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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from             to             .
Commission File Number: 1-8944
clf-logoa01a01a06.jpg
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Ohio 34-1464672
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
  
200 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2315
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (216) 694-5700
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                                           NO  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES                                           NO  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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.
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company
   Emerging 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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES                                           NO  
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares, par value $0.125 per share, was 296,510,023297,733,061 as of OctoberApril 20, 2017.2018.



Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS
      
   Page Number
      
DEFINITIONS  
    
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
 Item 1.Financial Statements   
  Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20162017  
  Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016  
  Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016  
  Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016  
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
 Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  
 Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  
 Item 4.Controls and Procedures  
    
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION   
 Item 1.Legal Proceedings  
 Item 1A.Risk Factors  
 Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  
 Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures  
 Item 5.Other Information  
 Item 6.Exhibits  
      
Signatures  
    


Table of Contents


DEFINITIONS
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text. References in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Cliffs” are to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and subsidiaries, collectively. References to “A$” or “AUD” refer to Australian currency, “C$” or "CAD" to Canadian currency and “$” to United States currency.
Abbreviation or acronym Term
A&R 2015 Equity Plan Amended and Restated Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
ABL Facility Amended and Restated Syndicated Facility Agreement by and among Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Australian Security Trustee, the Lenders that are parties hereto, as the Lenders, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as Parent and a Borrower, and the Subsidiaries of Parent party hereto, as Borrowers dated as of March 30, 2015, and Amended and Restated as amendedof February 28, 2018
Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA excluding certain items such as extinguishment/restructuringimpairment of debt,inventory and long-lived assets, severance and retention costs, impacts of discontinued operations, foreign currency exchange remeasurement, impactsand extinguishment of discontinued operations, severance and contractor termination costs and intersegment corporate allocations of SG&A costsdebt
ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal (as the parent company of ArcelorMittal Mines Canada, ArcelorMittal USA and ArcelorMittal Dofasco, as well as, many other subsidiaries)
ALJ Administrative Law Judge
AMTAlternative Minimum Tax
ASC Accounting Standards Codification
ASU Accounting Standards UpdatesUpdate
Bloom Lake Group Bloom Lake General Partner Limited and certain of its affiliates, including Cliffs Quebec Iron Mining ULC
Canadian Entities Bloom Lake Group, Wabush Group and certain other wholly-owned Canadian subsidiaries
CCAA Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada)
Dodd-Frank Act Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DR-grade Direct Reduction-grade
EBITDA Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
Empire Empire Iron Mining Partnership
Exchange Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board
Fe Iron
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FMSH Act U.S. Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 1977, as amended
GAAP Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
HBI Hot briquetted iron
Hibbing Hibbing Taconite Company, an unincorporated joint venture
Koolyanobbing Collective term for the operating deposits at Koolyanobbing, Mount Jackson and Windarling
Long ton 2,240 pounds
LTVSMC LTV Steel Mining Company
Metric ton 2,205 pounds
MISO Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MMBtu Million British Thermal Units
MSHA U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration
Monitor FTI Consulting Canada Inc.
Net ton 2,000 pounds
Northshore Northshore Mining Company
OPEB Other postretirement employment benefits
Platts 62% Price Platts IODEX 62% Fe Fines Spot Price
SEC U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SG&A Selling, general and administrative
Securities Act Securities Act of 1933, as amended
SSR System Support Resource
Tilden Tilden Mining Company L.C.
Topic 606ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
TSR Total Shareholder Return
United Taconite United Taconite LLC
U.S. United States of America
U.S. Steel U.S Steel Corporation and all subsidiaries
Wabush Group Wabush Iron Co. Limited and Wabush Resources Inc., and certain of its affiliates, including Wabush Mines (an unincorporated joint venture of Wabush Iron Co. Limited and Wabush Resources Inc.), Arnaud Railway Company and Wabush Lake Railway Company
2015 Equity PlanCliffs Natural Resources Inc. 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan

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PART I
Item 1.Financial Statements
Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents$260.8
 $323.4
$786.6
 $1,007.7
Accounts receivable, net63.9
 128.7
47.2
 140.6
Inventories207.7
 178.4
324.4
 183.4
Supplies and other inventories92.5
 91.4
81.7
 93.9
Derivative assets89.5
 33.1
93.6
 39.4
Loans to and accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities51.9
 48.6
50.4
 51.6
Other current assets24.8
 21.0
28.5
 28.0
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS791.1
 824.6
1,412.4
 1,544.6
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET993.8
 984.4
1,047.3
 1,051.0
OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS138.4
 114.9
OTHER ASSETS   
Deposits for property, plant and equipment74.1
 17.8
Income tax receivable219.9
 235.3
Other non-current assets109.2
 104.7
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS403.2
 357.8
TOTAL ASSETS$1,923.3
 $1,923.9
$2,862.9
 $2,953.4
(continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries - (Continued)
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
LIABILITIES      
CURRENT LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable$102.0
 $107.6
$99.5
 $127.7
Accrued expenses109.4
 123.3
94.4
 107.1
Accrued interest21.7
 40.2
28.2
 31.4
Contingent claims50.0
 
54.3
 55.6
Derivative liabilities9.3
 0.5
Partnership distribution payable44.2
 44.2
Other current liabilities125.1
 119.5
104.3
 86.2
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES417.5
 391.1
424.9
 452.2
PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES254.3
 280.5
251.4
 257.7
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS205.4
 193.9
181.2
 196.5
LONG-TERM DEBT1,689.4
 2,175.1
2,308.2
 2,304.2
OTHER LIABILITIES189.8
 213.8
182.0
 186.9
TOTAL LIABILITIES2,756.4
 3,254.4
3,347.7
 3,397.5
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (REFER TO NOTE 18)
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (REFER TO NOTE 19)
 
EQUITY      
CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT      
Preferred Stock - no par value      
Class A - 3,000,000 shares authorized      
Class B - 4,000,000 shares authorized      
Common Shares - par value $0.125 per share      
Authorized - 600,000,000 shares (2016 - 400,000,000 shares);   
Issued - 301,886,794 shares (2016 - 238,636,794 shares);   
Outstanding - 296,503,284 shares (2016 - 233,074,091 shares)37.7
 29.8
Authorized - 600,000,000 shares (2017 - 600,000,000 shares);   
Issued - 301,886,794 shares (2017 - 301,886,794 shares);   
Outstanding - 297,733,061 shares (2017 - 297,400,968 shares)37.7
 37.7
Capital in excess of par value of shares3,913.2
 3,347.0
3,918.0
 3,933.9
Retained deficit(4,517.2) (4,574.3)(4,257.6) (4,207.3)
Cost of 5,383,510 common shares in treasury (2016 - 5,562,703 shares)(236.2) (245.5)
Cost of 4,153,733 common shares in treasury (2017 - 4,485,826 shares)(151.8) (169.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(30.8) (21.3)(31.3) (39.0)
TOTAL CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT(833.3) (1,464.3)(485.0) (444.3)
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST0.2
 133.8
0.2
 0.2
TOTAL DEFICIT(833.1) (1,330.5)(484.8) (444.1)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT$1,923.3
 $1,923.9
$2,862.9
 $2,953.4
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES          
Product$627.5
 $508.6
 $1,552.3
 $1,237.0
$220.7
 $412.8
Freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements70.9
 44.7
 177.0
 118.0
18.3
 48.8

698.4
 553.3
 1,729.3
 1,355.0
239.0
 461.6
COST OF GOODS SOLD AND OPERATING EXPENSES(538.2) (467.9) (1,328.3) (1,147.2)(242.6) (365.3)
SALES MARGIN160.2
 85.4
 401.0
 207.8
(3.6) 96.3
OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)          
Selling, general and administrative expenses(24.6) (31.1) (77.8) (81.8)(27.7) (27.7)
Miscellaneous - net(5.9) (19.6) 3.0
 (16.9)
Miscellaneous – net(8.7) 11.5
(30.5) (50.7) (74.8) (98.7)(36.4) (16.2)
OPERATING INCOME129.7
 34.7
 326.2
 109.1
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(40.0) 80.1
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)          
Interest expense, net(28.9) (48.7) (103.1) (156.2)(33.5) (42.8)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment/restructuring of debt(88.6) (18.3) (165.4) 164.1
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (71.9)
Other non-operating income0.8
 0.1
 2.3
 0.4
4.4
 2.5
(116.7) (66.9) (266.2) 8.3
(29.1) (112.2)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES13.0
 (32.2) 60.0
 117.4
INCOME TAX BENEFIT7.6
 7.1
 6.8
 1.7
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS20.6
 (25.1) 66.8
 119.1
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX32.3
 (2.7) (13.6) (0.6)
NET INCOME (LOSS)52.9
 (27.8) 53.2
 118.5
LOSS (INCOME) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST0.5
 2.0
 3.9
 (23.5)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$53.4
 $(25.8) $57.1
 $95.0
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS - BASIC       
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES(69.1) (32.1)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)(15.7) 1.8
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(84.8) (30.3)
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX0.5
 0.5
NET LOSS(84.3) (29.8)
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 1.7
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(84.3) $(28.1)
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS – BASIC   
Continuing operations$0.07
 $(0.11) $0.25
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
Discontinued operations0.11
 (0.01) (0.05) 

 
$0.18
 $(0.12) $0.20
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS - DILUTED       
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS – DILUTED   
Continuing operations$0.07
 $(0.11) $0.24
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
Discontinued operations0.11
 (0.01) (0.05) 

 
$0.18
 $(0.12) $0.19
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES (IN THOUSANDS)          
Basic296,079
 206,279
 285,771
 186,454
297,266
 265,164
Diluted301,075
 206,279
 290,512
 188,471
297,266
 265,164
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$53.4
 $(25.8) $57.1
 $95.0
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)       
Changes in pension and other post-retirement benefits, net of tax7.5
 7.1
 18.9
 19.0
Unrealized net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation0.5
 0.9
 (13.6) 2.6
Unrealized net gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax
 0.7
 
 (2.6)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME8.0
 8.7
 5.3
 19.0
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST(5.7) (0.9) (1.1) (2.2)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$55.7
 $(18.0) $61.3
 $111.8
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(84.3) $(28.1)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)   
Changes in pension and other post-retirement benefits, net of tax6.7
 4.7
Unrealized net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation0.7
 (12.7)
Unrealized net gain on derivative financial instruments, net of tax0.3
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)7.7
 (8.0)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 5.0
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(76.6) $(31.1)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income$53.2
 $118.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:   
Net loss$(84.3) $(29.8)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:   
Depreciation, depletion and amortization66.3
 88.9
23.9
 23.2
(Gain) loss on extinguishment/restructuring of debt165.4
 (164.1)
(Gain) loss on deconsolidation16.3
 (3.2)
Loss on extinguishment/restructuring of debt
 71.9
Gain on derivatives(47.5) (22.6)(40.8) (17.7)
Other19.0
 31.6
25.9
 0.8
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Receivables and other assets68.9
 137.5
196.3
 86.5
Inventories(26.1) 21.6
(193.0) (70.0)
Payables, accrued expenses and other liabilities(108.8) (136.1)(70.9) (90.0)
Net cash provided by operating activities206.7
 72.1
Net cash used by operating activities(142.9) (25.1)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(78.9) (45.8)(12.4) (25.9)
Deposits for property, plant and equipment(59.0) (2.0)
Other investing activities(5.5) 6.3

 0.5
Net cash used by investing activities(84.4) (39.5)(71.4) (27.4)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes1,057.8
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt
 500.0
Debt issuance costs(12.0) (5.2)(1.5) (8.5)
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares661.3
 287.6

 661.3
Repurchase of debt(1,720.7) (301.0)
 (1,115.5)
Repayment of equipment loans
 (95.6)
Borrowings under credit facilities
 105.0
Repayment under credit facilities
 (105.0)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest(105.0) 
Distributions of partnership equity(53.0) (52.5)
 (8.7)
Other financing activities(17.0) (19.3)(5.5) (5.6)
Net cash used by financing activities(188.6) (186.0)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities(7.0) 23.0
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH3.7
 0.4
0.2
 1.4
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(62.6) (153.0)(221.1) (28.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD323.4
 285.2
1,007.7
 323.4
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD$260.8
 $132.2
$786.6
 $295.3
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with SEC rules and regulations and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on various assumptions and historical experience, which are believed to be reasonable; however, due to the inherent nature of estimates, actual results may differ significantly due to changed conditions or assumptions. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 20172018 or any other future period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
On January 25, 2018, we announced that we would accelerate the projected time frame for the planned closure of our Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations in Australia. On April 6, 2018, we committed to a course of action expected to lead to the permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations and expect our final Asia Pacific Iron Ore shipment to occur by June 30, 2018. Factors considered in this decision include increasingly discounted prices for lower-iron-content ore, the quality of the remaining iron ore reserves and the lack of a legitimate offer from a qualified buyer. As a result, we recorded various adjustments to Inventories, Property, Plant and Equipment, Environmental and mine closure obligations and Supplies and other inventories consistent with our current mine plan. Refer to NOTE 5 - INVENTORIES, NOTE 6 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT and NOTE 13 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS for further information.
We report our results from continuing operations in two reportable segments: U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore.
Basis of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the following operations as of September 30, 2017:March 31, 2018:
Name LocationOwnership InterestOperation Status of Operations
Northshore Minnesota 100.0%Iron OreActive
United Taconite Minnesota 100.0%Active
Tilden Iron OreMichigan Active
EmpireMichiganIndefinitely Idled
TildenKoolyanobbing1
 Michigan100.0%Iron OreActive
Empire1
Michigan100.0%Iron OreIndefinitely Idled
KoolyanobbingWestern Australia100.0%Iron Ore Active
     
1During the third quarter On April 6, 2018, we committed to a course of 2017, our ownership interest in Tilden and Empire changed. Referaction expected to lead to the Noncontrolling Interests section below for additional information.permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations and expect our final Asia Pacific Iron Ore shipment to occur by June 30, 2018.
Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
Equity Method Investments
Our 23% ownership interest in Hibbing is recorded as an equity method investment. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, our investment in Hibbing was $6.1$7.3 million and $8.7$11.0 million, respectively, classified as Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position.
Noncontrolling Interests
During the third quarter of 2017, our ownership interest in Empire increased to 100% as we reached an agreement to distribute the noncontrolling interest net assets for $132.7 million to ArcelorMittal, in exchange for its interest in Empire. The net assets were agreed to be distributed in three installments of approximately $44.2 million, the first of which was paid upon the execution of the agreement and the remaining distributions are due in August 2018 and August 2019. Upon payment of the first installment, we assumed ArcelorMittal's 21% interest and have reflected this ownership percentage change in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended September 30, 2017. We accounted for the increase in ownership as an equity transaction, which resulted in a $16.0 million decrease in equity attributable to Cliffs' shareholders and a $116.7 million decrease in Noncontrolling interest.
During the third quarter of 2017, we also acquired the remaining 15% equity interest in Tilden owned by U.S. Steel for $105.0 million. With the closing of this transaction, we now have 100% ownership of the mine. We accounted for the increase in ownership as an equity transaction, which resulted in an $89.1 million decrease in equity attributable to Cliffs' shareholders and a $15.9 million decrease in Noncontrolling interest.

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Foreign Currency
Our financial statements are prepared with the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency. The functional currency of our Australian subsidiaries is the Australian dollar. The functional currency of all other international subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of our Australian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Translation adjustments are recorded as Accumulated other comprehensive

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loss. Income taxes generally are not provided for foreign currency translation adjustments. To the extent that monetary assets and liabilities, including short-term intercompany loans, are recorded in a currency other than the functional currency, these amounts are remeasured each reporting period, with the resulting gain or loss being recorded in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. Transaction gains and losses resulting from remeasurement of short-term intercompany loans are included in Miscellaneous - net in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations.
The following represents the transaction gains and losses resulting from remeasurement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:remeasurement:
  (In Millions)
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Remeasurement of short-term intercompany loans $0.1
 $0.2
 $16.7
 $0.5
Remeasurement of cash and cash equivalents (1.1) (1.1) (2.8) 0.3
Other remeasurement (1.4) 0.6
 (2.7) (2.0)
Net impact of transaction gains (losses) resulting from remeasurement $(2.4) $(0.3) $11.2
 $(1.2)
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
Short-term intercompany loans$(0.2) $15.1
Cash and cash equivalents0.1
 (1.2)
Other(0.2) (0.3)
Net impact of transaction gains (losses) resulting from remeasurement$(0.3) $13.6
Significant Accounting Policies
A detailed description of our significant accounting policies can be found in the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. There have been no material changes in our significant accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed therein.therein other than those related to the adoption of Topic 606. Refer to NOTE 2 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS for further information.

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NOTE 2 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 and applied it to all contracts that were not completed using the modified retrospective method. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying Topic 606 as an adjustment to the opening balance of Retained deficit of $34.0 million. The comparative period information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We do not expect that the adoption of Topic 606 will have a material impact to our annual net income on an ongoing basis.
Under Topic 606, revenue will generally be recognized upon delivery for our U.S. Iron Ore customers, which is earlier than under the previous guidance. As an example, for certain iron ore shipments where revenue was previously recognized upon title transfer when payment was received, we will now recognize revenue when control transfers, which is generally upon delivery. While we continue to retain title until we receive payment, we determined upon review of our customer contracts that the preponderance of control indicators pass to our customers' favor when we deliver our products; thus, we generally concluded control transfers at that point. As a result of the adoption of Topic 606 and vessel deliveries not occurring during the winter months because of the closure of the Soo Locks and the Welland Canal, our revenues and net income will be relatively lower than historical levels during the first quarter of each year and relatively higher than historical levels during the remaining three quarters in future years. However, the total amount of revenue recognized during the year should remain substantially the same as under previous accounting standards, assuming revenue rates and volumes are consistent between years.
The adoption of Topic 606 will not change the pattern or timing of revenue recognition for Asia Pacific Iron Ore, as control transfers when vessels are loaded, which is the same time title and the risk of loss transfers to our customers.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Issued and Not Effective
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.  The new standard simplifies hedge accounting through changes to both designation and measurement requirements.  For hedges that qualify as highly effective, the new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and record hedge ineffectiveness resulting in better alignment between the presentationcumulative effect of the effectschanges made to our consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of the hedging instrumentTopic 606 were as follows:
  ($ in Millions)
  Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to Topic 606 Balance at January 1, 2018
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS   

 

Cash and cash equivalents $1,007.7
 $
 $1,007.7
Accounts receivable, net 140.6
 76.6
 217.2
Inventories 183.4
 (51.4) 132.0
Supplies and other inventories 93.9
 
 93.9
Derivative assets 39.4
 11.6
 51.0
Loans to and accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities 51.6
 
 51.6
Other current assets 28.0
 
 28.0
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,544.6
 36.8
 1,581.4
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 1,051.0
 
 1,051.0
OTHER ASSETS      
Deposits for property, plant and equipment 17.8
 
 17.8
Income tax receivable 235.3
 
 235.3
Other non-current assets 104.7
 
 104.7
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 357.8
 
 357.8
TOTAL ASSETS $2,953.4
 $36.8
 $2,990.2
       
LIABILITIES      
CURRENT LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable $127.7
 $1.4
 $129.1
Accrued expenses 107.1
 
 107.1
Accrued interest 31.4
 
 31.4
Contingent claims 55.6
 
 55.6
Partnership distribution payable 44.2
 
 44.2
Other current liabilities 86.2
 1.4
 87.6
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 452.2
 2.8
 455.0
PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES 257.7
 
 257.7
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS 196.5
 
 196.5
LONG-TERM DEBT 2,304.2
 
 2,304.2
OTHER LIABILITIES 186.9
 
 186.9
TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,397.5
 2.8
 3,400.3
EQUITY      
CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT (444.3) 34.0
 (410.3)
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 0.2
 
 0.2
TOTAL DEFICIT (444.1) 34.0
 (410.1)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT $2,953.4
 $36.8
 $2,990.2

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The impact of adoption on our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations and the hedged itemStatements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position is as follows:
  ($ in Millions)
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
  As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES      
Product $220.7
 $279.1
 $(58.4)
Freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements 18.3
 22.4
 (4.1)
  239.0
 301.5
 (62.5)
COST OF GOODS SOLD AND OPERATING EXPENSES (242.6) (286.2) 43.6
SALES MARGIN (3.6) 15.3
 (18.9)
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE      
Selling, general and administrative expenses (27.7) (27.7) 
Miscellaneous – net (8.7) (8.7) 
  (36.4) (36.4) 
OPERATING LOSS (40.0) (21.1) (18.9)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)      
Interest expense, net (33.5) (33.5) 
Other non-operating income 4.4
 4.4
 
  (29.1) (29.1) 
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (69.1) (50.2) (18.9)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (15.7) (15.7) 
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (84.8) (65.9) (18.9)
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX 0.5
 0.5
 
NET LOSS (84.3) (65.4) (18.9)
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 
 
 
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS $(84.3) $(65.4) $(18.9)
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS – BASIC      
Continuing operations $(0.29) $(0.23) $(0.06)
Discontinued operations 
 
 
  $(0.29) $(0.23) $(0.06)
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS – DILUTED      
Continuing operations $(0.29) $(0.23) $(0.06)
Discontinued operations 
 
 
  $(0.29) $(0.23) $(0.06)
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES (IN THOUSANDS)      
Basic 297,266
 297,266
  
Diluted 297,266
 297,266
  

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  ($ in Millions)
  March 31, 2018
  As Reported Balances without Adoption of Topic 606 Effect of Change
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents $786.6
 $786.6
 $
Accounts receivable, net 47.2
 24.9
 22.3
Inventories 324.4
 332.0
 (7.6)
Supplies and other inventories 81.7
 81.7
 
Derivative assets 93.6
 91.3
 2.3
Loans to and accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities 50.4
 50.4
 
Other current assets 28.5
 28.5
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,412.4
 1,395.4
 17.0
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 1,047.3
 1,047.3
 
OTHER ASSETS      
Deposits for property, plant and equipment 74.1
 74.1
 
Income tax receivable 219.9
 219.9
 
Other non-current assets 109.2
 109.2
 
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 403.2
 403.2
 
TOTAL ASSETS 2,862.9
 2,845.9
 17.0
       
LIABILITIES      
CURRENT LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable $99.5
 $99.2
 $0.3
Accrued expenses 94.4
 94.4
 
Accrued interest 28.2
 28.2
 
Contingent claims 54.3
 54.3
 
Partnership distribution payable 44.2
 44.2
 
Other current liabilities 104.3
 104.0
 0.3
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 424.9
 424.3
 0.6
PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES 251.4
 251.4
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS 181.2
 181.2
 
LONG-TERM DEBT 2,308.2
 2,308.2
 
OTHER LIABILITIES 182.0
 182.0
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,347.7
 3,347.1
 0.6
EQUITY      
CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT (485.0) (501.4) 16.4
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 0.2
 0.2
 
TOTAL DEFICIT (484.8) (501.2) 16.4
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT $2,862.9
 $2,845.9
 $17.0
The adoption of Topic 606 did not have an impact on net cash flows in the financial statements.  ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years; the ASU allows for early adoption in any interim period after issuanceour Statements of the update.  We are currently assessing the impact this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715):- Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The new standard requiresCost. On January 1, 2018, we adopted the service cost componentamendments to ASC 715 regarding the presentation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit expenses to be included incosts. We retrospectively adopted the same line item as other compensation costs arisingpresentation of service cost

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separate from services rendered by employees, with the other components of net periodic costs. The interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs, net remeasurement, and other costs have been reclassified from Cost of goods sold and operating expenses,Selling, general and administrative expenses and Miscellaneous – net to Other non-operating income.  We elected to apply the practical expedient, which allows us to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in our Pension and other postretirement benefits footnote as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods. On a prospective basis, only service costs will be included in amounts capitalized in inventory or property, plant, and equipment.
The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic cost of our defined benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost componentpension and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 in the first quarter of 2018 will impact theother postretirement employee benefits plans on our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operationsby changing our classification of the components of pension and OPEB costs; however, it will not impact our Net Income (Loss). The following represents the estimated impact from the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: was as follows:
 ($ in Millions) ($ in Millions)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
   Estimate As Revised Previously Reported Effect of Change
Financial Statement Line Impacted As Reported Adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 As Adjusted
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses $(1,328.3) $1.3
 $(1,327.0) $(365.3) $(365.9) $0.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses $(77.8) $(5.8) $(83.6) $(27.7) $(25.7) $(2.0)
Miscellaneous - net $3.0
 $(1.2) $1.8
Miscellaneous – net $11.5
 $11.9
 $(0.4)
Operating income $326.2
 $(5.7) $320.5
 $80.1
 $81.9
 $(1.8)
Other non-operating income $2.3
 $5.7
 $8.0
 $2.5
 $0.7
 $1.8
Net Income (Loss) $53.2
 $
 $53.2
Net Loss $(29.8) $(29.8) $
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Issued and Not Effective
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.Leases (Topic 842). The new standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases except for short-term leases. For lessees, leases will continue to be classified as either operating or finance leases in the income statement.Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. We plan to adopt the standard on its effective date of January 1, 2019. The new standard mustmay be adopted using aeither the modified retrospective approach, andwhich requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented.presented or the optional alternative approach, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the standards effective date. We are currently finalizing our implementation plan, compiling an inventory of existing leases and evaluating the effect the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenues from Contracts with Customers. The new revenue guidance broadly replaces the revenue guidance provided throughout the Codification. The core principle of the revenue guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Reporting entities must prepare new disclosures providing qualitative and quantitative information on the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. New disclosures also include qualitative and quantitative information on significant judgments, changes in judgments, and contract acquisition assets. We plan to adopt the standard on its effective date of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. As of September 30, 2017, we have completed the evaluation of the new standard and the related review and assessment of substantially all existing contracts with our customers. We determined that revenue will generally be recognized upon delivery for our U.S. Iron Ore customers, which is earlier than under the current guidance. Current guidance requires us to recognize revenue when title transfers which is generally the point at which we receive payment. However, the total amount of revenue recognized during the year should remain substantially the same as

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under current GAAP. We do not anticipate any significant changes in the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for our Asia Pacific Iron Ore contracts. Based on our analysis to date, we anticipate the primary impact of the adoption on our consolidated financial statements will be the additional required disclosures around revenue recognition in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 23 - SEGMENT REPORTING
Our continuing operations are organized and managed according to geographic location: U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore. Our U.S. Iron Ore segment is a major supplier of iron ore pellets to the North American steel industry from our mines and pellet plants located in Michigan and Minnesota. The Asia Pacific Iron Ore segment is located in Western Australia and provides iron ore to the seaborne market for Asian steel producers. There were no intersegment revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of 20172018 or 2016.2017.
We evaluate segment performance based on sales margin, defined as revenues less cost of goods sold and operating expenses identifiable to each segment. Additionally, we evaluate performance on a segment basis, as well as a consolidated basis, based on EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures allow management and investors to focus on our ability to service our debt as well as illustrate how the business and each operating segment are performing.  Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist management and investors in their analysis and forecasting as these measures approximate the cash flows associated with operational earnings.

