UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 [X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018
Or
 [   ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
usslogoa01a01a01a05.jpgusslogoa123.jpg
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-16811 25-1897152
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2800
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(412) 433-1121
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes Pü  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 [ Pü ] No [    ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitiondefinitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  Pü 
 
Accelerated filer     
 
Non-accelerated filer     
  
Smaller reporting company     
 
Emerging growth company(a) __
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)     
(a) 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 Act).
Yes     No Pü 




Common stock outstanding at October 26, 2017July 27, 2018174,994,464177,223,476 shares




INDEX

 Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
 Item 1.Financial Statements: 
  
  
  
  
  
 Item 2.
 Item 3.
 Item 4.
  
 
 Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
 Item 4.
Item 5.
 Item 6.




CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains information that may constitute “forward-looking”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in those sections. Generally, we have identified such forward-looking statements by using the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “forecast,” “aim,” “should,”"should," “will” and similar expressions or by using future dates in connection with any discussion of, among other things, operating performance, trends, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements relating to volume growth, share of sales and earnings per share growth, and statements expressing general views about future operating results. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the time made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in this report and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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







UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales:        
Net sales $2,976
 $2,370
 $8,176
 $6,716
Net sales to related parties (Note 18) 272
 316
 941
 895
Total 3,248
 2,686
 9,117
 7,611
Operating expenses (income):        
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below) 2,829
 2,360
 8,115
 7,193
Selling, general and administrative expenses 89
 73
 265
 206
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 118
 126
 376
 384
Earnings from investees (9) (18) (29) (91)
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 4) (21) 
 (21) 
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 21) 
 
 (72) 
Impairment of intangible assets 
 14
 
 14
Restructuring and other charges (Note 19) (2) (3) 30
 1
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets (1) 3
 (2) 6
Other income, net 
 (1) (5) (1)
Total 3,003
 2,554
 8,657
 7,712
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes 245
 132
 460
 (101)
Interest expense 60
 58
 173
 173
Interest income (5) (2) (13) (5)
Loss on debt extinguishment 31
 
 32
 22
Other financial costs 12
 6
 37
 18
     Net interest and other financial costs (Note 7) 98
 62
 229
 208
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 147
 70
 231
 (309)
Income tax provision (Note 9) 
 19
 3
 26
Net earnings (loss) 147
 51
 228
 (335)
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel Corporation $147
 $51
 $228
 $(335)
Earnings (loss) per common share (Note 10):        
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:        
-Basic $0.84
 $0.32
 $1.30
 $(2.22)
-Diluted $0.83
 $0.32
 $1.29
 $(2.22)
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net sales:     
 
Net sales $3,242
 $2,787
 $6,063
 $5,199
Net sales to related parties (Note 20) 367
 357
 695
 670
Total (Note 5) 3,609
 3,144
 6,758
 5,869
Operating expenses (income):        
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below) 3,121
 2,723
 5,929
 5,282
Selling, general and administrative expenses 92
 67
 170
 148
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 130
 121
 258
 258
Earnings from investees (19) (16) (22) (20)
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23) 
 (72) 
 (72)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) 
 (1) 
 32
Net gain on disposal of assets (17) 
 (16) (1)
Other expense (income), net 1
 (5) 1
 (5)
Total 3,308
 2,817
 6,320
 5,622
Earnings before interest and income taxes 301
 327
 438
 247
Interest expense 43
 55
 93
 113
Interest income (5) (4) (10) (8)
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 9) 28
 1
 74
 1
Other financial (benefits) costs (8) 16
 2
 25
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) (Note 3) (a)
 17
 14
 34
 32
     Net interest and other financial costs (Note 9) 75
 82
 193
 163
Earnings before income taxes 226
 245
 245
 84
Income tax provision (benefit) (Note 11) 12
 (16) 13
 3
Net earnings 214
 261
 232
 81
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
Net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation $214
 $261
 $232
 $81
Earnings per common share (Note 12):     
 
Earnings per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:     
 
-Basic $1.21
 $1.49
 $1.32
 $0.46
-Diluted $1.20
 $1.48
 $1.30
 $0.46


(a) Represents postretirement benefit expense as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits on January 1, 2018.





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


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

  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net earnings (loss) $147
 $51
 $228
 $(335)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments 44
 10
 149
 41
Changes in pension and other employee benefit accounts 55
 48
 146
 (134)
Other 8
 (4) 6
 17
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 107
 54
 301
 (76)
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 254
 105
 529
 (411)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to United States Steel Corporation $254
 $105
 $529
 $(411)
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net earnings $214
 $261
 $232
 $81
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:     
 
Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments (87) 82
 (47) 105
Changes in pension and other employee benefit accounts 47
 46
 93
 92
Changes in derivative financial instruments (3) (3) (19) (3)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (43) 125
 27
 194
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest 171
 386
 259
 275
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to United States Steel
Corporation
 $171
 $386
 $259
 $275





































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


UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions) (Unaudited) 
 September 30, 
 2017
 December 31,  
 2016
  
 June 30, 
 2018
 December 31,  
 2017
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,694
 $1,515
Receivables, less allowance of $29 and $25 1,317
 976
Receivables from related parties, less allowance of $0 and $265 (Notes 18 and 21) 210
 272
Inventories (Note 11) 1,737
 1,573
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 6) $1,231
 $1,553
Receivables, less allowance of $28 and $28 1,430
 1,173
Receivables from related parties (Note 20) 226
 206
Inventories (Note 13) 1,848
 1,738
Other current assets 43
 20
 77
 85
Total current assets 5,001
 4,356
 4,812
 4,755
Property, plant and equipment 14,781
 14,196
 15,378
 15,086
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion 10,670
 10,217
 10,977
 10,806
Total property, plant and equipment, net 4,111
 3,979
 4,401
 4,280
Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $11 and $10 470
 528
Long-term receivables from related parties, less allowance of $0 and $1,627 (Notes 18 and 21) 
 
Intangibles, net (Note 5) 169
 175
Deferred income tax benefits (Note 9) 
 6
Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $11 and $11 498
 480
Intangibles – net (Note 7) 162
 167
Deferred income tax benefits (Note 11) 56
 56
Other noncurrent assets 127
 116
 129
 124
Total assets $9,878
 $9,160
 $10,058
 $9,862
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $2,018
 $1,602
 $2,239
 $2,096
Accounts payable to related parties (Notes 18 and 21) 79
 66
Accounts payable to related parties (Note 20) 92
 74
Payroll and benefits payable 333
 400
 386
 347
Accrued taxes 157
 128
 135
 132
Accrued interest 62
 85
 46
 69
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (Note 13) 3
 50
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 15) 4
 3
Total current liabilities 2,652
 2,331
 2,902
 2,721
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 13) 2,896
 2,981
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 15) 2,541
 2,700
Employee benefits 1,119
 1,216
 692
 759
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 9) 29
 28
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 11) 6
 6
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 374
 329
 311
 355
Total liabilities 7,070
 6,885
 6,452
 6,541
Contingencies and commitments (Note 20) 
 
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 16):    
Common stock (176,424,554 shares issued) (Note 10) 176
 176
Treasury stock, at cost (1,466,183 and 2,614,378 shares) (92) (182)
Contingencies and commitments (Note 22) 
 
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 18):    
Common stock (177,179,937 and 176,424,554 shares issued) (Note 12) 177
 176
Treasury stock, at cost (31,240 shares and 1,203,344 shares) (1) (76)
Additional paid-in capital 3,937
 4,027
 3,900
 3,932
Accumulated deficit (18) (250)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 17) (1,196) (1,497)
Retained earnings 347
 133
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19) (818) (845)
Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity 2,807
 2,274
 3,605
 3,320
Noncontrolling interests 1
 1
 1
 1
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $9,878
 $9,160
 $10,058
 $9,862



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


UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2018 2017
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash    
Operating activities:        
Net earnings (loss) $228
 $(335)
Net earnings $232
 $81
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 376
 384
 258
 258
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 21) (72) 
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 4) (21) 
Impairment of intangible assets 
 14
Restructuring and other charges (Note 19) 30
 1
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23) 
 (72)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) 
 32
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 9) 74
 1
Provision for doubtful accounts 1
 
 1
 1
Pensions and other postretirement benefits 42
 (38) 37
 31
Deferred income taxes 7
 9
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets (2) 6
Distributions received, net of equity investees earnings (18) (86)
Deferred income taxes (Note 11) (1) 2
Net gain on disposal of assets (16) (1)
Equity investee earnings, net of distributions received (19) (16)
Changes in:        
Current receivables (214) (127) (294) (172)
Inventories (123) 339
 (123) (125)
Current accounts payable and accrued expenses 121
 279
 175
 98
Income taxes receivable/payable 15
 14
 (3) 20
Bank checks outstanding 12
 15
 8
 7
All other, net 159
 105
 (36) 98
Net cash provided by operating activities 541
 580
 293
 243
Investing activities:        
Capital expenditures (291) (268) (381) (120)
Disposal of assets 
 6
 1
 
Change in restricted cash, net (1) (3)
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in equity investee (Note 22) 105
 
Investments, net
 (3) (17) (1) 
Net cash used in investing activities (190) (282) (381) (120)
Financing activities:        
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs 737
 958
Repayment of long-term debt (902) (1,019)
Settlement of contingent consideration 
 (15)
Net proceeds from public offering of common stock 
 482
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 15) 640
 
Repayment of long-term debt (Note 15) (874) (108)
Dividends paid (26) (22) (18) (18)
Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 3) (10) (3)
Receipts from exercise of stock options 14
 4
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (187) 385
Receipt from exercise of stock options 33
 13
Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 10) (8) (10)
Net cash used in financing activities (227) (123)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 15
 7
 (10) 10
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 179
 690
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,515
 755
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,694
 $1,445
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (325) 10
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year (Note 6) 1,597
 1,555
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (Note 6) $1,272
 $1,565



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


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1.    Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel or the Company), produces and sells steel products, including flat-rolled and tubular products, in North America and Central Europe. Operations in North America also include iron ore and coke production facilities, railroad services and real estate operations. Operations in Europe also include coke production facilities.
The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited statements but does not include all disclosures required for complete financial statements by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The other information in these financial statements is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods covered. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless disclosed otherwise. These financial statements, including notes, have been prepared in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Additional information is contained in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,2017, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.
Change in Accounting Estimate - Capitalization and Depreciation Method
During 2017, U. S. Steel completed a review of its accounting policy for property, plant and equipment depreciated on a group basis. As a result of this review, U. S. Steel changed its accounting method for property, plant and equipment from the group method of depreciation to the unitary method of depreciation, effective as of January 1, 2017. The Company believes the change from the group method to the unitary method of depreciation is preferable under U.S. GAAP as it will result in a more precise estimate of depreciation expense. Additionally, the change to the unitary method of depreciation is consistent with the depreciation method applied by our competitors, and improves the comparability of our results to the results of our competitors. Our change in the method of depreciation is considered a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle and has been applied prospectively. Due to the application of the unitary method of depreciation and resultant change in our capitalization policy, maintenance and outage spending that had previously been expensed as well as capital investments associated with our asset revitalization program will now be capitalized if it extends the useful life of the related asset.
When property, plant, and equipment are disposed of by sale, retirement, or abandonment, the gross value of the property, plant and equipment and corresponding accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s financial accounting records. Due to the application of the unitary method of depreciation, any gain or loss resulting from an asset disposal by sale will now be immediately recognized as a gain or loss on the disposal of assets line in our consolidated statement of operations. Assets that are retired or abandoned will be reflected as an immediate charge to depreciation expense for any remaining book value in our consolidated statement of operations. Gains (losses) on disposals of assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were immaterial.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the effect of the change was an increase in both income from continuing operations and net earnings of $95 million (which consists of a $97 million decrease in cost of sales due to the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending that would have been previously expensed, partially offset by increased depreciation expense of $2 million, as a result of the impact of unitary depreciation on the existing net book value of fixed assets, as noted below, and the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending) and an increase in diluted earnings per share of $0.54. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the effect of the change was an increase in both income from continuing operations and net earnings of $205 million (which consists of a $233 million decrease in cost of sales due to the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending that would have been previously expensed, partially offset by increased depreciation expense of $28 million, as a result of the impact of unitary depreciation on the existing net book value of fixed assets, as noted below, and the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending) and an increase in diluted earnings per share of $1.16. The tax effect of this change was immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.
U. S. Steel's property, plant and equipment totaled $3,979 million at December 31, 2016. U. S. Steel allocated the existing net book value of group assets at the transition date to approximate a unitary depreciation methodology, and the fixed assets are being depreciated over their estimated remaining useful lives as follows:


 (In millions)
                                                                          Remaining Useful Life of Assets
Net Book Value at December 31, 2016
Under 5 years$597
6-10 years629
11-15 years765
16-20 years654
21-25 years363
Over 25 years479
Assets not subject to depreciation492
Total$3,979
2.    New Accounting Standards

In August 2017,February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2017-12, 2018-02)Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. (ASU 2017-12), which amendsASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and simplifies existing guidanceJobs Act. The amendments in order to allow companies to more accurately present the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements.this ASU 2017-12 isare effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within thosetherein. Early adoption of ASU 2018-02 is permitted. U. S. Steel is currently assessing the impact of the ASU, but does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its overall Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), which adds an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under ASU 2016-13, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel is currently evaluatingassessing the impact of the adoption of ASU, 2017-12 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not expect there to be a material impact.

On May 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting (ASU 2017-09). The amendments included in ASU 2017-09 provide guidance about which changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The amendments in this update will be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not expect there to be a material impact.
On March 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU 2017-07). ASU 2017-07 requires an employer who offers defined benefit and post retirement benefit plans to report the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation cost arising from services rendered by employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit costs are required to be presented on a retrospective basis in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net periodic benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net periodic benefit cost must be disclosed. The ASU also allows for the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization into inventory when applicable. ASU 2017-07 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods; early adoption is permitted. The adoption ofbelieve this ASU will not have ana material impact on U. S. Steel's net earnings (loss) but will be a reclassification from a line on the income statement within earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes to a line on the income statement below earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes.its overall Consolidated Financial Statements.
On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 reduces diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows by addressing eight specific cash receipt and cash payment issues. ASU 2016-15 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. U. S. Steel is evaluating the financial statement implications of adopting ASU 2016-15, but anticipates it will not have an overall impact to the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows, but may result in a reclassification between cash flow line items.


OnIn February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 supersedes prior lease accounting guidance. Under ASU 2016-02, for operating leases, a lessee should recognize in its statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term; recognize a single lease cost, which is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight line basis, and classify all cash payments within the operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For financing leases, a lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability; recognize interest on the lease liability separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset, and classify repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability within financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability within the operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In addition, at the inception of a contract, an entity should determine whether the contract is or contains a lease. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, using a modified retrospective approach. U. S. Steel is currently evaluatingcompleting its inventory of leases and developing an estimated impact of the financial statement implications of adopting ASU 2016-02, which will include recognizing the lease liability and has begunrelated right-of-use asset on our balance sheet.
3.    Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12), which amends and simplifies hedge accounting guidance so that companies could more accurately present the economic effects of risk management activities in the


financial statements. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018. The adoption did not result in a material impact to our financial results; however, we expanded our use of hedge accounting effective January 1, 2018 as well as our disclosures of derivative activity. See Note 14 for further details.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting (ASU 2017-09). The amendments included in ASU 2017-09 provide guidance about which changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The amendments in this update will be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-09 and the adoption did not have an impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU 2017-07). ASU 2017-07 requires an employer who offers defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans to report the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation cost arising from services rendered by employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit costs are required to be presented on a retrospective basis in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The ASU also allows for the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization into inventory of its global leasing arrangements.when applicable. ASU 2017-07 was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods; early adoption was permitted. U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018. U. S. Steel has also begunhistorically capitalized the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost into inventory, when applicable, and will continue to review its information technology systems, internal controls, and accounting policies in relationdo so prospectively.

The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the ASU’s accountingnet periodic benefit cost of our defined benefit pension and reporting requirementsother post-employment benefits (OPEB) plans on our consolidated statement of operations was as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Statement of Operations (In millions)
 As Revised Previously Reported Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Cost of Sales $2,723
 $2,725
 $(2)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 67
 79
 (12)
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 14
 
 14

 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Statement of Operations (In millions)
 As Revised Previously Reported Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Cost of Sales $5,282
 $5,286
 $(4)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 148
 176
 (28)
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 32
 
 32

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18). The ASU reduced diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows by including restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-18 using a retrospective transition method. As a result, the Change in Restricted Cash, Net line that was included in the Investing Activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been eliminated as changes in restricted cash are now included in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash amounts. Expanded disclosures have been included, which describe the components of cash shown on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 6 for further details.



In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 reduced diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows by addressing eight specific cash receipt and cash payment issues. On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-15 using a retrospective transition method. As a result, all payments to recognizeextinguish debt will now be presented as cash outflows from financing activities on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in accordance with ASU 2016-15. U. S. Steel has historically presented make-whole premiums as cash outflows from operating activities. The other cash receipt and cash payment items addressed in ASU 2016-15 did not have an impact on the respective right-of-use assets andCompany’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Since payments to extinguish debt during the related lease liabilities.six months ended June 30, 2017 were immaterial, there was no retrospective adjustment to our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Additionally, the Company has elected to use the cumulative earnings approach as defined in ASU 2016-15 to classify distributions received from equity method investees.
OnIn May 28, 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 outlinesand its related amendments (Revenue Recognition Standard) outline a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedessuperseded most currentprevious revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016; early application is not permitted. On August 12, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Deferral of the Effective Date (ASU 2015-14). ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, and only permits entities to adopt the standard one year earlier as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. U. S. Steel has completed a review of its significant customer contracts and is finalizing its evaluation of those contracts in relation to the recognition of revenue under the new standard. U. S. Steel is currently developing disclosures, finalizing its review of information technology systems, and key internal controls related to our ability to process, record and account for revenue under the new standard. U. S. Steel does not expect a material financial statement impact related to the full retrospective adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2018.
3.    Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting and reporting of certain aspects of share-based payment transactions, including income tax treatment of excess tax benefits, forfeitures, classification of share-based awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification in the statement of cash flows for certain share-based transactions related to tax benefits and tax payments. ASU 2016-09 was effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.
On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-09. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and included the following items: (1) adoption on a prospective basis of the recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the Company’s income tax expense line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for vested and exercised equity awards as discrete items in the period in which they occur; (2) adoption on a prospective basis of the classification of excess tax benefits in cash flows from operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; (3) adoption on a retrospective basis of the classification of cash paid by the Company for directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes in cash flows from financing activities, and (4) adoption on a prospective basis for the exclusion of the amount of excess tax benefits when applying the treasury stock method for the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation.
Additionally, the Company continues to withhold the statutory minimum taxes for participants in the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and estimates forfeiture rates at the grant date and the expected term of its equity awards based on historical results.
On July 22, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory(ASU 2015-11). ASU 2015-11 requires an entity to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby


simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. ASU 2015-11 does not apply to inventories that are measured using either the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method or the retail inventory method. ASU 2015-11 was effective for public entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.2018, U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017. the Revenue Recognition Standard using the full retrospective method. Generally, U. S. Steel’s performance obligations are satisfied, control of our products is transferred, and revenue is recognized at a single point in time. The adoption did not have a significant financial statement impact to U. S. Steel.Steel but did result in expanded disclosures. See Note 5 for further details.
4.    Segment Information
U. S. Steel has three reportable segments: (1) Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled), which consists of the following three commercial entities that directly interact with our customers and service their needs: (1)(i) automotive solutions, (2)(ii) consumer solutions, and (3)(iii) industrial, service center and mining solutions; (2) U. S. Steel Europe (USSE); and (3) Tubular Products (Tubular). The results of our railroad and real estate businesses that do not constitute reportable segments are combined and disclosed in the Other Businesses category.
The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and determines resource allocations based on a number of factors, the primary measure being earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes. Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes for reportable segments and Other Businesses does not include net interest and other financial costs (income), income taxes, postretirement benefit expenses (other than service cost and amortization of prior service cost for active employees) and certain other items that management believes are not indicative of future results. Information on segment assets is not disclosed, as it is not reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker assesses the Company's assets on an enterprise wide level, based upon the projects that yield the greatest return to the Company as a whole, and not on an individual segment level.
The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level. Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for at market-based prices and are eliminated at the corporate consolidation level. Corporate-level selling, general and administrative expenses and costs related to certain former businesses are allocated to the reportable segments and Other Businesses based on measures of activity that management believes are reasonable.


