management fees 15.4 13.5 24.6 22.7
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Total Operating Revenues 132.0 96.4 165.0 119.2
Insurance recovery 15.0 15.0
Interest income .9 .5 2.2 1.9
Other income 1.1 .9 2.1 1.6
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TOTAL REVENUES 149.0 97.8 184.3 122.7
COST AND EXPENSES
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses 112.4 77.7 142.2 90.6
Administrative, selling and general expenses 4.9 4.2 8.3 7.9
Unrealized loss on long-term investment 9.1 9.1
Equity loss in Cliffs and Associates Limited 3.9 2.3 7.1 3.4
Interest expense 1.3 1.2 2.5 1.2
Other expenses 1.4 1.8 3.8 5.3
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TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES 133.0 87.2 173.0 108.4
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INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 16.0 10.6 11.3 14.3
INCOME TAXES (5.0) (2.8) (3.8) (3.8)
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NET INCOME $ 11.0 $ 7.8 $ 7.5 $ 10.5
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NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic $ 1.04 $ .70 $ .71 $ .94
Diluted $ 1.04 $ .70 $ .71 $ .94
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
Basic 10.5 11.2 10.6 11.2
Diluted 10.6 11.2 10.6 11.2
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CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Three Months Six Months
Ended June 30, Ended June 30,
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(In Millions, Brackets Indicate Decrease in Cash) 2000 1999 2000 1999
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OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 11.0 $ 7.8 $ 7.5 $ 10.5
Depreciation and amortization:
Consolidated 3.2 2.3 6.3 4.4
Share of associated companies 3.0 3.2 6.2 6.5
Equity loss in Cliffs and Associates Limited 3.9 2.3 7.1 3.4
Unrealized loss on long-term investment 9.1 9.1
Provision for deferred income taxes (3.2) (3.2)
Other 2.7 1.9 1.8 (1.6)
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Total before changes in operating assets and liabilities 29.7 17.5 34.8 23.2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (24.9) (47.9) (52.8) (104.0)
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Net cash from (used by) operating activities 4.8 (30.4) (18.0) (80.8)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment:
Consolidated (1.9) (4.8) (2.7) (10.3)
Share of associated companies (1.8) (1.7) (2.4) (2.0)
Investment and advances in Cliffs and Associates Limited (3.4) (7.5) (3.0)
Other (2.1) (2.1)
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Net cash used by investing activities (7.1) (8.6) (12.6) (17.4)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends (4.0) (4.2) (8.0) (8.4)
Repurchases of Common Shares (5.5) (5.5)
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Net cash used by financing activities (9.5) (4.2) (13.5) (8.4)
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DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ (11.8) $ (43.2) $ (44.1) $ (106.6)
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CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION
(In Millions)
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June 30 Dec. 31 June 30
2000 1999 1999
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ASSETS
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CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 23.5 $ 67.6 $ 23.7
Accounts receivable - net 67.1 82.6 54.1
Inventories 106.4 52.6 158.6
Other 31.7 14.3 11.6
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TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 228.7 217.1 248.0
PROPERTIES - NET 150.0 153.9 155.5
INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES 226.6 233.4 231.3
OTHER ASSETS 78.4 75.3 80.5
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TOTAL ASSETS $ 683.7 $ 679.7 $ 715.3
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
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CURRENT LIABILITIES $ 79.9 $ 73.7 $ 79.6
LONG-TERM DEBT 70.0 70.0 70.0
POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES 67.2 68.1 68.2
OTHER LIABILITIES 59.5 60.6 57.8
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 407.1 407.3 439.7
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 683.7 $ 679.7 $ 715.3
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UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In management's opinion, the unaudited financial statements present fairly
the company's financial position and results. All supplementary information
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements has not been included. For further information, please refer to the
Company's latest Annual Report.