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The following tables present a summary of our reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, including a reconciliation of segment sales margin to IncomeLoss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and a reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Revenues from product sales and services:                      
U.S. Iron Ore$596.7
 85% $428.3
 77% $1,354.2
 78% $975.5
 72%$180.0
 75% $286.2
 62%
Asia Pacific Iron Ore101.7
 15% 125.0
 23% 375.1
 22% 379.5
 28%59.0
 25% 175.4
 38%
Total revenues from product sales and services$698.4
 100% $553.3
 100% $1,729.3
 100% $1,355.0
 100%$239.0
 100% $461.6
 100%
                      
Sales margin:                      
U.S. Iron Ore$157.2
   $66.5
   $349.8
   $149.7
  $61.5
   $49.0
  
Asia Pacific Iron Ore3.0
   18.9
   51.2
   58.1
  (65.1)   47.3
  
Sales margin160.2
   85.4
   401.0
   207.8
  (3.6)   96.3
  
Other operating expense(30.5)   (50.7)   (74.8)   (98.7)  (36.4)   (16.2)  
Other income (expense)(116.7)   (66.9)   (266.2)   8.3
  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$13.0
   $(32.2)   $60.0
   $117.4
  
Other expense(29.1)   (112.2)  
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes$(69.1)   $(32.1)  

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(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Net Income (Loss)$52.9
 $(27.8) $53.2
 $118.5
Net Loss$(84.3) $(29.8)
Less:          
Interest expense, net(28.9) (48.7) (103.1) (156.2)(33.5) (42.8)
Income tax benefit7.6
 7.1
 6.8
 1.7
Income tax benefit (expense)(15.7) 1.8
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(21.5) (26.8) (66.3) (88.9)(23.9) (23.2)
EBITDA$95.7
 $40.6
 $215.8
 $361.9
$(11.2) $34.4
Less:          
Gain (loss) on extinguishment/restructuring of debt$(88.6) $(18.3) $(165.4) $164.1
Inventory impairments$(18.9) $
Impairment of long-lived assets(2.6) 
Severance and retention costs(1.5) 
Impact of discontinued operations0.5
 0.5
Foreign exchange remeasurement(2.4) (0.3) 11.2
 (1.2)(0.3) 13.6
Impact of discontinued operations32.3
 (2.7) (13.6) (0.6)
Severance and contractor termination costs
 
 
 (0.1)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (71.9)
Adjusted EBITDA$154.4
 $61.9
 $383.6
 $199.7
$11.6
 $92.2
          
EBITDA          
U.S. Iron Ore$168.9
 $61.1
 $381.8
 $196.6
$72.5
 $57.9
Asia Pacific Iron Ore2.3
 21.2
 54.9
 69.6
(63.7) 51.4
Other(75.5) (41.7) (220.9) 95.7
(20.0) (74.9)
Total EBITDA$95.7
 $40.6
 $215.8
 $361.9
$(11.2) $34.4
          
Adjusted EBITDA:          
U.S. Iron Ore$174.2
 $65.3
 $399.8
 $208.6
$77.1
 $64.1
Asia Pacific Iron Ore4.9
 23.7
 61.7
 73.2
(39.6) 53.8
Other(24.7) (27.1) (77.9) (82.1)(25.9) (25.7)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$154.4
 $61.9
 $383.6
 $199.7
$11.6
 $92.2

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(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Depreciation, depletion and amortization:          
U.S. Iron Ore$16.5
 $18.8
 $49.6
 $65.1
$15.8
 $16.4
Asia Pacific Iron Ore3.3
 6.3
 11.3
 19.2
6.7
 4.7
Other1.7
 1.7
 5.4
 4.6
1.4
 2.1
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization$21.5
 $26.8
 $66.3
 $88.9
$23.9
 $23.2
          
Capital additions:       
Capital additions1:
   
U.S. Iron Ore$19.2
 $25.8
 $70.9
 $39.5
$18.7
 $27.1
Asia Pacific Iron Ore0.8
 0.2
 1.6
 0.2

 0.2
Other7.1
 0.4
 7.1
 4.8
Total capital additions1
$27.1
 $26.4
 $79.6
 $44.5
Other2
60.2
 
Total capital additions$78.9
 $27.3
          
1 Includes cash paid for capital additions of $78.9 million and $45.8 million and an increase in non-cash accruals of $0.7 million and a decrease in non-cash accruals of $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
1 Includes cash paid for capital additions of $71.4 million, including deposits of $59.0 million, and an increase in non-cash accruals of $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to cash paid for capital additions of $27.9 million, including deposits of $2.0 million, and a decrease in non-cash accruals of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
1 Includes cash paid for capital additions of $71.4 million, including deposits of $59.0 million, and an increase in non-cash accruals of $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to cash paid for capital additions of $27.9 million, including deposits of $2.0 million, and a decrease in non-cash accruals of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
2 Includes capital additions related to our HBI project.
2 Includes capital additions related to our HBI project.
A summary of assets by segment is as follows:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Assets:      
U.S. Iron Ore$1,467.2
 $1,372.5
$1,646.8
 $1,500.6
Asia Pacific Iron Ore139.4
 155.1
78.4
 138.8
Total segment assets1,606.6
 1,527.6
1,725.2
 1,639.4
Corporate316.7
 396.3
Corporate and Other1,137.7
 1,314.0
Total assets$1,923.3
 $1,923.9
$2,862.9
 $2,953.4
NOTE 4 - REVENUE
Revenue is recognized generally when iron ore is delivered to our customers. Revenue is measured at the point control transfers and represents the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. We offer standard payment terms to our customers, generally requiring settlement within 30 days.
We enter into supply contracts of varying lengths to provide customers iron ore to use in their blast furnaces. Blast furnaces run continuously with a constant feed of iron ore and once shut down, cannot easily be restarted. As a result, we ship iron ore in large quantities for storage and use by customers at a later date. Customers do not simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the iron ore. Based on our assessment of the factors that indicate the pattern of satisfaction, we transfer control of the iron ore at a point in time upon shipment or delivery of the product. The customer is able to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the benefits from, the product at the time the product is delivered.
We disaggregate Revenues from product sales and services based on geographical location. We sell a single product, iron ore, in the North American and Asian markets. Refer to NOTE 3 - SEGMENT REPORTING for further information on disaggregated revenue.
Certain of our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore customer supply agreements specify a provisional price, which is used for initial billing and cash collection. Revenue recorded in accordance with Topic 606 is calculated using the expected revenue rate at the point when control transfers. The final settlement includes market inputs for a specified period of time, which may vary by customer, but typically include one or more of the following: Platts 62% Price, pellet premiums, Platts international indexed freight rates and changes in specified Producer Price Indices, including industrial

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commodities, energy and steel. Changes in the expected revenue rate from the date control transfers through final settlement of contract terms is recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Refer to NOTE 15 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS for further information on how our estimated expected and final revenue rates are determined.
A supply agreement with one U.S. Iron Ore customer provides for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the iron ore is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. As control transfers prior to consumption, the supplemental revenue is recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Refer to NOTE 15 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS for further information on supplemental revenue or refunds.
Included within Revenues from product sales and services is derivative revenue related to ASC Topic 815 of $43.8 million and $1.3 million, for three months ended March 31, 2018 at our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore segments, respectively.
Practical expedients and exemptions
We have elected to treat all shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs as a significant portion of these costs are incurred prior to control transfer.
We have various long-term sales contracts with minimum purchase and supply requirement provisions that extend beyond the current reporting period. The portion of our transaction price for these contracts that is allocated entirely to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations is based on market prices that have not yet been determined and therefore is variable in nature. As such, we have not disclosed the value of unsatisfied performance obligations pursuant to the practical expedient.
Deferred Revenue
The table below summarizes our deferred revenue balances:
 
Deferred Revenue (Current)1
 Deferred Revenue (Long-Term)
Opening balance as of January 1, 2018$23.8
 $51.4
Closing balance as of March 31, 201831.0
 51.4
Increase$7.2
 $
    
1 The opening balance includes a $1.4 million adjustment from the December 31, 2017 balance due to the adoption of Topic 606.
The terms of one of our U.S. Iron Ore pellet supply agreements required supplemental payments to be paid by the customer during the period 2009 through 2012, with the option to defer a portion of the 2009 monthly amount in exchange for interest payments until the deferred amount was repaid in 2013. Installment amounts received under this arrangement in excess of sales were classified as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position upon receipt of payment. Revenue is recognized over the life of the supply agreement, which extends until 2022, in equal annual installments. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, installment amounts received in excess of sales totaled $64.2 million related to this agreement. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, deferred revenue of $12.8 million was recorded in Other current liabilities and $51.4 million was recorded as long-term in Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position, related to this agreement.
Due to the payment terms and the timing of cash receipts near a period end, cash receipts can exceed shipments for certain customers. Revenue recognized on these transactions totaling $18.2 million and $9.6 million was deferred and included in Other current liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

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NOTE 5 - INVENTORIES
The following table presents the detail of our Inventories in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(In Millions) (In Millions)
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
SegmentFinished Goods Work-in Process Total Inventory Finished Goods Work-in Process 
Total
Inventory
 Finished Goods Work-in Process Total Inventory Finished Goods Work-in Process 
Total
Inventory
U.S. Iron Ore$151.3
 $18.6
 $169.9
 $124.4
 $12.6
 $137.0
 $267.2
 $36.0
 $303.2
 $127.1
 $11.3
 $138.4
Asia Pacific Iron Ore29.4
 8.4
 37.8
 23.6
 17.8
 41.4
 20.2
 1.0
 21.2
 33.3
 11.7
 45.0
Total$180.7
 $27.0
 $207.7
 $148.0
 $30.4
 $178.4
 $287.4
 $37.0
 $324.4
 $160.4
 $23.0
 $183.4

We recorded lower of cost or net realizable value inventory charges of $13.0 million and $9.1 million related to finished goods inventory and work-in process inventory, respectively, at Asia Pacific Iron Ore in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The charges were a result of the decline in our expected realized revenue rates for future sales of these tons. There were no lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustments recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
12We recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million and $13.2 million related to finished goods inventory and work-in process inventory, respectively, at Asia Pacific Iron Ore in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses in the Statements of Consolidated Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Inventory not expected to be sold prior to the closure of operations was impaired. There were no inventory impairment adjustments recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

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NOTE 46 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The following table indicates the value of each of the major classes of our consolidated depreciable assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:assets:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Land rights and mineral rights$500.7
 $500.5
$549.6
 $549.6
Office and information technology66.2
 65.1
66.3
 66.3
Buildings80.0
 67.9
85.5
 86.8
Mining equipment585.4
 592.2
594.0
 594.4
Processing equipment607.9
 552.0
619.8
 617.0
Electric power facilities57.0
 49.4
57.0
 57.0
Land improvements23.7
 23.5
23.6
 23.7
Asset retirement obligation19.6
 19.8
16.9
 19.2
Other30.4
 28.1
30.3
 30.3
Construction in-progress35.4
 42.8
48.1
 35.1
2,006.3
 1,941.3
2,091.1
 2,079.4
Allowance for depreciation and depletion(1,012.5) (956.9)(1,043.8) (1,028.4)
$993.8
 $984.4
$1,047.3
 $1,051.0
We recorded depreciation and depletion expense of $21.0$21.3 million and $64.8$22.6 million in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. This compares with depreciation and depletion expense
As of $25.6March 31, 2018, based on the anticipated closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations we determined that we would not recover the value of certain long-lived assets at our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations. As a result, we recorded an impairment of $2.6 million and $85.1 million forin Miscellaneous – net in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations.

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NOTE 57 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
The following represents a summary of our long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:debt:
(In Millions)
September 30, 2017
Debt Instrument 
Annual Effective
Interest Rate
 Total Principal Amount Debt Issuance Costs Unamortized Discounts Total Debt
Unsecured Notes          
$400 Million 5.90% 2020 Senior Notes 5.98% $88.9
 $(0.2) $(0.2) $88.5
$500 Million 4.80% 2020 Senior Notes 4.83% 122.4
 (0.3) (0.1) 122.0
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes 4.89% 138.4
 (0.3) (0.1) 138.0
$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes 5.75% 1,075.0
 (11.2) (17.0) 1,046.8
$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes 6.34% 298.4
 (2.4) (3.4) 292.6
ABL Facility N/A 550.0
 N/A
 N/A
 
Fair Value Adjustment to Interest Rate Hedge         1.5
Long-term debt         $1,689.4

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(In Millions)
March 31, 2018
Debt Instrument 
Annual Effective
Interest Rate
 Total Principal Amount Debt Issuance Costs Unamortized Discounts Total Debt
Secured Notes          
$400 Million 4.875% 2024 Senior Notes 5.00% $400.0
 $(6.7) $(2.5) $390.8
Unsecured Notes          
$400 Million 5.90% 2020 Senior Notes 5.98% 88.9
 (0.2) (0.1) 88.6
$500 Million 4.80% 2020 Senior Notes 4.83% 122.4
 (0.2) (0.1) 122.1
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes 4.89% 138.4
 (0.3) (0.1) 138.0
$316.25 Million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes 6.26% 316.3
 (6.3) (83.2) 226.8
$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes 6.01% 1,075.0
 (11.1) (16.0) 1,047.9
$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes 6.34% 298.4
 (2.3) (3.4) 292.7
ABL Facility N/A 450.0
 N/A
 N/A
 
Fair Value Adjustment to Interest Rate Hedge         1.3
Long-term debt         $2,308.2
(In Millions)
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2017December 31, 2017
Debt Instrument 
Annual Effective
Interest Rate
 Total Principal Amount Debt Issuance Costs 
Undiscounted Interest/
(Unamortized Discounts)
 Total Debt 
Annual Effective
Interest Rate
 Total Principal Amount Debt Issuance Costs Unamortized Discounts Total Debt
Secured Notes                
$540 Million 8.25% 2020 First Lien Notes 9.97% $540.0
 $(8.0) $(25.7) $506.3
$218.5 Million 8.00% 2020 1.5 Lien Notes N/A 218.5
 
 65.7
 284.2
$544.2 Million 7.75% 2020 Second Lien Notes 15.55% 430.1
 (5.8) (85.2) 339.1
$400 Million 4.875% 2024 Senior Notes 5.00% $400.0
 $(7.1) $(2.6) $390.3
Unsecured Notes                
$400 Million 5.90% 2020 Senior Notes 5.98% 225.6
 (0.6) (0.5) 224.5
 5.98% 88.9
 (0.2) (0.1) 88.6
$500 Million 4.80% 2020 Senior Notes 4.83% 236.8
 (0.7) (0.2) 235.9
 4.83% 122.4
 (0.3) (0.1) 122.0
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes 4.89% 309.4
 (1.0) (0.2) 308.2
 4.89% 138.4
 (0.3) (0.1) 138.0
$316.25 Million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes 6.26% 316.3
 (6.6) (85.6) 224.1
$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes 6.01% 1,075.0
 (11.3) (16.5) 1,047.2
$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior Notes 6.34% 298.4
 (2.5) (3.4) 292.5
 6.34% 298.4
 (2.4) (3.4) 292.6
ABL Facility N/A 550.0
 N/A
 N/A
 
 N/A 550.0
 N/A
 N/A
 
Fair Value Adjustment to Interest Rate Hedge       1.9
       1.4
Total debt 

     $2,192.6
Less current portion       17.5
Long-term debt       $2,175.1
       $2,304.2
$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes - 2017 Offering
On February 27, 2017, we entered into an indenture among the Company, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes due 2025.Notes. On August 7, 2017, we issued an additional $575 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes due 2025 (together referred to as the "5.75% Senior Notes").Notes. The second tranche was issued at 97.0% of face value. The 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes were issued in private transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement executed as part of this offering,these issuances, we agreed to filefiled on February 14, 2018 a registration statement with the

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SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange the 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes for publicly registered notes, within 365 days of the closing date, with all significant terms and conditions remaining the same.
The 5.75% Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on September 1, 2017. The 5.75% Senior Notes mature on March 1, 2025.
The 5.75% Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The 5.75% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to our existing or future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The 5.75% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by our material direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and, therefore, are structurally senior to any of our existing and future indebtedness that is not guaranteed by such guarantors and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 5.75% Senior Notes.
The terms of the 5.75% Senior Notes are governed by an indenture, which contains customary covenants that, among other things, limit our and our subsidiaries' ability to create liens on property that secure indebtedness, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and merge, consolidate or amalgamate with another company. Upon the occurrence of a “change of control triggering event,” as defined in the indenture, we are required to offer to repurchase the 5.75% Senior Notes at 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date.
We may redeem the 5.75% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, on or after March 1, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption, and prior to March 1, 2020, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a “make-whole”

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premium set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption. We may also redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.75% Senior Notes on or prior to March 1, 2020 at a redemption price equal to 105.75% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings.
The 5.75% Senior Notes indenture contains customary events of default, including failure to make required payments, failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants, failure to pay or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency and failure to pay certain judgments. An event of default under the indenture will allow either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding notes issued under the indenture to accelerate, or in certain cases, will automatically cause the acceleration of, the amounts due under the 5.75% Senior Notes. Debt issuance costs of $12.0 million were incurred related to the offering of the 5.75% Senior Notes, $11.2 million of which is included in Long-term debt in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017.
Debt Extinguishment
The following is a summary of the debt extinguished during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the respective gain (loss) on extinguishment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017:
(In Millions)
    
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment1
  Debt Extinguished Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
Secured Notes      
$540 Million 8.25% 2020 First Lien Notes $540.0
 $(88.6) $(93.5)
$218.5 Million 8.00% 2020 1.5 Lien Notes 218.5
 
 45.1
$544.2 Million 7.75% 2020 Second Lien Notes 430.1
 
 (104.5)
Unsecured Notes      
$400 Million 5.90% 2020 Senior Notes 136.7
 
 (7.8)
$500 Million 4.80% 2020 Senior Notes 114.4
 
 (1.9)
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior Notes 171.0
 
 (2.8)
  $1,610.7
 $(88.6) $(165.4)
       
1 This includes premiums paid related to the redemption of our notes of $62.4 million and $110.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
Debt Maturities
The following represents a summary of our maturities of debt instruments excluding borrowings under the ABL Facility, based on the principal amounts outstanding at September 30, 2017:March 31, 2018:
(In Millions) (In Millions)
Maturities of Debt Maturities of Debt
2017 (October 1 - December 31)$
2018
 $
2019
 
2020211.3
 211.3
2021138.4
 138.4
2022
 
2023 and thereafter1,373.4
2023 
2024 and thereafter 2,089.7
Total maturities of debt$1,723.1
 $2,439.4
ABL Facility
On February 28, 2018, we entered into an amended and restated senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with various financial institutions. The ABL Facility amends and restates our prior $550.0 million Syndicated Facility Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2015. The ABL Facility will mature upon the earlier of February 28, 2023 or 60 days prior to the maturity of certain other material debt, and provides for up to $450.0 million in borrowings, comprised of (i) a $400.0 million U.S. tranche, including a $248.8 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit and a $100.0 million sublimit for U.S. swingline loans, and (ii) a $50.0 million Australian tranche, including a $24.4 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit and a $20.0 million sublimit for Australian swingline loans. Availability under both the U.S. tranche and Australian tranche of the ABL Facility is limited to an eligible U.S. borrowing base and Australian borrowing base, as applicable, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
The ABL Facility and certain bank products and hedge obligations are guaranteed by us and certain of our existing wholly-owned U.S. and Australian subsidiaries and are required to be guaranteed by certain of our future U.S. and Australian subsidiaries; provided, however, that the obligations of any U.S. entity will not be guaranteed by any Australian entity. Amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility are secured by (i) a first-priority security interest in the accounts receivable and other rights to payment, inventory, as-extracted collateral, certain investment property, deposit accounts, securities accounts, certain general intangibles and commercial tort claims, certain mobile equipment, commodities accounts, deposit accounts, securities accounts and other related assets of ours, the other borrowers and the guarantors, and proceeds and products of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “ABL Collateral”); provided, however, that the ABL Collateral owned by a borrower or guarantor that is organized under the laws of Australia (the “Australian Loan Parties”) shall only secure the Australian tranche and obligations of the borrowers and guarantors organized under the laws of Australia, (ii) a second-priority security interest in substantially all of our assets and the assets of the other borrowers and the guarantors (other than the Australian Loan Parties) other than the ABL Collateral (collectively, the “Notes Collateral” and, together with the ABL Collateral, the “Collateral”) and (iii) solely in the case of the obligations of the Australian Loan Parties under the ABL Facility, a featherweight floating security interest over substantially all assets of the Australian Loan Parties other than ABL Collateral, in each case, subject to certain customary exceptions.
Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest, at our option, at a base rate, an Australian base rate or, if certain conditions are met, a LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The base rate is equal to the greatest of the federal funds rate plus ½ of 1%, the LIBOR rate based on a one-month interest period plus 1% and the floating rate announced by Bank of America Merrill Lynch as its “prime rate" and 1%. The Australian base rate is equal to the LIBOR rate as of 11:00 a.m. on the first business day of each month for a one-month period. The LIBOR rate is a per annum fixed rate equal to LIBOR with respect to the applicable interest period and amount of LIBOR rate loan requested.
The ABL Facility contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants including, among others, covenants regarding the maintenance of certain financial ratios if certain conditions are

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triggered, covenants relating to financial reporting, covenants relating to the payment of dividends on, or purchase or redemption of, our capital stock, covenants relating to the incurrence or prepayment of certain debt, covenants relating to the incurrence of liens or encumbrances, covenants relating to compliance with laws, covenants relating to transactions with affiliates, covenants relating to mergers and sales of all or substantially all of our assets and limitations on changes in the nature of our business.
The ABL Facility provides for customary events of default, including, among other things, the event of nonpayment of principal, interest, fees, or other amounts, a representation or warranty proving to have been materially incorrect when made, failure to perform or observe certain covenants within a specified period of time, a cross-default to certain material indebtedness, the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, monetary judgment defaults of a specified amount, invalidity of any loan documentation, a change of control of the Company, and ERISA defaults resulting in liability of a specified amount. If an event of a default exists (beyond any applicable grace or cure period, if any), the administrative agent may and, at the direction of the requisite number of lenders, shall declare all amounts owing under the ABL Facility immediately due and payable, terminate such lenders’ commitments to make loans under the ABL Facility and/or exercise any and all remedies and other rights under the ABL Facility. For certain events of default related to insolvency and receivership, the commitments of the lenders will be automatically terminated and all outstanding loans and other amounts will become immediately due and payable.
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, we were in compliance with the ABL Facility liquidity requirements and, therefore, the springing financial covenant requiring a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 was not applicable.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no loans were drawn under the ABL Facility and we had total availability of $254.2$314.1 million and $333.0$273.2 million, respectively, as a result of borrowing base limitations. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, the principal amount of letter of credit obligations totaled $45.0$46.6 million and $106.0$46.5 million, respectively, to support business obligations primarily related to workers compensation and environmental obligations, thereby further reducing available borrowing capacity on our ABL Facility to $209.2$267.5 million and $227.0$226.7 million, respectively.