The results of segment operations for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 are:


(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
(Loss)
from
Investees
 Earnings (Loss) Before Interest and Income Taxes
(In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $2,249
 $42
 $2,291
 $7
 $160
 $2,435
 $59
 $2,494
 $17
 $224
USSE 710
 1
 711
 
 73
 848
 15
 863
 
 115
Tubular 276
 
 276
 2
 (7) 309
 2
 311
 2
 (35)
Total reportable segments 3,235
 43
 3,278
 9
 226
 3,592
 76
 3,668
 19
 304
Other Businesses 13
 29
 42
 
 12
 17
 32
 49
 
 17
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (72) (72) 
 7
 
 (108) (108) 
 (20)
Total $3,248
 $
 $3,248
 $9
 $245
 $3,609
 $
 $3,609
 $19
 $301

                    
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016          
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017          
Flat-Rolled $1,986
 $
 $1,986
 $18
 $114
 $2,151
 $92
 $2,243
 $14
 $220
USSE 575
 1
 576
 
 81
 740
 12
 752
 
 55
Tubular 114
 
 114
 1
 (75) 234
 
 234
 2
 (29)
Total reportable segments 2,675
 1
 2,676
 19
 120
 3,125
 104
 3,229
 16
 246
Other Businesses 11
 27
 38
 (1) 18
 19
 29
 48
 
 9
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (28) (28) 
 (6) 
 (133) (133) 
 72
Total $2,686
 $
 $2,686
 $18
 $132
 $3,144
 $
 $3,144
 $16
 $327


The results of segment operations for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 are:
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
(Loss)
from
Investees
 Earnings (Loss) Before Interest and Income Taxes
(In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $6,265
 $154
 $6,419
 $24
 $288
 $4,482
 $116
 $4,598
 $19
 $257
USSE 2,123
 25
 2,148
 
 215
 1,671
 16
 1,687
 
 225
Tubular 682
 
 682
 6
 (93) 575
 2
 577
 3
 (62)
Total reportable segments 9,070
 179
 9,249
 30
 410
 6,728
 134
 6,862
 22
 420
Other Businesses 47
 89
 136
 (1) 34
 30
 63
 93
 
 28
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (268) (268) 
 16
 
 (197) (197) 
 (10)
Total $9,117
 $
 $9,117
 $29
 $460
 $6,758
 $
 $6,758
 $22
 $438
                    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016          
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017          
Flat-Rolled $5,643
 $16
 $5,659
 $88
 $(68) $4,016
 $113
 $4,129
 $17
 $132
USSE 1,616
 2
 1,618
 
 122
 1,413
 24
 1,437
 
 142
Tubular 303
 2
 305
 5
 (217) 405
 1
 406
 3
 (86)
Total reportable segments 7,562
 20
 7,582
 93
 (163) 5,834
 138
 5,972
 20
 188
Other Businesses 49
 80
 129
 (2) 42
 35
 60
 95
 
 22
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (100) (100) 
 20
 
 (198) (198) 
 37
Total $7,611
 $
 $7,611
 $91
 $(101) $5,869
 $
 $5,869
 $20
 $247
The following is a schedule of reconciling items to Earnings (Loss) Before Interestconsolidated earnings (loss) before interest and Income Taxes:income taxes:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Items not allocated to segments:        
Postretirement benefit (expense) income(a)
 $(14) $8
 $(42) $36
Other items not allocated to segments:        
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets(b)
 
 
 (35) 
Gain on equity investee transactions(c)
 21
 
 21
 
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 21)
 
 
 72
 
Impairment of intangible assets (Note 5) 
 (14) 
 (14)
Restructuring and other charges and adjustments(d)
 
 
 
 (2)
Total other items not allocated to segments 21
 (14) 58
 (16)
Total reconciling items $7
 $(6) $16
 $20
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Items not allocated to segments: 
 
 
 
Gain on equity investee transactions $18
 $
 $18
 $
Granite City Works restart costs (36) 
 (36) 
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges (2) 
 8
 
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets (a)
 
 
 
 (35)
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23) 
 72
 
 72
Total reconciling items $(20) $72
 $(10) $37
(a) Consists of the net periodic benefit cost elements, other than service cost and amortization of prior service cost for active employees, associated with our defined pension, retiree health care and life insurance benefit plans.
(b)Included in Restructuring and other charges on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(c) The gain in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 primarily relates to the sale of the Company's ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company L.C. See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, approximately $(2) million is included in Cost of sales and approximately $4 million is included in the Restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 1921 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



5.     Revenue

Revenue is generated primarily from contracts to produce, ship and deliver steel products, and to a lesser extent, to deliver raw materials such as iron ore pellets, to deliver coke by-productsand for railroad services and real estate sales. Generally, U. S. Steel’s performance obligations are satisfied, control of our products is transferred, and revenue is recognized at a single point in time, when title transfers to our customer for product shipped or when services are provided. Revenues are recorded net of any sales incentives. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are treated as fulfillment activities and are recorded in both revenue and cost of sales at the time control is transferred to the customer. Costs related to obtaining sales contracts are incidental and are expensed when incurred. Because customers are invoiced at the time title transfers and U. S. Steel’s right to consideration is unconditional at that time, U. S. Steel does not maintain contract asset balances. Additionally, U. S. Steel does not maintain contract liability balances, as performance obligations are satisfied prior to customer payment for product. U. S. Steel offers industry standard payment terms.
U. S. Steel has three reportable segments: Flat-Rolled, USSE and Tubular. Flat-Rolled primarily generates revenue from sheet and coated product sales to North American customers. Flat-Rolled also sells iron ore pellets and coke making by-products. USSE sells slabs, sheet, strip mill plate, coated products and spiral welded pipe to customers primarily in the Eastern European market. Tubular sells seamless and electric resistance welded (ERW) steel casing and tubing (commonly known as oil country tubular goods or OCTG), standard and line pipe and mechanical tubing and primarily serves customers in the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenue from our railroad and real estate businesses is reported in the Other Businesses category in our segment reporting structure. The following tables disaggregate our revenue by product for each of our reportable business segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

Net Sales by Product
(In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $1
$52
$
$
$53
Hot-rolled sheets 640
339


979
Cold-rolled sheets 735
104


839
Coated sheets 797
310


1,107
Tubular products 
13
299

312
All Other (a)
 262
30
10
17
319
Total $2,435
$848
$309
$17
$3,609
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
(In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $
$77
$
$
$77
Hot-rolled sheets 562
280


842
Cold-rolled sheets 579
77


656
Coated sheets 756
272


1,028
Tubular products 
10
226

236
All Other (a)
 254
24
8
19
305
Total $2,151
$740
$234
$19
$3,144
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.


(In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $10
$89
$
$
$99
Hot-rolled sheets 1,212
692


1,904
Cold-rolled sheets 1,374
202


1,576
Coated sheets 1,503
607


2,110
Tubular products 
25
558

583
All Other (a)
 383
56
17
30
486
Total $4,482
$1,671
$575
$30
$6,758
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
(In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $1
$104
$
$
$105
Hot-rolled sheets 982
589


1,571
Cold-rolled sheets 1,185
156


1,341
Coated sheets 1,504
507


2,011
Tubular products 
19
388

407
All Other (a)
 344
38
17
35
434
Total $4,016
$1,413
$405
$35
$5,869
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
6.     Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within U. S. Steel's Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
(In millions) June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents $1,231
 $1,522
Restricted cash in other current assets 5
 1
Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets 36
 42
      Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $1,272
 $1,565

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



7.     Intangible Assets
Intangible assets that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and are detailed below:
 
 As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 
 As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
(In millions) Useful
Lives
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
 Useful
Lives
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
Customer relationships 12 Years $132
 $63
 $69
 $132
 $59
 $73
 22 Years $132
 $67
 $65
 $132
 $64
 $68
Patents 5-12 Years 22
 4
 18
 22
 2
 20
 10-15 Years
22
 6
 16
 22
 5
 17
Other 4-10 Years 14
 7
 7
 14
 7
 7
 4-20 Years 14
 8
 6
 15
 8
 7
Total amortizable intangible assets 
 $168
 $74
 $94
 $168
 $68
 $100
 
 $168
 $81
 $87
 $169
 $77
 $92
Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable.
Amortization expense was $2 million in both the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Amortization expense was $4 million in both the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The estimated future amortization expense of identifiable intangible assets during the next five years is $4 million for the remaining portion of 2018, $9 million in each year from 2019 to 2021, and $8 million in 2022.
In addition, the carrying amount of acquired water rights with indefinite lives as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 totaled $75 million. The acquired water rights are tested for impairment annually in the third quarter, or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. U. S. Steel performed a quantitative impairment evaluation of its acquired water rights during the third quarter of 2017. Based on the results of the evaluation, the water rights were not impaired.
The research and development activities of the Company's acquired indefinite lived in-process research and development patents was completed during the fourth quarter of 2016 and the carrying amount of the patents is being amortized over the useful lives of the patents (approximately 10 years). As a result of the quantitative impairment evaluation of its in-process research and development patents during the third quarter of 2016, an impairment charge of approximately $14 million was recorded during three months ended September 30, 2016.

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable.
Amortization expense was $2 million for both of the three month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $6 million for both of the nine month periods endedSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of identifiable intangible assets during the next five years is $2 million for the remaining portion of 2017 and $9 million each year from 2018 to 2021.
6.8.    Pensions and Other Benefits
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017:
 Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
  Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
(In millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost $13
 $14
 $4
 $5
  $12
 $12
 $4
 $5
Interest cost 59
 64
 23
 25
  58
 59
 23
 24
Expected return on plan assets (98) (106) (16) (38)  (90) (97) (21) (17)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 2
 8
 6
  
 
 8
 7
Amortization of actuarial net loss 37
 33
 1
 1
  38
 37
 1
 1
Net periodic benefit cost (income), excluding below 11
 7
 20
 (1) 
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below 18
 11
 15
 20
Multiemployer plans 15
 16
 
 
  15
 14
 
 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses 1
 10
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income) $27
 $33
 $20
 $(1) 
Net periodic benefit cost $33
 $25
 $15
 $20
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016:


2017:
 Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
  Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
(In millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost $37
 $40
 $13
 $15
  $25
 $24
 $8
 $9
Interest cost 177
 194
 70
 74
  116
 118
 46
 47
Expected return on plan assets (292) (316) (49) (113)  (180) (194) (41) (33)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 8
 22
 19
  
 
 15
 14
Amortization of actuarial net loss 111
 97
 3
 2
  76
 74
 2
 2
Net periodic benefit cost (income), excluding below 33
 23
 59
 (3) 
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below 37
 22
 30
 39
Multiemployer plans 44
 48
 
 
  29
 29
 
 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses(a) 5
 13
 
 
  
 4
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income) $82
 $84
 $59
 $(3) 
Net periodic benefit cost $66
 $55
 $30
 $39
Settlements
(a) During the first ninesix months of 2017, and 2016, the non-qualified pension plan incurred settlement charges of approximately $5$4 million and $13 million, respectively, due to lump sum payments for certain individuals.
Employer Contributions
During the first ninesix months of 20172018, U. S. Steel made cash payments of $44$29 million to the Steelworkers’ Pension Trust and $11$3 million of pension payments not funded by trusts.
During the first ninesix months of 20172018, cash payments of $44$26 million were made for other postretirement benefit payments not funded by trusts.
Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $11 million and $10 million infor the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018and2017, and 2016, respectively. Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $30$22 million and $32$19 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

Pension Funding
In October 2017, U. S. Steel's Board of Directors authorized voluntary contributions to U. S. Steel's trust for its defined benefit pension of up to $200 million through the end of 2018.

Non-retirement postemployment benefits
U. S. Steel recorded a favorable adjustment associated with a change in estimate that resulted in a benefit of approximately $2 million and $3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to costs of $9 million and $7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, related to employee costs for supplemental unemployment benefits and the continuation of health care benefits and life insurance coverage for employees associated with the temporary idling of certain facilities and reduced production at others. Payments for these benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $3 million and $16 million, respectively. Payments for these benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $19 million and $58 million, respectively.
7.9.    Net Interest and Other Financial Costs
Net interest and other financial costs includes interest expense (net of capitalized interest), interest income, financing costs, derivatives gainsnet periodic benefit costs (other than service costs) related to pension and lossesother post-employment benefits (OPEB) plans, and foreign currency derivative and remeasurement gains and losses. Foreign currency gains and losses are primarily a result of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities that require remeasurement and the impacts of euro-U.S. dollar derivatives activity. During the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, net foreign currency gains of $12 million and losses of $6 million and $1$11 million, respectively were recorded in other financial costs. During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, net foreign currency gains of $8 million and losses of $21 million and $2$16 million, respectively were recorded in other


financial costs. Additionally, during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016,2018, there were losseswas a loss on debt extinguishmentsextinguishment recognized of $32 million and $22 million, respectively.$74 million.
See Note 1214 for additional information on U. S. Steel’s use of derivatives to mitigate its foreign currency exchange rate exposure. See Note 13 for further details on U. S. Steel's redemption of its senior debt.



8.10.    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

U. S. Steel has outstanding stock-based compensation awards that were granted by the Compensation & Organization Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan) and the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the Omnibus Plan), which are more fully described in Note 14 of the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and the 2017 Proxy Statement.2017. On April 26, 2016, the Company's stockholders approved the Omnibus Plan and authorized the Company to issue up to 7,200,000 shares of U. S. Steel common stock under the Omnibus Plan. The Company's stockholders authorized the issuance of an additional 6,300,000 shares under the Omnibus Plan on April 25, 2017. While the awards that were previously granted under the 2005 Plan remain outstanding, all future awards will be granted under the Omnibus Plan. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there were 12,350,80510,938,212 shares available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan.

Recent grants of stock-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock units, and total shareholder return (TSR) performance awards and return on capital employed (ROCE) performance awards. Stock options are generally issued at the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. Upon exercise of stock options, shares of U. S. Steel common stock were issued from treasury stock. Beginning in 2018, shares of common stock are issued from treasuryauthorized, but unissued stock. The following table is a general summary of the awards made under the 2005 Plan and the Omnibus Plan during the first ninesix months of 20172018 and 2016.2017. There were no stock options granted during the first six months of 2018.
2017 2016 2018 2017
Grant Details
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
Stock Options647,780
$17.28
 1,333,210
$6.24
 
$
 632,050
$17.43
Restricted Stock Units344,500
$36.27
 1,117,495
$14.27
 728,945
$41.52
 336,120
$36.59
TSR Performance Awards (c)
169,850
$40.72
 308,130
$10.02
Performance Awards (c)
      
TSR 79,190
$61.57
 156,770
$42.45
ROCE (d)
 247,510
$43.50
 
$
(a) The share amounts shown in this table do not reflect an adjustment for estimated forfeitures.
(b) Represents the per share weighted-average for all grants during the period.
(c) The number of performance awards shown represents the target value of the award.

(d) The ROCE awards granted in 2017 are not shown in the table above because they were granted in cash.
U. S. Steel recognized pretax stock-based compensation expense in the amount of $6$10 million and $5 million in the three monththree-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, and $21$17 million and $16$15 million in the first ninesix months of 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, total future compensation expense related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements was $2438 million, and the weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is approximately 1 year.

Compensation expense for stock options is recorded over the vesting period based on the fair value on the date of grant, as calculated by U. S. Steel using the Black-Scholes model and the assumptions listed below.model. The stock options generally vest ratably over a three-year service period and have a term of ten years.
Black-Scholes Assumptions(a)
 2017 Grants2016 Grants
Grant date price per share of option award $36.94
$14.78
Exercise price per share of option award $36.94
$14.78
Expected annual dividends per share, at grant date $0.20
$0.20
Expected life in years 5.0
5.0
Expected volatility 57%53%
Risk-free interest rate 1.97%1.46%
Grant date fair value per share of unvested option awards as calculated from above $17.28
$6.24
(a) The assumptions represent a weighted average of all grants during the period.

The expected annual dividends per share are based on the latest annualized dividend rate at the date of grant; the expected life in years is determined primarily from historical stock option exercise data; the expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of U. S. Steel stock; and the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury strip rate for the expected life of the option.



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

TSR performance awards may vest at the end of a three-yearthree-year performance period as a function ofif U. S. Steel's total shareholder return compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of peer companies over the three-year performance period meets performance criteria established by the Committee at the beginning of the performance period. TSR performancePerformance awards can vest at between zero and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the TSR performance awards is calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation.

ROCE performance awards vest at the end of a three-year performance period contingent upon meeting the specified ROCE metric established by the Committee at the beginning of the performance period. ROCE performance awards can vest at between zero and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the ROCE performance awards is the average market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
9.11.    Income Taxes
Tax provision
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017, we recorded a tax provision of $13 million on our pretax earnings of $245 million and a tax provision of $3 million on our pretax earnings of $231$84 million, and a tax provision of $26 million on our pretax loss of $309 million, respectively. Included in the tax provision in the first ninesix months of 2018 is a benefit for the release of a portion of the domestic valuation allowance due to pretax income. Included in the tax provision in the first six months of 2017 is a benefit of $13 million related to the carryback of specified liabilitycertain losses to prior years, as well as a benefit of $25 million related to the Company’s intent to claim a refund of Alternative Minimum Tax credits pursuant to a provision in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. As a result, the provision recorded in the third quarter of 2017 was immaterial. Due to the full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets in 2016 and 2017, the tax provision does not reflect any benefit for domestic pretax losses.years.

The tax provision for the first ninesix months of 20172018 is based on an estimated annual effective rate, which requires management to make its best estimate of annual pretax income or loss.
During the year, management regularly updates forecasted annual pretax results for the various countries in which we operate based on changes in factors such as prices, shipments, product mix, plant operating performance and cost estimates. To the extent that actual 20172018 pretax results for U.S. and foreign income or loss vary from estimates applied herein, the actual tax provision or benefit recognized in 20172018 could be materially different from the forecasted amount used to estimate the tax provision for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018.
Deferred taxes
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzes the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of athe deferred tax asset may not be realized.

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, U. S. Steel reviewed all available positive and negative evidence and determined that it is more likely than not that all of its net domestic deferred tax assets may not be realized.

U. S. Steel will continue to monitor the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis.basis taking into consideration, among other items, the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term. In the future, if we determine that realization is more likely than not for deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance, the related valuation allowance will be reduced, and we will record a non-cash benefit to earnings.
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits are the differences between a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return and the benefit recognized for accounting purposes pursuant to the guidance in ASC Topic 740 on income taxes. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, and December 31, 2016,2017, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $41 million $71 millionand $72$42 million, respectively. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $107 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and $9$6 millionas ofDecember 31, 20162017.
U. S. Steel records interest related to uncertain tax positions as a part of net interest and other financial costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any penalties are recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of both SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017, U. S. Steel had accrued liabilities of $6$6 million and $4 million, respectively, for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.


10.12.    Earnings and Dividends Per Common Share
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to United States Steel Corporation Stockholders
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share assumes the exercise of stock options, the vesting of restricted stock units and performance awards, provided in each case the effect is dilutive.
The computations for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations are as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders $147
 $51
 $228
 $(335)
Earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders $214
 $261
 $232
 $81
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic 175,003
 160,513
 174,684
 151,199
 177,027
 174,797
 176,594
 174,521
Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards 1,481
 1,187
 1,652
 
 1,876
 1,231
 1,891
 1,798
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted 176,484
 161,700
 176,336
 151,199
 178,903
 176,028
 178,485
 176,319
Basic earnings (loss) per common share $0.84
 $0.32
 $1.30
 $(2.22)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $0.83
 $0.32
 $1.29
 $(2.22)
Basic earnings per common share $1.21
 $1.49
 $1.32
 $0.46
Diluted earnings per common share $1.20
 $1.48
 $1.30
 $0.46
The following table summarizes the securities that were antidilutive, and therefore, were not included in the computations of diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Securities granted under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended 2,679
 4,613 1,677
 9,568
Securities granted under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended 1,832
 3,538
 1,572
 1,669
Dividends Paid Per Share
The dividend for each of the first threeand second quarters of 20172018 and 20162017 was five cents per common share.

11.13.    Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventories and lower of cost and net realizable value for first-in, first-out (FIFO) method inventories. The LIFO method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. The FIFO method is the predominant method of inventory costing method in Europe. At SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017, the LIFO method accounted for 7473 percent and 75 percent of total inventory values, respectively.
(In millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Raw materials $442
 $449
 $556
 $527
Semi-finished products 837
 686
 832
 796
Finished products 405
 375
 404
 356
Supplies and sundry items 53
 63
 56
 59
Total $1,737
 $1,573
 $1,848
 $1,738
Current acquisition costs were estimated to exceed the above inventory values by $757846 million and $489$802 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017, respectively. The impact fromAs a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories, cost


was immaterial inof sales decreased and earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes increased by $2 million and less than $1 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018, respectively. Cost of sales decreased and earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes increased by $21$7 million and $1 million for the three months and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017, respectively, as a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cost of sales increased and earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes decreased by $54 million as a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories.
Inventory includes $4640 million and $5442 million of propertyland held for residential or residential/commercial development as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017, respectively.
12.14.    Derivative Instruments
U. S. Steel is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks as a result ofin our European operations. USSE’s revenues are primarily in euros and costs are primarily in euros and U.S. dollars and euros. In addition, cash requirements may be funded by intercompany loans, creating intercompany monetary assets and liabilities in currencies other than the functional currency of the entities involved and affect income when remeasured at the end of each period.
dollars. U. S. Steel uses euroforeign exchange forward sales contracts (foreign exchange forwards) with maturities no longer than 12 months to exchange euros for U.S. dollars to manage our currency requirements and exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are required to be recognized at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. U. S. Steel has not elected to designate these euro forward sales contracts as hedges. Therefore, changes in their fair value are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of September 30, 2017, U. S. Steel held euro forward sales contracts with a total notional value of approximately $253 million. We mitigate the risk of concentration of counterparty credit risk by purchasing our forward sales contractsforwards from several counterparties.
Additionally,From time to time U. S. Steel usesmay use fixed-price forward physical purchase contracts to partially manage our exposure to price risk related to the purchases of natural gas, zinc and certain nonferrous metalstin used in the production process. During 2017 and 2016, theGenerally, forward physical purchase contracts for natural gas and nonferrous metals qualifiedqualify for the normal purchasespurchase and normal sales exemptionexceptions described in ASC Topic 815 and wereare not subject to mark-to-market accounting.
U. S. Steel also uses financial swaps to protect from the commodity price risk associated with purchases of natural gas, zinc and tin (commodity purchase swaps). Commodity purchase swaps did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial results and were classified as cash flow hedges in prior periods (their impacts are included in our expanded tabular disclosure below). Effective January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The following summarizes the location and amountscumulative effect of the fair values and gains or losses relatedadoption of ASU 2017-12 was not material to derivatives included in U. S. Steel's consolidated financial statementsresults. See Note 3 for additional information on the recently adopted accounting standard.
Financial swaps are also used to partially manage the sales price of certain hot-rolled coil sales (sales swaps). In prior periods, we did not elect hedge accounting for these financial swaps and changes in their fair value were immediately recognized in earnings. Effective January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel elected to designate its hot-rolled coil sales swaps as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 andcash flow hedges. See the tabular disclosure below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
    Fair Value Fair Value
(In millions) Balance Sheet
Location
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Foreign exchange forward contracts Accounts receivable $
 $9
Foreign exchange forward contracts Accounts payable $12
 $
(In millions) Statement of
Operations
Location
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss)
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30, 2017
Foreign exchange forward contracts Other financial income/
costs
 $(7) $(20)
(In millions) Statement of
Operations
Location
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss)
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30, 2016
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Foreign exchange forward contracts Other financial income/
costs
 $
 $(4)


further details.
In accordance with the guidance found in ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements and disclosures, the fair value of our euro forwardforeign exchange forwards, commodity purchase swaps and sales contractsswaps was determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as "significant other observable" inputs. The inputs used are from market sources that aggregate data based upon market transactions.
The table below shows the outstanding swap quantities used to hedge forecasted purchases and sales as of June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017:
Hedge ContractsClassification June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
Natural gas (in mmbtus)Commodity purchase swaps 13,845,000
 7,756,000
Tin (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 705
 480
Zinc (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 13,468
 41,790
Hot-rolled coils (in tons)Sales swaps 60,000
 138,000
Foreign currency (in thousands of dollars)Foreign exchange forwards $324,000
 $216,000
The following summarizes the fair value amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:


(In millions) Designated as Hedging InstrumentsBalance Sheet Location June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Sales swapsAccounts payable $12
 $
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts receivable 1
 4
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 8
 2
Commodity purchase swapsInvestments and long-term receivables 
 1
Commodity purchase swapsOther long-term liabilities 1
 1
      
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments     
Sales swapsAccounts payable 
 2
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 
 1
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts receivable 11
 
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts payable 
 11
The table below summarizes the effect of hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) and amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Sales swaps (b)
 $(3) $
 Net sales $(3) $
Commodity purchase swaps 
 (3) 
Cost of sales (c)
 (2) (4)
(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018.
(c) Costs for commodity purchase swaps are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.
  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Sales swaps (b)
 $(12) $
 Net sales $(3) $
Commodity purchase swaps (7) (3) 
Cost of sales (c)
 1
 (3)
(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018.
(c) Costs for commodity purchase swaps are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.
The table below summarizes the impact of derivative activity where hedge accounting has not been elected on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:



   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)Consolidated Statement of Operations Location Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Sales swaps (a)
Net sales $
 $(2)
Foreign exchange forwardsOther financial costs 19
 (11)
(a) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018.
   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)Consolidated Statement of Operations Location Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Sales swaps (a)
Net sales $
 $2
Commodity purchase swapsCost of sales 
 3
Foreign exchange forwardsOther financial costs 13
 (13)
(a) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018.

At current contract values, $7 million and $12 million currently in AOCI as of June 30, 2018 will be recognized as an increase in cost of sales and a decrease in net sales, respectively, over the next year as related hedged items are recognized in earnings. The maximum derivative contract duration for commodity purchase swaps is two years and the maximum duration for sales swaps is one year.
13.15.    Debt
(In millions) 
Interest
Rates %
 Maturity September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 
Interest
Rates %
 Maturity June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
2037 Senior Notes 6.65 2037 $350
 $350
 6.650 2037 $350
 $350
2026 Senior Notes 6.250 2026 650
 
2025 Senior Notes 6.875 2025 750
 
 6.875 2025 750
 750
2022 Senior Notes 7.50 2022 
 400
2021 Senior Secured Notes 8.375 2021 980
 980
 8.375 2021 
 780
2021 Senior Notes 6.875 2021 
 200
2020 Senior Notes 7.375 2020 432
 432
 7.375 2020 401
 432
2018 Senior Notes 7.00 2018 
 161
Environmental Revenue Bonds 5.50 - 6.88 2017 - 2042 400
 447
 5.750 - 6.875 2019 - 2042 400
 400
Recovery Zone Facility Bonds 6.75 2040 
 70
Fairfield Caster Lease 2022 26
 28
 2022 23
 24
Other capital leases and all other obligations 2019 1
 1
 2019 1
 1
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Variable 2023 
 
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Variable 2020 
 
 Variable 2020 
 
USSK Revolver Variable 2020 
 
USSK Credit Agreement Variable 2021 
 
USSK credit facilities Variable 2017 - 2018 
 
 Variable 2018 
 
Total Debt 2,939
 3,069
 2,575
 2,737
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs 40
 38
 30
 34
Less short-term debt and long-term debt due within one year 3
 50
 4
 3
Long-term debt $2,896
 $2,981
 $2,541
 $2,700


To the extent not otherwise discussed below, information concerning the senior notes and other listed obligations can be found in Note 16 of the audited financial statements in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Senior Note Repurchases
During the three months ended June 30, 2018, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $31 million of its 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (2020 Senior Notes) at a weighted average price of 106.946 percent of par through a series of open market purchases. Additionally, in July 2018, U. S. Steel repurchased an additional $44 million of its 2020 Senior Notes at a weighted average price of 107.234 percent of par.
Senior Secured Note Tender and Redemption
In March 2018, pursuant to a cash tender offer, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $499 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (2021 Senior Secured Notes). The aggregate cash outflow from the tender was approximately $538 million, which included $39 million in premiums. The remaining approximately $281 million aggregate principal amount of 2021 Senior Secured Notes were redeemed on April 12, 2018. The aggregate cash flow from the redemption was $302 million, which included $21 million in premiums.
Issuance of Senior Notes due 20252026
In August 2017,March 2018, U. S. Steel issued $750$650 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875%6.250% Senior Notes due AugustMarch 15, 2025 (20252026 (2026 Senior Notes). U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $737$640 million after fees of approximately $13$10 million related to the underwriting and third partythird-party expenses. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 20252026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to tender or otherwise redeem portionsall of our outstanding senior notes2021 Senior Secured Notes as discussed below.above.

The 20252026 Senior Notes are senior and unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future senior and unsecured indebtedness. U. S. Steel will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on February 15thMarch 15th and August 15thSeptember 15th of each year, commencing on FebruarySeptember 15, 2018.

Similar to our other senior notes, the indenture governing the 20252026 Senior Notes restricts our ability to create certain liens, to enter into sale leaseback transactions and to consolidate, merge, transfer or sell all, or substantially all of our assets. It also contains provisions requiring the purchase of the 20252026 Senior Notes upon a change of control under certain specified circumstances, as well as other customary provisions.

U. S. Steel may redeem the 20252026 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, or from time to time, on or after AugustMarch 15, 20202021 at the redemption price for such notes set forth below as a percentage of the


principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning AugustMarch 15 of the years indicated below:

YearRedemption PriceRedemption Price
2020103.438%
2021101.719%103.125%
2022 and thereafter100.000%
2022101.563%
2023 and thereafter100.000%

At any time prior to AugustMarch 15, 2020,2021, U. S. Steel may also redeem the 2025 Senior Notes, at our option, in whole, or from time to time, at a price equal to the greater of 100 percent of the principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes to be redeemed, or the sum of the present value of the redemption price of the 2025 Senior Notes if they were redeemed on August 15, 2020 plus interest payments due through August 15, 2020 discounted to the date of redemption, plus 50 basis points.

Under certain specified circumstances we may also purchase up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 20252026 Senior Notes at 106.875%106.25%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the applicable date of redemption, prior to August 15, 2020 with proceeds from equity offerings.

Senior Note Redemption
In September 2017, U. S. Steel redeemed all of its $161 million 7.00% Senior Notes due 2018, $200 million 6.875% Senior Notes due 2021, and $400 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2022 in accordance with the redemption provisions under the indentures governing these notes. The aggregate redemption cost of approximately $808 million included $761 million for the present value of the remaining principal balances, $21 million in accrued and unpaid interest and $26 million in redemption premiums, of which approximately $4 million was a make-whole premium.
Redemption of Recovery Zone Facility Bonds
On March 10, 2017, U. S. Steel announced the permanent shutdown of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations in Lorain, Ohio. Under the terms of the Trust Indenture dated as of December 1, 2010, between the Lorain County Port Authority and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (the Indenture), this action and our decision to relocate the Lorain No. 6 Quench & Temper equipment to one of several other sites under consideration to optimize our operations, triggered an Extraordinary Mandatory Redemption of the Lorain County Port Authority Recovery Zone Facility Revenue Bonds (the Recovery Zone Bonds) and accordingly required U. S. Steel to redeem the Recovery Zone Bonds and repay in full the principal amount plus accrued interest. In accordance with the terms of the Indenture, U. S. Steel paid in full all amounts due under the Indenture, comprised of $70 million principal and accrued interest of approximately $2 million, on April 27, 2017.
ThirdFourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
As of September 30, 2017, there were no amounts drawn onOn February 26, 2018, U. S. Steel entered into the $1.5 billion credit facility agreement (ThirdFourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Facility Agreement)., replacing the Company's Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Credit Facility Agreement maintains the facility size of $1.5 billion and extends the maturity date to 2023.

As of June 30, 2018, there were no amounts drawn under the $1.5 billion Credit Facility Agreement. U. S. Steel must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $150 million. Based on the most recent four quarters as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we would have


met this covenant. If we are unable to meet this covenant in future periods, the amount available to the Company under this facility would be reduced by $150 million.

The Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement provides for borrowings at interest rates based on defined, short-term market rates plus a spread based on availability and includes other customary terms and conditions including restrictions on our ability to create certain liens and to consolidate, merge or transfer all, or substantially all, of our assets. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement expires in July 2020.February 2023. Maturity may be accelerated 91 days prior to the stated maturity of any outstanding senior debt if excess cash and credit facility availability do not meet the liquidity conditions set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement. Borrowings are secured by liens on certain domesticNorth American inventory and trade accounts receivable.

The Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement permits incurrence of additional secured debt up to 15%17.5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.


U. S. Steel Košice (USSK) revolver and credit facilities
At SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, USSK had no borrowings under its €200 million (approximately $236233 million) unsecured revolving credit facility (the USSK Credit Agreement). The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK financial covenants, including maximum Leverage, maximum Net Debt to Tangible Net Worth, and minimum Interest Coverage ratios as defined in the USSK Credit Agreement. The covenants are measured semi-annually for the period covering the last twelve calendar months. USSK may not draw on the USSK Credit Agreement if it does not comply with any of the financial covenants until the next measurement date. At SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, USSK had full availability under the USSK Credit Agreement. Currently, theThe USSK Credit Agreement expires in July 2020. The USSK Credit Agreement permits one additional one-year extension to the final maturity date at the mutual consent of USSK and its lenders.2021.
At SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, USSK had no borrowings under its €40 million and €10 million unsecured credit facilities (collectively, approximately $59$58 million) and the availability was approximately $58$57 million due to approximately $1 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. On October 27, 2017, USSK entered into an amendment to itsThe €40 million credit facility expires in December 2018. Currently, the €10 million unsecured credit agreement to extend the agreement's final maturity date fromfacility also expires in December 2017 to December 2018. The amendment also permits2018, but can be extended one additional one-year extensionyear to the final maturity date at the mutual consent of USSK and its lender.
Each of these facilities bear interest at the applicable inter-bank offer rate plus a margin and contain customary terms and conditions.
Change in control event under various financing agreements
If there is a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $2,5122,151 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 (including the senior notes and the senior secured notes) may be declared due and payable; (b) the Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement and USSK's €200 million Revolving Credit Agreementthe USSK credit facilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either repurchasepurchase the leased Fairfield Works slab caster for approximately $2724 million or provide a letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
14.16.    Asset Retirement Obligations
U. S. Steel’s asset retirement obligations (AROs) primarily relate to mine, and landfill closure and post-closure costs. The following table reflects changes in the carrying values of AROs:
(In millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 
Balance at beginning of year $79
 $89
 $69
 $79
 
Additional obligations incurred 
 2
Obligations settled (4) (15) (2) (8) 
Change in estimate of obligations (6) 



(6)
Foreign currency translation effects 1
 
 
 2
 
Accretion expense 2
 3
 1
 2
 
Balance at end of period $72
 $79
 $68
 $69
 
Certain AROs related to disposal costs of the majority of fixed assets at our integrated steel facilities have not been recorded because they have an indeterminate settlement date. These AROs will be initially recognized in the period in which sufficient information exists to estimate their fair value.


15.17.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, current accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, bank checks outstanding, and accrued interest included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate fair value. See Note 1214 for disclosure of U. S. Steel’s derivative instruments, which are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis.


The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s financial assets and liabilities that were not carried at fair value at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(In millions) Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
Financial liabilities: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (a)
 $3,059
 $2,872
 $3,139
 $3,002
 $2,567
 $2,517
 $2,851
 $2,678
(a)Excludes capital lease obligations.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments included in the table above:
Long-term debt: Fair value was determined using Level 2 inputs which were derived from quoted market prices and is based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.
Fair value of the financial liabilities disclosed herein is not necessarily representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the fair value amount consider the tax consequences of realization or settlement.
Financial guarantees are U. S. Steel’s only unrecognized financial instrument. For details relating to financial guarantees see Note 20.22.