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NOTE 68 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following represents the assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:value:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
Description
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Assets:              
Cash equivalents$40.0
 $37.0
 $
 $77.0
$36.0
 $490.6
 $
 $526.6
Derivative assets
 
 89.5
 89.5

 
 93.6
 93.6
Total$40.0
 $37.0
 $89.5
 $166.5
$36.0
 $490.6
 $93.6
 $620.2
Liabilities:              
Derivative liabilities$
 $
 $9.3
 $9.3
$
 $0.2
 $4.2
 $4.4
Total$
 $
 $9.3
 $9.3
$
 $0.2
 $4.2
 $4.4
 (In Millions)
 December 31, 2016
Description
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Assets:       
Cash equivalents$177.0
 $
 $
 $177.0
Derivative assets
 1.5
 31.6
 33.1
Total$177.0
 $1.5
 $31.6
 $210.1
Liabilities:       
Derivative liabilities$
 $
 $0.5
 $0.5
Total$
 $
 $0.5
 $0.5

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 (In Millions)
 December 31, 2017
Description
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Assets:       
Cash equivalents$66.3
 $550.6
 $
 $616.9
Derivative assets
 
 39.4
 39.4
Total$66.3
 $550.6
 $39.4
 $656.3
Liabilities:       
Derivative liabilities$
 $0.3
 $2.4
 $2.7
Total$
 $0.3
 $2.4
 $2.7
Financial assets classified in Level 1 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 include money market funds of $40.0 million and $177.0 million, respectively.treasury bonds. The valuation of these instruments is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.
The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable. Level 2 assets included $37.0 million ofinclude commercial paper at September 30, 2017 and $1.5 millioncertificates of deposit. Level 2 liabilities include commodity hedge contracts at December 31, 2016.contracts.
The Level 3 assets and liabilities include derivative assets that consist of freestanding derivative instruments related to certain supply agreements with one of our U.SU.S. Iron Ore customers and derivative assets and liabilities related to certain provisional pricing arrangements with our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore customers.
The supply agreementsagreement included in our Level 3 assets/liabilities includeassets includes provisions for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the customer’s annual steel pricing or the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the iron ore product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. We account for these provisions as derivative instruments at the time of sale and adjust these provisionsthe corresponding asset or liability to fair value as an adjustment to Product revenues each reporting period until the product is consumed and the amounts are settled. The fair value of the instruments are determined using a market approach with one supply agreement based on an estimate of the annual realized price of hot-rolled coil steel at the steelmaker’s facilities and the other supply agreement based on the estimate of the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel. Both estimates takeThis estimate takes into consideration current market conditions and nonperformance risk. We had assets of $84.8$91.2 million and $21.3$37.9 million at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, related to the supply agreements.agreement.

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The provisional pricing arrangements included in our Level 3 assets/liabilities specify provisional price calculations, where the pricing mechanisms generally are based on market pricing, with the final revenue rate to be based on market inputs at a specified point in time in the future, per the terms of the supply agreements. The difference between the estimated final revenue rate at the date of sale and the estimated final revenue rate at the measurement date is characterized as a derivative and is required to be accounted for separately once the revenue has been recognized. The derivative instrument is adjusted to fair value through Product revenues each reporting period based upon current market data and forward-looking estimates provided by management until the final revenue rate is determined. We had assets of $4.7$2.4 million and $10.3$1.5 million at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, related to provisional pricing arrangements. In addition, we had liabilities of $9.3$4.2 million and $0.5$2.4 million related to provisional pricing arrangements at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

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The following table illustrates information about quantitative inputs and assumptions for the assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:
Qualitative/Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
(In Millions)
Fair Value at September 30, 2017
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input 
Range or Point Estimate
(Weighted Average)
 
(In Millions)
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input 
Range or Point Estimate
(Weighted Average)
Customer supply agreements $91.2
 Derivative assets Market Approach Management's Estimate of Market Hot-Rolled Coil Steel per net ton $752
Provisional pricing arrangements $4.7
 Derivative assets Market Approach 
Management's
Estimate of Platts 62% Price
per dry metric ton
 $61 - $74
($73)
 $2.4
 Derivative assets Market Approach 
Management's
Estimate of Platts 62% Price
per dry metric ton
 $63 - $71
($66)
 Market Hot-Rolled Coil Steel Estimate
per net ton
 $580 - $660
($625)
 $4.2
 Other Current Liabilities Market Approach 
Management's
Estimate of Platts 62% Price
per dry metric ton
 $63 - $71
($66)
Provisional pricing arrangements $9.3
 Derivative liabilities Market Approach 
Management's
Estimate of Platts 62% Price
per dry metric ton
 $61 - $74
($73)
Customer supply agreements $84.8
 Derivative assets Market Approach Customer Hot-Rolled Steel Estimate
per net ton
 $558 - $622
($565)
 Market Hot-Rolled Coil Steel Estimate
per net ton
 $580 - $660
($625)
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of our customer supply agreement is an estimate determined by management including the forward-looking estimate for the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our provisional pricing arrangements are management’s estimates of Platts 62% Price based upon current market data and index pricing, and the average annual daily steel market price for hot-rolled coil steel, each of which includes forward-looking estimates determined by management. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our customer supply agreements are the customer's future hot-rolled coil steel price that is estimated based on projections provided by the customer, analysts' projections and estimates determined by management, and the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel, each of which include forward-looking estimates determined by management. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively.

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We recognize any transfers between levels as of the beginning of the reporting period, including both transfers into and out of levels. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 20162017. The following tables represent a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016.:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Level 3 AssetsLevel 3 Assets
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Beginning balance$72.5
 $25.8
 $31.6
 $7.8
Beginning balance1
$51.0
 $31.6
Total gains (losses)          
Included in earnings60.6
 14.6
 156.0
 62.6
49.1
 42.1
Settlements(43.6) (12.0) (98.1) (42.0)(6.5) (14.3)
Ending balance - September 30$89.5
 $28.4
 $89.5
 $28.4
Ending balance - March 31$93.6
 $59.4
Total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains on assets still held at the reporting date$0.1
 $8.2
 $53.4
 $24.7
$44.5
 $33.2
   
1 Beginning balance as of January 1, 2018 includes an $11.6 million adjustment for adoption of Topic 606.
1 Beginning balance as of January 1, 2018 includes an $11.6 million adjustment for adoption of Topic 606.
 (In Millions)
 Level 3 Liabilities
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Beginning balance$(20.9) $(2.6) $(0.5) $(3.4)
Total gains (losses)       
Included in earnings(19.3) (2.9) (64.9) (12.8)
Settlements30.9
 2.8
 56.1
 13.5
Ending balance - September 30$(9.3) $(2.7) $(9.3) $(2.7)
Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses on liabilities still held at the reporting date$6.0
 $(2.7) $(14.8) $(2.7)
Gains and losses from derivative assets and liabilities are included in earnings and are reported in Product revenuesfor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
 (In Millions)
 Level 3 Liabilities
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
Beginning balance$(2.4) $(0.5)
Total gains (losses)   
Included in earnings(4.0) (8.6)
Settlements2.2
 
Ending balance - March 31$(4.2) $(9.1)
Total losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses on liabilities still held at the reporting date$(4.2) $(9.1)

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The carrying amount of certain financial instruments (e.g., Accounts receivable, net, Accounts payable and Accrued expenses) approximates fair value and, therefore, has been excluded from the table below. A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of other financial instruments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016were as follows:
   (In Millions)
   September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Classification 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Long-term debt:         
Secured Notes         
First Senior Lien Notes —$540 millionLevel 1 $
 $
 $506.3
 $595.0
1.5 Senior Lien Notes —$218.5 millionLevel 2 
 
 284.2
 229.5
Second Senior Lien Notes —$544.2 millionLevel 1 
 
 339.1
 439.7
Unsecured Notes         
Senior Notes—$1.075 billionLevel 1 1,046.8
 1,032.0
 
 
Senior Notes—$400 millionLevel 1 88.5
 88.4
 224.5
 219.6
Senior Notes—$500 millionLevel 1 122.0
 116.9
 235.9
 221.1
Senior Notes—$700 millionLevel 1 138.0
 132.4
 308.2
 283.1
Senior Notes—$800 millionLevel 1 292.6
 249.0
 292.5
 234.7
ABL FacilityLevel 2 
 
 
 
Fair value adjustment to interest rate hedgeLevel 2 1.5
 1.5
 1.9
 1.9
Total long-term debt  $1,689.4
 $1,620.2
 $2,192.6
 $2,224.6
   (In Millions)
   March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Classification 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Long-term debt:         
Secured Notes         
$400 Million 4.875% 2024 Senior NotesLevel 1 $390.8
 $389.0
 $390.3
 $398.0
Unsecured Notes         
$400 Million 5.90% 2020 Senior NotesLevel 1 88.6
 89.1
 88.6
 88.0
$500 Million 4.80% 2020 Senior NotesLevel 1 122.1
 120.3
 122.0
 118.8
$700 Million 4.875% 2021 Senior NotesLevel 1 138.0
 135.4
 138.0
 130.8
$316.25 Million 1.50% 2025 Convertible Senior NotesLevel 1 226.8
 340.0
 224.1
 352.9
$1.075 Billion 5.75% 2025 Senior NotesLevel 1 1,047.9
 1,026.6
 1,047.2
 1,029.3
$800 Million 6.25% 2040 Senior NotesLevel 1 292.7
 251.1
 292.6
 227.1
ABL FacilityLevel 2 
 
 
 
Fair value adjustment to interest rate hedgeLevel 2 1.3
 1.3
 1.4
 1.4
Total long-term debt  $2,308.2
 $2,352.8
 $2,304.2
 $2,346.3
The fair value of long-term debt was determined using quoted market prices based upon current borrowing rates.

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Items Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The following tables present information about the financial assets and liabilities that were measured on a fair value basis at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for the Canadian Entities.basis. The tables also indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques used to determine such fair value.
 (In Millions) (In Millions)
 September 30, 2017 March 31, 2018
Description 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total Total Year-to-Date Gains 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total Total Year-to-Date Loss
Assets:                    
Loans to and accounts receivables from the Canadian Entities $
 $
 $51.9
 $51.9
 $3.3
 $
 $
 $50.4
 $50.4
 $(1.2)
Liabilities:          
Guarantees $
 $
 $
 $
 $31.4
Long-lived assets - Asia Pacific Iron Ore $
 $
 $
 $
 $(2.6)
    
  (In Millions)
  December 31, 2016
Description 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total Total Year-to-Date Gains (Losses)
Assets:          
Loans to and accounts receivables from the Canadian Entities $
 $
 $48.6
 $48.6
 $(17.5)
Liabilities:          
Guarantees $
 $
 $37.2
 $37.2
 $0.4
We determined the fair value and recoverability of our Canadian investments by comparing the estimated fair value of the remaining underlying assets of the Canadian Entities to remaining estimated liabilities. We recorded the Canadian denominated guarantees at book value, which best approximated fair value, and adjusted the carrying balance on a quarterly basis based on the change in foreign exchange rates.
We previously recorded liabilities of $37.2 million related to guarantees for certain environmental obligations of the Canadian Entities, classified as Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of December 31, 2016. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Wabush Scully Mine was sold as part of the ongoing CCAA proceedings. As part of the transaction, we were required to fund the buyer's financial assurance shortfall of $7.7 million in order to complete the conveyance of the environmental remediation obligations to the buyer, which released us from our guarantees, and along with other current period activity, resulted in a net gain of $31.4 million included in Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations.
  (In Millions)
  December 31, 2017
Description 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets/
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total Total Year-to-Date Gains
Assets:          
Loans to and accounts receivables from the Canadian Entities $
 $
 $51.6
 $51.6
 $3.0
Liabilities:          
Guarantees $
 $
 $
 $
 $31.4
To assess the fair value and recoverability of the accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities, we estimated the fair value of the underlying net assets of the Canadian Entities available for distribution to their creditors in relation to the estimated creditor claims and the priority of those claims. These underlying amounts are denominated primarily in Canadian dollars and are remeasured on a quarterly basis.
We determined the fair value and recoverability of our Canadian investments by comparing the estimated fair value of the remaining underlying assets of the Canadian Entities to remaining estimated liabilities. We recorded the Canadian denominated guarantees at book value, which best approximated fair value.
Our estimates involve significant judgment and are based on currently available information, an assessment of the validity of certain claims and estimated payments made by the Canadian Entities. Our ultimate recovery is subject to the final liquidation value of the Canadian Entities. Further,
During the final liquidation value and ultimate recoverythree months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded an impairment of $2.6 million for our Asia Pacific Iron Ore reporting segment. Based on the

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creditors anticipated closure of the Canadian Entities, including, if any, to CliffsAsia Pacific Iron Ore operations, we stated the value of these assets within Property, plant and various subsidiaries, may impact our estimates of liability exposure described previously.equipment at their estimated fair value.
NOTE 79 - PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and OPEB plans, primarily consisting of retiree healthcare benefits, to most employees in the United StatesU.S. as part of a total compensation and benefits program. We do not have employee retirement benefit obligations at our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations. The defined benefit pension

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plans largely are noncontributory and benefits generally are based on a minimum formula or employees’ years of service and average earnings for a defined period prior to retirement.
On January 1, 2018, we adopted the amendments to ASC 715 regarding the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. We retrospectively adopted the presentation of service cost separate from the other components of net periodic costs. Service costs are classified within Cost of goods sold and operating expenses, Selling, general and administrative expenses and Miscellaneous – net while the interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs, net remeasurement, and other costs are classified within Other non-operating income in our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations.
The following are the components of defined benefit pension and OPEB costs and credits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:credits:
Defined Benefit Pension Costs
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Service cost$3.4
 $4.2
 $12.9
 $13.2
$4.7
 $4.8
Interest cost7.9
 7.8
 22.9
 22.7
7.6
 7.5
Expected return on plan assets(13.8) (13.6) (40.9) (41.0)(15.0) (13.5)
Amortization:          
Prior service costs0.6
 0.5
 1.9
 1.6
0.5
 0.6
Net actuarial loss6.1
 5.4
 16.7
 15.9
5.3
 5.3
Net periodic benefit cost$4.2
 $4.3
 $13.5
 $12.4
$3.1
 $4.7
Other Postretirement Benefits Credits
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Service cost$0.3
 $0.4
 $1.3
 $1.3
$0.5
 $0.5
Interest cost1.9
 2.3
 6.2
 6.8
2.1
 2.1
Expected return on plan assets(4.4) (4.3) (13.3) (12.8)(4.6) (4.4)
Amortization:          
Prior service credits(0.8) (0.9) (2.3) (2.8)(0.8) (0.7)
Net actuarial loss0.9
 1.7
 3.4
 4.5
1.2
 1.2
Net periodic benefit credit$(2.1) $(0.8) $(4.7) $(3.0)$(1.6) $(1.3)
Based on funding requirements, we made pension contributions of $19.7 million and $22.0$2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, respectively, compared to no pension contributions of $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017. OPEB contributions are typically made on an annual basis in the first quarter of each year, but due to plan funding requirements being met, no OPEB contributions were required or made for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

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NOTE 810 - STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Employees’ Plans
On June 26, 2017, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors approved a grant under the A&R 2015 Equity Plan to the Chief Executive Officer for the performance period commencing June 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2019. Shares granted under the awards consisted of 0.5 million restricted share units and 0.2 million performance shares.
On February 21, 2017,2018, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors approved grants under the A&R 2015 Equity Plan to certain officers and employees for the 20172018 to 20192020 performance period. Shares granted under the awards consisted of 0.60.7 million restricted sharestock units and 0.60.7 million performance shares.
Restricted sharestock units granted during 20172018 are subject to continued employment, are retention based will vest December 31, 2019, and are payable in common shares or cash at a time determined by the Compensation and Organization Committee at its discretion. The outstanding restricted stock units that were granted in 2018 cliff vest on December 31, 2020.

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Performance shares are subject to continued employment, and each performance share, if earned, entitles the holder to receivebe paid out in common shares within a range between a threshold and maximum number of our common shares, with the actual number of common shares earned dependent upon whether the Company achievesor cash in certain objectives and performance goals as established by the Compensation and Organization Committee. The performance share grants vest over the performance period. The performance awards granted have a performance condition thatcircumstances. Performance is measured on the basis of relative TSR for the period of January 1, 20172018 to December 31, 2019 and the period of June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, for the February 21, 2017 and the June 26, 2017 grants, respectively,2020 and measured against the constituents of the S&P Metals and Mining ETF Index and the SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF Index, respectively, at the beginning of the relevant performance period. The final payoutpayouts for the outstanding performance period grants will vary from zero to 200% of the original grant.grant depending on whether and to what extent the Company achieves certain objectives and performance goals as established by the Compensation Committee.
Determination of Fair Value
The fair value of each performance share grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation to forecast relative TSR performance. A correlation matrix of historic and projected stock prices was developed for both the Company and our predetermined peer group of mining and metals companies. The fair value assumes that performance goals will be achieved.
The expected term of the grant represents the time from the grant date to the end of the service period for each of the plan agreements.period. We estimate the volatility of our common shares and that of the peer group of mining and metals companies using daily price intervals for all companies. The risk-free interest rate is the rate at the grant date on zero-coupon government bonds with a term commensurate with the remaining life of the performance period.
The following assumptions were utilized to estimate the fair value for the 20172018 performance share grants:grant:
Grant Date Grant Date Market Price Average Expected Term (Years) Expected Volatility Risk-Free Interest Rate Dividend Yield Fair Value Fair Value (Percent of Grant Date Market Price)
February 21, 2017 $11.67
 2.86 92.1% 1.51% —% $19.69
 168.72%
June 26, 2017 $6.64
 2.51 92.8% 1.45% —% $10.74
 161.75%
Grant Date Grant Date Market Price Average Expected Term (Years) Expected Volatility Risk-Free Interest Rate Dividend Yield Fair Value Fair Value (Percent of Grant Date Market Price)
February 21, 2018 $7.53
 2.86 86.8% 2.42% —% $11.93
 158.43%
NOTE 911 - INCOME TAXES
Our 20172018 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items is approximately negative 1.7%0.1%. The annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35%21% primarily due to the deductions for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion related to U.S. operations and the reversal of valuation allowance from operations in the current year. The 20162017 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items at September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was 0.4%5.4%.

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For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded discrete items that resulted in an income tax expense of $15.7 million and a benefit of $5.9 million and $5.8$0.1 million, respectively. TheseThe current year items relate primarily to the monetization of unused AMT credits upon the filinga $14.5 million reduction of the 2016 U.S. federal incomerefundable AMT credit recorded in Income tax returnreceivable in our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position based on the sequestration guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service during the period ended March 31, 2018. This $14.5 million current year expense is a reduction of an asset and adjustments to reserves for uncertainwill not result in a cash tax positions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, there were discrete items that resulted in an income tax benefit of $2.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively. These items related primarily to prior year adjustments due to a change in estimate of the 2015 net operating loss and corresponding reversal of valuation allowance and quarterly interest accrued on reserves for uncertain tax positions.outlay.

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NOTE 1012 - LEASE OBLIGATIONS
We lease certain mining, production and other equipment under operating and capital leases. The capital leases are for varying lengths, generally at market interest rates and contain purchase and/or renewal options at the end of the terms. Some capital lease payments could be accelerated upon cancellation of certain contracts at Asia Pacific Iron Ore. Our operating lease expense was $1.8 million and $5.3$1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, respectively, compared with $2.2 million and $6.8$1.7 million for the comparable periodsperiod in 2016.2017.
Future minimum payments under capital leases and non-cancellable operating leases atas of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 are as follows:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Capital Leases Operating LeasesCapital Leases Operating Leases
2017 (October 1 - December 31)$6.1
 $1.8
201819.3
 5.9
2018 (April 1 - December 31)$14.7
 $3.3
201910.7
 2.9
12.0
 1.9
20209.7
 2.9
11.0
 1.8
20219.0
 3.0
10.3
 1.8
2022 and thereafter0.7
 
20222.1
 1.8
2023 and thereafter
 7.5
Total minimum lease payments$55.5
 $16.5
$50.1
 $18.1
Amounts representing interest9.0
  7.6
  
Present value of net minimum lease payments1
$46.5
  $42.5
  
      
1 The total is comprised of $17.0 million and $29.5 million classified as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively, in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position at September 30, 2017.
1 The total is comprised of $14.6 million and $27.9 million classified as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively, in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2018.
1 The total is comprised of $14.6 million and $27.9 million classified as Other current liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively, in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2018.
NOTE 1113 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
We had environmental and mine closure liabilities of $216.2$202.5 million and $206.8$200.1 million at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively. The following is a summary of the obligations as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:obligations:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Environmental$2.9
 $2.8
$3.1
 $2.9
Mine closure      
U.S. Iron Ore1
195.0
 187.8
170.7
 168.4
Asia Pacific Iron Ore18.3
 16.2
28.7
 28.8
Total mine closure213.3
 204.0
199.4
 197.2
Total environmental and mine closure obligations216.2
 206.8
202.5
 200.1
Less current portion10.8
 12.9
21.3
 3.6
Long-term environmental and mine closure obligations$205.4
 $193.9
$181.2
 $196.5
      
1 U.S. Iron Ore includes our active operating mines, our indefinitely idled Empire mine and a closed mine formerly operating as LTVSMC.
1 U.S. Iron Ore includes our active operating mines, our indefinitely idled Empire mine and a closed mine formerly operating as LTVSMC.
1 U.S. Iron Ore includes our active operating mines, our indefinitely idled Empire mine and a closed mine formerly operating as LTVSMC.
As of March 31, 2018, we reclassified $17.7 million of our mine closure liability from long-term Environmental and mine closure obligations to Other current liabilities based on our plan to begin reclamation activities at Asia Pacific Iron Ore later this year.
Mine Closure
The accrued mine closure obligation for our active mining operations provides for contractual and legal obligations

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associated with the eventual closure of the mining operations. The accretion of the liability and amortization of the related asset is recognized over the estimated mine lives for each location.

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The following represents a roll forward of our asset retirementmine closure obligation liability for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2016:2017:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period$204.0
 $230.4
Mine closure obligation at beginning of period$197.2
 $204.0
Accretion expense11.1
 14.0
2.7
 14.9
Remediation payments(3.2) (2.2)(0.1) (5.6)
Exchange rate changes1.4
 (0.2)(0.5) 1.5
Revision in estimated cash flows
 (38.0)0.1
 (17.6)
Asset retirement obligation at end of period$213.3
 $204.0
Mine closure obligation at end of period$199.4
 $197.2
For the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, the revisionsrevision in estimated cash flows recorded during the year relatedrelates primarily to revisions in the timingupdates to our estimates resulting from our three-year in-depth review of the estimated cash flows related to twoour mine closure obligations for each of our U.S. mines. The primary driver of the decrease in estimated cash flows was the Empire mine, asset retirementas the mine closure obligation was reduced by $29.6$26.2 million as a result of the further refinement of the timing of cash flows required for reclamation, remediation and structural removal. Prior estimates were based on RS Means (a common costing methodology used in the construction and demolition industry) costing data while the current estimate was compiled using a downward revisionmore detailed cost build-up approach. The overall decrease in estimated cash flows for our U.S. Iron Ore mines was offset partially by an increase in costs of estimated asset retirement$10.1 million relating to the refinement of expected costs related to technology associated with required storm water management systems expected to be implemented. Additionally, during 2016, a new economic reserve estimate was completed for United Taconite, increasing salable product reserves by 115 million long tons and consequently significantly increasingincurred at the life-of-mine plan, resulting in a $9.2 million decrease in the asset retirement obligation.end of life of mine at our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations.
NOTE 1214 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20162017 was $2.0 million and related to our U.S. Iron Ore operating segment.
Other Intangible Assets
The following table is a summary of definite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:assets:
   (In Millions)
   September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Classification 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
PermitsOther non-current assets $78.9
 $(26.1) $52.8
 $78.4
 $(24.6) $53.8
   (In Millions)
   March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Classification 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
PermitsOther non-current assets $78.8
 $(28.9) $49.9
 $78.8
 $(26.5) $52.3
Amortization expense relating to other intangible assets was $0.5$2.6 million and $1.5$0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017,, respectively, and is recognized in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. Amortization expense relating to other intangible assets was $1.2 million and $3.8 million for the comparable periods in 2016. Amortization expense of other intangible assets is expected to continue to be immaterial going forward.

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NOTE 1315 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the fair value of our derivative instruments and the classification of each in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:Position:
 (In Millions) (In Millions)
 Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Derivative Instrument 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:            
Commodity Contracts $
 $
 Other current liabilities $0.2
 Other current liabilities $0.3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:        
Customer supply agreements Derivative assets $84.8
 Derivative assets $21.3
 $
 $
 Derivative assets $91.2
 Derivative assets $37.9
 $
 $
Provisional pricing arrangements Derivative assets 4.7
 Derivative assets 10.3
 Derivative liabilities 9.3
 Derivative liabilities 0.5
 Derivative assets 2.4
 Derivative assets 1.5
 Other current liabilities 4.2
 Other current liabilities 2.4
Commodity contracts 
 Derivative assets 1.5
 
 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 $89.5
 $33.1
 $9.3
 $0.5
 $93.6
 $39.4
 $4.2
 $2.4
Total derivatives $93.6
 $39.4
 $4.4
 $2.7
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts
As of March 31, 2018, we had outstanding natural gas hedge contracts for a notional amount of 3.5 million MMBtu in the form of forward contracts with varying maturity dates ranging from April 2018 to February 2019. As of December 31, 2017, we had outstanding natural gas hedge contracts for a notional amount of 3.5 million MMBtu in the form of forward contracts with varying maturity dates ranging from January 2018 to November 2018. Changes in fair value of highly effective hedges are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded an unrealized gain of $0.4 million in Other comprehensive income (loss) for changes in the fair value of these instruments and $0.1 million has been reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings. We had no commodity contracts designated as hedge instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Customer Supply Agreements
CertainMost of our U.S. Iron Ore long-term supply agreements are comprised of a base price with annual price adjustment factors. The base price is the primary component of the purchase price for each contract. The indexed price adjustment factors are integral to the iron ore supply contracts and vary based on the agreement, but typically include adjustments based upon changes in the Platts 62% Price, along with pellet premiums, published Platts international indexed freight rates and changes in specified Producer Price Indices, including those for industrial commodities, fuel and steel. The pricing adjustments generally operate in the same manner, with each factor typically comprising a portion of the price adjustment, although the weighting of each factor varies based upon the specific terms of each agreement. In most cases, these adjustment factors have not been finalized at the time our product is sold. In these cases, we historically have estimated the adjustment factors at each reporting period based upon the best third-party information available. The estimates are then adjusted to actual when the information has been finalized. The price adjustment factors have been evaluated to determine if they contain embedded derivatives. The price adjustment factors share the same economic

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characteristics and risks as the host contract and are integral to the host contract as inflation adjustments; accordingly, they have not been separately valued as derivative instruments.
A supply agreement with one U.S. Iron Ore customer provideprovides for supplemental revenue or refunds to the customer based on the customer’s average annual steel pricing or based on the average annual daily steel market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the iron ore product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnace. The supplemental pricing is characterized as a freestanding derivative and is required to be accounted for separately once the product is shipped.delivered. The derivative instrument, which is finalized based on a future price, is adjusted to fair value as a revenue adjustment each reporting period until the pellets are consumed and the amounts are settled.
We recognized a $54.4net derivative revenue of $41.9 million and $123.6$17.8 million net gain in Product revenues in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the supplemental payments. This compares with a net gain in Product revenues of $7.1 million and $26.8 million, for the comparable periods in 2016. Derivative assets, representing the fair value of the supplemental revenue, were $84.8$91.2 million and $21.3$37.9 million as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20162017 in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position, respectively.
Provisional Pricing Arrangements
Certain of our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore customer supply agreements specify provisional price calculations, where the pricing mechanisms generally are based on market pricing, with the final revenue rate to be based on certain market inputs at a specified period in time in the future, per the terms of the supply agreements. Market inputs are tied to indexed price adjustment factors that are integral to the iron ore supply contracts and vary based on the agreement. The pricing mechanisms typically include adjustments based upon changes in the Platts 62% Price, along with pellet premiums, published Platts international indexed freight rates and changes in specified Producer Price Indices, including those for industrial commodities, fuel and steel. The pricing adjustments generally operate in the same manner, with each factor typically comprising a portion of the price adjustment, although the weighting of each factor varies based upon the specific terms of each agreement.
U.S. Iron Ore salesRevenue is recognized generally when iron ore is delivered to our customers. Revenue is measured at the point control transfers and represents the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Changes in the expected revenue rate from the date control transfers through final settlement of contract terms is primarily recognized when cash is received.  For U.S. Iron Ore sales, the difference between the provisionally agreed-upon pricerecorded in accordance with ASC Topic 815 and the estimated final revenue rate is characterized as a freestanding derivative and must be accounted for separately once the provisional revenue has been recognized.  Asia Pacific Iron Ore sales revenue is recorded initially at the provisionally agreed-upon price with the pricing provision embedded in the receivable.  The pricing provision is an embedded derivative that must be bifurcated and accounted for separately from the receivable.separately.  Subsequently, the derivative instruments for both U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore are adjusted

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to fair value through Product revenues each reporting period based upon current market data and forward-looking estimates provided by management until the final revenue rate is determined.
At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we recorded $4.7$2.4 million as Derivative assets and $9.3$4.2 million as derivative liabilities classified as DerivativeOther current liabilities related to our estimate of the final revenue rate with our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore customers in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position. At December 31, 2016,2017, we recorded $10.3$1.5 million as Derivative assets and $0.5$2.4 million as derivative liabilities classified as DerivativeOther current liabilities related to our estimate of the final revenue rate with our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore customers in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position. These amounts represent the difference between the provisional price agreed upon withamount we expect to receive when revenue is initially measured at the point control transfers and our customers based on the supply agreement terms and oursubsequent estimate of the final revenue rate based on the price calculations established in the supply agreements. As a result, weWe recognized a net decreaseincreases of $13.1$3.2 million and $32.9$15.7 million in Product revenues in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to these arrangements. This compares with a net increase

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Table of $4.5 million and $22.9 million in Product revenues for the comparable periods in 2016, respectively.Contents


The following summarizes the effect of our derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:Operations:
(In Millions)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Location of Income (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017
Customer Supply Agreements Product revenues $54.3
 $7.1
 $123.9
 $26.8
 Product revenues $41.9
 $17.8
Provisional Pricing Arrangements Product revenues (13.1) 4.5
 (32.9) 22.9
 Product revenues 3.2
 15.7
Commodity Contracts Cost of goods sold and operating expenses 
 
 (1.3) 
 Cost of goods sold and operating expenses 
 (1.3)
Total $41.2
 $11.6
 $89.7
 $49.7
 $45.1
 $32.2
Refer to NOTE 68 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS for additional information.
NOTE 14 - CAPITAL STOCK
Common Share Public Offering
On February 9, 2017, we issued 63.25 million common shares in an underwritten public offering. We received net proceeds of $661.3 million at a public offering price of $10.75 per common share. The net proceeds from the issuance of our common shares and our issuance of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes were used to redeem in full all of our outstanding 8.00% 1.5 Lien Notes due 2020 and 7.75% Second Lien Notes due 2020. The aggregate principal amount outstanding of debt redeemed was $648.6 million. Additionally, through tender offers, we purchased $422.2 million in aggregate principal amount of debt, excluding unamortized discounts and deferred charges, of our 5.90% Senior Notes due 2020, our 4.80% Senior Notes due 2020 and our 4.875% Senior Notes due 2021. During the second quarter of 2017, we redeemed $35.6 million aggregate principal amount of the 8.25% First Lien Notes due 2020 with the remaining net proceeds from our common share offering.

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NOTE 1516 - SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
The following table reflects the changes in shareholders' deficit attributable to both Cliffsus and the noncontrolling interests, primarily related to Tilden and Empire. Cliffs ownsWe own 100% of both mines as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 85% and 79%, of each mine, respectively, as of September 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
 (In Millions)
 Cliffs
Shareholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 Noncontrolling
Interest (Deficit)
 Total Equity
(Deficit)
December 31, 2016$(1,464.3) $133.8
 $(1,330.5)
Comprehensive loss     
Net income (loss)57.1
 (3.9) 53.2
Other comprehensive income4.2
 1.1
 5.3
Total comprehensive income (loss)61.3
 (2.8) 58.5
Issuance of common shares661.3
 
 661.3
Stock and other incentive plans13.5
 
 13.5
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest(89.1) (15.9) (105.0)
Distribution of partnership equity(16.0) (116.7) (132.7)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 1.8
 1.8
September 30, 2017$(833.3) $0.2
 $(833.1)
 (In Millions)
 Cliffs
Shareholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 Noncontrolling
Interest
 Total Equity
(Deficit)
December 31, 2017$(444.3) $0.2
 $(444.1)
Adoption of accounting standard (Note 2)34.0
 
 34.0
Comprehensive loss     
Net loss(84.3) 
 (84.3)
Other comprehensive income7.7
 
 7.7
Total comprehensive loss(76.6) 
 (76.6)
Stock and other incentive plans1.9
 
 1.9
March 31, 2018$(485.0) $0.2
 $(484.8)
 (In Millions)
 Cliffs
Shareholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 Noncontrolling
Interest (Deficit)
 Total Equity
(Deficit)
December 31, 2015$(1,981.4) $169.8
 $(1,811.6)
Comprehensive income     
Net income95.0
 23.5
 118.5
Other comprehensive income16.8
 2.2
 19.0
Total comprehensive income111.8
 25.7
 137.5
Issuance of common shares315.2
 
 315.2
Stock and other incentive plans10.1
 
 10.1
Distributions of partnership equity
 (48.8) (48.8)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 (2.9) (2.9)
September 30, 2016$(1,544.3) $143.8
 $(1,400.5)
 (In Millions)
 Cliffs
Shareholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 Noncontrolling
Interest
 Total Equity
(Deficit)
December 31, 2016$(1,464.3) $133.8
 $(1,330.5)
Comprehensive loss     
Net loss(28.1) (1.7) (29.8)
Other comprehensive loss(3.0) (5.0) (8.0)
Total comprehensive loss(31.1) (6.7) (37.8)
Issuance of common shares661.3
 
 661.3
Stock and other incentive plans4.0
 
 4.0
March 31, 2017$(830.1) $127.1
 $(703.0)

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The following table reflects the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to Cliffs shareholders’ deficit for September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016:deficit:
 (In Millions)
 Changes in Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits,
net of tax
 Unrealized Net Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2016$(260.6) $239.3
 $(21.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications3.3
 (12.7) (9.4)
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.4
 
 6.4
March 31, 2017$(250.9) $226.6
 $(24.3)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(0.1) (1.5) (1.6)
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.5
 
 6.5
June 30, 2017$(244.5) $225.1
 $(19.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(18.7) 0.5
 (18.2)
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.8
 
 6.8
September 30, 2017$(256.4) $225.6
 $(30.8)

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 (In Millions)
 Changes in Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits,
net of tax
 Unrealized Net Gain on Foreign Currency Translation Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2017$(263.9) $225.4
 $(0.5) $(39.0)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications0.5
 0.7
 0.4
 1.6
Net loss (gain) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.2
 
 (0.1) 6.1
March 31, 2018$(257.2) $226.1
 $(0.2) $(31.3)
 (In Millions)
 Changes in Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits, net of tax Unrealized Net Gain (Loss) on Securities, net of tax Unrealized Net Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2015$(241.4) $0.1
 $220.7
 $2.6
 $(18.0)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(1.5) (0.1) 4.4
 (3.4) (0.6)
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.3
 
 
 
 6.3
March 31, 2016$(236.6) $
 $225.1
 $(0.8) $(12.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(0.4) 
 (2.7) 0.1
 (3.0)
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.3
 
 
 
 6.3
June 30, 2016$(230.7) $
 $222.4
 $(0.7) $(9.0)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(0.5) 
 0.9
 
 0.4
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)6.7
 
 
 0.7
 7.4
September 30, 2016$(224.5) $
 $223.3
 $
 $(1.2)

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 (In Millions)
 Changes in Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits, net of tax Unrealized Net Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2016$(260.6) $239.3
 $(21.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications3.3
 (12.7) (9.4)
Net loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss6.4
 
 6.4
March 31, 2017$(250.9) $226.6
 $(24.3)
The following table reflects the details about Accumulated other comprehensive loss components related to Cliffs shareholders’ deficit for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016:deficit:
  (In Millions)  
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified into Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 2017 2016 2017 2016 
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit liability:          
Prior service credits1
 $(0.2) $(0.4) $(0.4) $(1.2)  
Net actuarial loss1
 7.0
 7.1
 20.1
 20.4
  
Total before taxes 6.8
 6.7
 19.7
 19.2
  
  
 
 
 
 Income tax benefit
  $6.8
 $6.7
 $19.7
 $19.2
  
           
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments:          
Treasury lock $
 $1.2
 $
 $1.2
 Gain (loss) on extinguishment/restructuring of debt
  
 (0.5) 
 (0.5) Income tax benefit
  $
 $0.7
 $
 $0.7
 Net of taxes
           
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $6.8
 $7.4
 $19.7
 $19.9
  
           
1 These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (credit). Refer to NOTE 7 - PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS for further information.
  (In Millions)  
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified into Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 2018 2017 
Amortization of pension and OPEB liability:      
Prior service credits $(0.3) $(0.1) Other non-operating income
Net actuarial loss 6.5
 6.5
 Other non-operating income
  $6.2
 $6.4
 Net of taxes
       
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments:      
Commodity contracts $(0.1) $
 Cost of goods sold and operating expenses
  $(0.1) $
 Net of taxes
       
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $6.1
 $6.4
  

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NOTE 1617 - RELATED PARTIES
One of our four operating U.S. iron ore mines is a co-owned joint venture with companies that are integrated steel producers or their subsidiaries. We are the manager of such co-owned mine and rely on our joint venture partners to make their required capital contributions and to pay for their share of the iron ore pellets that we produce. One of theOur joint venture partners isare also our customer.customers. The following is a summary of the mine ownership of the co-owned iron ore mine at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018:
Mine Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. ArcelorMittal U.S. Steel
Hibbing 23.0% 62.3% 14.7%
DuringProduct revenues from related parties were as follows:
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
Product revenues from related parties$62.1
 $118.5
Total product revenues$220.7
 $412.8
Related party product revenue as a percent of total product revenue28.1% 28.7%
The following table presents the third quarterclassification of related party assets and liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position:
 (In Millions)
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Amounts due from related partiesAccounts receivable, net $7.9
 $68.1
Customer supply agreements and provisional pricing agreementsDerivative assets 91.3
 37.9
Amounts due to related partiesAccounts payable (1.2) 
Amounts due to related partiesPartnership distribution payable (44.2) (44.2)
Amounts due to related partiesOther current liabilities (0.4) (12.3)
Amounts due to related partiesOther liabilities (42.0) (41.4)
Net amounts due from related parties  $11.4
 $8.1
During 2017, our ownership interest in Empire increased to 100% as we reached an agreement to distribute the noncontrolling interest net assets forof $132.7 million to ArcelorMittal, in exchange for its interest in Empire. The net assets were agreed to be distributed in three installments of approximately $44.2 million each, the first of which was paid upon the execution of the agreement and the remaining distributions are due in August 2018 and August 2019. The remaining two outstanding installments each for $44.2 million, are reflected in Other current liabilitiesPartnership distribution payable and Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017. We accounted for the increase in ownership as an equity transaction, which resulted in a $16.0 million decrease in equity attributable to Cliffs' shareholders and a $116.7 million decrease in Noncontrolling interestMarch 31, 2018.
As part of a 2014 extensionA supply agreement between us and ArcelorMittal, which amended certain terms of the Empire partnership agreement, distributions of the partners' equity amounts were required to be made on a quarterly basis beginning in the first quarter of 2015. These equity distributions were made through the termination of the partnership agreement on December 31, 2016. We paid $8.7 million in January 2017 related to 2016 distributions. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded distributions of $7.4 million and $48.8 million, respectively,

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under this agreement of which $41.4 million was paid as of September 30, 2016. In addition, we paid $11.1 million in January 2016 related to 2015 distributions.
During the third quarter of 2017, we acquired U.S. Steel's 15% equity interest in Tilden for $105.0 million. With the closing of this transaction, we now have 100% ownership of Tilden. We accounted for the increase in ownership as an equity transaction, which resulted in an $89.1 million decrease in equity attributable to Cliffs' shareholders and a $15.9 million decrease in Noncontrolling interest.
Product revenues from related parties were as follows:
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Product revenues from related parties$265.5
 $223.4
 $602.4
 $568.4
Total product revenues$627.5
 $508.6
 $1,552.3
 $1,237.0
Related party product revenue as a percent of total product revenue42.3% 43.9% 38.8% 45.9%
The following table presents the classification of related party assets and liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 (In Millions)
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Amounts due from related partiesAccounts receivable, net $4.5
 $46.9
Amounts due from related partiesOther current assets 3.4
 
Customer supply agreements and provisional pricing agreementsDerivative assets 88.5
 26.8
Amounts due to related partiesOther current liabilities (45.3) (8.7)
Amounts due to related partiesDerivative liabilities (5.4) 
Amounts due to related partiesOther liabilities (44.2) 
Net amounts due from related parties  $1.5
 $65.0
Certain supply agreements with one U.S. Iron Ore customer provideprovides for supplemental revenue or refunds to the customer based on the customer’s average annual steel pricing or based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnace. The supplemental pricing is characterized as a freestanding derivative. Refer to NOTE 1315 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS for further information.

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NOTE 1718 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations$20.6
 $(25.1) $66.8
 $119.1
Loss (Income) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest0.5
 2.0
 3.9
 (23.5)
Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders$21.1
 $(23.1) $70.7
 $95.6
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax32.3
 (2.7) (13.6) (0.6)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders$53.4
 $(25.8) $57.1
 $95.0
Loss from Continuing Operations$(84.8) $(30.3)
Loss from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
 1.7
Net Loss from Continuing Operations Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders$(84.8) $(28.6)
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax0.5
 0.5
Net Loss Attributable to Cliffs Shareholders$(84.3) $(28.1)
Weighted Average Number of Shares:          
Basic296.1
 206.3
 285.8
 186.5
297.3
 265.2
Employee Stock Plans5.0
 
 4.7
 2.0

 
Diluted301.1
 206.3
 290.5
 188.5
297.3
 265.2
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Attributable to
Cliffs Common Shareholders - Basic:
       
Loss per Common Share Attributable to
Cliffs Common Shareholders - Basic:
   
Continuing operations$0.07
 $(0.11) $0.25
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
Discontinued operations0.11
 (0.01) (0.05) 

 
$0.18
 $(0.12) $0.20
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Attributable to
Cliffs Common Shareholders - Diluted:
       
Loss per Common Share Attributable to
Cliffs Common Shareholders - Diluted:
   
Continuing operations$0.07
 $(0.11) $0.24
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
Discontinued operations0.11
 (0.01) (0.05) 

 
$0.18
 $(0.12) $0.19
 $0.51
$(0.29) $(0.11)
The diluted earnings per share calculation excludes 3.03.8 million and 4.6 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to equity plan awards that would have been anti-dilutive.
NOTE 1819 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Contingencies
We are currently the subject of, or party to, various claims and legal proceedings incidental to our operations. If management believes that a loss arising from these matters is probable and can reasonably be estimated, we record the amount of the loss or the minimum estimated liability when the loss is estimated using a range, and no point within the range is more probable than another. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary. Based on currently available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, these claims and legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include monetary damages, additional funding requirements or an injunction. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material impact on the financial position and results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs or future periods. However, we do not believe that any pending claims or legal proceedings will result in a material liability in relation to our consolidated financial statements.
Currently, we have recorded a liability in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position related to the following legal matters:
Michigan Electricity Matters. On February 19, 2015, in connection with various proceedings before FERC with respect to certain cost allocations for continued operation of the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette, Michigan, FERC issued an order directing MISO to submit a revised methodology for allocating SSR costs that identified the load serving entities that require the operation of SSR units at the power plant for reliability purposes.  On September 17, 2015, FERC