16.18.    Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

The following table reflects the first ninesix months of 20172018 and 2016 reconciliations2017 reconciliation of the carrying amountsamount of total equity, equity attributable to U. S. Steel and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (In millions) Total Accumulated
Deficit
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year $2,275
 $(250) $(1,497) $176
 $(182) $4,027
 $1
Comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings 228
 228
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 146
 
 146
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment 149
 
 149
 
 
 
 
Employee stock plans 26
 
 
 
 90
 (64) 
Dividends paid on common stock (26) 

 

 
 
 (26) 
Other 10
 4
 6
   

    
Balance at September 30, 2017 $2,808
 $(18) $(1,196) $176
 $(92) $3,937
 $1
(a) Amounts for 2017 do not reflect a tax benefit as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (In millions) Total Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year $3,321
 $133
 $(845) $176
 $(76) $3,932
 $1
Comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings 232
 232
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 93
 
 93
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment (47) 
 (47) 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments (19)   (19)        
Employee stock plans 44
 
 
 1
 75
 (32) 
Dividends paid on common stock (18) (18) 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2018 $3,606
 $347
 $(818) $177
 $(1) $3,900
 $1

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (In millions) Total 
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated Deficit)
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (In millions) Total Accumulated Deficit Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year $2,437
 $190
 $(1,169) $151
 $(339) $3,603
 $1
 $2,275
 $(250) $(1,497) $176
 $(182) $4,027
 $1
Comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss (335) (335) 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings 81
 81
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments (134) 
 (134) 
 
 
 
 92
 
 92
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment 41
 
 41
 
 
 
 
 105
 
 105
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments (3)   (3)        
Employee stock plans 16
 
 
 
 62
 (46) 
 19
 
 
 
 86
 (67) 
Common stock issued 582
 

 
 25
 
 557
 
Dividends paid on common stock (22) 

 
 
 
 (22) 
 (18) 

 
 
 
 (18) 
Other 17
 
 17
 
 
 
 
 4
 4
 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2016 $2,602
 $(145) $(1,245) $176
 $(277) $4,092
 $1
Balance at June 30, 2017 $2,555
 $(165) $(1,303) $176
 $(96) $3,942
 $1
(b) Amounts for 2016 do not reflect a tax benefit as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.


17.19.    Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
(In millions) (a)
 Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
 Foreign
Currency
Items
 Other Total Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
 Foreign
Currency
Items
 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total
Balance at December 31, 2016 $(1,771) $274
 $
 $(1,497)
Balance at December 31, 2017 $(1,309) $463
 $1
 $(845)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 296
 149
 6
 451
 186
 (47) (18) 121
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(b) (141)
(b) 

 
 (141) (93) 
 (1) (94)
Sale of ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company L.C. (9) 
 
 (9)
Net current-period other comprehensive income 146
 149
 6
 301
 93
 (47) (19) 27
Balance at September 30, 2017 $(1,625) $423
 $6
 $(1,196)
Balance at June 30, 2018 $(1,216) $416
 $(18) $(818)
(a)Amounts do not reflect a tax benefit as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.
(b)See table below for further details.
   Amount reclassified from AOCI
   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) (a)
Details about AOCI components 2017 2016 2017 2016
 Amortization of pension and other benefit items        
 
Prior service costs (b)
 $8
 $(8) $22
 $(27)
 
Actuarial losses (b)
 38
 (34) 114
 (99)
 
      Settlement, termination and curtailment
(losses)
(b)
 1
 (10) 5
 (13)
 Total before tax 47
 (52) 141
 (139)
 Tax benefit 
 
 
 
 
Net of tax (c)
 $47
 $(52) $141
 $(139)
   Amount reclassified from AOCI
   Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In millions) (a)
Details about AOCI components 2018 2017 2018 2017
 Amortization of pension and other benefit items        
 
Prior service costs (b)
 $(8) $(7) $(15) $(14)
 
Actuarial losses (b)
 (39) (38) (78) (76)
 
      Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (b)
 
 
 
 (4)
 Total pensions and other benefits items (47) (45) (93) (94)
 Derivative reclassifications to Consolidated Statements of Operations 2
 
 (1) 
 Total before tax (45) (45) (94) (94)
 
Tax benefit (c)
 
 
 
 
 Net of tax $(45) $(45) $(94) $(94)
(a)Amounts in parentheses indicate decreases in AOCI.
(b)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 68 for additional details).
(c)Amounts do not reflect a tax benefit as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.

18.20.    Transactions with Related Parties
Net sales to related parties and receivables from related parties primarily reflect sales of raw materials and steel products to equity investees and U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) after the Canada Companies' Creditor Arrangement Act (CCAA) filing on September 16, 2014, but before the sale to an affiliate of Bedrock Industries Group LLC (Bedrock). on June 30, 2017. Generally, transactions are conducted under long-term market-based contractual arrangements. Related party sales and service transactions were $272$367 million and $316$357 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively and $941$695 million and $895$670 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively.
Purchases from related parties for outside processing services provided by equity investees and USSC after the CCAA filing on September 16, 2014, but before the sale to Bedrock, amounted to $7$8 million and $25$41 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively and $62$15 million and $68$55 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Purchases of iron ore pellets from related parties amounted to $40$25 millionand $43$44 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively and $120$42 million and $131$80 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016, respectively.2017.
Accounts payable to related parties include balances due to PRO-TEC Coating Company, LLC (PRO-TEC) of $77$90 million and $63$72 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively for invoicing and receivables collection services provided by U. S. Steel.Steel on PRO-TEC's behalf. U. S. Steel, as PRO-TEC’s exclusive sales agent, is responsible for credit risk related to those receivables. U. S. Steel also provides PRO-TEC marketing, selling and customer service functions. Payables to other related parties including USSC after the CCAA filing ontotaled $2 million at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


September 16, 2014, but before the sale Bedrock totaled $2 million and $3 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
As a result of the completion of the restructuring and disposition of U. S. Steel Canada Inc. on June 30, 2017, subsequent transactions between the Company and U. S. Steel Canada Inc. are no longer considered related party transactions and are accounted for and recognized as third-party transactions. See Note 21 for further details.

19.21. Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring charges recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2018 were immaterial. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $16 million.
During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $30$32 million, which consists of charges of $35 million related to the permanent shutdown of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations and a favorable adjustment of $5$3 million primarily associated with a change in estimate for previously recorded costs for environmental obligationscosts and Company-wide headcount reductions. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $24$17 million.
Restructuring charges recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were immaterial.
Charges for restructuring and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are recorded in the period the CompanyU. S. Steel commits to a restructuring or cost reduction plan, or executes specific actions contemplated by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. Charges related to the restructuring and cost reductions are reported in restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The activity in the accrued balances incurred in relation to restructuring and other cost reduction programs during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 were as follows:
  Employee Related Exit Non-cash  
(in millions) Costs Costs Charges Total
Balance at December 31, 2016 $14
 $60
 $
 $74
Additional charges 1
 
 35
 36
Cash payments/utilization (7) (17) (35) (59)
Other adjustments and reclassifications (4)
(2) 
 (6)
Balance at September 30, 2017 $4
 $41
 $
 $45
  Employee Related Exit 
(in millions) Costs Costs Total
Balance at December 31, 2017 $4
 $34
 $38
Cash payments/utilization (2) (14) (16)
Balance at June 30, 2018 $2
 $20
 $22

Accrued liabilities for restructuring and other cost reduction programs are included in the following balance sheet lines:
(in millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Accounts payable $30
 $50
 $12
 $26
Payroll and benefits payable 3
 11
 2
 4
Employee benefits 1
 1
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 11
 12
 8
 8
Total $45
 $74
 $22
 $38

20.22.    Contingencies and Commitments
U. S. Steel is the subject of, or party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. Certain of these matters are discussed below. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, management believes that U. S. Steel will remain a viable and competitive enterprise even though it is possible that these contingencies could be resolved unfavorably.
U. S. Steel accrues for estimated costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that it will incur these costs in the future and the costs are reasonably estimable.


Asbestos matters As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 830760 active cases involving approximately 3,3252,300 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. At December 31, 2016,2017, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 845 active820 cases involving approximately 3,3403,315 plaintiffs. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, about 2,5001,540, or approximately 7567 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, we believe that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs.


The following table shows the number of asbestos claims in the current period and the prior three years:
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
 Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2014 3,320 190 325 3,455
December 31, 2015 3,455 415 275 3,315 3,455 415 275 3,315
December 31, 2016 3,315 225 250 3,340 3,315 225 250 3,340
September 30, 2017 3,340 200 185 3,325
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315
June 30, 2018 3,315 1,160 145 2,300
(a) The period ending June 30, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.
Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into three groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.
The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition. However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, including: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims. Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular quarter.
Environmental matters U. S. Steel is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for noncompliance. Changes in accrued liabilities for remediation activities where U. S. Steel is identified as a named party are summarized in the following table:
(In millions)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Beginning of period$179
$179
Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable6
2
Obligations settled(5)(2)
End of period$180
$179
Accrued liabilities for remediation activities are included in the following Consolidated Balance Sheet lines:
(In millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Accounts payable $20
 $19
 $30
 $29
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 160
 160
 149
 150
Total $180
 $179
 $179
 $179
Expenses related to remediation are recorded in cost of sales and were immaterial for both the three and nine monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016.June 30, 2017. It is not presentlycurrently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred or the penalties that may be imposed. Due to uncertainties inherent in remediation projects and the associated liabilities, it is reasonably possible that total remediation costs for active matters may exceed the accrued liabilities by as much as 15 to 30 percent.
Remediation Projects
U. S. Steel is involved in environmental remediation projects at or adjacent to several current and former U. S. Steel facilities and other locations that are in various stages of completion ranging from initial


characterization through post-closure monitoring. Based on the anticipated scope and degree of uncertainty of projects, we categorize projects as follows:
(1)
Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development - Projects which are still in the development phase. For these projects, the extent of remediation that may be required is not yet known, the remediation methods and plans are not yet developed, and/or cost estimates cannot be determined. Therefore, significant costs, in addition to the accrued liabilities for these projects, are reasonably possible. There are six environmental remediation projects where additional costs for completion are not currently estimable, but could be material. These projects are at Fairfield Works, Lorain Tubular, USS-POSCO Industries (UPI), the Fairless Plant, Cherryvale Zinc and the former steelmaking plant at Joliet, Illinois. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, accrued liabilities for these projects totaled $1 million for the costs of studies, investigations, interim measures, design and/or remediation. It is reasonably possible that additional liabilities associated with future requirements regarding studies, investigations, design and remediation for these projects could be as much as $30 million to $50 million.
(2)
Significant Projects with Defined Scope - Projects with significant accrued liabilities with a defined scope. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there are three significant projects with defined scope greater than or equal to $5 million each, with a total accrued liability of $136$135 million. These projects are Gary RCRAResource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (accrued liability of $26 million), the former Geneva facility (accrued liability of $63$62 million), and the former Duluth facility St. Louis River Estuary (accrued liability of $47 million).
(3)
Other Projects with a Defined Scope -Projects with relatively small accrued liabilities for which we believe that, while additional costs are possible, they are not likely to be significant, and also include those projects for which we do not yet possess sufficient information to estimate potential costs to U. S. Steel. There are two other environmental remediation projects which each had an accrued liability of between $1 million and $5 million. The total accrued liability for these projects at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 was $4 million. These projects have progressed through a significant portion of the design phase and material additional costs are not expected.
The remaining environmental remediation projects each have an accrued liability of less than $1$1 million each. The total accrued liability for these projects at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 was approximately $76 million. We do not foresee material additional liabilities for any of these sites.
Post-Closure Costs – Accrued liabilities for post-closure site monitoring and other costs at various closed landfills totaled $2322 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and were based on known scopes of work.
Administrative and Legal Costs – As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, U. S. Steel had an accrued liability of $68 million for administrative and legal costs related to environmental remediation projects. These accrued liabilities were based on projected administrative and legal costs for the next three years and do not change significantly from year to year.
Capital Expenditures For a number of years, U. S. Steel has made substantial capital expenditures to bring existing facilities into compliance with various laws relating to the environment. In both the first ninesix months of 20172018 and 20162017, such capital expenditures totaled $3933 million and $24 million, respectively.. U. S. Steel anticipates making additional such expenditures in the future; however, the exact amounts and timing of such expenditures are uncertain because of the continuing evolution of specific regulatory requirements.
EU Environmental Requirements - Under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), USSK's final allocation of free allowances for the Phase III period, which covers the years 2013 through 2020 is 48 million allowances. We estimate a shortfall of approximately 16 million allowances for the Phase III period. Based on projected future production levels, we started to purchase allowances in the third quarter of 2017 to meet the annual compliance submission in the future. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we have purchased 1approximately 9 million European Union Allowances (EUA) totaling €7€76 million (approximately $8$89 million). We estimate a shortfall of approximately 16 million allowances for the


Phase III period. However, due to a number of variables such as the future market value of allowances, future production levels and future emissionemissions intensity levels, we cannot reliably estimate the full cost of complying with the ETS regulations at this time.
The EU’s Industry Emission Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for Iron and Steel production to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated emission levels. Our most recent broad estimate of futurelikely total capital expenditures for projects to comply with or go beyond the BAT requirements for the 2017 to 2020 program period is €138 million (approximately $163$161 million). During 2017, USSK expended €2 million (approximately $1 million) overtoward the 2017total estimated capital expenditures. Applications have been approved to 2020 period. There are ongoing efforts to seekreceive EU grants to fund a portion of these the total estimated


capital expenditures.expenditures for the 2017 to 2020 program period. The actual amount spent will depend largely upon the amount of EU incentive grants received. See Item 2. Management's Discussion and AnalysisIn order to receive full grant amounts USSK is required to comply with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually. USSK complied with these covenants as of Financial Condition and ResultsJune 30, 2018. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure potential claims from the Slovak Government for repayment of Operations, Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies, Slovak Operations.a portion of the grant funds received.
Due to other EU legislation, requirements - BAT for Large Combustion Plants (LCP), we are required to make changes to the boilers at our steam and power generation plant in order to comply with stricter air emission limits for large combustion plants. The new requirements for LCP resulted in the construction of a new boiler and certain upgrades to our existing boilers. In January 2014, the operation of USSK's boilers was approved by the European Commission (EC) as part of Slovakia's Transitional National Plan (TNP) for bringing all boilers in Slovakia into compliance by no later than 2020. The TNP establishes emissionemissions ceilings for each category of emissions (total suspended particulate, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx)(NOx) for both stacks within the power plant.). The allowable amount of discharged emissions from existing boilers will decrease each year until mid 2020. An emission ceiling will be a limiting factor for future operation of the boilers. The boiler projects have been approved by our Board of Directors and we are now in the execution phase.mid-2020. These projects will result in a reduction in electricity, carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions, and operating, maintenance and waste disposal costs once completed. The construction of the new boiler is complete with a total final installed cost of €76€75 million (approximately $90$87 million). Reconstruction of the existing boiler is also complete with a projectedtotal cost of approximately €52 million (approximately $61 million),. The reconstructed boiler was put into operation on May 30, 2018 and final inspection is in progress. The total remainingexpected to be spent on the existing boiler project is projected to be €10 million (approximately $12 million).completed in October 2018. Broad legislative changes were enacted by the Slovak Republic to extend the scope of support for renewable sources of energy, that are intended to allow USSK to participate in Slovakia's renewable energy incentive program once the boiler projects are completed.
Guarantees – The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness and other obligations of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4 million at September 30, 2017.
EPA Region V Federal Lawsuit – This is a Clean Air Act (CAA) enforcement action brought in Federal Court in the Northern District of Indiana in 2012. The U.S. Government, joined by the States of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan initiated the action alleging the Company violated the CAA and failed to have in place appropriate pollution control equipment at Gary Works, Granite City Works, and Great Lakes Works. A Consent Decree with a proposed settlement agreement was filed with the Court on November 22, 2016. As part of the settlement agreement, U. S. Steel agreed to perform seven supplemental environmental projects totaling approximately $3 million and to pay a civil penalty of approximately $2 million. The enforcement action concluded on March 30, 2017 when the Court signed and entered the Consent Decree. In April 2017, U. S. Steel satisfied payment of the approximately $2 million civil penalty and is currently in various phases of implementing the supplemental environmental projects.
CCAA - On September 16, 2014, U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) commenced court-supervised restructuring proceedings under Canada's Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the Court). As part of the CCAA proceedings, U. S. Steel submitted both secured and unsecured claims of approximately C$2.2 billion which were verified by the court-appointed Monitor. U. S. Steel's claims were challenged by a number of interested parties, and on February 29, 2016, the Court denied those challenges and verified U. S. Steel's secured claims in the amount of approximately $119 million and unsecured claims of approximately C$1.8 billion and $120 million. The interested parties had appealed the determinations of the Court, but the appeals have been discontinued as a result of the sale of USSC to Bedrock on June 30, 2017 for approximately $127 million.2018.
Other contingencies Under certain operating lease agreements covering various equipment, U. S. Steel has the option to renew the lease or to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term. If U. S. Steel does not exercise the purchase option by the end of the lease term, U. S. Steel guarantees a residual value of the equipment as determined at the lease inception date (totaling approximately $10$12 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2017)2018). No liability has been recorded for these guarantees as the potential loss is not probable.


Insurance U. S. Steel maintains insurance for certain property damage, equipment, business interruption and general liability exposures; however, insurance is applicable only after certain deductibles and retainages. U. S. Steel is self-insured for certain other exposures including workers’ compensation (where permitted by law) and auto liability. Liabilities are recorded for workers’ compensation and personal injury obligations. Other costs resulting from losses under deductible or retainage amounts or not otherwise covered by insurance are charged against income upon occurrence.
U. S. Steel uses surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide whole or partial financial assurance for certain obligations such as workers’ compensation. The total amount of active surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit being used for financial assurance purposes was approximately $157174 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, which reflects U. S. Steel’s maximum exposure under these financial guarantees, but not its total exposure for the underlying obligations. A significant portion of our trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by our Third Amended and Restatedthe Credit Facility Agreement. The remaining trust arrangements and letters of credit are collateralized by restricted cash. Restricted cash, which is recorded in other current and noncurrent assets, totaled $4241 million and $4044 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and andDecember 31, 20162017, respectively.
Capital Commitments At SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $143604 million.
Contractual Purchase Commitments – U. S. Steel is obligated to make payments under contractual purchase commitments, including unconditional purchase obligations. Payments for contracts with remaining terms in excess of one year are summarized below (in millions):
Remainder of 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Later
Years
 Total
$147 $734 $402 $316 $309 $1,067 $2,975
Remainder of 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Later
Years
 Total
$296 $579 $480 $309 $300 $1,166 $3,130


The majority of U. S. Steel’s unconditional purchase obligations relates to the supply of industrial gases, and certain energy and utility services with terms ranging from two to 15 years. Unconditional purchase obligations also include coke and steam purchase commitments related to a coke supply agreement with Gateway Energy & Coke Company LLC (Gateway) under which Gateway is obligated to supply a minimum volume of the expected targeted annual production of the heat recovery coke plant, and U. S. Steel is obligated to purchase the coke from Gateway at the contract price. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, if U. SS. Steel were to terminate the agreement, it may be obligated to pay in excess of $193173 million.
Total payments relating to unconditional purchase obligations were $132146 million and $117151 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017, respectively, and $425$307 million and $372$292 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.
21.23.    U. S. Steel Canada Inc. Retained Interest
On June 30, 2017, U. S. Steel completed the restructuring and disposition of USSC through a sale and transfer of all of the issued and outstanding shares in USSC to an affiliate of Bedrock. In accordance with the Second Amended and Restated Plan of Compromise, Arrangement and Reorganization, approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on June 9, 2017, U. S. Steel received approximately $127 million in satisfaction of its secured claims, including interest, which resulted in a gain of $72 million on the Company's retained interest in USSC. U. S. Steel also agreed to the discharge and cancellation of its unsecured claims for nominal consideration. The terms of the settlement also included mutual releases among key stakeholders, including a release of all claims against the Company regarding environmental, pension and other liabilities.
22.24.    Sale of Ownership Interest inSignificant Equity InvesteeInvestments

On September 29,Summarized unaudited income statement information for our significant equity investments for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 a subsidiaryis reported below (amounts represent 100% of U. S. Steel completed the sale of its 15% ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company L.C. for $105 million.  As a result of the transaction, U. S. Steel recognized a gain of approximately $26 million. 

investee financial information):

(In millions) 2018 2017
Net sales $571
 $533
Cost of sales 511
 468
Operating income 38
 43
Net earnings 33
 38
Net earnings attributable to significant equity investments 33
 38

U. S. Steel's portion of the equity in net earnings of the significant equity investments above was $18 million and $20 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in the earnings from investees line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.