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issued an order conditionally approving MISO’s revised allocation methodology. On September 22, 2016, FERC denied requests for rehearing of the February 19 order, rejecting arguments that FERC did not have the authority to order refunds in a cost allocation case and to impose retroactive surcharges to effectuate such refunds. FERC, however, suspended any refunds and surcharges pending its review of a July 25, 2016 ALJ initial decision on the appropriate amount of SSR compensation. Should FERC award SSR costs basedThis suspension was ultimately lifted after FERC’s Order on retroactiveInitial Decision of October 19, 2017, affirming in part and reversing in part certain aspects of the ALJ’s decision and FERC’s order on February 28, 2018, directing that refunds and surcharges andbe effectuated over a ten-month period beginning on the amountdate of SSR compensation not be adjusted, ourthe order. Our current estimate of the potential liability to the Empire and Tilden mines is $13.6$13.0 million in the aggregate, based on MISO's June 14, 2016 refund report (as revised in MISO's July 20, 2016 errata refund report)a schedule of anticipated surcharges (including interest) for the Escanaba, White Pine and Presque Isle SSRs.  On November 8, 2016,SSRs from Empire and Tilden's electricity supplier.  Separate from these SSR compensation issues, Tilden and Empire, along with various Michigan-aligned parties, had filed petitions for review of FERC’s order regarding allocation and non-cost SSR issues with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On January 27, 2017, Tilden, Empire and other appellants filed a motion to terminate further abeyance of briefing so that cost allocationOral arguments on those issues could be heard earlier at the Court of Appeals than revenue requirement issues still pending at FERC, which motion was grantedwere completed on April 4, 2017.6, 2018. We will continue to vigorously challenge both the amount of the SSR compensation and the imposition of any retroactive SSR costs before FERC and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. As of September 30, 2017, $13.6March 31, 2018, $13.0 million is included in our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as part of Accrued expenses.
CCAA Proceedings
In January 2015, the Bloom Lake Group commenced CCAA proceedings. Effective January 27, 2015, following the commencement of CCAA filing ofproceedings for the Bloom Lake Group, we deconsolidated the Bloom Lake Group and certain other wholly-owned subsidiaries comprising substantially all of our Canadian operations. Additionally, on May 20, 2015, the Wabush Group commenced CCAA proceedings which resulted in the deconsolidation of the remaining Wabush Group entities that were not previously deconsolidated. As a result of this action, the CCAA protectionsprotection granted to the Bloom Lake Group werewas extended to include the Wabush Group to facilitate the reorganization or divestiture of each of their businesses and operations.
Prior to the deconsolidations, various Cliffscertain of our wholly-owned entitiessubsidiaries made loans to the Canadian Entities for the purpose of funding their operations and had accounts receivable generated in the ordinary course of business. The loans, corresponding interest and the accounts receivable were considered intercompany transactions and eliminated fromin our consolidated financial statements. Since the deconsolidations, the loans, associated interest and accounts receivable are considered related party transactions and have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements at their estimated fair value of $51.9$50.4 million and $48.6$51.6 million classified as Loans to and accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.
During the three months ended June 30, 2017, we became aware that it was probable the Monitor will assert a preference claim of the CCAA estate against the Company. Given that it is probable the claim will be asserted by the Monitor, we have recorded an estimated liability approximately equal to the value of the Company’s related-party claims against the CCAA estate of $50.0 million, classified as Contingent claims in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of September 30, 2017 and included within Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Should the Monitor proceed to assert the claim, we believe the Monitor will demand an amount in excess of the value of Cliffs’ related-party claims against the estate. Thus, it is possible that a change in the estimated liability may occur in the future. Cliffs denies it is liable for any amount and will vigorously defend such claim.
We previously recorded liabilities of $37.2 million related to guarantees for certain environmental obligations of the Canadian Entities, classified as Other liabilities in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of December 31, 2016. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Wabush Scully Mine was sold as part of the ongoing CCAA proceedings. As part of the sale, the environmental remediation obligations were conveyed to the buyer and we were released from our guarantees, which resulted in a net gain of $31.4 million included in Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations.
As of September 30, 2017, substantially allMarch 31, 2018, CCAA proceedings are ongoing and the majority of the assets available toof each of the estateBloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group have been liquidated. The Monitor appointed by the court in the CCAA proceedings are still ongoingfor the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group has conducted a claims process pursuant to which creditors have filed claims against the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group. The Monitor is evaluatingreviewing all claims into the estate including our related-party claims.filed as part of this claims process. Currently, there is uncertainty as to the amount of the distribution that will be made to the creditors of the estate,Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group, including, if any, to Cliffs,us, and whether Cliffswe could be held liable for claims that may be asserted by or on behalf of the Bloom Lake Group or the Wabush Group or by their respective representatives against non-debtor affiliates of the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group.
The net proceeds of sale of the assets of the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group are currently being held by the Monitor. Certain of these funds will be utilized to fund the accrued and ongoing costs of the CCAA proceedings and the remaining funds will be available for distribution to the creditors of the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group.
During 2017, we became aware that it was probable the Monitor will assert a preference claim against us and/or certain of our affiliates. We have an estimated liability of $54.3 million, which includes the value of our related-party claims against the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group, classified as Contingent claims in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of March 31, 2018.
During March 2018, we entered into a restructuring term sheet with the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group, which documents the proposed terms of a plan of compromise or arrangement in the CCAA proceedings (the “Proposed Plan”) to be sponsored by us as negotiated between us and the Monitor. This Proposed Plan requires both creditor and court approval.
Under the terms of this Proposed Plan, we and certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries have agreed to forego the benefit of any distributions or payments we may be entitled to receive as creditors of the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group and to also make a C$5.0 million cash contribution to the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group for distribution to other creditors. It is important to note that the Proposed Plan, as currently drafted, will not resolve certain

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After payment of sale expenses, taxes and repayment of the DIP financing, the net proceeds from the liquidation of assets and certain other divestitures by the Canadian Entities are currently being held by the Monitor, on behalf of the Canadian Entities, to fund the costsemployee claims which have been raised outside of the CCAA proceedings against us and for eventual distributioncertain of our affiliates and which will be addressed separately.
If this Proposed Plan is approved by a majority of the creditors of both the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group, and is also approved by the court in the CCAA proceedings, and is implemented in accordance with its terms, then the Proposed Plan will resolve all of our claims against the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group and all claims by the Bloom Lake Group, the Wabush Group and their respective creditors against us, except as noted above. The net financial impact of the Proposed Plan is materially consistent with amounts previously recorded in our financial statements.
However, if the creditors and the court do not approve the Proposed Plan, it is reasonably possible that future changes to our estimates and the ultimate amount paid on any claims could be material to our results of discontinued operations in future periods. We are not able to reasonably estimate such impact because there would be significant factual and legal issues to be resolved if the Proposed Plan is not approved. We will vigorously defend any claims if the Proposed Plan is not approved and implemented in accordance with its terms.
The motion to authorize the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group to file the Proposed Plan and to schedule meetings of the creditors of the Canadian Entities pending further order ofBloom Lake Group and the Montreal Court.Wabush Group to consider and vote to approve or reject the Proposed Plan was approved by the court on April 20, 2018.
NOTE 1920 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
We have evaluated subsequent events through the date of financial issuance.

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NOTE 21 - SUPPLEMENTARY GUARANTOR INFORMATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.” Certain of our subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") have guaranteed the obligations under the $1.075 billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes issued by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. See NOTE 7 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES for further information.
The following presents the unaudited condensed consolidating financial information for: (i) the Parent Company and the Issuer of the guaranteed obligations (Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.); (ii) the Guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; (iii) the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; (iv) consolidating eliminations; and (v) Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Each Guarantor subsidiary is 100% owned by the Parent Company as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The unaudited condensed consolidating financial information is presented as if the Guarantor structure at March 31, 2018 existed for all periods presented. As a result, the Guarantor subsidiaries within the unaudited condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 include results of subsidiaries that were previously less than wholly-owned and were historically non-guarantors until 100% ownership was obtained.
Each of the Guarantor subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the obligations of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. under the $1.075 billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes. The guarantee of a Guarantor subsidiary will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and such Guarantor subsidiary’s obligations under the guarantee and the related indenture governing the $1.075 billion 5.75% 2025 Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, upon:
(a) any sale, exchange, transfer or disposition of such Guarantor subsidiary (by merger, consolidation, or the sale of) or the capital stock of such Guarantor subsidiary after which the applicable Guarantor subsidiary is no longer a subsidiary of the Company or the sale of all or substantially all of such Guarantor subsidiary’s assets (other than by lease);
(b) upon designation of any Guarantor subsidiary as an “excluded subsidiary” (as defined in the Indenture); and
(c) upon defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.
Each entity in the unaudited consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial information has been presented on the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions, and other changes in equity. Elimination entries include consolidating and eliminating entries for investments in subsidiaries, and intra-entity activity and balances.

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
As of March 31, 2018
(In Millions)
 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS         
CURRENT ASSETS         
Cash and cash equivalents$753.6
 $1.0
 $32.0
 $
 $786.6
Accounts receivable, net5.7
 27.7
 15.9
 (2.1) 47.2
Inventories
 303.2
 21.2
 
 324.4
Supplies and other inventories
 81.4
 0.3
 
 81.7
Derivative assets
 93.6
 
 
 93.6
Loans to and accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities43.5
 6.9
 
 
 50.4
Other current assets15.5
 7.9
 5.1
 
 28.5
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS818.3
 521.7
 74.5
 (2.1) 1,412.4
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET16.2
 956.9
 74.2
 
 1,047.3
OTHER ASSETS         
Deposits for property, plant and equipment
 1.9
 72.2
 
 74.1
Income tax receivable219.9
 
 
 
 219.9
Investment in subsidiaries1,185.7
 27.4
 
 (1,213.1) 
Long-term intercompany notes
 
 242.0
 (242.0) 
Other non-current assets8.9
 97.9
 2.4
 
 109.2
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS1,414.5
 127.2
 316.6
 (1,455.1) 403.2
TOTAL ASSETS$2,249.0
 $1,605.8
 $465.3
 $(1,457.2) $2,862.9
LIABILITIES         
CURRENT LIABILITIES         
Accounts payable$4.6
 $71.8
 $25.2
 $(2.1) $99.5
Accrued expenses11.1
 60.0
 23.3
 
 94.4
Accrued interest28.2
 
 
 
 28.2
Contingent claims54.3
 
 
 
 54.3
Partnership distribution payable
 44.2
 
 
 44.2
Other current liabilities1.8
 63.3
 39.2
 
 104.3
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES100.0
 239.3
 87.7
 (2.1) 424.9
PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES66.1
 429.6
 (244.3) 
 251.4
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
 143.1
 38.1
 
 181.2
LONG-TERM DEBT2,308.2
 
 
 
 2,308.2
LONG-TERM INTERCOMPANY NOTES242.0
 
 
 (242.0) 
OTHER LIABILITIES17.5
 142.9
 21.6
 
 182.0
TOTAL LIABILITIES2,733.8
 954.9
 (96.9) (244.1) 3,347.7
EQUITY         
TOTAL CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT(484.8) 650.9
 562.0
 (1,213.1) (485.0)
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 
 0.2
 
 0.2
TOTAL DEFICIT(484.8) 650.9
 562.2
 (1,213.1) (484.8)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT$2,249.0
 $1,605.8
 $465.3
 $(1,457.2) $2,862.9

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
As of December 31, 2017
(In Millions)
 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS         
CURRENT ASSETS         
Cash and cash equivalents$948.9
 $2.1
 $56.7
 $
 $1,007.7
Accounts receivable, net4.5
 102.9
 33.9
 (0.7) 140.6
Inventories
 138.4
 45.0
 
 183.4
Supplies and other inventories
 88.8
 5.1
 
 93.9
Derivative assets
 37.9
 1.5
 
 39.4
Loans to and accounts receivable from the Canadian Entities44.7
 6.9
 
 
 51.6
Other current assets16.4
 7.5
 4.1
 
 28.0
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS1,014.5
 384.5
 146.3
 (0.7) 1,544.6
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET17.5
 959.0
 74.5
 
 1,051.0
OTHER ASSETS         
Deposits for property, plant and equipment
 1.3
 16.5
 
 17.8
Income tax receivable235.3
 
 
 
 235.3
Investment in subsidiaries1,024.3
 29.9
 
 (1,054.2) 
Long-term intercompany notes
 
 242.0
 (242.0) 
Other non-current assets7.8
 91.7
 5.2
 
 104.7
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS1,267.4
 122.9
 263.7
 (1,296.2) 357.8
TOTAL ASSETS$2,299.4
 $1,466.4
 $484.5
 $(1,296.9) $2,953.4
LIABILITIES         
CURRENT LIABILITIES         
Accounts payable$7.1
 $89.7
 $31.6
 $(0.7) $127.7
Accrued expenses19.0
 59.9
 28.2
 
 107.1
Accrued interest31.4
 
 
 
 31.4
Contingent claims55.6
 
 
 
 55.6
Partnership distribution payable
 44.2
 
 
 44.2
Other current liabilities2.1
 63.5
 20.6
 
 86.2
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES115.2
 257.3
 80.4
 (0.7) 452.2
PENSION AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES66.4
 430.6
 (239.3) 
 257.7
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MINE CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
 140.6
 55.9
 
 196.5
LONG-TERM DEBT2,304.2
 
 
 
 2,304.2
LONG-TERM INTERCOMPANY NOTES242.0
 
 
 (242.0) 
OTHER LIABILITIES15.7
 147.2
 24.0
 
 186.9
TOTAL LIABILITIES2,743.5
 975.7
 (79.0) (242.7) 3,397.5
EQUITY         
TOTAL CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT(444.1) 490.7
 563.3
 (1,054.2) (444.3)
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 
 0.2
 
 0.2
TOTAL DEFICIT(444.1) 490.7
 563.5
 (1,054.2) (444.1)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DEFICIT$2,299.4
 $1,466.4
 $484.5
 $(1,296.9) $2,953.4

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Millions)
 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES         
Product$
 $169.2
 $51.5
 $
 $220.7
Freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements
 10.8
 7.5
 
 18.3
 
 180.0
 59.0
 
 239.0
COST OF GOODS SOLD AND OPERATING EXPENSES
 (118.5) (124.1) 
 (242.6)
SALES MARGIN
 61.5
 (65.1) 
 (3.6)
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE         
Selling, general and administrative expenses(20.1) (4.3) (3.3) 
 (27.7)
Miscellaneous – net(0.2) (5.3) (3.2) 
 (8.7)
 (20.3) (9.6) (6.5) 
 (36.4)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(20.3) 51.9
 (71.6) 
 (40.0)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)         
Interest expense, net(31.9) (0.8) (0.8) 
 (33.5)
Other non-operating income (expense)(0.9) 0.5
 4.8
 
 4.4
 (32.8) (0.3) 4.0
 
 (29.1)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES(53.1) 51.6
 (67.6) 
 (69.1)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE(15.6) (0.1) 
 
 (15.7)
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSS) OF SUBSIDIARIES(15.7) 4.5
 
 11.2
 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(84.4) 56.0
 (67.6) 11.2
 (84.8)
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 
 0.5
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(84.3) $56.2
 $(67.4) $11.2
 $(84.3)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME7.7
 5.9
 0.8
 (6.7) 7.7
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(76.6) $62.1
 $(66.6) $4.5
 $(76.6)

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(In Millions)
 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
REVENUES FROM PRODUCT SALES AND SERVICES         
Product$
 $247.3
 $165.5
 $
 $412.8
Freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements
 38.9
 9.9
 
 48.8
 
 286.2
 175.4
 
 461.6
COST OF GOODS SOLD AND OPERATING EXPENSES
 (237.2) (128.1) 
 (365.3)
SALES MARGIN
 49.0
 47.3
 
 96.3
OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)         
Selling, general and administrative expenses(19.5) (4.4) (3.8) 
 (27.7)
Miscellaneous – net(0.1) (5.5) 17.1
 
 11.5
 (19.6) (9.9) 13.3
 
 (16.2)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(19.6) 39.1
 60.6
 
 80.1
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)         
Interest expense, net(41.6) 
 (1.2) 
 (42.8)
Loss on extinguishment of debt(71.9) 
 
 
 (71.9)
Other non-operating income (expense)(1.0) (0.8) 4.3
 
 2.5
 (114.5) (0.8) 3.1
 
 (112.2)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES(134.1) 38.3
 63.7
 
 (32.1)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)5.2
 (0.8) (2.6) 
 1.8
EQUITY IN INCOME OF SUBSIDIARIES100.4
 3.2
 
 (103.6) 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(28.5) 40.7
 61.1
 (103.6) (30.3)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax0.4
 0.2
 (0.1) 
 0.5
NET INCOME (LOSS)(28.1) 40.9
 61.0
 (103.6) (29.8)
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 1.7
 
 
 1.7
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(28.1) $42.6
 $61.0
 $(103.6) $(28.1)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)(3.0) 10.8
 (17.8) 7.0
 (3.0)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLIFFS SHAREHOLDERS$(31.1) $53.4
 $43.2
 $(96.6) $(31.1)

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Millions)
 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash used by operating activities$(54.7) $(62.8) $(25.4) $
 $(142.9)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
 (8.1) (4.3) 
 (12.4)
Deposits for property, plant and equipment
 (0.8) (58.2) 
 (59.0)
Intercompany investing(137.7) (4.8) 
 142.5
 
Net cash used by investing activities(137.7) (13.7) (62.5) 142.5
 (71.4)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES         
Debt issuance costs(1.5) 
 
 
 (1.5)
Intercompany financing
 75.9
 66.6
 (142.5) 
Other financing activities(1.4) (0.5) (3.6) 
 (5.5)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities(2.9) 75.4
 63.0
 (142.5) (7.0)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
 
 0.2
 
 0.2
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(195.3) (1.1) (24.7) 
 (221.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD948.9
 2.1
 56.7
 
 1,007.7
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD$753.6
 $1.0
 $32.0
 $
 $786.6


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Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(In Millions)
 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities$(99.5) $(19.7) $94.1
 $
 $(25.1)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(0.8) (24.9) (0.2) 
 (25.9)
Deposits for property, plant and equipment
 (2.0) 
 
 (2.0)
Intercompany investing(56.5) (0.5) (45.0) 102.0
 
Other investing activities
 0.5
 
 
 0.5
Net cash used by investing activities(57.3) (26.9) (45.2) 102.0
 (27.4)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES         
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares661.3
 
 
 
 661.3
Proceeds from issuance of debt500.0
 
 
 
 500.0
Debt issuance costs(8.5) 
 
 
 (8.5)
Repurchase of debt(1,115.5) 
 
 
 (1,115.5)
Distributions of partnership equity
 (8.7) 
 
 (8.7)
Intercompany financing45.1
 55.8
 1.1
 (102.0) 
Other financing activities(0.5) (0.7) (4.4) 
 (5.6)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities81.9
 46.4
 (3.3) (102.0) 23.0
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
 
 1.4
 
 1.4
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(74.9) (0.2) 47.0
 
 (28.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD283.4
 2.5
 37.5
 
 323.4
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD$208.5
 $2.3
 $84.5
 $
 $295.3
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors that may affect our future results. We believe it is important to read our MD&A in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 as well as other publicly available information.
Overview
Founded in 1847, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest and oldest independent iron ore mining company in the United States. We are a major supplier of iron ore pellets to the North American steel industry from our mines and pellet plants located in Michigan and Minnesota. Additionally, we operate an iron ore mining complex in Western Australia. By 2020, Cliffs expectswe expect to be the sole producer of HBI in the Great Lakes region with the development of itsour first production plant in Toledo, Ohio. Driven by the core values of safety, social, environmental and capital stewardship, our employees endeavor to provide all stakeholders with operating and financial transparency.
The key driver of our business is demand for steelmaking raw materials from U.S. steelmakers. During the first ninetwo months of 2017,2018, the U.S. produced approximately 6113 million metric tons of crude steel, which is up 3% when compared to the same period in 2016, or about 5% of total global crude steel production.production, which is in line with the same period in 2017. U.S. total steel capacity utilization was approximately 75% in the first ninetwo months of 2017, which is an approximate 3% increase from2018, consistent with the same period in 2016.2017. Additionally, in the first ninetwo months of 2017,2018, China produced approximately 639137 million metric tons of crude steel, or approximately 50%about 49% of total global crude steel production. These figures represent an approximate 6% increase in Chinese crude steel production when compared to the same period in 2016.2017. Through the first ninetwo months of 2017,2018, global crude steel production increased about 6%4% compared to the same period in 20162017.

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The Platts 62% Price increased 35%decreased 13% to an average price of $73$74 per metric ton for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, compared to the respectivesame period of 2016. Additionally, the average daily U.S. Midwest market price for hot-rolled coil steel increased 19% to an average price of $623 per net ton for the nine months ended September 30,in 2017. Volatility in the spotiron ore price impacts our realized revenue rates at each of our segments to varying extents, asbut our revenue realizations are not fully correlated. Pricing mechanisms in our U.S. Iron Ore contracts correlate to bothreference this metric, but our prices are somewhat protected from the Platts 62% Price andvolatility given that it is just one of many of the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel, along with other items. Ourinputs used in contract pricing formulas. Asia Pacific Iron Ore contracts heavily correlaterevenue rates do not see a full correlation to the Platts 62% Price though somewhat distorted due to the discounts attributable toon the lower iron content of the ore sold there.
We recognize the volatility of iron ore supply-demand dynamics and that changes in behaviors of the major iron ore producers and/or Chinese steelmakers could either lift or put pressure on iron ore prices in the near term. During the first nine months of 2017, we were generally pleased with both the signs of supply discipline from the majors and record levels of Chinese steel production. However, if Chinese steel capacity decreases during the winter months are not counterbalanced with corresponding supply decreases, prices could face headwinds.
We have also noticedcontinue to observe vastly improved demand for higher grade iron ore products, typically those of benchmark grade (62% iron content) and above, as Chinese mills put more emphasis on the more productive and environmentally friendly nature of these ores. Assuming the margins at Chinese mills remain strong and the government continues to clampcrack down on pollution, we believe that the mills will continue to favor benchmark quality ore, placing additional pricing pressure on lower quality ore.
This flight to quality has also manifested itself in increased pellet premiums during the first three months of 2018. The Atlantic Basin pellet premium, another important pricing factor in our U.S. Iron Ore contracts, averaged $58 per metric ton for the first three months of 2018, a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2017. We believe this market will remain tight during 2018, especially with recent labor disputes at a major pelletizing operation in Eastern Canada. We believe this scarcity will support these multi-year high premiums for pellet products.
The price for domestic hot-rolled coil steel, throughwhich is an important attribute in the calculation of supplemental revenue in one of our customer's supply agreement, averaged $757 per net ton for the first ninethree months of the year was 19%2018, 20% higher compared tothan the same period last year. DespiteThe price of steel was impacted positively in the decreasefirst quarter by healthy U.S. manufacturing activity, limited imports, and inflation on major steel input costs. Furthermore, during the quarter the U.S. Department of Commerce recommended restrictions on imported steel and aluminum under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, on the basis of national security. In response to this recommendation, the President ultimately instituted a 25% tariff on steel imports into the United States, with exemptions for certain allies. Because the United States is the largest importer of steel in U.S. automobile demand this year, the world, we believe these tariffs should not only alleviate some national security concerns, but also keep the prices for domestic price environment has recovered due to supply-side discipline and an improved energy sector. In addition,hot-rolled coil steel market reformelevated above historical averages for as long as the tariffs remain in China has kept foreign steel prices high, thus making imports less attractive.place. As a result,such, we remain positive on our outlook on this market, especially given the January 2018 report deadline for the Section 232 investigation announced in April 2017. We remain confident that some level of restrictive import measure will be recommended, which could lead to more favorable market dynamics.domestic steel market.
For the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, our consolidated revenues were $698.4$239.0 million and $553.3$461.6 million, respectively, with net income from continuing operations per diluted share of $0.07 and net loss from continuing operations per diluted share of $0.29 and $0.11, respectively. Net income from continuing operations was negatively impacted as a result of losses on extinguishment/restructuring of debt of $88.6Despite having significantly lower sales volume at our U.S. Iron Ore segment, sales margin increased for the segment during the quarter when compared to the same period in 2017. However, total sales margin decreased by $99.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 when compared to losses on extinguishment/restructuringthe same period in 2017, due to our Asia Pacific Iron Ore segment which realized lower revenue rates, lower sales volumes and incurred certain charges as a result of debtour current mine plan, which anticipates the closure of $18.3 millionthe Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations by June 30, 2018.
First Quarter 2018 Recent Developments
On April 6, 2018, we committed to a course of action expected to lead to the permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations and expect our final Asia Pacific Iron Ore shipment to occur by June 30, 2018. Factors considered in this decision include increasingly discounted prices for lower-iron-content ore, the quality of the remaining iron ore reserves at Asia Pacific Iron Ore and the lack of a commercially reasonable offer from a qualified buyer. Upon the completion of shipping activity, expected in the three months ended September 30, 2016. Sales margin increased by $74.8 millionsecond quarter of 2018, this business will be treated as a discontinued operation and no longer included in continuing business results.
We estimate total costs that will be incurred in connection with the closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations of approximately $140 to $170 million. This amount does not include previously accrued asset retirement obligations, release of cumulative translation adjustments or any proceeds we expect to receive from asset sales, such as rail cars, mobile equipment and the ore handling facility. The expected costs of implementing this closure primarily consist of potential contract termination costs in the three months ended September 30, 2017range of $60 to $70 million; employee severance obligations, demobilization and other closure-related costs of $30 to $40 million; and non-cash asset impairments and write-offs of $50 to $60 million. We expect that the majority of these charges will be recorded in the first half of 2018. Of the total charges expected to be incurred, we anticipate future cash expenditures of approximately $120 to $140 million, including certain capital lease liabilities previously recorded. This range of cash expenditures also excludes any proceeds we may receive from asset sales and other mitigation strategies, to the extent successful.
During the first quarter of 2018, we amended and restated our senior secured ABL Facility, extending its maturity to the earlier of February 28, 2023 or 60 days prior to the maturity of certain other material debt, and introducing several