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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales by segment for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 are set forth in the following table:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
   Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
   Six Months Ended June 30,  
(Dollars in millions, excluding intersegment sales) 2017 2016 
%
Change
 2017 2016
%
Change
 2018 2017 
%
Change
 2018 2017 
%
Change
Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled) $2,249
 $1,986
 13% $6,265
 $5,643
11 % $2,435
 $2,151
 13 % $4,482
 $4,016
 12 %
U. S. Steel Europe (USSE) 710
 575
 23% 2,123
 1,616
31 % 848
 740
 15 % 1,671
 1,413
 18 %
Tubular Products (Tubular) 276
 114
 142% 682
 303
125 % 309
 234
 32 % 575
 405
 42 %
Total sales from reportable segments 3,235
 2,675
 21% 9,070
 7,562
20 % 3,592
 3,125
 15 % 6,728
 5,834
 15 %
Other Businesses 13
 11
 18% 47
 49
(4)% 17
 19
 (11)% 30
 35
 (14)%
Net sales $3,248
 $2,686
 21% $9,117
 $7,611
20 % $3,609
 $3,144
 15 % $6,758
 $5,869
 15 %


Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 versus the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 is set forth in the following table:
Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 versus Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017
 
Steel Products (a)
     
Steel Products (a)
    
 Volume Price Mix 
FX (b)
 
Coke, Pellets &
Other
(c)
 Net
Change
 Volume Price Mix 
FX (b)
 
Coke &
Other
(c)
 Net
Change
Flat-Rolled (3)% 1% 2% % 13% 13% 3% 10% % % % 13%
USSE (3)% 18% 3% 5% % 23% % 5% 2% 8% % 15%
Tubular 73 % 7% 58% % 4% 142% 12% 19% % % 1% 32%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory
Net sales were $3,248$3,609 million in the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, compared with $2,686$3,144 million in the same period last year. The increase in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment primarily reflected a favorable impact from increased third-party pellet sales, areflects higher value added product mix, and higher average realized prices (increase of $10$77 per net ton) as a resultacross all product types and increased shipments (increase of improved market conditions.87 thousand net tons) due to accelerated demand for steel products in line with the recent economic growth. The increase in sales for the USSE segment was primarily due to strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar and higher average realized euro-based prices (increase of 93€30 per net ton) as a result of lower imports, partially offset by decreased shipments (decrease of 38 thousand net tons). The increase in sales for the Tubular segment primarily reflectedresulted from higher realized prices (increase of $215 per net ton) and increased shipments (increase of 8221 thousand net tons), a favorable impact on product mix as a result of increased shipments of seamless tubular products, and higher average realized prices (increase of $384 per net ton) as a result of due to improved market conditions.

Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 versus the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 is set forth in the following table:
NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 versus NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016
2017
 
Steel Products (a)
     
Steel Products (a)
    
 Volume Price Mix 
FX (b)
 
Coke, Pellets &
Other
(c)
 Net
Change
 Volume Price Mix 
FX (b)
 
Coke &
Other
(c)
 Net
Change
Flat-Rolled (5)% 22% (11)% % 5% 11% 4% 6% % % 2% 12%
USSE 3 % 29% (1)% % % 31% 1% 5% 1% 11% % 18%
Tubular 96 % 6% 16 % % 7% 125% 18% 23% 1% % % 42%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory

Net sales were $9,117$6,758 million in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, compared with $7,611$5,869 million in the same period last year. The increase in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment primarily reflectedreflects higher average realized prices (increase of $72$49 per net ton) across all product types and increased third-party pellet sales, partially offset by a decrease in shipments (decrease(increase of 280217 thousand net tons) as a result of a planned outage at our Great Lakes Works facility and an unfavorable impact on product mix as a result of increased sales of hot-rolled products.due to accelerated demand for steel products in line with the recent economic growth. The increase in sales for the USSE segment was primarily due to strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar and higher average realized euro-based prices (increase of €121€23 per net ton) and an increase in shipments (increase of 98 thousand net tons), both as a result of improved market conditions.. The increase in sales for the Tubular segment primarily reflectedresulted from higher realized prices (increase of $247 per net ton) and increased shipments (increase of 24758 thousand net tons), a higher value product mix, and higher average realized prices (increase of $174 per net ton) as a result of due to improved market conditions.

Pension and other benefits costs
Pension and other benefit costs (other than service cost) are reflected in ourwithin net interest and other financial costs and the service cost component is reflected within cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense line items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Defined benefit and multi-employermultiemployer pension plan costs included in cost of goods sold totaled $27 million and $82$54 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, respectively, compared to $33$26 million and $84$53 million in the comparable periods in 2016.2017.


Costs related to defined contribution plans totaled $11 million and $32$21 million infor the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, respectively, compared to $10 million and $32$21 million in the comparable periods in 2016.2017.
Other benefit expense (income),included in cost of sales totaled $20$4 million and $(1)$8 million in the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016,2018, respectively, and $59$5 million and $(3)$9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The $21 million and $62 million increasescomparable periods in expense in the 2017 periods are primarily due to a lower return on asset assumption as a result of actions taken in 2016 to de-risk the other postemployment benefit (OPEB) plans.
Net periodic pension cost, including multi-employer plans, is expected to total approximately $105 million in 2017. Total other benefits costs in 2017 are expected to total approximately $78 million. The pension cost projection includes approximately $57 million of contributions to the Steelworkers Pension Trust.2017.
Non-retirement post-employment benefits
U. S. Steel incurred a favorable adjustment associated with a change in estimate that resulted in a benefit of approximately $2 million and $3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to costs of approximately $9 million and $7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, related to employee costs for supplemental unemployment benefits and the continuation of health care benefits and life insurance coverage for employees associated with the temporary idling of certain facilities and reduced production at others. Payments for these benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $3 million and $16 million, respectively. Payments for these benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $19 million and $58 million, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $89$92 million and $265$170 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, respectively, compared to $73$67 million and $206$148 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, respectively. TheFor both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 the increase is primarily relateddue to increased other benefit costs as described above.an increase in variable compensation.

Operating configuration adjustmentsupdate                            
OverIn March 2018, U. S. Steel announced that it would restart the past three years,"B" blast furnace and steelmaking facilities at its Granite City Works facility, which would enable the Company has adjusted its operating configurationto support anticipated increased demand for steel produced in response to challenging market conditionsthe United States as a result of global overcapacity and unfair trade practices by temporarily idling productionactions in the Section 232 investigation into steel imports. The restart occurred in the second quarter of 2018.

Additionally, in June 2018, U. S. Steel announced that it would restart the "A" blast furnace at certain of its facilities.
As of September 30, 2017, the following facilities are temporarily idled:
Temporarily Idled:
Tubular Processing (idled in April 2015)
Granite City Works - Steelmaking Operations (idledfacility, which will support increased demand for steel manufactured in December 2015)

the United States, while allowing the Company to continue to support customers during planned asset revitalization efforts. The carrying valuerestart is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of the long-lived assets associated with the temporarily idled facilities listed above total approximately $164 million.

Other Strategic Decisions2018.

In March of 2017, U. S. Steel made the strategic decision to permanently shutdownshut down and relocate the Lorain #6 Quench & Temper Mill as a result of the challenging market conditions for tubular products.

In December of 2016, U. S. Steel made the strategic decision to permanently shutdown the Lorain #4 and Lone Star #1 pipe mills and the Bellville Tubular Operations after considering a number of factors, including challenging market conditions for tubular products, reduced rig counts and unfairly traded imports.

U. S. Steel will continue to evaluate potential strategic and organizational opportunities, which may include the acquisition, divestiture or consolidation of assets. Given recent market conditions, the cyclicality of our industry, and the continued challenges faced by the Company, we are focusedWe continue to focus on strategically maintaining and spendingdeploying cash (including capital investments under our asset revitalization program), in order to invest in areas consistent with our long-term strategy, and are considering various possibilities, including exiting lines of business and the sale of certain


assets, that we believe would further that goal and ultimately result in a stronger balance sheet and greater stockholder value. The Company will pursue opportunities based on its long-term strategy, and what the Board of Directors determines to be in the best interests of the Company's stockholders at the time.

Better operating performance in our Flat-Rolled segment, coupled with relatively stable market conditions during 2017 and 2018, have resulted in improved segment results in recent quarters. As we continue with the implementation of our asset revitalization plan, as notedprogram, described below, and as our investmentsincrease investment in our facilities, continuewe expect to increase, we expectrealize the sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery and costs that we are targeting to position us to succeed over the long term and to support future growth initiatives.

Asset Revitalization
As part of aour long-term strategic initiative of the Company,strategy, the Board of Directors has approved a $2 billion multi-year asset revitalization program focused on our Flat-Rolled segment. The program is structured over three to four years, and involves an aggregate capital investment of approximately $1.2 billion. Management evaluated our performance in the key industries we serve, and developed projects across multiple Flat-Rolled segment assets with a continuous focus on improvingcontinuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery and costs.cost. The Company views this program as essential to improving predictabilityreliability and our ability to compete effectively in the industry. As we revitalize our assets, we expect to increase profitability, productivity, operational consistency,stability and reduce volatility.
The asset revitalization program includes projects to address short-term operational and maintenance enhancements as well as larger initiatives. The projects vary in scope and cost. The investments specifically address issues that are critical to delivering quality products to our customers in a timely manner.
The identified projects and schedule may change to address our customers’ needs, current and future economic operating conditions, and risks identified in the production cycle. Through the multi-year asset revitalization program, we expect to make total capital investments of $1.2$1.5 billion, which consist of capital investments in our iron making facilities, steel making facilities, hot rolling facilities, and finishing facilities. The Company plans to fund the program through cash generated from operations and cash on hand.
Our total capital expenditures for 2017 are expected to be approximately $575 million, which includes approximately $200-250 million for

The benefits of the Company’s asset revitalization program are evident after just one year, as we have achieved performance improvements from assets in which we have invested.  We continue to experience operational challenges on assets we have not yet fully addressed.   We expect further improvements in performance as we execute the remainder of our structured asset revitalization program.


Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring charges recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2018 were immaterial. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $16 million.
During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $30$32 million, which consists of charges of $35 million related to the permanent shutdown of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations and a favorable adjustment of $5$3 million primarily associated with a change in estimate for previously recorded costs for environmental obligationscosts and Company-wide headcount reductions. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $24$17 million.
Restructuring charges recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were immaterial.
Charges for restructuring and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are recorded in the period the CompanyU. S. Steel commits to a restructuring or cost reduction plan, or executes specific actions contemplated by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. Charges related to the restructuring and cost reductions include severance costs, accelerated depreciation, asset impairmentsare reported in the restructuring and other closure costs.
Management believes its restructuring actions with regards tocharges in the Company’s operations since 2014 will potentially impact the Company’s annual cash flows by approximately $300 million over the courseConsolidated Statements of subsequent annual periods as a result of decreased employee, maintenance and other facility costs, as well as eliminating the need for capital investment at the facilities. These actions will result in other non-cash savings of approximately $90 million, primarily related to reduced depreciation expense in future periods. Management does not believe there will be any significant impact related to the Company’s revenues as a result of these actions. The Company has realized actual cash savings of approximately $300 million related to restructuring efforts through September 30, 2017.

Operations.


Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes by segment for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 is set forth in the following table:

 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 %
Change
 Six Months Ended June 30, %
Change
(Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Flat-Rolled $160
 $114
 40 % $288
 $(68) 524 % $224
 $220
 2 % $257
 $132
 95%
USSE 73
 81
 (10)% 215
 122
 76 % 115
 55
 109 % 225
 142
 58%
Tubular (7) (75) 91 % (93) (217) 57 % (35) (29) (21)% (62) (86) 28%
Total earnings (loss) from reportable segments 226
 120
 88 % 410
 (163) 352 %
Total earnings from reportable segments 304
 246
 24 % 420
 188
 123%
Other Businesses 12
 18
 (33)% 34
 42
 (19)% 17
 9
 89 % 28
 22
 27%
Segment earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes 238
 138
 72 % 444
 (121) 467 %
Segment earnings before interest and income taxes 321
 255
 26 % 448
 210
 113%
Items not allocated to segments:                   
 
 
Postretirement benefit (expense) income (14) 8
 (275)% (42) 36
 (217)%
Other items not allocated to segments: 
 
 
 
 

 

Gain on equity investee transactions 18
 



 18
 
 
Granite City Works restart costs (36) 
 

 (36) 
 
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges (2) 
 

 8
 
 
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. 
 
  % 72
 
 100 % 
 72



 
 72
 
Gain on equity investee transactions 21
 
 100 % 21
 
 100 %
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets 
 
  % (35) 
 (100)% 
 
 

 
 (35) 
Impairment of intangible assets 
 (14) 100 % 
 (14) 100 %
Restructuring and other charges and related adjustments 
 
  % 
 (2) 100 %
Total earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes $245
 $132
 86 % $460
 $(101) 555 %
Total earnings before interest and income taxes $301
 $327
 (8)% $438
 $247
 77%
Segment results for Flat-Rolled
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 % Change Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 %
Change
 Six Months Ended June 30, %
Change
 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes ($ millions) $160
 $114
 40% $288
 $(68) 524 %
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions) $224
 $220
 2% $257
 $132
 95%
Gross margin 13% 13% % 11% 5% 6 % 15% 15% % 12% 9% 3%
Raw steel production (mnt) 2,821
 2,734
 3% 8,247
 8,248
  % 2,841
 2,711
 5% 5,626
 5,425
 4%
Capability utilization 66% 64% 2% 65% 65%  % 67% 64% 3% 67% 64% 3%
Steel shipments (mnt) 2,544
 2,535
 % 7,445
 7,725
 (4)% 2,584
 2,497
 3% 5,118
 4,901
 4%
Average realized steel price per ton $728
 $718
 1% $730
 $658
 11 % $819
 $742
 10% $780
 $731
 7%
The increase in Flat-Rolled results for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 compared to the same period in 20162017 was primarily resulted from a favorable impact relateddue to our change in accounting method for property, plant and equipment (approximately $85 million), higher average realized prices (approximately $70$210 million) as a result of improved market conditions, and higher results fromincreased shipments, including substrate to our mining operationsTubular segment (approximately $50$30 million), including benefits from the restart of our Keetac facility to support third-party pellet sales. These changes were partially. This change was offset by higher raw materialsmaterial costs (approximately $100$125 million), increased maintenancespending for operating costs and asset revitalization spending (approximately $35$65 million) and higher energy costsan increase in variable compensation (approximately $20$45 million).


The increase in Flat-Rolled results for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 compared to the same period in 2016 resulted from2017 was primarily due to higher average realized prices (approximately $625$285 million) as a result of improved market conditions, a favorable impact relatedincreased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $45 million) and lower energy costs (approximately $30 million). This change in accounting method for property, plant and equipment (approximately $185 million),was partially offset by higher results fromraw material costs, including normal seasonal improvements in our mining operations, (approximately $35$165 million) including benefits from the restart of our Keetac facility to support third-party pellet sales,, an increase in variable compensation (approximately $45 million) and decreasedincreased spending for operating costs for profit-based payments (approximately $25 million). These changes were partially offset by increased maintenance costs and asset revitalization spending (approximately $325 million), higher raw materials costs, primarily scrap and coal (approximately $115 million), higher energy costs (approximately $50 million) and decreased shipment volumes as a result of a planned outage at our Great Lakes Works facility (approximately $30 million).
Gross margin for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as2018 compared to the same period in 20162017 increased primarily as a result of higher average realized prices due to improved contract and spot market prices, in addition to the favorable impact on cost of goods sold related to our change in accounting method for property, plant and equipment..


Segment results for USSE
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 % Change Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 %
Change
 Six Months Ended June 30, %
Change
 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Earnings before interest and income taxes ($ millions) $73
 $81
 (10)% $215
 $122
 76%
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions) $115
 $55
 109 % $225
 $142
 58%
Gross margin 15% 20% (5)% 14% 14% % 18% 11% 7 % 17% 14% 3%
Raw steel production (mnt) 1,235
 1,279
 (3)% 3,778
 3,689
 2% 1,308
 1,285
 2 % 2,600
 2,543
 2%
Capability utilization 98% 102% (4)% 101% 98% 3% 105% 103% 2 % 105% 103% 2%
Steel shipments (mnt) 1,067
 1,105
 (3)% 3,333
 3,235
 3% 1,156
 1,157
  % 2,283
 2,266
 1%
Average realized steel price per ton ($) $639
 $503
 27 % $617
 $483
 28%
Average realized steel price per ton (€) 544
 451
 21 % 554
 433
 28%
Average realized steel price per ton $707
 $620
 14 % $707
 $607
 16%
The decreaseincrease in USSE results for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 compared to the same period in 20162017 was primarily due to higher raw materials costs, primarily for coal and iron ore (approximately $120 million), partially offset by higher average realized euro-based prices (approximately $105$40 million), the strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar (approximately $20 million) and lower raw material costs (approximately $25 million), which includes a favorable first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory impact. These increases were partially offset by increased spending for other operating costs (approximately $25 million).
The increase in USSE results for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was due to higher average realized euro-based prices (approximately $70 million) and the strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar (approximately $10$65 million).
The increase in USSE results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily due to higher average realized euro-based prices (approximately $470 million) and increased shipment volumes (approximately $10 million), These increases were partially offset by higher raw materialsmaterial costs primarily coal(approximately $20 million), which includes a favorable first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory impact and iron oreincreased spending for other operating costs (approximately $390$35 million).
Gross margin for the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 increased primarily as a result of higher average realized prices.
Segment results for Tubular
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 %
Change
 Six Months Ended June 30, %
Change
  2018 2017  2018 2017 
Loss before interest and taxes ($ millions) $(35) $(29) (21)% $(62) $(86) 28%
Gross margin (5)% (5)%  % (5)% (11)% 6%
Steel shipments (mnt) 201
 180
 12 % 382
 324
 18%
Average realized steel price per ton $1,449
 $1,234
 17 % $1,420
 $1,173
 21%
The decrease in Tubular results for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2016 decreased2017 was primarily as a result ofdue to higher raw materialssubstrate costs (approximately $30 million) and increased operating costs (approximately $10 million). These decreases were partially offset by higher average realized euro-based prices.
Segment results for Tubular
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 % Change
  2017 2016  2017 2016 
Loss before interest and income taxes ($ millions) $(7) $(75) 91% $(93) $(217) 57%
Gross margin 4% (43)% 47% (5)% (45)% 40%
Steel shipments (mnt) 185
 103
 80% 509
 262
 94%
Average realized steel price per ton $1,433
 $1,049
 37% $1,268
 $1,094
 16%
prices (approximately $35 million).
The increase in Tubular results for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as2018 compared to the same period in 20162017 was primarily due to increasedhigher average realized prices and shipment volumes as a result of improving market conditions (approximately $60$75 million) and decreased labor and other operating costs (approximately $25 million), partially offset by higher substrate costs ($20 million).