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when comparedimprovements from the previous facility, which was put into place in March 2015. The changes were introduced in alignment with our vastly improved financial condition since the initial facility was adopted, while continuing to provide us with the financial flexibility needed to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives. In the amended and restated ABL Facility, the overall size of the credit facility was reduced from $550 million to $450 million and borrowing costs and unused commitment fees were also reduced.
During March 2018, we entered into a restructuring term sheet with the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group, which documents the proposed terms of a plan of compromise or arrangement in the CCAA proceedings (the “Proposed Plan”) to be sponsored by us as negotiated between us and the Monitor. This Proposed Plan requires both creditor and court approval.
Under the terms of this Proposed Plan, we and certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries have agreed to forego the benefit of any distributions or payments we may be entitled to receive as creditors of the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group and to also make a C$5.0 million cash contribution to the same period in 2016, primarily drivenBloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group for distribution to other creditors. It is important to note that the Proposed Plan, as currently drafted, will not resolve certain employee claims which have been raised outside of the CCAA proceedings against us and certain of our affiliates and which will be addressed separately.
If this Proposed Plan is approved by a majority of the creditors of both the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group, and is also approved by the increasecourt in revenue from higher overall average realized product revenue rates acrossthe CCAA proceedings, and is implemented in accordance with its terms, then the Proposed Plan will resolve all of our operationsclaims against the Bloom Lake Group and higher sales volumes at our U.S. Iron Ore operations.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017Wabush Group and 2016, our consolidated revenues were $1,729.3 million and $1,355.0 million, respectively, with net income from continuing operations per diluted share of $0.24 and $0.51, respectively. Net income from continuing operations was negatively impacted as a result of losses on extinguishment/restructuring of debt of $165.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, while the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was positively impacted as a result of gains on extinguishment/restructuring of debt of $164.1 million. Sales margin increased by $193.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016, primarily drivenall claims by the increaseBloom Lake Group, the Wabush Group and their respective creditors against us, except as noted above. The net financial impact of the Proposed Plan is materially consistent with amounts previously recorded in revenue from higher overall average realized product revenue rates across all of our operationsfinancial statements.
However, if the creditors and higher sales volumes at our U.S. Iron Ore operations.
Third Quarter 2017 Recent Developments
During the third quarter of 2017, we completed an issuance of $575 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 1, 2025. This issuance constitutes an additioncourt do not approve the Proposed Plan, it is reasonably possible that future changes to our $500 million aggregate principalestimates and the ultimate amount paid on any claims could be material to our results of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 1, 2025, issueddiscontinued operations in the first quarter of 2017.future periods. We used the net proceeds from the additional issuanceare not able to redeem all of our outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes due 2020, which was $504.4 million of aggregate principal amount.
Our ownership interest in Empire increased to 100% as we reached an agreement to distribute the noncontrolling interest net assets for $132.7 million to ArcelorMittal in exchange for its interest in Empire. The net assets were agreedreasonably estimate such impact because there would be significant factual and legal issues to be distributedresolved if the Proposed Plan is not approved. We will vigorously defend any claims if the Proposed Plan is not approved and implemented in three installments of approximately $44.2 million,accordance with its terms.
The motion to authorize the first of which was paid uponBloom Lake Group and the executionWabush Group to file the Proposed Plan and to schedule meetings of the agreementcreditors of the Bloom Lake Group and the remaining distributions are due in August 2018Wabush Group to consider and August 2019.
We also acquiredvote to approve or reject the 15% equity interest in Tilden ownedProposed Plan was approved by U.S. Steel for $105.0 million. With the closing of this transaction, we now have 100% ownership of Tilden, which will provide an additional 1.2 million long tons of annual pellet production capacity starting in 2018, and an additional 55 million long tons of proven and probable crude ore reserves.
We renamed the Company to its historical name Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.  The name change was part of the celebration of the 170th anniversary of the Company.  As we reached this milestone and looked ahead to our next era of growth in the United States, we decided to return to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. — a name synonymous with our core U.S. iron ore business.court on April 20, 2018.
Business Segments
Our company’s primary continuing operations are organized and managed according to geographic location: U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore.
Results of Operations – Consolidated
20172018 Compared to 20162017
The following is a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:operations:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
 2017 2016 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
2018 2017 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Revenues from product sales and services$698.4
 $553.3
 $145.1
 $1,729.3
 $1,355.0
 $374.3
$239.0
 $461.6
 $(222.6)
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses(538.2) (467.9) (70.3) (1,328.3) (1,147.2) (181.1)(242.6) (365.3) 122.7
Sales margin$160.2
 $85.4
 $74.8
 $401.0
 $207.8
 $193.2
$(3.6) $96.3
 $(99.9)
Sales margin %22.9% 15.4% 7.5% 23.2% 15.3% 7.9%(1.5)% 20.9% (22.4)%

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Revenues from Product Sales and Services
The increasedecrease in Revenues from product sales and services of $118.9$192.1 million or 23.4%46.5%, excluding the increasedecrease in freight and reimbursements of $26.2$30.5 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 from the comparable period in 20162017 was driven by an increasea decrease in the realized revenue ratesales volume of 23.1% or $100.51.5 million long tons totaling $119.7 million from our U.S. Iron Ore operations. Additionally, increased iron ore sales volumes of 0.6 million long tons in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 from our U.S. Iron Ore operations positively increased revenue by $41.5 million. These increases were offset partially by theand a decrease in sales volume of 0.61.4 million metric tons or a decrease in revenue of $25.6totaling $76.5 million from our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior-year period.
The increase in Revenues from product sales and services of $315.3 million or 25.5%, excluding the increase in freight and reimbursements of $59.0 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016 was driven by an increase inoperations. In addition, our realized revenue rate of 17.0%decreased 42.8% or $173.3 million and 9.6% or $35.0 million for our U.S. Iron Ore operations and Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations, respectively. Additionally, increased iron ore sales volumes of 1.9 million long tons in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 from our U.S. Iron Ore operations positively increased revenue by $150.2 million. These increases were offset partially by the decrease in sales volume of 0.9 million metric tons or a decrease in revenue of $42.3$40.9 million from our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior-year period.operations. These decreases were offset partially by an increase in our realized revenue rate of 32.4% or $41.5 million from our U.S. Iron Ore operations.
Cost of Goods Sold and Operating Expenses
The increasedecrease in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses of $44.1$92.2 million or 10.4%29.1%, excluding the increasedecrease in freight and reimbursements of $26.2$30.5 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 from the comparable period in 20162017 was primarily due to increased production cost rateslower sales volume across all operations that resulted in increaseddecreased costs of $39.9 million and increased sales volumes from our U.S. Iron Ore operations that resulted in $31.2 million of additional costs. These increases were$154.2 million. This decrease was offset partially by inventory lower iron ore sales volumesof cost or net realizable value and impairment charges of $22.1 million and $18.9 million, respectively, from our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations during the third quarter compared to the prior-year period that resulted in lower costs of $21.4 million and incrementally lower idle costs in our U.S. Iron Ore operations of $9.4 million.
The increase in Cost of goods sold and operating expenses of $122.1 million or 11.9%, excluding the increase in freight and reimbursements of $59.0 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016 was primarily due to increased sales volumes from our U.S. Iron Ore operations that resulted in $108.3 million of additional costs and increased production cost rates across all operations that resulted in increased costs of $93.5 million. These increases were offset partially by incrementally lower idle costs in our U.S. Iron Ore operations of $54.6 million and lower iron ore sales volumes from our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior-year period that resulted in lower costs of $34.8 million.operations.
Refer to “Results of Operations – Segment Information” for additional information regarding the specific factors that impacted our revenue and operating results during the period.
Other Operating Income (Expense)
The following is a summary of Other operating income (expense):
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$(27.7) $(27.7) $
Miscellaneous – net(8.7) 11.5
 (20.2)
 $(36.4) $(16.2) $(20.2)
The following is a summary of Miscellaneous – net:
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017 Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Foreign exchange remeasurement$(0.3) $13.6
 $(13.9)
Empire idle costs(4.9) (6.8) 1.9
Impairment(2.6) 
 (2.6)
Other(0.9) 4.7
 (5.6)
 $(8.7) $11.5
 $(20.2)
Miscellaneous – net decreased by $20.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
 2017 2016 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$(24.6) $(31.1) $6.5
 $(77.8) $(81.8) $4.0
Miscellaneous - net(5.9) (19.6) 13.7
 3.0
 (16.9) 19.9
 $(30.5) $(50.7) $20.2
 $(74.8) $(98.7) $23.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $6.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively,March 31, 2018, from the comparable periodsperiod in 2016. The favorable variance for2017. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, there was driven by $3.5an incrementally unfavorable impact of $13.9 million due to a change in foreign exchange remeasurement of union signing bonuses in theintercompany loans.

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prior-year periods, which was not repeated in the 2017 periods. In addition, external services costs decreased by $2.0 million and $4.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the prior-year periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, these favorable variances were offset partially by HBI project spending of $2.2 million and increased employment costs of $1.0 million.
The following is a summary of Miscellaneous - net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
 2017 2016 Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Foreign exchange remeasurement$(2.4) $(0.3) $(2.1) $11.2
 $(1.2) $12.4
Management and royalty fees1.6
 0.9
 0.7
 4.8
 6.8
 (2.0)
Empire idle costs(5.2) (8.2) 3.0
 (17.7) (8.2) (9.5)
Michigan Electricity Matters accrual
 (12.4) 12.4
 
 (12.4) 12.4
Other0.1
 0.4
 (0.3) 4.7
 (1.9) 6.6
 $(5.9) $(19.6) $13.7
 $3.0
 $(16.9) $19.9
Miscellaneous - net improved by $13.7 million and $19.9 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, from the comparable periods in 2016. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, there was an incrementally favorable consolidated impact of $12.4 million related to the FERC ruling on the Michigan Electricity Matters that was recorded in the third quarter of 2016. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there was an incrementally favorable impact of $12.4 million due to the change in foreign exchange remeasurement of short-term intercompany loans and cash and cash equivalents, offset partially by an increase in Empire idle costs as the mine was indefinitely idled during August 2016.
Other Income (Expense)
The following is a summary of Other income (expense) expensefor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016::
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
 2017 2016 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
2018 2017 
Variance
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Interest expense, net$(28.9) $(48.7) $19.8
 $(103.1) $(156.2) $53.1
$(33.5) $(42.8) $9.3
Gain (loss) on extinguishment/restructuring of debt(88.6) (18.3) (70.3) (165.4) 164.1
 (329.5)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (71.9) 71.9
Other non-operating income0.8
 0.1
 0.7
 2.3
 0.4
 1.9
4.4
 2.5
 1.9
$(116.7) $(66.9) $(49.8) $(266.2) $8.3
 $(274.5)$(29.1) $(112.2) $83.1
Interest expense, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 had a favorable variance of $19.8$9.3 million and $53.1 million, respectively, versus the comparable prior-year periods,period, predominantly as a result of the debt restructuring activities that occurred throughout 2017. These debt restructurings resulted in a net reduction of the outstanding principal balance of our secured and unsecured senior notes and lowered our effective interest rate.rate and extended our debt maturities.
The loss on extinguishment/restructuringextinguishment of debt of $71.9 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2017 was $165.4 millionprimarily related to the repurchase of certain of our unsecured senior notes and the redemption in full of all of our outstanding secured1.5 lien notes compared to a gain of $164.1 million related to the issuance of our 1.5 Lien Notes through the exchange offer on March 2, 2016.
Refer to NOTE 5 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES for further discussion.

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and second lien notes.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is impacted by permanent items, such as depletion and the relative mix of income we earn in various foreign jurisdictions with tax rates that differ from the U.S. statutory rate. It also is affected by discrete items that may occur in any given period but are not consistent from period to period. The following represents a summary of our tax provision and corresponding effective rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:rates:
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2017 2016 Variance 2017 2016 Variance
Income tax benefit$7.6
 $7.1
 $0.5
 $6.8
 $1.7
 $5.1
Effective tax rate(58.5)% 22.1% (80.6)% (11.3)% (1.5)% (9.8)%
A reconciliation of the statutory rate to the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:
 (In Millions)
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
Tax at U.S. statutory rate of 35%$21.0
 35.0 % $41.1
 35.0 %
Increases/(Decreases) due to:       
Percentage depletion(21.6) (36.0) (21.9) (18.7)
Worthless stock deduction
 
 (45.4) (38.7)
State taxes1.1
 1.8
 2.7
 2.4
Impact of foreign operations3.8
 6.3
 (0.9) (0.8)
Non-taxable income related to noncontrolling interest0.4
 0.7
 (4.3) (3.7)
Valuation allowance build (reversal) on current year operations(5.7) (9.4) 28.4
 24.2
Other items - net
 (0.1) 0.8
 0.7
Income tax expense (benefit) and effective income tax rate before discrete items(1.0) (1.7) 0.5
 0.4
Discrete Items:       
Valuation allowance (reversal) on prior year assets
 
 (23.9) (20.4)
Tax uncertainties(1.2) (1.9) 0.7
 0.6
Prior-year adjustments made in current year(4.6) (7.7) 21.0
 17.9
Income tax benefit and effective income tax rate including discrete items$(6.8) (11.3)% $(1.7) (1.5)%
 (In Millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 2017 Variance
Income tax benefit (expense)$(15.7) $1.8
 $(17.5)
Effective tax rate(22.7)% 5.6% (28.3)%
Our tax provision for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was a benefitan expense of $6.8$15.7 million and a negative 11.3%22.7% effective tax rate compared with a benefit of $1.7$1.8 million and a negative 1.5%positive 5.6% effective tax rate for the comparable prior-year period. The difference in the effective rate and income tax expense from the comparable prior-year period is primarily related to discrete items recorded in each period.
For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded discrete items that resulted in an income tax expense of $15.7 million and a benefit of $5.9 million and $5.8$0.1 million, respectively. TheseThe current year items relate primarily to the monetization of unused AMT credits upon the filinga $14.5 million reduction of the 2016 U.S. federal incomerefundable AMT credit recorded in Income tax returnreceivable in our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position based on the sequestration guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service during the period ended March 31, 2018. This $14.5 million current year expense is a reduction of an asset and adjustments to reserves for uncertainwill not result in a cash tax positions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, there were discrete items that resulted in an income tax benefit of $2.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively. These items related primarily to prior year adjustments due to a change in estimate of the 2015 net operating loss and corresponding reversal of valuation allowance and quarterly interest accrued on reserves for uncertain tax positions.outlay.
Our 20172018 estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items is negative 1.7%0.1%. This estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35%21% primarily due to the deductions for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion related to U.S. operations and the reversal of valuation allowance from operations in the current year.

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Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax
During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Wabush Scully Mine was sold as part of the ongoing CCAA proceedings. As part of this transaction, we were required to fund the buyer's financial assurance shortfall of $7.7 million in order to complete the conveyance of the environmental remediation obligations to the buyer, which released us from our guarantees and resulted in a net gain of $31.4 million in Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $13.6 million, primarily due to recording an estimated liability of $50.0 million related to the probable assertion of a preference claim against the Company which is classified as Contingent claims in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position, partially offset by the gain discussed above. We recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $2.7 million and $0.6 million, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Refer to NOTE 18 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES for additional information.
Noncontrolling Interest
During the third quarter of 2017, our ownership interest in Empire increased to 100% as we reached an agreement to distribute the noncontrolling interest net assets for $132.7 million to ArcelorMittal in exchange for its interest in Empire. The agreement had no direct impact on the Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations. However, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Empire mine was indefinitely idled resulting in a loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest of $3.9 million. In comparison, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Empire mine was operating and had income of $23.5 million attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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Results of Operations – Segment Information
We evaluate segment performance based on sales margin, defined as revenues less cost of goods sold and operating expenses identifiable to each segment. Additionally, we evaluate performance on a segment basis, as well as a consolidated basis, based on EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures allow management and investors to focus on our ability to service our debt as well as illustrate how the business and each operating segment are performing. 

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Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist management and investors in their analysis and forecasting as these measures approximate the cash flows associated with operational earnings.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(In Millions)(In Millions)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Net Income (Loss)$52.9
 $(27.8) $53.2
 $118.5
Net Loss$(84.3) $(29.8)
Less:          
Interest expense, net(28.9) (48.7) (103.1) (156.2)(33.5) (42.8)
Income tax benefit7.6
 7.1
 6.8
 1.7
Income tax benefit (expense)(15.7) 1.8
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(21.5) (26.8) (66.3) (88.9)(23.9) (23.2)
EBITDA$95.7
 $40.6
 $215.8
 $361.9
$(11.2) $34.4
Less:          
Gain (loss) on extinguishment/restructuring of debt$(88.6) $(18.3) $(165.4) $164.1
Inventory impairments$(18.9) $
Impairment of long-lived assets(2.6) 
Severance and retention costs(1.5) 
Impact of discontinued operations0.5
 0.5
Foreign exchange remeasurement(2.4) (0.3) 11.2
 (1.2)(0.3) 13.6
Impact of discontinued operations32.3
 (2.7) (13.6) (0.6)
Severance and contractor termination costs
 
 
 (0.1)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (71.9)
Adjusted EBITDA$154.4
 $61.9
 $383.6
 $199.7
$11.6
 $92.2
          
EBITDA:          
U.S. Iron Ore$168.9
 $61.1
 $381.8
 $196.6
$72.5
 $57.9
Asia Pacific Iron Ore2.3
 21.2
 54.9
 69.6
(63.7) 51.4
Other(75.5) (41.7) (220.9) 95.7
(20.0) (74.9)
Total EBITDA$95.7
 $40.6
 $215.8
 $361.9
$(11.2) $34.4
          
Adjusted EBITDA:          
U.S. Iron Ore$174.2
 $65.3
 $399.8
 $208.6
$77.1
 $64.1
Asia Pacific Iron Ore4.9
 23.7
 61.7
 73.2
(39.6) 53.8
Other(24.7) (27.1) (77.9) (82.1)(25.9) (25.7)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$154.4
 $61.9
 $383.6
 $199.7
$11.6
 $92.2
EBITDA increased $55.1 million and decreased $146.1$45.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 on a consolidated basis from the comparable periods in 2016. In the third quarter of 2017, EBITDA was favorably impacted by an increase in sales margin of $74.8 million compared to the prior-year period and a net gain from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $32.3 million. These increases were offset partially by an incrementally negative impact of $70.3 million from debt extinguishment/restructuring activities during the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior-year period.2017. The unfavorable variance in EBITDA for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was driven primarily by an incrementally negative impacta decrease in sales margin of $329.5$112.4 million from debt extinguishment/restructuring activitiesour Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations compared to the prior-year period, offset partially by the negative impact of $71.9 million from debt extinguishment activities during the prior-year period and an increase in sales margin of $193.2$12.5 million from our U.S. Iron Ore operations compared to the prior-year period.

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Adjusted EBITDA increased $92.5 million and $183.9decreased $80.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 from the comparable period in 2016.2017. The increasedecrease primarily was attributable to higher consolidatedthe lower sales marginsmargin of $74.8$112.4 million and $193.2 millionfrom our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to the prior-year periods.period, offset partially by Asia Pacific Iron Ore impairments of $21.5 million which are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Refer to further detail below for additional information regarding the specific factors that impacted each reportable segment's sales margin during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017.

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20172018 Compared to 20162017
U.S. Iron Ore
The following is a summary of U.S. Iron Ore results for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:results:
 (In Millions) (In Millions)
   Changes due to:     Changes due to:  
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 Sales volume Idle cost/production volume variance Freight and reimburse-ment Total change Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 Sales volume Freight and reimburse-ment Total change
 2017 2016  2018 2017 
Revenues from product sales and services $596.7
 $428.3
 $100.5
 $41.5
 $
 $26.4
 $168.4
 $180.0
 $286.2
 $41.5
 $(119.7) $(28.0) $(106.2)
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses (439.5) (361.8) (29.5) (31.2) 9.4
 (26.4) (77.7) (118.5) (237.2) (5.1) 95.8
 28.0
 118.7
Sales margin $157.2
 $66.5
 $71.0
 $10.3
 $9.4
 $
 $90.7
 $61.5
 $49.0
 $36.4
 $(23.9) $
 $12.5
 (in Millions) (in Millions)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Per Ton Information 2017 2016 Difference Percent change 2018 2017 Difference Percent change
Realized product revenue rate1
 $90.50
 $73.50
 $17.00
 23.1 % $105.03
 $79.35
 $25.68
 32.4 %
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate1,2
 60.87
 57.37
 3.50
 6.1 % 57.05
 58.37
 (1.32) (2.3)%
Depreciation, depletion & amortization 2.81
 3.56
 (0.75) (21.1)% 9.81
 5.26
 4.55
 86.5 %
Total cost of goods sold and operating expenses rate 63.68
 60.93
 2.75
 4.5 % 66.86
 63.63
 3.23
 5.1 %
Sales margin $26.82
 $12.57
 $14.25
 113.4 % $38.17
 $15.72
 $22.45
 142.8 %
                
Sales tons3 (In thousands)
 5,863
 5,287
     1,611
 3,118
    
Production tons3 (In thousands)
                
Total 6,048
 5,722
     5,890
 5,814
    
Cliffs’ share of total 4,265
 3,857
     4,500
 4,277
    
                
1 Excludes revenues and expenses related to domestic freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin. Revenues and expenses also exclude venture partner cost reimbursements.
1 Excludes revenues and expenses related to domestic freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin. Revenues and expenses also exclude venture partner cost reimbursements, where applicable.
1 Excludes revenues and expenses related to domestic freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin. Revenues and expenses also exclude venture partner cost reimbursements, where applicable.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
3 Tons are long tons.
3 Tons are long tons.
3 Tons are long tons.
Sales margin for U.S. Iron Ore was $157.2$61.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared with $66.5$49.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. Sales margin per long ton increased 113.4%142.8% to $26.82 during$38.17 in the first three months ended September 30, 2017,of 2018 compared to the first three months ended September 30, 2016.of 2017.
Revenue increaseddecreased by $142.0$78.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the prior-year period, excluding the freight and reimbursements increasedecrease of $26.4$28.0 million, driven by:
Lower sales volume of 1.5 million long tons, which resulted in decreased revenues of $120 million predominantly due to:
Lower carry-over tonnage from the prior-year nomination of 0.7 million long tons during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the prior year period; and
The adoption of Topic 606 resulted in a reduction of 0.6 million long tons during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the prior-year period as discussed further in NOTE 2 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS.
AnThis decrease was offset partially by an increase in the average year-to-date realized product revenue rate of $17$26 per long ton or 23.1%32.4% during the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in the previous year, which resulted in an increase of $101$42 million. This is predominantly due to:

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An increase related to supplemental revenue associated with prior-period sales tons that were not consumed during 2017, and therefore are valued based on the 2018 estimated average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel as final pricing is determined in the year the iron ore is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. The increase to the 2018 estimated average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel positively affected the realized revenue rate by $17 per long ton or $28 million.
Platts 62% Price,related pricing for carry-over tonnage and for tons priced on a lag basis was more favorable during the three months ended March 31, 2018 than the prior-year period, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $9$5 per long ton or $55$8 million, despite the decrease in Platts 62% Price;
Changes in customer and contract mix, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $5 per long ton or $8 million; and
Higher pellet premiums, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $5$3 per long ton or $31 million; and
An increase in the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $5 per long ton or $30$4 million.
These increases were offset partially by higher index freight rates, a component in some of our contract pricing formulas, which negatively affected the realized revenue rate by $4$2 per long ton or $22$3 million.
Higher sales volumes of 0.6 million long tons, which resulted in increased revenue of $42 million. This is predominantly due to:
Increased demand from a customer during the third quarter of 2017, providing additional sales volume of 0.7 million long tons, compared to the prior-year period when the customer had sufficient inventory due to the idle of one of its facilities and additional suppliers;
Increased exports as a result of advantageous market pricing during the third quarter of 2017, providing additional sales volume of 0.5 million long tons, compared to the prior-year period; and
Increased demand from a customer during the third quarter of 2017, providing additional sales volume of 0.3 million long tons, due to the customer's lack of storage space in the prior-year period.
These increases were offset partially due to engaging in no spot contracts during the third quarter of 2017, resulting in a decrease in sales volume of 0.9 million long tons compared to the prior-year period.
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses increased $51.3decreased $90.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, excluding the freight and reimbursements increasedecrease of $26.4$28.0 million, compared to the same period in 2016,2017. This was predominantly as a result of:
Higher spending on repairs and maintenance of $15 million or $3 per long ton, higher profit sharing and benefita decrease in sales volume as discussed above, which decreased costs of $10$96 million or $2 per long ton, and higher energy rates for natural gas, diesel and electricityperiod-over-period.
Production
Our share of $5 million or $1 per long ton; and
Increased sales volumesproduction in the U.S. Iron Ore segment increased by 5.2% in the first three months of 0.62018 when compared to the same period in 2017. The increase in production volume primarily is attributable to incremental tonnage of 0.2 million long tons which resulted in increased costs of $31 million period-over-period.
Partially offset by decreased costs of $9 million or $2 per long ton due to the idleas a result of the United Taconite and Northshore mines duringincrease in ownership of the prior-year period comparedTilden mine to 100% in the 2017 period.third quarter of 2017.