The This increase in Tubular results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily due to decreased labor and other operating costs (approximately $115 million), increased average realized prices and shipment volumes as a result of improving market conditions (approximately $45 million), partially offset by higher substrate costs (approximately $40 million) and increased operating costs (approximately $10 million).
Tubular results continue to be adversely impacted by high import levels. We expect import levels to decrease in the second half of the year.
Gross marginsmargin for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as2018 compared to the same periodsperiod in 20162017 increased primarily due to increasedas a result of higher average realized prices and shipment volumes and operating efficiencies.prices.


Results for Other Businesses
Other Businesses had earningsincome of $12$17 million and $34$28 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, compared to earningsincome of $18$9 million and $42$22 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017.

Items not allocated to segments
The increaseWe recognized a gain on equity investee transactions of $18 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 as a result of the assignment of our entire equity ownership interest in Leed's Retail Center, LLC in May 2018. This gain has been reflected in the net gain on disposal of assets line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

We recognized $36 million in postretirement benefit expenseGranite City Works restart costs in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 resulted from lower return on asset assumptions2018 as a result of actions takencosts associated with the restart of the "B" blast furnace at Granite City Works.

We recorded an $8 million favorable adjustment in 2016the six months ended June 30, 2018 related to de-riskGranite City Works temporary idling charges as a result of the OPEB plan.decision to restart the "B" blast furnace and steelmaking facilities at this facility in 2018.

We recognized a $72 million gain associated with our retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 as a result of the restructuring and disposition of USSC on June 30, 2017.

We recognized a $21 million gain on equity investee transactions primarily due to the sale of our 15% ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company, L.C.

We recorded a $35 million loss on the shutdownshut down of certain tubular assets in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as a result of the permanent shutdown,shut down and relocation of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations.

We recorded an impairment charge of $14 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 on our indefinite lived intangible assets related to certain of our patents in our Tubular segment as a result of an annual quantitative evaluation that was performed during the third quarter of 2016.
We recorded a net favorable adjustment of $2 million for restructuring and other charges and related adjustments in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to changes in estimates associated with supplemental unemployment and severance cost accruals with respect to our actions to adjust our operating configuration, streamline our operational processes, and reduce costs. The favorable adjustment resulted from a reduction in the estimated number of employees on layoff and the length of time employees are projected to be on layoff.
Net interest and other financial costs
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
%
Change
 Six Months Ended June 30, %
Change
(Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 
Interest expense $60
 $58
 3% $173
 $173
 % $43
 $55
 (22)% $93
 $113
 (18)%
Interest income (5) (2) 150% (13) (5) 160% (5) (4) 25 % (10) (8) 25 %
Loss on debt extinguishment 31
 
 100% 32
 22
 45% 28
 1
 100 % 74
 1
 100 %
Other financial costs (income) 12
 6
 100% 37
 18
 106%
Other financial costs (8) 16
 (150)% 2
 25
 (92)%
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 17
 14
 21 % 34
 32
 6 %
Total net interest and other financial costs $98
 $62
 58% $229
 $208
 10% $75
 $82
 (9)% $193
 $163
 18 %

During the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, U. S. Steel issued $750$650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes and repurchased through a tender offer $780 million of 6.875%its 2021 Senior Secured Notes due August 15, 2025 (2025 Senior Notes) and redeemed all of its $161 million 7.00% Senior Notes due 2018, $200 million 6.875% Senior Notes dues 2021, and $400 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2022 for an aggregate redemption costcash outflow of approximately $808$840 million, which included $761 million for the remaining principal balances, $21$60 million in accrued and unpaid interest and $26premiums. Additionally, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $31 million in redemption premiums which have been reflected withinof its 2020 Senior Notes during the first six months of 2018.  The loss on debt extinguishment line in the table above includes $63 million in premiums and $11 million in unamortized debt issuance costs which were written off in connection with the extinguishment of which approximately $4 million was a make-whole premium.debt.  For further information, see Note 1315 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


DuringThe decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016, U. S. Steel issued $980 million of 8.375% Senior Secured Notes2018 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due July 1, 2021 (2021 Senior Notes)to net foreign currency gains on our euro-U.S. dollar derivatives and repurchased several tranches of its outstanding senior notes through various tender offers, redemptions and open market purchases, including the redemption ofreduced interest expense due to our remaining 6.05% Senior Notes due 2017 for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $444 million plusimproved debt profile partially offset by a total make-whole premium of approximately $22 million, which has been reflected within the loss on debt extinguishment line in the table above.extinguishment.
The increase in net interest and other financial costs in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016same period last year is primarily due to athe loss on debt extinguishment as described above and decreasedpartially offset by net foreign currency gains.gains on our euro-U.S. dollar derivatives and reduced interest expense due to our improved debt profile.
The net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) components of pension and other benefit costs are reflected in the table above, and remained consistent in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same periods last year.


Total net periodic pension cost, including service cost and multiemployer plans, is expected to total approximately $135 million in 2018. Total other benefits costs, including service cost, in 2018 are expected to total approximately $60 million. The pension cost projection includes approximately $54 million of contributions to the Steelworkers Pension Trust.
Income taxes
The income tax provision (benefit) provision was less than $1$12 million and $13 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $(16) million and $3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $19 million and $26 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017. In 2018, the tax provision reflects a benefit for the release of a portion of the domestic valuation allowance due to pretax income. Included in the tax provision in the first ninesix months of 2017 is a benefit of $13 million related to the carryback of certain losses to prior years.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Act) was signed into law. The 2017 Act includes changes to U.S. federal tax rates, imposes significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, allows for the immediate expensing of capital expenditures, and puts into effect the migration from a worldwide system of taxation to a territorial system, among other things. We continue to examine the impact the 2017 Act may have on our Company, and we do not expect the new provisions to have a material impact on the 2018 effective tax rate due to our current corporate tax structure and our net operating losses. However, we do expect a reduction in cash taxes paid in 2018 and future years as well as a benefit of $25 million relateddue to the Company’s intent to claim a refundelimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax credits pursuant to a provision inTax.
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzes the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. Due to the fulllikelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on ourthe weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset may not be realized.
At June 30, 2018, U. S. Steel reviewed all available positive and negative evidence and determined that it is more likely than not that all of its net domestic deferred tax asset may not be realized.
U. S. Steel will continue to monitor the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis taking into consideration, among other items, the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term. As our projections for 2019 develop later this year, and with consideration of the profitability of our domestic operations in 2017 and 2018, we may determine that realization is more likely than not for some or all of the deferred tax provision does not reflect any taxassets with a valuation allowance, and we will reduce the related valuation allowance and record a non-cash benefit for domestic pretax losses.to earnings. 
For further information on income taxes see Note 911 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation were $147$214 million and $228$232 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, compared to net earnings (loss) of $51$261 million and $(335)$81 million in the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017. The changes primarily reflect the factors discussed above.
BALANCE SHEET
Accounts receivable increased by $279$277 million from year-end 20162017 primarily due to higher average realized prices as well as increased shipment volumes inacross all of our Flat-Rolled and Tubular segments in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.segments.
Inventoriesincreased by $164$110 million from year-end 20162017 primarily as a result of increased operating levels and higher raw materials prices in our USSE and Flat-Rolled segments.material prices.
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities increased by $429$161 million from year-end 20162017 primarily as a result of increased operating levels and higher raw materialsmaterial prices inacross all of our USSE and Flat-Rolled segments.
PayrollProperty, plant and equipment, net increased by $121 million due to the level of capital expenditures exceeding depreciation expense.
Long-term debt decreased by $159 million from year-end 2017 primarily due to the tender of approximately $499 million of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes in March 2018 and the redemption of the remaining $281 million in April 2018, partially offset by the issuance of $650 million aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Senior Notes in March 2018 and the repurchase of approximately $31 million of our 2020 Senior Notes in June 2018. For additional information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Employee benefits payable decreased by $67 million from year-end 2016 primarily due to incentive payments related to 2016 financial performance that we paid in March 2017.
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt decreased by $47 million from year-end 2016 primarily due to the repayment of environmental bonds.
Employee benefits decreased by $97 million from year-end 20162017 primarily as a result of impacts from the natural maturation of our pension plans.
Long-term debt decreased by $85 million from year-end 2016 primarily due to the repayment of the Recovery Zone Bonds, for which an "Extraordinary Mandatory Redemption" was triggered under the applicable indenture as a result of the permanent shutdown of and decision to relocate the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations during the first quarter of 2017. We have decided to relocate the Lorain No. 6 Quench & Temper equipment to one of several other sites under consideration to optimize our operations.
CASH FLOW
Net cash provided by operating activities was $541$293 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 compared to $580net cash provided by operating activities of $243 million in the same period last year. The decreaseincrease in cash from operations is primarily due tostronger financial results, partially offset by changes in working capital period over period partially offset by improved financial results and the payment received in satisfaction of our secured claims from U. S. Steel Canada Inc..
Changes in working capital can vary significantly depending on factors such as the timing of inventory production and purchases, which is affected by the length of our business cycles as well as our captive raw materials position, customer payments of accounts receivable and payments to vendors in the regular course of business.


Our key working capital components include accounts receivable and inventory. The accounts receivable and inventory turnover ratios for the three months and twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 are as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Twelve Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Twelve Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Accounts Receivable Turnover 2.2
 2.2
 8.6
 8.0
 2.2
 2.2
 8.5
 8.3
Inventory Turnover 1.6
 1.4
 6.1
 4.7
 1.7
 1.6
 6.4
 5.9
The increase in the inventory turnover approximates 104 days for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 as compared to SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and is primarily due to an increase in cost of goods sold mainly attributableattributed to higher raw materials costs across all of our segments.
The increase in the accounts receivable turnover approximates 3 days for the twelve months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to September 30, 2016 and is primarily due to increased sales as a result of increased shipments in our Tubular and USSE segments as well as higher average realized prices across all of our segments in the twelve months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to September 30, 2016.material costs. The increase in the inventory turnover approximates 175 days for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 as compared to SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and is primarily due to an increase in cost of goods sold mainly attributableattributed to higher raw materials costsmaterial costs.
The increase in the accounts receivable turnover approximates 1 day for the twelve months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to June 30, 2017 and is primarily due to increased sales as a result of increased prices across all of our segments as well as decreased inventory levels in our Flat-Rolled and Tubular segments resulting from better inventory management.segments.
The last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. At SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, the LIFO method accounted for 7473 percent and 7774 percent of total inventory values, respectively. In the U.S., management monitors inventory realizability by comparing the LIFO cost of inventory with the replacement cost of inventory. To the extent the replacement cost (i.e., market value) of inventory is lower than the LIFO cost of inventory, management will write the inventory down. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, and December 31, 20162017 the replacement cost of the inventory was higher by approximately $757$846 million and $489$802 million, respectively. Additionally, based on the Company’s latest internal forecasts and its inventory requirements, management does not believe there will be significant permanent LIFO liquidations that would impact earnings for the remainder of 2017.2018.
Our cash conversion cycle for the second quarter of 2018 decreased by one day as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 as shown below:
Cash Conversion Cycle2018  2017
 $ millions Days  $ millions Days
Accounts receivable, net (a)
$1,656
 41  $1,379
 43
         
+ Inventories (b)
$1,848
 53  $1,738
 58
         
- Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (c)
$2,318
 65  $2,163
 71
         
         
= Cash Conversion Cycle (d)
  29    30
(a) Calculated as Average Accounts Receivable, net divided by total Net Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(b) Calculated as Average Inventory divided by total Cost of Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(c) Calculated as Average Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities less bank checks outstanding and other current liabilities divided by total Cost of Sales multiplied by the number of days in the period.
(d) Calculated as Accounts Receivable Days plus Inventory Days less Accounts Payable Days.



The cash conversion cycle is a non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) financial measure. We believe the cash conversion cycle is a useful measure in providing investors with information regarding our cash management performance and is a widely accepted measure of working capital management efficiency. The cash conversion cycle should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to other GAAP metrics as an indicator of performance.
Capital expenditures for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, were $291$381 million, compared with $268$120 million in the same period in 20162017. Flat-RolledFlat-rolled capital expenditures were $206$318 million and included spending for the Mon Valley sulfur dioxide (SO2) Boiler Stack project, Great Lakes Works Basic Oxygen Process truss off gas main replacementBlast Furnace D4 Major Repairs, Minntac Open Pit Equipment, Gary Blast Furnace 6 Reline andblast furnace stove rebuild, Mon Valley Works blast furnace stove rebuild, Midwest Plant galvanneal furnace upgrade, Skip Incline Replacement, Gary ETL Demineralization Water, and various other infrastructure, environmental and strategic projects. Tubular capital expenditures of $19$24 million primarily related to Lone Star pipe mill finishingOffshore Operations threading line and Lorain primary electric utility supply,swage extension, as well as various other strategic capital projects. USSE capital expenditures of $62$38 million consisted of spending for a boiler house upgrade, pickle line upgradescoke oven gas desulfurization, ammonia still and boilers, steel shop ladle metallurgy dedusting and various other infrastructure and environmental projects.
U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment at June 30, 2018, totaled $604 million.
Capital expenditures for 20172018 are expected to total approximately $575$950 million and remain focused largely on strategic, infrastructure and environmental projects, as well as asset revitalization of our equipment to improve our operating reliability and efficiency, and product quality and cost by focusing on investments in our North American Flat-Rolled assets.
U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2017, totaled $143 million.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, U. S. Steel received approximately $105 million for the sale of its 15% ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company L.C. on September 29, 2017.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, U. S. Steel received approximately $127 million in satisfaction of its secured and unsecured claims, including interest, as a result of the restructuring and disposition of USSC on June 30, 2017.
With reduced pricing for iron-ore, management is considering its options with respect to the Company's iron-ore position in the United States, and restarted its Keetac mining operations in February of 2017 as a result of reaching agreements to supply iron ore pellets to third-party customers. The Company is also exploring opportunities related to the availability of reasonably priced natural gas as an alternative to coke in the iron reduction process to improve our cost


competitiveness, while reducing our dependence on coal and coke. After receiving the necessary authorizations from the Jefferson County Department of Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for the Fairfield Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project, construction began in the second quarter of 2015, but due to challenging market conditions resulting from depressed oil prices and reduced oil rig counts, the completion of the Fairfield EAF has been postponed.segment.
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs,totaled $737 million and $958$640 million in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2018. During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, U. S. Steel issued $750$650 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875%2026 Senior Notes due August 15, 2025.Notes. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $737$640 million after fees of approximately $13$10 million related to underwriting and third party expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016,U. S. Steel issued $980 million of 8.375% Senior Secured Notes due July 1, 2021. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $958 million after fees of approximately $22 million related to underwriting and third partythird-party expenses. For further information, see Note 1315 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Repayment of long-term debttotaled $902 million and $1,019$874 million in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018. Pursuant to a cash tender offer, U. S. Steel repurchased $499 million of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes in March 2018 and redeemed the entire aggregate principal amount of its $70remaining $281 million ofin April 2018. Approximately $60 million in premiums were paid for the Lorain County Port Authority Recovery Zone Facility Revenue Bonds.2021 Senior Secured Notes transactions. Additionally, U. S. Steel redeemed all of the aggregate principal amount of its $161 million 7.00% Senior Notes due 2018, $200 million 6.875% Senior Notes due 2021, and $400 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2022 for a total aggregate redemption cost of approximately $785 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $6$31 million of its 6.05%2020 Senior Notes due 2017 through open market purchases and redeemed the remaining aggregate principal amount of approximately $444 million. Also, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, U. S. Steel repurchased portions of our outstanding senior notes which included our 7.00% Senior Notes due 2018, 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020, and our 6.875% Senior Notes due 2021 for a total aggregate principal value of $575 million through a series of issuer tender offers and open market repurchases.purchases in June 2018 and paid premiums of approximately $3 million. For further information, see Note 1315 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
During 2016, U. S. Steel paid $15 million for a settlement of contingent consideration, consisting of milestone payments and royalties, related to a 2013 acquisition of intangible assets.
Net proceeds fromour public offering of 21,735,000 sharesof common stock in August 2016totaled $482 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Third-party expenses related to the issuance were approximately $18 million.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s liquidity as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2018:
(Dollars in millions)
 

Cash and cash equivalents$1,694
 Amount available under $1.5 Billion Credit Facility1,500

Amount available under USSK credit facilities294

Total estimated liquidity$3,488
(Dollars in millions)
 

Cash and cash equivalents$1,231
 Amount available under $1.5 Billion Credit Facility Agreement1,500

Amount available under USSK credit facilities290

Total estimated liquidity$3,021

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018, $274$136 million of the total cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. Substantially all of the liquidity attributable to our foreign subsidiaries can be accessed without the imposition of income taxes as a result of the election effective December 31, 2013 to liquidate for U.S. income tax purposes a foreign subsidiary that holds most of our international operations.
On February 26, 2018, U. S. Steel entered into the Credit Facility Agreement, replacing its Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Credit Facility Agreement maintains athe facility size of $1.5 billion asset-backed revolving credit facility. and extends the maturity date to 2023.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there were no amounts drawn onunder the $1.5 billion credit facility agreement (Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement).Facility Agreement. U. S. Steel must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four consecutive quarters when availability under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $150 million. Based on the most recent four quarters as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we have met this covenant. If we are unable to meet this covenant in future periods, the amount available to the Company under this facility would be reduced by $150 million.
At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, USSK had no borrowings under its 200 million (approximately $236$233 million) unsecured revolving credit facility (the USSK Credit Agreement). The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK financial covenants as well as other customary terms and conditions. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, USSK had full availability under the USSK Credit Agreement. TheCurrently, the USSK Credit Agreement expires in July 2020. Currently, the USSK Credit Agreement permits one additional one-year extension to the final maturity date with the mutual consent of USSK and its lender.2021.
At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, USSK had no borrowings under its 40€40 million and 10€10 million unsecured credit facilities (collectively approximately $59$58 million) and the aggregate availability was approximately $58$57 million due to approximately $1 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. The 40€40 million credit facility expires in December 2018. On October 27, 2017, USSK entered into an amendment to itsCurrently, the €10 million unsecured credit agreement to extend the agreement's final maturity date fromfacility also expires in December 2017 to December 2018. The amendment also permits2018, but can be extended one additional one-year extensionyear to the final maturity date at the mutual consent of USSK and its lender.

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $31 million of its 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (2020 Senior Notes) at a weighted average price of 106.946 percent of par through a series of open market purchases. Additionally, in July 2018, U. S. Steel repurchased an additional $44 million of its 2020 Senior Notes for a weighted average price 107.234 percent of par.
In August of 2017,March 2018, U. S. Steel issued $750$650 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875%2026 Senior Notes due August 15, 2025 (2025 Senior Notes).Notes. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $737$640 million after fees of approximately $13$10 million related to the underwriting and third partythird-party expenses. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 20252026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repurchase portionsall of our outstanding senior notes2021 Senior Secured Notes (see Note 1315 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Debt”"Debt" for further details). InterestU. S. Steel will pay interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on FebruaryMarch 15th and AugustSeptember 15th of each year, commencing on FebruarySeptember 15, 2018.

For the twelve months ended September 30, 2017, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture governing the 2021 Senior Secured Notes), which consist principally of our tubular subsidiaries and our foreign subsidiaries, including USSK, represented approximately 39% of our net sales, 16% of our operating income and 37% of our adjusted earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA) on a consolidated basis. As of September 30, 2017, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries represented 40% of our total assets and had $1.4 billion of total liabilities on a consolidated basis, including trade payables but excluding intercompany liabilities, all of which would be structurally senior to the 2021 Senior Secured Notes.
We may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding long-term debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, exchange transactions, redemptions or otherwise. Such purchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, and other factors and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved may be material.

On March 10, 2017, U. S. Steel announced the permanent shutdown of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations in Lorain, Ohio. Under the terms of the Trust Indenture dated as of December 1, 2010, between


the Lorain County Port Authority and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (the Indenture), this action and our decision to relocate the Lorain No. 6 Quench & Temper equipment to one of several other sites under consideration to optimize our operations, triggered an Extraordinary Mandatory Redemption of the Recovery Zone Bonds and accordingly required U. S. Steel to redeem the Recovery Zone Bonds and repay in full the principal amount plus accrued interest. In accordance with the terms of the Indenture, U. S. Steel paid in full all amounts due under the Indenture, comprised of $70 million principal and accrued interest of approximately $2 million, on April 27, 2017.
We use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. The use of some forms of financial assurance and cash collateral have a negative impact on liquidity. U. S. Steel has committed $157$174 million of liquidity sources for financial assurance purposes as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Increases in certain of these commitments which use collateral are reflected inwithin cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.


At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, in the event of a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $2,512$2,151 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017 (including the Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes)2018 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility Agreement and USSK's 200 million revolvingthe USSK credit agreementfacilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either repurchase the leased Fairfield slab caster for $27$24 million or provide a cash collateralized letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness and other obligations of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018. If any default related to the guaranteed indebtedness occurs, U. S. Steel has access to its interest in the assets of the investees to reduce its potential losses under the guarantees.
Our major cash requirements in 20172018 are expected to be for capital expenditures, including asset revitalization, employee benefits and operating costs, includingwhich includes purchases of raw materials. We finished the thirdsecond quarter of 20172018 with $1,694$1,231 million of cash and cash equivalents and $3.5$3.0 billion of total liquidity. Available cash is left on deposit with financial institutions or invested in highly liquid securities with parties we believe to be creditworthy.
U. S. Steel management believes that U. S. Steel's liquidity will be adequate to satisfy our obligations for the foreseeable future, including obligations to complete currently authorized capital spending programs. Future requirements for U. S. Steel’s business needs, including the funding of acquisitions and capital expenditures, scheduled debt maturities, repurchase of debt, share buyback, contributions to employee benefit plans, and any amounts that may ultimately be paid in connection with contingencies, are expected to be financed by a combination of internally generated funds (including asset sales), proceeds from the sale of stock, borrowings, refinancings and other external financing sources.
Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies
Some of U. S. Steel’s facilities were in operation before 1900. Although management believes that U. S. Steel’s environmental practices have either led the industry or at least been consistent with prevailing industry practices, hazardous materials may have been released at current or former operating sites or delivered to sites operated by third parties.

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

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

Midwest Plant Incident

On April 11, 2017, there was a process waste water release at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana that impacted a water outfall that discharges to Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel identified the source of the process release and made the necessary repairs.  We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, we resumed operations in a controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of use and penalty requests from the involved governmental agencies.  Separately, the Company was placed on notice of potential citizens’ enforcement suits regarding the April 2017 incident and other historical alleged CWA and Permit violations at Midwest. In January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging such violations.  On April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel and the relevant governmental agencies and intendsconsisting of all material terms to amicably resolve the matter.CWA and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) violations at the Midwest Plant. The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initially agreed to stay their actions pending finalization of the Consent Decree, but recently filed a motion to lift that stay.  The public comment period for the Consent Decree was extended to sixty days and has since closed.  The U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana are currently reviewing the public comments and U. S. Steel is awaiting their response to those comments.





Slovak Operations

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in March of 2013 between U. S. Steel and the government of Slovakia. The MOU outlines areas in which the government and U. S. Steel will work together to help create a more competitive environment and conditions for USSK. Incentives the government of Slovakia agreed to provide include potential participation in a renewable energy program that provides the opportunity to reduce electricity costs, as well as the potential for government grants and other support concerning investments in environmental control technology. Although there are many conditions and uncertainties regarding the grants, including matters controlled by the European Union (EU), the value of these incentives as stated in the MOU could be as much as €75 million (approximately $89$87 million). U. S. Steel also agreed to pay the government of Slovakia specified declining amounts should U. S. Steel sell USSK within five years of the date of the MOU. We currently expect the total amount of EU funds will be as much as €85€78 million (approximately $100$91 million). The final grant value will depend on public procurement results.

Slovakia adopted a new waste codeactual project spending and eligible costs. The MOU expired in March 2015 that became effective January 1, 2016. This legislation implements2018; however, USSK will continue to receive the EU Waste Framework Directive that strictly regulates waste disposal and encourages recycling, among other provisions, by increasing feesincentive funding for waste disposed of in landfills, including privately owned landfills. The impact of this legislation is estimated to be €2 million (approximately $2 million) annually due to waste stabilization requirements and increased fees for packaging materials recycling fees. Slovakia is considering legislation implementing an EU Directive, which is expected to increase existing fees upon USSK for use of its landfills. Because the legislation has not yet been adopted, the impact on operations at USSK facilities cannot be estimated at this time.approved BAT projects through their completion.

The EU’s Industry Emission Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for iron and steel production, to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated emission levels. This directive includes operational requirements for air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid waste disposal and energy conservation, dictates certain operating practices and imposes stricter emissionemissions limits. Producers were required to be in compliance with the iron and steel BAT by March 8, 2016, unless specific exceptions or extensions were granted by the Slovak environmental authority. USSK updated existing operating permits for different facilities involved in producing iron and steel in the plant in accordance with the new BAT requirements. Through this process for some facilities, USSK has obtained extensions from the 2016 compliance deadline in order to meet or exceed the BAT requirements. Compliance with stricter emissionemissions limits going beyond BAT requirements makes us eligible for EU funding support and prepares us for any further tightening of environmental protection standards. Our most recent broad estimate of likely total capital expenditures for projects to comply with or go beyond the BAT requirements for the 2017 to 2020 program period is €138 million (approximately $163$161 million) over. During 2017, USSK expended €2 million (approximately $1 million) toward the total estimated capital expenditures for the 2017 to 2020 timeprogram period.

The EU has various programs under which funds are allocated to member states to implement broad public policies which are then awarded by the member states to public and private entities on a competitive basis. The funding intensity under these programs currently ranges from 55 percent of defined eligible costs on a project under the standard state scheme to 90 percent onunder an approved ad hoc scheme to improve the air quality in the Košice region of Slovakia. Based on our list of projects that comprise the approximate €138 million (approximately $163$161 million) of spending noted, we currently believe we will be eligible to receive up to €85€78 million (approximately $100$91 million) of incentive grants. This could potentially reduce our net cash expenditures to approximately €53€60 million (approximately $63$70 million). The actual amount of capital spending will be dependent upon, among other things, the actual amount of incentive grants received. In order to receive full grant amounts, USSK is required to comply with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually. USSK complied with these covenants as of June 30, 2018. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure potential claims from the Slovak Government for repayment of a portion of the grant funds received.

We also believe there will be increased operating costs associated with these projects, such as increased energy and maintenance costs. We are currently unable to reliably estimate what the increase in operating costs will be as many projects are still in the development stage.

On March 28, 2017, the Regional Court in Košice issued an ex parte judicial lien on USSK's real property to plaintiffs in an ongoing legal case. Following a decision of the Supreme Court, which reversed and remanded the lien petition to the Regional Court, the lien has been removed. The Regional Court, which had originally issued the ex parte judicial lien, has decided that the imposition of a lien is not warranted and has not re-imposed the lien. The underlying case is still ongoing. We do not expect this matter to have an impact on the eligibility of USSK to obtain EU funding support for BAT projects.

For further discussion of laws applicable in Slovakia and the EU and their impact on USSK, see Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters, EU Environmental Requirements.”


New and Emerging Environmental Regulations

United States and European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations



Future compliance with carbon dioxide (COCO2)emission requirements may include substantial costs for emission allowances, restriction of production and higher prices for coking coal, natural gas and electricity generated by carbon based systems. Because we cannot predict what requirements ultimately will be imposed in the U.S. and Europe, it is difficult to estimate the likely impact on U. S. Steel, but it could be substantial. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13783 instructing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review the Clean Power Plan. In earlyOn October 16, 2017, the EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt publicly stated that the EPA will propose a ruleproposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan.Plan after reviewing the plan pursuant to President Trump’s executive order. Any repeal and/or replacement of the Clean Power Plan is likely to be challenged by various proponents of the plan, such as environmental groups and certain states. Any impacts to our operations as a result of any future greenhouse gas regulations are not estimable at this time since the matter is unsettled. In any case, to the extent expenditures associated with any greenhouse gas regulation, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of U. S. Steel's products and services, operating results will be reduced. In addition, on April 2, 2018, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signed a notice in which the EPA withdrew from its prior January 12, 2017 Final Determination regarding greenhouse gas emission standards for model year (MY) 2022-2025 light duty vehicles. In the April 2, 2018 notice, the EPA provided its new determination that the greenhouse gas emission standards for MY 2022-2025 light duty vehicles are not appropriate in light of the record before the EPA and, therefore, the standards should be revised. The EPA, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will initiate a notice and comment rulemaking in a forthcoming Federal Register notice to further consider appropriate standards for MY 2022-2025 light-duty vehicles. California and other states have threatened to sue the EPA over the Agency’s withdrawal of the prior determination. There were no material changes in U. S. Steel’s exposure to European Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations since December 31, 2016.2017.

United States - Air

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

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

The EPA is currently in the process of completing a Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel MACT regulations, Coke MACT regulations, and CokeTaconite Iron Ore Processing MACT regulations as required by the CAA. The EPA is under a court order to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel regulations no later than March 13, 2020; and to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Taconite Iron Ore Processing Regulations by June 30, 2020. Because the EPA has not completed its review, any impacts related to the EPA’s review of these standards cannot be estimated at this time.

On March 12, 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) submitted a CAA Section 126 petition to the EPA. In the petition, the DEC asserts that stationary sources from the following nine states are interfering with attainment or maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in New York state: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. DEC is requesting the EPA to require sources of nitrogen oxides in the nine states to reduce such emissions. Under the CAA, unless extended, the EPA has 60-days to approve or deny the petition. On May 4, 2018, citing Section 307(d)(10) of the CAA, the EPA issued a notice extending the deadline for the agency to respond to the petition until November 9, 2018. The EPA indicated the extension is justified because more time is needed to review the petition and to solicit public comment. EPA approval of the petition could potentially result in increased capital and operating costs to our operations in the states identified in the petition.

The CAA also requires the EPA to develop and implement National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)NAAQS for criteria pollutants, which include, among others, particulate matter (PM) - consisting of PM10 and PM2.5, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide,SO2, and ozone. Sulfur dioxide is the NAAQS criteria pollutant of most concern to the Company at this time.

In June 2010, the EPA significantly lowered the primary NAAQS for sulfur dioxide (SOSO2) from 140 parts per billion (ppb) on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Subsequently, the EPA designated the areas in which Great Lakes Works and


Mon Valley Works facilities are located as nonattainment with the 2010 standard for the SO2 NAAQS. The non-attainment designation will requirerequires the facilities to implement operational and/or capital improvements to demonstrate attainment with the 2010 standard. In addition, the EPA is currently evaluating the attainment status for all other areas as required by a Consent Decree that the EPA entered with the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Counsel in March 2015 pursuant to a lawsuit filed by the non-governmental organizations. U. S. Steel is workingworked with the relevant regulatory agenciesAllegheny County Health Department (ACHD) in completingdeveloping a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the evaluation process as required byAllegheny County portion of the Consent Decree. WhilePennsylvania SIP that includes reductions of SO2 and improved dispersion from U. S. Steel has determined that it will face increased capital, operating and compliance costs,sources. The SIP is currently being reviewed by the EPA. In addition, as noted in the Legal Proceedings section, U. S. Steel continues to work with the regulatory authorities to address the Wayne County, Michigan (where Great Lakes Works is located) nonattainment status. The operational and financial impactimpacts of the SO2 NAAQS is not estimated to be material at this time.

In October 2015, the EPA lowered the NAAQS for ozone from 75 ppb to 70 ppb. TheOn November 6, 2017, the EPA has designated certainmost areas in which we operate as nonattainmentattainment with the 2008 ozone2015 standard. In addition, somea separate ruling, on June 4, 2018, the EPA designated other areas in which we operate have been recommended as nonattainment“marginal nonattainment” with the 2015 ozone standard by the respective states. The EPA has yet to act on the recommendations. In June 2017, the EPA had published a notice extending the deadline to promulgate initial designations by one year, extending the deadline from October 1, 2017 to October 1, 2018. However, in August 2017, the EPA withdrew the notice; and therefore, the designation deadline remains October 1, 2017. However, the EPA has yet to make the designations.standard. Because attainment designation and any implementation plansregulatory or permitting actions to bring the


ozone nonattainment areas into attainment have yet to be proposed or developed, the operational and financial impact of the ozone NAAQS cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

On December 14, 2012, the EPA lowered the annual standard for PM2.5 from 15 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) to 12 ug/m3, and retained the PM2.5 24-hour and PM10 NAAQS rules. In December 2014, the EPA designated some areas in which U. S. Steel operates as nonattainment with the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard. On April 6, 2018, the EPA published a notice that Pennsylvania, California and Idaho failed to submit a SIP to demonstrate attainment with the 2012 fine particulate standard by the deadline established by the CAA. As a result of the notice, Pennsylvania, in which we operate, is required to submit a SIP to the EPA no later than November 7, 2019 to avoid sanctions. Because it is early in the State Implementation PlanSIP development stages, any impacts to U. S. Steel cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

In 2010, the EPA retained the annual nitrogen dioxide NAAQS standard, but created a new 1-hour NAAQS and established new data reduction and monitoring requirements. While the EPA has classified all areas as being in attainment or unclassifiable, it is requiring implementation of a network of monitoring stations to assess air quality. Until the network is implemented and further designations are made, the impact on operations at U. S. Steel facilities cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
United States - CERCLA 108(b) Financial Assurance
In December 2016, the EPA published a proposed rule focused on developing financial assurance for managing hazardous substances in the hard rock, mining industry, in accordance with CERCLA Section 108(b). The EPA has a court-mandated deadline for publication of the final rule by December 1, 2017. The proposed rule requires subject facilities to calculate their level of financial responsibility based on a formula included in the rule, secure an instrument or otherwise self-assure for the calculated amount, demonstrate to the EPA the proof of the security, and maintain the security until the EPA releases facilities from the CERCLA 108(b) regulations. The draft form of the proposed rule has been commented upon by the public and the regulated community, and the EPA is currently evaluating the comments to determine if changes to the draft rule are needed. The final impact of the rule upon U. S. Steel taconite mines is unknown at this time, but could have a material adverse impact on the Company's liquidity.

Environmental Remediation

In the United States, U. S. Steel has been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at seven sites under CERCLA as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Of these, there are 2two sites where information requests have been received or there are other indications that U. S. Steel may be a PRP under CERCLA, but where sufficient information is not presently available to confirm the existence of liability or to make a reasonable estimate with respect to any potential liabilities. There are also 1917 additional sites where U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs in excess of $100,000 under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. At many of these sites, U. S. Steel is one of a number of parties involved and the total cost of remediation, as well as U. S. Steel’s share, is frequently dependent upon the outcome of ongoing investigations and remedial studies. U. S. Steel accrues for environmental remediation activities when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably determinable.estimable. As environmental remediation matters proceed toward ultimate resolution or as remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those previously accrued may be required.
For further discussion of relevant environmental matters, see "Part II. Other information - Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Proceedings."
The total accrual for environmental remediationsuch liabilities at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 was $180$179 million. These amounts exclude liabilities related to asset retirement obligations, disclosed in Note 1416 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
U. S. Steel is the subject of, or a party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Relevant Matters
Apolo Tubulars
Apolo Tubulars S.A. (Apolo), an unconsolidated Brazilian joint venture of which the Company owns 50%, was the subject of a search of its premises by Brazilian federal authorities on May 24, 2016. Apolo's CEO was among those subsequently indicted by the Brazilian federal prosecutor on June 27, 2016 for corruption, money laundering and organized crime in connection with alleged payments to government officials in exchange for contracts with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (commonly known as “Petrobras”), Brazil’s state-run energy company. In March 2017, Apolo's CEO


was acquitted of all charges due to a lack of evidence as to him personally, although the court did find that there was a misuse of certain Apolo funds by others not employed by Apolo. The prosecution has appealed that acquittal. The Company is actively monitoring this matter. While there can be no assurance that a successful appeal by the prosecution would not have an adverse effect on the joint venture or result in an impairment of the Company's investment in the joint venture, it would not have a material impact on the Company as a whole. The prosecutor has not alleged any violations of law by, or initiated any investigation of, the Company or any of its employees.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
U. S. Steel did not enter into any new material off-balance sheet arrangements during the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE
Capitalization and Depreciation Method
During 2017, U. S. Steel completed a review of its accounting policy for property, plant and equipment depreciated on a group basis. As a result of this review, U. S. Steel changed its accounting method for property, plant and equipment from the group method of depreciation to the unitary method of depreciation, effective as of January 1, 2017. The change from the group method to the unitary method of depreciation is preferable under U.S. GAAP as it will result in a more precise estimate of depreciation expense. Additionally, the change to the unitary method of depreciation is consistent with the depreciation method applied by our competitors, and improves the comparability of our results to our competitors. Our change in the method of depreciation is considered a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle and has been applied prospectively.
When property, plant, and equipment are disposed of by sale, retirement, or abandonment, the gross value of the property, plant and equipment and corresponding accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s financial accounting records. Due to the application of the unitary method of depreciation, any gain or loss resulting from an asset disposal by sale will now be immediately recognized as a gain or loss on the disposal of assets line in our consolidated statement of operations. Assets that are retired or abandoned will be reflected as an immediate charge to depreciation expense for any remaining book value in our consolidated statement of operations. Gains (losses) on disposals of assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were immaterial.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the effect of the change was an increase in both income from continuing operations and net earnings of $95 million (which consists of a $97 million decrease in cost of sales due to the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending that would have been previously expensed, partially offset by increased depreciation expense of $2 million, as a result of the impact of unitary depreciation on the existing net book value of fixed assets and the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending) and an increase in diluted earnings per share of $0.54. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the effect of the change was an increase in both income from continuing operations and net earnings of $205 million (which consists of a $233 million decrease in cost of sales due to the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending that would have been previously expensed, partially offset by increased depreciation expense of $28 million, as a result of the impact of unitary depreciation on the existing net book value of fixed assets and the capitalization of maintenance and outage spending) and an increase in diluted earnings per share of $1.16. The tax effect of this change was immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.
Due to the application of the unitary method of depreciation and resultant change in our capitalization policy, spending associated with major maintenance and outage work, that had previously been expensed, will now be capitalized if it extends the useful life of the related asset. Based upon our average spending in years prior to 2017, we have estimated the impact on 2017 results to be a reduction of approximately $175 million in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additionally, due to the projected increased spending related to maintenance under our asset revitalization program, we expect approximately $100 million of incremental expenditures to be capitalized in 2017.
Total capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $575 million in 2017 and total depreciation, depletion and amortization is estimated to be approximately $525 million in 2017.
The impact of the change in accounting method is included in the Outlook for 2017 below.2018.