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2017 Compared to 2016
U.S. Iron Ore
The following is a summary of U.S. Iron Ore results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
  (In Millions)
    Changes due to:  
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 Sales volume Idle cost/production volume variance Freight and reimburse-ment Total change
  2017 2016     
Revenues from product sales and services $1,354.2
 $975.5
 $173.3
 $150.2
 $
 $55.2
 $378.7
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses (1,004.4) (825.8) (69.7) (108.3) 54.6
 (55.2) (178.6)
Sales margin $349.8
 $149.7
 $103.6
 $41.9
 $54.6
 $
 $200.1
  (in Millions)
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Per Ton Information 2017 2016 Difference Percent change
Realized product revenue rate1
 $89.91
 $76.82
 $13.09
 17.0 %
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate1,2
 59.86
 57.89
 1.97
 3.4 %
Depreciation, depletion & amortization 3.73
 5.74
 (2.01) (35.0)%
Total cost of goods sold and operating expenses rate 63.59
 63.63
 (0.04) (0.1)%
Sales margin $26.32
 $13.19
 $13.13
 99.5 %
         
Sales tons3  (In thousands)
 13,291
 11,343
    
Production tons3 (In thousands)
        
Total 18,353
 16,622
    
Cliffs’ share of total 13,233
 11,059
    
         
1 Excludes revenues and expenses related to domestic freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin. Revenues and expenses also exclude venture partner cost reimbursements.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
3 Tons are long tons.
Sales margin for U.S. Iron Ore was $349.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with $149.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Sales margin per long ton increased 99.5% to $26.32 in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.
Revenue increased by $323.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the prior-year period, excluding the freight and reimbursements increase of $55.2 million, predominantly due to:
An increase in the average year-to-date realized product revenue rate of $13 per long ton or 17.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in the previous year, which resulted in an increase of $173 million. This is predominantly due to:
An increase in Platts 62% Price, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $11 per long ton or $146 million;
An increase in the average annual daily market price and customer pricing for hot-rolled coil steel, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $6 per long ton or $78 million; and
Higher pellet premiums, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $5 per long ton or $63 million.

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These increases were offset partially by changes in customer and contract mix and carryover pricing impacts, which negatively affected the realized revenue rate by $6 per long ton or $84 million; and
Higher index freight rates, a component in some of our contract pricing formulas, which negatively affected the realized revenue rate by $3 per long ton or $38 million.
Higher sales volumes of 1.9 million long tons, which resulted in increased revenues of $150 million predominantly due to:
Increased demand from a customer during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, providing additional sales volume of 1.8 million long tons, compared to the prior-year period when the customer had sufficient inventory due to the idle of one of its facilities and additional suppliers;
Additional sales volume of 1.7 million long tons to a customer in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the prior-year period due to timing of shipments, increased demand due to higher operational levels in the current year and higher inventory levels in the prior year; and
Increased demand from a customer during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, providing additional sales volume of 1.2 million long tons, resulting from the fourth quarter of 2015 termination of its contract, which was then reinstated and became effective during the first quarter of 2017.
These increases were offset partially due to engaging in no spot contracts with two customers during the third quarter of 2017, resulting in a decrease in sales volume of 2.1 million long tons compared to the prior-year period; and
Decreased sales from a customer due to timing and a transitioning to our Mustang pellet, resulting in a decrease in sales volume of 0.9 million long tons compared to the prior-year period.
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses increased $123.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, excluding the freight and reimbursements increase of $55.2 million, compared to the same period in 2016, predominantly as a result of:
Increased sales volumes as discussed above which resulted in increased costs of $108 million period-over-period; and
Higher spending on repairs and maintenance of $33 million or $3 per long ton, higher profit sharing and benefit costs of $22 million or $2 per long ton, and higher energy rates for natural gas, diesel and electricity of $12 million or $1 per long ton.
These increases were offset partially by decreased idle costs of $55 million or $4 per long ton due to the idle of the United Taconite and Northshore mines during the prior-year period.
Production
Cliffs' share of production in its U.S. Iron Ore segment increased by 19.7% in the first nine months of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. The increase in production volume primarily is attributable to all mining facilities fully operating compared to the various idled operations during the previous-year period. United Taconite was fully operating during the first nine months of 2017, adding an incremental 3.1 million long tons of production, compared to the previous year's production levels as a result of being idled until it was restarted again in August 2016. Secondly, Northshore added incremental tonnage of 2.0 million long tons during the first nine months of 2017, when it was substantially at full production, compared to its previous year's production tonnage when it was fully idled for the first four months of 2016. These production gains were offset partially by the indefinite idle of the Empire mine in August 2016, lowering production by 2.7 million long tons, compared to the prior-year period when the mine was operating.

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Asia Pacific Iron Ore
The following is a summary of Asia Pacific Iron Ore results for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
  (In Millions)
    Change due to:  
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 Sales volume Exchange rate Freight and reimburse-ment Total change
  2017 2016     
Revenues from product sales and services $101.7
 $125.0
 $2.3
 $(25.6) $0.2
 $(0.2) $(23.3)
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses (98.7) (106.1) (10.4) 21.4
 (3.8) 0.2
 7.4
Sales margin $3.0
 $18.9
 $(8.1) $(4.2) $(3.6) $
 $(15.9)
  (in Millions)
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
    
Per Ton Information 2017 2016 Difference Percent change
Realized product revenue rate1
 $43.36
 $42.87
 $0.49
 1.1 %
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate1,2
 40.54
 33.87
 6.67
 19.7 %
Depreciation, depletion & amortization 1.48
 2.25
 (0.77) (34.2)%
Total cost of goods sold and operating expenses rate 42.02
 36.12
 5.90
 16.3 %
Sales margin $1.34
 $6.75
 $(5.41) (80.1)%
         
Sales tons3 (In thousands)
 2,235
 2,799
    
Production tons3 (In thousands)
 2,477
 2,968
    
         
1 The information above excludes revenues and expenses related to freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.

3 Tons are metric tons.
Sales margin for Asia Pacific Iron Ore decreased to $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with $18.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Sales margin per metric ton decreased 80.1% to $1.34 during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Revenue decreased $23.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the prior-year period, excluding the freight and reimbursements decrease of $0.2 million, predominantly due to:
Decreased sales volume of 0.6 million metric tons, or 20.2%, to 2.2 million metric tons in the third quarter of 2017, compared to the prior-year period. The decrease was driven primarily by lower production volumes, a result of operational decisions reflecting current market conditions and quality ore availability which resulted in decreased revenue of $26 million compared to the prior-year period.
This decrease was offset partially by an increase in average year-to-date realized product revenue of $0.49 per metric ton or 1.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in the previous year, which resulted in an increase of $2.5 million, including the impact of foreign exchange. This increase is predominantly a result of:
An increase in the Platts 62% Price, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $12 per metric ton or $26 million.

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This increase was offset partially by a decrease in revenue rate of $11 per metric ton or $24 million due to price and quality adjustments to meet market conditions and to compensate for varying quality ores and a reduction in iron content.
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses decreased $7.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, excluding the freight and reimbursements decrease of $0.2 million, predominantly as a result of:
Decreased sales volume of 0.6 million metric tons as discussed above which resulted in decreased costs of $21 million period-over-period.
This decrease was offset partially by an increase in production costs of $10 million or $5 per metric ton, predominantly due to increased mining costs driven by a higher strip ratio, higher logistic costs driven by increased freight rates, and higher administrative costs; and
Unfavorable foreign exchange rate variances of $4 million or $2 per metric ton.
Asia Pacific Iron Ore
The following is a summary of Asia Pacific Iron Ore results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:results:
 (In Millions) (In Millions)
   Change due to:     Change due to:  
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 Sales volume Exchange rate Freight and reimburse-ment Total change Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Revenue
and cost rate
 Sales volume Exchange rate Freight and reimburse-ment Total change
 2017 2016  2018 2017 
Revenues from product sales and services $375.1
 $379.5
 $35.0
 $(42.3) $(0.9) $3.8
 $(4.4) $59.0
 $175.4
 $(40.9) $(76.5) $3.5
 $(2.5) $(116.4)
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses (323.9) (321.4) (23.8) 34.8
 (9.7) (3.8) (2.5) (124.1) (128.1) (53.2) 58.4
 (3.7) 2.5
 4.0
Sales margin $51.2
 $58.1
 $11.2
 $(7.5) $(10.6) $
 $(6.9) $(65.1) $47.3
 $(94.1) $(18.1) $(0.2) $
 $(112.4)
 (in Millions) (in Millions)
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    
Per Ton Information 2017 2016 Difference Percent change 2018 2017 Difference Percent change
Realized product revenue rate1
 $46.03
 $41.99
 $4.04
 9.6 % $31.10
 $54.35
 $(23.25) (42.8)%
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate1,2
 37.98
 33.11
 4.87
 14.7 % 66.36
 37.27
 29.09
 78.1 %
Depreciation, depletion & amortization 1.46
 2.21
 (0.75) (33.9)% 4.05
 1.54
 2.51
 163.0 %
Total cost of goods sold and operating expenses rate 39.44
 35.32
 4.12
 11.7 % 70.41
 38.81
 31.60
 81.4 %
Sales margin $6.59
 $6.67
 $(0.08) (1.2)% $(39.31) $15.54
 $(54.85) (353.0)%
                
Sales tons3 (In thousands)
 7,763
 8,705
     1,656
 3,043
    
Production tons3 (In thousands)
 7,910
 8,575
     1,637
 2,671
    
                
1 The information above excludes revenues and expenses related to freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin.
1 The information above excludes revenues and expenses related to freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin.
1 The information above excludes revenues and expenses related to freight, which are offsetting and have no impact on sales margin.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
2 Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" for reconciliation in dollars back to our consolidated financial statements.
3 Tons are metric tons.
3 Tons are metric tons.
3 Tons are metric tons.
Sales margin for Asia Pacific Iron Ore decreased to $51.2was negative $65.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared with $58.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Sales marginor negative $39.31 per metric ton, decreased 1.2% to $6.59 for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared towith sales margin of $47.3 million or $15.54 per metric ton, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

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Revenue decreased $8.2$113.9 million in the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the prior-year period, excluding the freight and reimbursements increasedecrease of $3.8$2.5 million, predominantly due to:
Decreased sales volume of 0.91.4 million metric tons, or 10.8%45.6%, to 7.81.7 million metric tons during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in tons sold was driven by lower production, as discussed below, which limited our ability to engage in short-term contract sales and resulted in decreased revenue of $42$77 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, compared to the prior-year period.
ThisA decrease was offset partially by an increase in the average year-to-date realized product revenue rate of $4$23 per metric ton or 9.6%42.8% during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in the previous year, which resulted in an increasea decrease of $34$37 million, including the impact of foreign exchange. This increasedecrease is predominantly a result of:
An increase in the Platts 62% Price, which positively affected the realized revenue rate by $18 per metric ton or $141 million.
This increase was offset partially by aA decrease in revenue rate of $10$13 per metric ton or $79$21 million due to price and quality adjustments to meet market competition for lower grade ore and to compensate for varying quality oresore and a reduction in iron content; and
Higher average Western Australia to China freight rates, a componentA decrease in some of our contract pricing formulas, unfavorablythe Platts 62% Price, which negatively affected the realized revenue rate by $3$11 per metric ton or $21$18 million.

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Cost of goods sold and operating expenses decreased $1.3$1.5 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2016,2017, excluding the freight and reimbursements increasedecrease of $3.8$2.5 million, predominantly as a result of:
A decrease in sales volume of 0.91.4 million metric tons, which decreased costs by $35$58 million.
This decrease was offset partially by an increase in production costs of $24$53 million or $3$32 per metric ton, predominantly due to increased mining costs driven by the following changes associated with our commitment to a higher strip ratio and increased administrative costs; and
Unfavorable foreign exchange rate variancescourse of $10 million or $1 per metric ton.action expected to lead to the permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations:
A lower of cost or net realizable value adjustment of $22 million or $13 per metric ton, to reduce work-in process and finished goods inventory to the future expected realized revenue rate;
An inventory impairment charge of $15 million or $9 per metric ton, for inventory not expected to be sold prior to the closure of operations; and
An increase to the supply inventory reserve of $4 million or $3 per metric ton.
Increased depreciation, depletion and amortization expense driven by the shortened remaining mine life.
Production
Production at our Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining complex decreased by 7.8%38.7% or 0.71.0 million metric tons during the first ninethree months of 20172018 compared to the same period in 2016 driven2017. On April 6, 2018, we committed to a course of action expected to lead to the permanent closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations and expect our final Asia Pacific Iron Ore shipment to occur by operational decisionsJune 30, 2018. The increasingly discounted prices for lower iron content ore and the quality of the remaining iron ore reserves put significant pressure on production volumes and were significant factors in reaching the decision to reflect current market conditions and quality ore availability.close these operations.
Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity areCash and cash equivalents and cash generated from our operating and financing activities. Our capital allocation decision-making process is focused on improvingmaintaining the strength of our balance sheet and creating financial flexibility to manage through the inherent cyclical demand for our products and volatility in commodity prices. We are focused on the preservation of liquidity in our business through maximizing the cash generation of our operations as well as reducingactively managing operating costs, aligning capital investments with our strategic priorities and the requirements of our business plan, including regulatory and permission-to-operate related projects, and managing SG&A expenses.
During the ninefirst three months ended September 30, 2017,of 2018, we took action consistent with our capital allocation priorities and our stated objective of improving the strength of our balance sheet. Throughsheet, improving our financial flexibility and executing on opportunities that will allow us to increase our long-term profitability. We have remained focused on protecting our core U.S. Iron Ore business based on our plan to allocate capital to both sustaining our existing operations and our two major expansion projects: the issuanceHBI plant in Toledo, Ohio and the upgrades at the Northshore plant to enable it to produce significantly increased levels of common shares in an underwritten public offering resulting in net proceedsDR-grade pellets. We held a ground breaking event on April 5, 2018 to celebrate the start of $661.3 million and two debt offerings for an aggregate principal amount of $1.075 billion, we extinguished $1.611 billionconstruction of our existing debt, thereby loweringfirst HBI production plant, as we have made our total debt by $503.2 million, decreasingfirst major deposit for that project in the first quarter of 2018. Additionally, we have employed a strategy to mitigate our overall average interest ratecosts as we begin to 5.71% and extending our debt maturities.permanently close the Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations.
Based on our outlook for the next twelve12 months, which is subject to continued changing demand from steel makerssteelmakers that utilize our products and volatility in iron ore and domestic steel prices, we expect to generate cash from operations sufficient to meet the needs of our existing operations, including closure costs associated with our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations and to service our debt obligations. However,
We estimate total cash outflows of approximately $120 to $140 million will be incurred in connection with the closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore mining operations. This amount does not include asset retirement obligation spend or any cash inflows we do not anticipate generatingmay receive from asset sales, such as rail cars, mobile equipment and the ore handling facility. These future expected cash from operations sufficientoutflows primarily consist of potential contract termination costs in the range of $60 to meet the additional capital spend$70 million; employee severance obligations, demobilization and other closure-related costs of $30 to $40 million; and payments associated with capital lease liabilities that could be accelerated upon cancellation of certain contracts of $30 to $40 million. We expect that the HBI project. We have several options available to us to address this potential shortfall, includingmajority of these cash outflows will be incurred in the cash on our balancenext eighteen months.

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sheet, availability under our ABL Facility, access to capital markets or by obtaining a partner or partners for the HBI project.
Refer to “Outlook” for additional guidance regarding expected future results, including projections on sales volume and production.
The following discussion summarizes the significant activities impacting our cash flows during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 as well as known expected impacts to our future cash flows over the next 12 months. Refer to the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows for additional information.
Operating Activities
Net cash providedused by operating activities was $206.7$142.9 million and $72.1$25.1 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively. The increase in cash providedused by operating activities in the first ninethree months of 20172018 was primarily due to the improvedunfavorable operating results previously discussed related toin our U.S.Asia Pacific Iron Ore operating segment offset partially by cash outflows for working capital. The working capital change for the first nine months of 2017 versus the first nine months of 2016 was primarily driven by the timing of inventory and accounts receivable movements.segment.
We believe we have sufficient capital resources for the next 12 months to support our operations and other financial obligations through cash generated from operations and our financing arrangements augmented by our efficient tax structure that allows us to repatriate cash from our foreign operations, if necessary. Our U.S. cash and cash equivalents balance at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $200.9$755.7 million, or approximately 77.0%96.1% of our consolidated total cash and cash equivalents balance of $260.8$786.6 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities was $84.4$71.4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared with $39.5$27.4 million for the comparable period in 2016.2017. We spent approximately $34$12 million and $31$28 million globally on expenditures related to sustaining capital during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively. Sustaining capital spend includes infrastructure, mobile equipment, environment, safety, fixed equipment, product quality and health. Additionally, during the first ninethree months of 2017,2018, we spenthad cash outflows, including deposits of approximately $40$58 million on our capital project to produce a specialized, super-flux pellet called "Mustang" at United Taconitedevelopment of the HBI production plant in order to meet a customer's pellet specification requirements. We have spent a total of approximately $72 million on the project to date and expect the remaining payments of $4 million to be paid during the fourth quarter of 2017.Toledo, Ohio.
In alignment with our strategy to prioritize our capital allocation between liquidity management and business investment, weWe anticipate total cash used for capital expenditures, excluding amounts attributable to construction-related contingencies and capitalized interest, during the next twelve months to be approximately $270 million, the vast majority of which relates to our U.S. operations.$420 million. Included within this estimate is approximately $130$100 million for sustaining capital, $250 million related to development of the HBI production plant in Toledo, Ohio and $40$70 million for upgrades at the Northshore plant to enable it to produce significantly increased levels of DR-grade pellets that could be sold commercially or used as feedstock for the HBI production plant. In total, we expect to spend approximately $700 million on the HBI production plant and $75$90 million on the Northshore upgrades, exclusive of construction-related contingencies and capitalized interest, through 2020.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities in the first ninethree months of 20172018 was $188.6$7.0 million, compared to $186.0net cash provided by financing activities of $23.0 million for the comparable period in 2016.2017. Uses of cash for financing activities during the first ninethree months of 2017 included2018 primarily related to the redemptionrepayment of various tranches of secured and unsecured debt. We redeemed in full all of our outstanding 8.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2020, 8.00% 1.5 Lien Notes due 2020 and 7.75% Second Lien Notes due 2020 and purchased certain other outstanding senior notes through tender offers and redemptions. The total aggregate principal amount of debt redeemed and purchased, including premiums, during the first nine months of 2017 was $1.721 billion. To fund the redemptions mentioned above, we utilizedlease liabilities.
Net cash provided by financing activities duringfor the first ninethree months of 2017 which included a common sharean equity offering, generating net proceeds of $661.3 million. Additionally, we issued $500.0 million and the issuance of $1.075 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025, which provided further net proceeds of approximately $1.046 billion.
Additionally, we finalized an agreement$491.5 million. The proceeds from these offerings were used to distribute the net assetsredeem in full all of the noncontrolling interest in Empireour outstanding 8.00% 1.5 lien notes due 2020 and 7.75% second lien notes due 2020 and to ArcelorMittal in exchange for its interest in Empirepurchase certain other outstanding senior notes through tender offers. The total debt redeemed and madepurchased through tender offers during the first distributionquarter of approximately $44.2 million. The remaining annual installments of $44.2 million are due in August 2018 and August 2019. We also acquired the remaining 15% equity interest in Tilden owned by U.S. Steel for $105.02017 was $1,115.5 million.

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Net cash used by financing activities in the first nine months of 2016, included paying off the remaining balance of our Canadian equipment loans of $95.6 million, making distributions of partnership equity of $52.5 million and redeeming all of our outstanding senior notes due 2018 for $301.0 million, which was offset partially by net proceeds from the issuance of common shares of $287.6 million.
Capital Resources
The following represents a summary of key liquidity measures as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:measures:
(In Millions)(In Millions)
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Cash and cash equivalents$260.8
 $323.4
$786.6
 $1,007.7
      
Available borrowing base on ABL Facility1
$254.2
 $333.0
$314.1
 $273.2
ABL Facility loans drawn
 

 
Letter of credit obligations and other commitments(45.0) (106.0)(46.6) (46.5)
Borrowing capacity available$209.2
 $227.0
$267.5
 $226.7
      
1 The ABL Facility has a maximum borrowing base of $550 million, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
1 The ABL Facility had a maximum borrowing base of $450 million and $550 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
1 The ABL Facility had a maximum borrowing base of $450 million and $550 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, determined by applying customary advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, inventory and certain mobile equipment.
Our primary sources of funding are cash on hand, which totaled $260.8$786.6 million as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, cash generated by our business and availability under the ABL Facility. The combination of cash and availability under the ABL Facility gives us $470.0$1,054.1 million in liquidity entering the fourthsecond quarter of 2017,2018, which is expected to be adequate to fund operations, letter of credit obligations, sustaining and expansion capital expenditures and other cash commitments for at least the next 12 months.
As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with the ABL Facility liquidity requirements and, therefore, the springing financial covenant requiring a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 was not applicable. We believe that the cash on hand and the ABL Facility provide us sufficient liquidity to support our operating, investing and financing activities. We have the capability to issue additional unsecured notes and, subject to the limitations set forth in our existing debt indentures, additional secured indebtedness, if we elect to access the debt capital markets. However, available capacity of these notes could be limited by market conditions.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain arrangements that are not reflected on our Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Position. These arrangements include minimum "take or pay" purchase commitments, such as minimum electric power demand charges, minimum coal, diesel and natural gas purchase commitments, minimum railroad transportation commitments and minimum port facility usage commitments; financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, such as bank letters of credit and bank guarantees; and operating leases, which relate primarily to equipment and office space.
Market Risks
We are subject to a variety of risks, including those caused by changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We have established policies and procedures to manage such risks; however, certain risks are beyond our control.
Pricing Risks
Commodity Price Risk
Our consolidated revenues include the sale of iron ore pellets, iron ore lump and iron ore fines. Our financial results can vary significantly as a result of fluctuations in the market prices of iron ore and hot-rolled coil.coil steel. World market prices for these commodities have fluctuated historically and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control. The world market price that is most commonly utilized in our iron ore sales contracts is the Platts 62% Price, which can fluctuate widely due to numerous factors, such as global economic growth or contraction, change in demand for steel

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or changechanges in availability of supply. The other important metric in our price realizations in the U.S. is the price for domestic hot-rolled coil steel, which can fluctuate due to similar factors.

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Customer Supply Agreements
CertainA supply agreementsagreement with one U.S. Iron Ore customer provideprovides for supplemental revenue or refunds based on the customer’s annual steel pricing or the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel at the time the iron ore product is consumed in the customer’s blast furnaces. In the new contract that commenced in 2017, this supplemental revenue and refund data source changes from the customer's average annual steel price to an average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel. At September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, we had derivative assets of $84.8$91.2 million, representing the fair value of the pricing factors, based upon the amount of unconsumed long tons and an estimated average hot-rolled coil steel price related to the period in which the iron ore is expected to be consumed in the customer's blast furnaces, subject to final pricing at a future date. We estimate that a $75 positive or negative change in the customer's average hot-rolled coil steel price or the average daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel realized in the fourth quarter of 2017 from the year-to-date September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 estimated average price recorded would cause the fair value of the derivative instrument to increase or decrease by approximately $15$18 million, respectively, thereby impacting our consolidated revenues by the same amount.
We have not entered into any hedging programs to mitigate the risk of adverse price fluctuations.
Provisional Pricing Arrangements
Certain of our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore customer supply agreements specify provisional price calculations, where the pricing mechanisms generally are based on market pricing, with the final revenue rate to be based on market inputs at a specified point in time in the future, per the terms of the supply agreements. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we had derivative assets and liabilities of $4.7$2.4 million and $9.3$4.2 million, respectively, reflected as part of our U.S. Iron Ore and Asia Pacific Iron Ore segment revenue, representing the fair value of the provisional price calculations. We estimate that a positive or negative $10 change in the Platts 62% Price from the September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 estimated price recorded would cause the fair value of the derivative instrument to increase or decrease by approximately $2 million and $5 million, respectively, for our Asia Pacific Iron Ore segment. Additionally, for our U.S. Iron Ore segment, one customer's supply agreement has a pricing mechanism based on the average annual daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel in addition to the Platts 62% Price. In this case, a $75 positive or negative change in the fourth quarter 2017 average daily market price for hot-rolled coil steel from the from the year-to-date September 30, 2017 estimated average price recorded, would cause the fair value of the derivative instrument to increase or decrease by approximately $1 million, respectively, thereby impacting our consolidated revenues by the same amount. Further, we estimate that if the average Platts 62% Price during the remaining three months of 2017 is $10 higher or lower than the September 30, 2017 estimated price, this would cause the fair value of the derivative instrument to increase or decrease by approximately $14 million, respectively, for our U.S.and Asia Pacific Iron Ore segment.segments, respectively.
We have not entered into any hedging programs to mitigate the risk of adverse price fluctuations.fluctuations; however, most of our Asia Pacific Iron Ore supply agreements are short-term in nature and therefore do not expose us to long-term risk.
Volatile Energy and Fuel Costs
The volatile cost of energy is an important factor affecting the production costs at our iron ore operations. Our consolidated U.S. Iron Ore operations consumed 12.54.4 million MMBtu’s of natural gas at an average delivered price of $3.57$3.92 per MMBtu, excluding the natural gas hedge impact, or $3.65$3.91 per MMBtu net of the natural gas hedge impact during the first ninethree months of 2017.2018. Additionally, our consolidated U.S. Iron Ore operations consumed 16.65.7 million gallons of diesel fuel at an average delivered price of $1.77$2.19 per gallon excluding the diesel fuel hedge impact or $1.79 per gallon net of the diesel fuel hedge impact during the first ninethree months of 2017.2018. Consumption of diesel fuel by our Asia Pacific operations was 8.51.9 million gallons at an average delivered price of $1.69$2.07 per gallon for the same period.
In the ordinary course of business, there may also be increases in prices relative to electricalelectricity costs at our U.S. mine sites. Specifically, our Tilden mine in Michigan has entered into large curtailable special contracts with Wisconsin Electric Power Company. Charges under those special contracts are subject to a power supply cost recovery mechanism that is based on variations in the utility's actual fuel and purchase power expenses.
Our strategy to address volatile natural gas and diesel rates includes improving efficiency in energy usage, identifying alternative providers and utilizing the lowest cost alternative fuels. An energyA full-year hedging program was implemented during the fourth quarter of 2017 in order to manage the price risk of diesel and natural gas at our U.S. Iron Ore mines during the first quarter of 2017.mines. We will continue to monitor relevant energy markets for risk mitigation opportunities and may make additional forward purchases or employ other hedging instruments in the future as warranted and deemed appropriate by management. Assuming we do not enter into further hedging activity inIn the near term, a 10% change in the remaining nine months from our current

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average year-to-date natural gas and diesel fuel prices would result in a change of $3approximately $9.0 million in our annual fuel and energy cost based on expected consumption for the rest of 2017.2018.
Valuation of Other Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in market pricing; a significant adverse change in legal or environmental factors or in the business climate; changes in estimates of our recoverable reserves; unanticipated competition; and slower growth or production rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of our long-lived assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated statements of operations and statement of financial position.
A comparison of each asset group's carrying value to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cost of disposition, is used to determine if an asset is recoverable. Projected

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future cash flows reflect management's best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period, including growth rates in revenues and costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and capital expenditures. If the carrying value of the asset group is higher than its undiscounted future cash flows, the asset group is measured at fair value and the difference is recorded as a reduction to the long-lived assets. We estimate fair value using a market approach, an income approach or a cost approach. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, there were no indicators present indicative of potential impairment or the inability to recover the value of our long-lived assets.assets at our U.S. Iron Ore Operations. As of March 31, 2018, based on the anticipated closure of the Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations we determined that we would not recover the value of certain long-lived assets at our Asia Pacific Iron Ore operations. As a result, we recorded an impairment of $2.6 million in Miscellaneous – net in the Statements of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Operations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our operations in Australia, which could impact our financial condition. With respect to Australia, foreign exchange risk arises from our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates because our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar but the functional currency of our Asia Pacific operations is the Australian dollar. Our Asia Pacific operations receive funds in U.S. currency for their iron ore sales and incur costs in Australian currency. We estimate that if the average Australian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate during the remaining threenine months of 20172018 is $0.05 higher or lower than the September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 rate, this would cause our cash cost of goods sold and operating expense as well as additional costs related to the exit of our mining operations to increase or decrease by approximately $7$10 million, respectively, for our Asia Pacific Iron Ore segment.
We have not entered into any hedging programs to mitigate the risk of adverse currency fluctuations. We have suspended entering into new foreign exchange rate contracts through 2017 as we have waived compliance with our current derivative financial instruments and hedging activities policy through December 31, 2017.indefinitely deferred the program. In the future, we may enter into additional hedging instruments as needed in order to further hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest payable on our senior notes is at fixed rates. Interest payable under our ABL Facility is at a variable rate based upon the base rate plus the base rate margin depending on the excess availability. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, we had no amounts drawn on the ABL Facility.
During 2017, we issued the 5.75% Senior Notes in private transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement executed as part of the issuances, we agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange the 5.75% Senior Notes for publicly registered notes within 365 days of the issue date and consummate the exchange offer within 120 days after the first anniversary of the issue date. We filed the registration statement for the exchange offer in February 2018 and commenced the exchange offer on March 29, 2018. If we fail to satisfy our obligations underconsummate the registration rights agreement, we will beexchange offer within the required to pay additionaldeadline, the interest to the holders ofrate on the 5.75% Senior Notes under certain circumstances. In the event of a registration default, the interest rate will be increased by 0.25% per annum during the 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of any registrationsuch default, and such rate shall increase by 0.25% per annum at the end of each subsequent 90-day period until all registration defaults have been cured, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.00% per annum.
Supply Concentration Risks
Many of our mines are dependent on one source each of electric power and natural gas. A significant interruption or change in service or rates from our energy suppliers could impact materially our production costs, margins and profitability.

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Outlook
Segment Outlook
  2017 Outlook Summary
Per Sales Ton Information
U.S. Iron Ore1
 
Asia Pacific Iron Ore2
Cost of goods sold and operating expense rate$70 - $75 $40 - $45
Less:   
    Freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements expense rate3
$11 $3
    Depreciation, depletion & amortization rate$4 $1
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate$55 - $60 $36 - $41
    
Sales volume (million tons)18.5 10.5
Production volume (million tons)18.5 11.0
     
1 U.S. Iron Ore tons are reported in long tons of pellets.
2 Asia Pacific Iron Ore tons are reported in metric tons of lump and fines.
3 The freight and venture partners' cost reimbursements have offsetting amounts in revenue and have no impact on sales margin.
2018 Outlook Summary
Per Long Ton InformationU.S. Iron Ore
Revenues from product sales and services1
$102 - $107
Cost of goods sold and operating expense rate$68 - $73
Less:
    Freight expense rate2
$7
    Depreciation, depletion & amortization rate$3
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate$58 - $63
Sales volume (million long tons)20.5
Production volume (million long tons)20.0
1 This expectation is based on the assumption that iron ore prices, steel prices, and pellet premiums will average for the remainder of 2018 their respective year-to-date averages.
2 Freight has an offsetting amount in revenue and has no impact on sales margin.
U.S. Iron Ore Outlook (Long Tons)
OurBased on the assumption that iron ore prices, steel prices, and pellet premiums will average for the remainder of 2018 their respective year-to-date averages, we would realize U.S. Iron Ore revenue rates in the range of $102 to $107 per long ton. This represents an increase from the prior calculation based on the substantial increase in hot-rolled coil steel prices, partially offset by lower iron ore prices.
As a result of strong market demand for pellets in the Great Lakes, we have increased our full-year sales and production volume expectations were each reducedexpectation by 500,000 long tons to 18.520.5 million long tons. The reduction in sales volumes is attributable to a significant reduction in pellet nomination by a large customer, partially offset by increased export sales.
For 2018, we expect sales andOur production volumesvolume expectation of 20 million long tons as a result of the increased capacity from the acquisition of the remaining minority interest in the Tilden mine.was maintained.
Our full-year 20172018 U.S. Iron Ore cash cost of goods sold and operating expense expectation is unchangedwas maintained at $55$58 - $60$63 per long ton.
Asia Pacific Iron Ore Outlook (Metric Tons, F.O.B. the port)
Our full-year 2017 Asia Pacific Iron Ore sales and production volume expectations were each reduced by 500,000 metric tons, to 10.5 million metric tons of sales and 11 million metric tons of production. The reductions were driven by operational decisions reflecting current market conditions and quality ore availability.
For 2018, we expect Asia Pacific Iron Ore sales and production volumes of 11 million tons.
Due to unfavorable exchange rate movements and lower production volumes, our full-year 2017 cash cost of goods sold and operating expense expectation has been increased to $36 - $41 per metric ton. This assumes a full-year average exchange rate of $0.77 U.S. Dollar to Australian Dollar.
SG&A Expenses and Other Expectations
We are maintaining ourOur full-year 20172018 SG&A expense expectation of $110 million.$115 million was maintained. We also note that of the $110$115 million expectation, approximately $30$20 million is considered non-cash.
As a result of the July refinancing transaction, ourOur full-year 20172018 interest expense was reduced by $5 million to approximately $130 million. Of this $130 million, approximately $20 million is expected to be non-cash. Inapproximately $130 million. Full-year 2018 we expect net interest expensedepreciation, depletion and amortization associated with U.S. Iron Ore and Corporate/Other is expected to be less than $100approximately $80 million.
Capital Budget UpdateExpenditures
Our full-year 2017We provided the following updates to our 2018 capital expenditures budget has been maintained at $115 million.budget:
The Toledo HBI Project spend expectation was reduced by $25 million to $225 million due to further development and refined timing of the project spending plan;
The sustaining capital expectation of $85 million was maintained; and
The Northshore Mine upgrade spend expectation of $50 million was maintained.

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Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. As a general matter, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated trends and expectations rather than historical matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to Cliffs’ operations and business environment that are difficult to predict and may be beyond our control. Such uncertainties and factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no ongoing obligation, other than that imposed by law, to update these statements. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Cliffs’ future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this report include, but are not limited to:
uncertainty and weaknesses in global economic conditions, including downward pressure on prices caused by oversupply or imported products, the impact of any reduced barriers to trade, the outcomes of recently filed and forthcoming trade cases, reduced market demand and any change to the economic growth rate in China;
continued volatility of iron ore and steel prices and other trends, including the supply approach of the major iron ore producers, affecting our financial condition, results of operations or future prospects, specifically the impact of price-adjustment factors on our sales contracts;
our level of indebtedness could limit cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes or ongoing needs of our business;
availability of capital and our ability to maintain adequate liquidity;
our ability to successfully conclude the CCAA process and plan to close our Asia Pacific operations in a manner that minimizes cash outflows and associated liabilities;liabilities, including our ability to successfully mitigate the closure costs of our Asia Pacific operations;
the impact of our customers reducing their steel production due to increased market share of steel produced using other methods or lighter-weight steel alternatives;
uncertainty relating to restructurings in the steel industry and/or affecting the steel industry;
the outcome of any contractual disputes with our customers, joint venture partners or significant energy, material or service providers or any other litigation or arbitration;
the ability of our customers and joint venture partners to meet their obligations to us on a timely basis or at all;
problems or uncertainties with productivity, tons mined, transportation, mine-closure obligations, environmental liabilities, employee-benefit costs and other risks of the mining industry;
our ability to reach agreement with our customers regarding any modifications to sales contract provisions, renewals or new arrangements;
our actual levels of capital spending;
our ability to successfully diversify our product mix and add new customers beyond our traditional blast furnace clientele;
our actual economic iron ore reserves or reductions in current mineral estimates, including whether any mineralized material qualifies as a reserve;
our ability to cost-effectively achieve planned production rates or levels, including at our HBI production plant;
our ability to successfully identify and consummate any strategic investments or development projects, including our HBI production plant;
our ability to obtain the investments necessary for our HBI production plant;
changes in sales volume or mix;
events or circumstances that could impair or adversely impact the viability of a mine and the carrying value of associated assets, as well as any resulting impairment charges;

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our ability to maintain appropriate relations with unions and employees;
impacts of existing and increasing governmental regulation and related costs and liabilities, including failure to receive or maintain required operating and environmental permits, approvals, modifications or other authorization of, or from, any governmental or regulatory entity and costs related to implementing improvements to ensure compliance with regulatory changes;
uncertainties associated with natural disasters, weather conditions, unanticipated geological conditions, supply or price of energy, equipment failures and other unexpected events;
adverse changes in currency values, currency exchange rates, interest rates and tax laws;
risks related to international operations; and
the potential existence of significant deficiencies or material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
For additional factors affecting the business of Cliffs, refer to Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors. You are urged to carefully consider these risk factors.

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Non-GAAP Reconciliation
We present cash cost of goods sold and operating expense rate per long/metric ton, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses in evaluating operating performance. We believe our presentation of non-GAAP cash cost of goods sold and operating expenses is useful to investors because it excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization, which are non-cash, and freight and joint venture partners' cost reimbursements, which have no impact on sales margin, thus providing a more accurate view of the cash outflows related to the sale of iron ore. The presentation of this measure is not intended to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of this measure may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Below is a reconciliation in dollars of this non-GAAP financial measure to our consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.statements.
  (In Millions)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016
  U.S. Iron Ore Asia Pacific Iron Ore Total U.S. Iron Ore Asia Pacific Iron Ore Total
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses $(439.5) $(98.7) $(538.2) $(361.8) $(106.1) $(467.9)
Less:            
Freight and reimbursements (66.1) (4.8) (70.9) (39.7) (5.0) (44.7)
Depreciation, depletion & amortization (16.5)��(3.3) (19.8) (18.8) (6.3) (25.1)
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expenses $(356.9) $(90.6) $(447.5) $(303.3) $(94.8) $(398.1)
 (In Millions) (In Millions)
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
 U.S. Iron Ore Asia Pacific Iron Ore Total U.S. Iron Ore Asia Pacific Iron Ore Total U.S. Iron Ore Asia Pacific Iron Ore Total U.S. Iron Ore Asia Pacific Iron Ore Total
Cost of goods sold and operating expenses $(1,004.4) $(323.9) $(1,328.3) $(825.8) $(321.4) $(1,147.2) $118.5
 $124.1
 $242.6
 $237.2
 $128.1
 $365.3
Less:                        
Freight and reimbursements (159.2) (17.8) (177.0) (104.0) (14.0) (118.0) 10.8
 7.5
 18.3
 38.8
 10.0
 48.8
Depreciation, depletion & amortization (49.6) (11.3) (60.9) (65.1) (19.2) (84.3) 15.8
 6.7
 22.5
 16.4
 4.7
 21.1
Cash cost of goods sold and operating expenses $(795.6) $(294.8) $(1,090.4) $(656.7) $(288.2) $(944.9) $91.9
 $109.9
 $201.8
 $182.0
 $113.4
 $295.4
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information regarding our Market Risk is presented under the caption Market Risks, which is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, and in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of this report.

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Item 4.Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based solely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
CCAA Proceedings. Refer to NOTE 1819 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part 1 of this report for a description of the CCAA Proceedings underway with respect to the Bloom Lake Group and the Wabush Group. Such description is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.
Mesabi Metallics Adversary Proceeding. On September 7, 2017, Mesabi Metallics Company LLC (f/k/a Essar Steel Minnesota LLC) ("Mesabi Metallics") filed a complaint against Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. in the Essar Steel Minnesota LLC and ESML Holdings Inc. bankruptcy proceeding that is pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware. Mesabi Metallics alleges tortious interference with its contractual rights and business relations involving certain vendors, suppliers and contractors, violations of federal and Minnesota antitrust laws through monopolization, attempted monopolization and restraint of trade, violation of the automatic stay, and civil conspiracy with unnamed Doe defendants. Mesabi Metallics amended its complaint to add additional defendants, including, among others, our subsidiary, Cleveland-Cliffs Minnesota Land Development Company LLC ("Cliffs Minnesota Land"), and to add additional claims, including avoidance and recovery of unauthorized post-petition transfers, claims disallowance, civil contempt and declaratory relief. Mesabi Metallics seeks, among other things, unspecified damages and injunctive relief. Cliffs and Cliffs Minnesota Land filed counterclaims against Mesabi Metallics, Chippewa Capital Partners ("Chippewa"), and Thomas M. Clarke ("Clarke"), for tortious interference and civil conspiracy, as well as additional claims against Chippewa and Clarke for aiding and abetting tortious interference and against Clarke for libel, for which we seek, among other things, damages and injunctive relief. The parties have filed various dispositive motions on certain of the claims. We believe the claims asserted against us are unmeritorious and intend to continue to vigorously defend the lawsuit.
Item 1A.Risk Factors
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table presents information with respect to repurchases by the Company of our common shares during the periods indicated.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period 
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased1
 
Average Price Paid per Share
(or Unit)
 Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1 - 31, 2017 1,301
 $6.92
  $
August 1 - 31, 2017 
 $
  $
September 1 - 30, 2017 
 $
  $
  1,301
 $6.92
  $
         
1 These shares were delivered to us to satisfy tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting or payment of stock awards.
Period 
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased1
 
Average Price Paid per Share
(or Unit)
 Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31, 2018 1,248
 $7.21
  $
February 1 - 28, 2018 171,592
 $7.52
  $
March 1 - 31, 2018 
 $
  $
  172,840
 $7.52
  $
         
1 These shares were delivered to us to satisfy tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting or payment of stock awards.

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Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
We are committed to protecting the occupational health and well-being of each of our employees. Safety is one of our core values and we strive to ensure that safe production is the first priority for all employees. Our internal objective is to achieve zero injuries and incidents across the Company by focusing on proactively identifying needed prevention activities, establishing standards and evaluating performance to mitigate any potential loss to people, equipment, production and the environment. We have implemented intensive employee training that is geared toward maintaining a high level of awareness and knowledge of safety and health issues in the work environment through the development and coordination of requisite information, skills and attitudes. We believe that through these policies we have developed an effective safety management system.
Under the Dodd-Frank Act, each operator of a coal or other mine is required to include certain mine safety results within its periodic reports filed with the SEC. As required by the reporting requirements included in §1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, the required mine safety results regarding certain mining safety and health matters for each of our mine locations that are covered under the scope of the Dodd-Frank Act are included in Exhibit 95 of Item 6. Exhibits of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 5.Other Information
On October 23, 2017, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors of Cliffs acted, pursuant to the terms of our A&R 2015 Equity Plan (and predecessor versions of the plan) and the applicable equity award agreements, to amend the terms of outstanding 2016 and 2017 restricted stock unit awards, 2017 performance shares awards and certain outstanding 2016 and 2017 cash incentive awards held by employees (collectively, the “Awards”). The amendment provides that, in general, for any holder of an Award who experiences a qualifying retirement on or after October 23, 2017, such Award will vest as to a prorated amount of the outstanding Award, with such proration based on the number of full months that the holder was employed with Cliffs or a subsidiary during the vesting period for the Award (and actual performance in the case of performance-based awards). For these purposes, a qualifying retirement means attainment of at least age 55 with five years of service.None.

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Item 6.Exhibits
All documents referenced below have been filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., file number 1-09844, unless otherwise indicated.
Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit
 Amendment to Third Amended Articlesand Restated Syndicated Facility Agreement, by and among Bank of IncorporationAmerica, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Australian Security Trustee, the Lenders that are Parties hereto, as the Lenders, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as Parent and a Borrower, and the Subsidiaries of Cliffs,Parent Party hereto, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio on August 15, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Cliffs' Form 8-K on August 17, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)
Indenture,Borrowers, dated as of February 27, 2017, among Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., the guarantors parties thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, including Form of 5.75% Senior Notes due 202528, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Cliffs' Form 8-K on August 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)herewith)
 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 7, 2017, among, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., the guarantors parties thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, including* Form of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Memorandum (Vesting December 31, 2020) and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Cliffs' Form 8-K on August 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)herewith)
 Joinder to Registration Rights* Form of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Award Memorandum and Performance Share Award Agreement by and among Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., each of the Guarantors named therein and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as Representative of the Several Initial Purchasers, dated August 7, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Cliffs' Form 8-K on August 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)herewith)
 * Form of Common Share CertificateCleveland-Cliffs Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan Cash Incentive Award Memorandum (TSR) (Vesting December 31, 2020) and Cash Incentive Award Agreement (TSR) (filed herewith)
 Certification Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Lourenco Goncalves as of October 23, 2017April 24, 2018 (filed herewith)
 Certification Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Timothy K. Flanagan as of October 23, 2017April 24, 2018 (filed herewith)
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as of October 23, 2017April 24, 2018 (filed herewith)
 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Timothy K. Flanagan, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., as of October 23, 2017April 24, 2018 (filed herewith)
 Mine Safety Disclosures (filed herewith)
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


*    Indicates management contract or other compensatory arrangement.

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SIGNATURES
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, thereunto duly authorized.
   CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
     
   By: /s/ R. Christopher Cebula
     Name: R. Christopher Cebula
     Title: Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
        
Date:October 23, 20174/24/2018      

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