OUTLOOKGUIDANCE

The success to date of our ongoing $2 billion asset revitalization program, as well as our earnings power in the current market, makes us increasingly optimistic about future investments that will drive long-term profitable growth.

We remain focusedcurrently expect that third quarter 2018 adjusted EBITDA will be approximately $525 million. We expect our Flat-rolled segment results to continue to improve as more of our adjustable contract and spot shipments realize the benefit of second quarter increases in index prices, partially offset by higher planned outage costs. We expect results for our Tubular segment to turn positive as selling price increases catch up to the rising substrate costs we saw in the first half of the year. We expect results for our European segment to be lower in the third quarter, primarily due to planned outages that coincide with normal seasonal customer demand patterns.

Based on our operations, revitalizing our assets, and developing our talent. We are seeing operating improvements in the assets in whichprogress to date, we are investing. This increases our confidence that we will achieve the 2020 improvement targets we have disclosed. We believe the attention to our assets and employees, with continued focus on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost, will result in improved operating reliability and enable us to remain a strong business partner for our customers.

If market conditions remain at their current levels, we expect 2017 net earnings of approximately $323 million, or $1.83 per share, 2017 adjusted net earnings of approximately $300 million, or $1.70 per share, and consolidatedincreasing full-year 2018 adjusted EBITDA ofguidance to approximately $1.075$1.85 - $1.90 billion.

We believe market conditions, which include spot prices, raw material costs, customer demand, import volumes, supply chain inventories, rig counts and energy prices, will change, and as changes occur during the balance of 2017, we expect these changes to be reflected in our net earnings and adjusted EBITDA.

Please refer to the table below for the reconciliation of the OutlookGuidance net earnings to adjusted EBITDA.
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ANNUAL ADJUSTED EBITDA OUTLOOK
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA GUIDANCERECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA GUIDANCE



  Year EndedYear Ended


Year Ended Quarter EndedDec. 31


Dec. 31 Sept. 302018
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)2017(Dollars in millions)2018(Low end of range)(High end of range)
Reconciliation to Projected Annual Adjusted EBITDA Included in Outlook
Reconciliation to Projected Adjusted EBITDA Included in GuidanceReconciliation to Projected Adjusted EBITDA Included in Guidance 

Projected net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation included in Outlook$323
Projected net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation included in Guidance$288
$925
$975

Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc.
(72)Estimated income tax expense22
50
50

Gain on equity investee transactions
(21)Estimated net interest and other financial costs61
315
315

Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets
35
Estimated depreciation, depletion and amortization129
520
520

Loss on debt extinguishment and other related costs35
Gain on equity investee transactions
(18)(18)

Adjusted net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation included in Outlook$300
Granite City Works blast furnace B restart costs
36
36
Estimated income tax expense10
Estimated Granite City Works blast furnace A restart costs25
30
30
Estimated net interest and other financial costs250
Granite City works adjustment to temporary idling charges
(8)(8)

Estimated depreciation, depletion and amortization515
Projected adjusted EBITDA included in Guidance$525
$1,850
$1,900

Projected annual adjusted EBITDA included in Outlook$1,075

We present adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share, earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures, as additional measurements to enhance the understanding of our operating performance. We believe that EBITDA, considered along with net earnings (loss), is a relevant indicator of trends relating to our operating performance and provides management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results to the operating results of other companies.

Adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share areEBITDA is a non-GAAP measuresmeasure that excludeexcludes the effects of gains (losses) associated with our retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc., gains (losses) on the sale of ownership interests in equity investees, restructuring charges, impairment chargesfacility restart costs and debt extinguishment and other related costs that are not part of the Company's core operations. Adjusted EBITDA is also a non-GAAP measure that excludes the effects of gains (losses) associated with our retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc., gains (losses) on the sale of ownership interests in equity investees, restructuring charges and impairmentsignificant temporary idling charges. We present adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA to enhance the understanding of our ongoing operating performance and established trends affecting our core operations, by excluding the effects of items such as gains (losses) associated with our retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc., gains (losses) on the sale


of ownership interests in equity investees, restructuringfacility restart costs and significant temporary idling charges impairment charges and debt extinguishment and other related costs that can obscure underlying trends. U. S. Steel's management considers adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA as an alternative measuresmeasure of operating performance and not as an alternative measuresmeasure of the Company's liquidity. U. S. Steel’s management considers adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA useful to investors by facilitating a comparison of our operating performance to the operating performance of our competitors. Additionally, the presentation of adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA provides insight into management’s view and assessment of the Company’s ongoing operating performance, because management does not consider the adjusting items when evaluating the Company’s financial performance or in preparing the Company’s annual financial Outlook.Guidance. Adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA should not be


considered a substitute for net earnings (loss), earnings (loss) per diluted share or other financial measures as computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP and is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
U. S. Steel continues to face competition from foreign steel producers, many of which are heavily subsidized by their governments and dump steel into the United States (U.S.) market.our markets. Trade-distorting policies and practices, coupled with global steel overcapacity, impact pricing in the U.S. marketour markets and influence the Company's ability to compete on a level playing field. U. S. Steel continues to lead the industry in efforts to address dumped and subsidized steel imports that injure the Company, our workers, and our country’s national and economic security.

U. S. Steel is actively involved in several appeals before the Court of International Trade (CIT) concerning the orders imposed in 2016 on flat-rolled steel cases as well as several Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) cases. In addition to the ongoing appeals before the CIT, U. S. Steel is litigating several cases at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

U. S. Steel also continues to be actively engaged in relevant administrative reviews and five-year (sunset) reviews before the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and the U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC). The DOC issued preliminary results in the second administrative review of the AD order on OCTG from Korea for the period of review of September 2015 through August 2016. In its preliminary results, the DOC calculated the dumping margins of 46.37% for Nexteel Co., Ltd., 6.66% for SeAH Steel Corporation and 19.58% for non-examined companies. On May 1, 2017, the DOC automatically initiated a five-year (sunset) review (“Sunset Review”) of the antidumping order on tin mill products from Japan. The USITC concurrently published its notice of institution of the Sunset Review which covers the same order. On May 11, 2017, U. S. Steel filed a notice to participate in the Sunset Review of the antidumping order on tin mill products from Japan. The DOC proceedings have ended with margins of up to 95.29%. The USITC has yet to release its schedule. If U. S. Steel is successful, the order will remain in effect for another five years.

In April 2016, U. S. Steel launched a case under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 against several Chinese producers and their distributors. All but seven of the producers did not respond and are considered to be in default. The complaint alleged three causes of action: 1) illegal conspiracy to fix prices and control output and export volumes; 2) the theft of trade secrets through industrial espionage; and 3) circumvention of duties by false labeling and transshipment. On May 26, 2016, the USITC instituted an investigation on all three causes of action. On February 15, 2017, U. S. Steel voluntarily withdrew the trade secrets claim preserving its right to resurrect the claim when additional information becomes available. The false designation of origin claim continues to be aggressively litigated. A scheduling order was entered and the target date to conclude the investigation has been set for May 2018, with hearings on the foreign designation of origin claim proceeding on October 16-20, 2017. All of the non-defaulting respondents filed Motions for Summary Determination in the false designation of origin claim seeking to dismiss the claim. On October 2, 2017, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to the case granted those motions. The Company has elected not to pursue an appeal leaving the price fixing claim as the remaining claim. That claim is pending before the USITC. The remedy sought by U. S. Steel in that claim is the barring of all Chinese carbon and alloy steel from the U. S. market.

On December 12, 2016, China filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the U.S. and the European Union (EU) alleging that the U.S. and EU are violating their treaty obligations by continuing to use the non-market economy (NME) methodology for price comparisons in antidumping duty investigations. On April 3, 2017, the DOC issued a notice requesting comments and information on whether China should continue to be treated as a NME country under U.S. antidumping laws. U. S. Steel and other domestic producers submitted comments to the DOC on May 10, 2017. The outcome of the ongoing litigation may impact U.S. dumping orders on Chinese goods, including many steel products.



On April 19, 2017, the DOCU.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine the effects of steel imports on U.S. national security. On May 24, 2017, U. S. Steel testified at the DOC public hearing and remainsremained active inthroughout the investigation. UnderOn January 11, 2018, the statute,DOC submitted its investigation report to the Administration has 270President. On March 8, 2018, the President signed Proclamation 9705 imposing 25 percent tariffs on steel imports from all countries except for Canada and Mexico. On March 19, 2018, the DOC published the requirements and process for companies to request and oppose product exclusions from the 25 percent tariff. Companies have 30 days for completionfrom the publication of an investigation,exclusion request to submit opposition comments, and each request should be adjudicated in roughly 90 days. On March 22, 2018, the President signed Proclamation 9711 temporarily exempting steel imports from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union (EU), Mexico, and South Korea from the 25 percent tariffs until May 1, 2018. On April 30, 2018, the President signed Proclamation 9740 that (a) extended the exemption for steel imports from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil due to agreements in principle on alternative means to the tariffs to address imports’ threat to national security; (b) extended the exemption for steel imports from Canada, the EU, and Mexico from the tariffs until June 1, 2018; and (c) imposed an annual restrictive quota and other measures on steel imports from South Korea in lieu of the tariffs, retroactive to January 1, 2018. On June 5, 2018, the President signed Proclamation 9759 that imposed annual restrictive quotas on steel imports from Argentina and Brazil, retroactive to January 1, 2018. As a result, since June 1, 2018, the 25 percent tariffs apply to steel imports from Canada, the EU, and Mexico. China, Canada, the EU, India, Mexico, Norway, and Russia have challenged the Section 232 action by filing requests for consultation with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO). China, the EU, India, Japan, and Turkey have also requested consultations regarding the Section 232 action under the WTO’s Agreement on Safeguards. On June 27, 2018, the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) and AIIS members Sim-Tex and Kurt Orban Partners filed a complaint at the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) challenging the constitutionality of the Section 232 statute.
U. S. Steel continues to actively defend and maintain the 54 antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders covering products U. S. Steel produces in proceedings before the DOC, officials have publicly statedU.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), the CIT, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the WTO.
On May 17, 2018, in response to circumvention petitions filed by U. S. Steel and other domestic steel producers in September 2016, the DOC found that imports of cold-rolled and corrosion-resistant steel from Vietnam made from Chinese substrate are covered by the AD/CVD orders on such imports from China. As a result of the DOC’s final determination, U.S. imports of cold-rolled steel from Vietnam made from Chinese hot-rolled steel are subject to 522.23% cash deposit requirements and U.S. imports of corrosion-resistant steel from Vietnam made from Chinese hot- or cold-rolled steel are subject to 238.48% cash deposit requirements, both retroactive to November 4, 2016. On June 12, 2018, U. S. Steel and other domestic producers filed additional similar circumvention petitions on: (1) imports of cold-rolled and corrosion-resistant steel from Vietnam made from Korean substrate; and (2) imports of corrosion-resistant steel from Vietnam made from Taiwanese substrate.
On May 31, 2018, the USITC unanimously voted (5-0) to continue the 2000 AD order on tin mill products from Japan for another five years. Thus, AD duties of up to 95.29% will continue to apply to covered tin mill imports from Japan.
On December 12, 2016, China filed a complaint at the WTO against the U.S. and the EU alleging that the U.S. and EU are violating their treaty obligations by continuing to use the non-market economy (NME) methodology for price comparisons in antidumping duty investigations and reviews. On April 3, 2017, the DOC issued a notice requesting comments and information on whether China should continue to be treated as a NME country under U.S. AD laws. U. S. Steel and other domestic producers submitted comments to the DOC on May 10, 2017. On October 26, 2017, the DOC issued a memorandum concluding that it will be completed within that deadline.continue to use the NME methodology for AD proceedings involving imports from China because the state continues to fundamentally distort China’s economy. China then requested additional consultations with the U.S. regarding its WTO complaint. The outcome of these WTO disputes may impact U.S. AD orders on Chinese goods, including many steel products.


U. S. Steel continually assesses the impact of imports from foreign countriesand global excess capacity on our business, and continues to execute a broad, global strategy to enhance the means and manner in whichthat it competes in the U.S. market and internationally. In an effort to mitigate the negative impact of unfairly traded steel imports on our business, U. S. Steel has commenced substantive work with regional trade partners and organizations, and outlined a robust engagement with the Administration to tackle global overcapacity. Across diverse platforms, U. S. Steel is leveraging its unique experience, knowledge, and reputation to forge alliances and partnerships to advance innovative structural changes to commercial and legal regimes to better position and support the U.S. steel industry in the 21st century and beyond.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See NoteNotes 2 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.


Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There were no material changes in U. S. Steel's exposure to market risk from December 31, 2016.2017.



Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
U. S. Steel has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018. These disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that were designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed with or submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are: (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable lawslaw and regulations. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, U. S. Steel’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There have not been any changes in U. S. Steel’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, U. S. Steel’s internal control over financial reporting.




UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended June 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
SEGMENT EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES: 
 
 
 
 
 
    
Flat-Rolled $160
 $114
 $288
 $(68) $224
 $220
 $257
 $132
U. S. Steel Europe 73
 81
 215
 122
 115
 55
 225
 142
Tubular (7) (75) (93) (217) (35) (29) (62) (86)
Total reportable segments 226
 120
 410
 (163) 304
 246
 420
 188
Other Businesses 12
 18
 34
 42
 17
 9
 28
 22
Items not allocated to segments: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement benefit (expense) income (14) 8
 (42) 36
Other items not allocated to segments:        
Gain on equity investee transactions 18
 
 18
 
Granite City Works restart costs (36) 
 (36) 
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges (2) 
 8
 
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. 
 
 72
 
 
 72
 
 72
Gain on equity investee transactions 21
 
 21
 
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets 
 
 (35) 
 
 
 
 (35)
Impairment of intangible assets 
 (14) 
 (14)
Restructuring and other charges and adjustments 
 
 
 (2)
Total earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes $245
 $132
 $460
 $(101)
Total earnings before interest and income taxes $301
 $327
 $438
 $247
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled $134
 $23
 $206
 $97
 $142
 $47
 318
 72
U. S. Steel Europe 28
 17
 62
 68
 17
 20
 38
 34
Tubular 8
 11
 19
 81
 13
 4
 24
 11
Other Businesses 1
 
 4
 22
 1
 2
 1
 3
Total $171
 $51
 $291
 $268
 $173
 $73
 $381
 $120
OPERATING STATISTICS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average realized price: ($/net ton) (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled $728
 $718
 $730
 $658
 $819
 $742
 780
 731
U. S. Steel Europe 639
 503
 617
 483
 707
 620
 707
 607
Tubular 1,433
 1,049
 1,268
 1,094
 1,449
 1,234
 1,420
 1,173
Steel Shipments: (a)(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled 2,544
 2,535
 7,445
 7,725
 2,584
 2,497
 5,118
 4,901
U. S. Steel Europe 1,067
 1,105
 3,333
 3,235
 1,156
 1,157
 2,283
 2,266
Tubular 185
 103
 509
 262
 201
 180
 382
 324
Intersegment Shipments: (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled to Tubular 43
 
 137
 42
 65
 94
 132
 94
U. S. Steel Europe to Flat-Rolled 
 
 47
 
 22
 25
 22
 47
Raw Steel Production: (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled 2,821
 2,734
 8,247
 8,248
 2,841
 2,711
 5,626
 5,425
U. S. Steel Europe 1,235
 1,279
 3,778
 3,689
 1,308
 1,285
 2,600
 2,543
Raw Steel Capability Utilization: (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled 66% 64% 65% 65% 67% 64% 67% 64%
U. S. Steel Europe 98% 102% 101% 98% 105% 103% 105% 103%
(a)Excludes intersegment transfers.
(b) Thousands of net tons.
(c) Based on annual raw steel production capability of 17.0 million net tons for Flat-Rolled and 5.0 million net tons for USSE.

Excludes intersegment transfers.
(b)
Thousands of net tons.
(c)
Based on annual raw steel production capability of 17.0 million net tons for Flat-Rolled and 5.0 million net tons for USSE.


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

On April 26, 2016, the Company filed11, 2017, there was a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)process waste water release at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana that impacted a water outfall that discharges to initiate an investigation under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 against Chinese steel producers and their distributors.  The complaint alleges three causes of action: 1) illegal conspiracy to fix prices and control output and export volumes; 2) the theft of trade secrets through industrial espionage; and 3) circumvention of duties by false designation of origin (FDO). The remedy sought byBurns Waterway near Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel identified the source of the release and made the necessary repairs.  We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, resumed operations in that claim is the barringa controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of all Chinese carbonuse and alloy steelpenalty requests from the U. S. market.involved governmental agencies.  Separately, the Company was placed on notice of potential citizens’ enforcement suits regarding the April 2017 incident and other historical alleged CWA and Permit violations at Midwest. In February 2017,January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging such violations.  On April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel voluntarily withdrew its trade secrets claim, but preservedand the rightrelevant governmental agencies consisting of all material terms to refileresolve the CWA and NPDES violations at a later date. On November 25, 2016, the ALJ issued an order dismissingMidwest Plant. The Surfrider Foundation and the price fixing claims. However, the USITC granted U. S. Steel’s petitionCity of Chicago initially agreed to review the ALJ's initial determination to terminate the price fixing portionstay their actions pending finalization of the litigation. A hearing onConsent Decree, but recently filed a motion to lift that reviewstay. The public comment period for the Consent Decree was held on April 20, 2017. Weextended to sixty days and has since closed. The U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana are awaitingcurrently reviewing the USITC's decision. On January 11, 2017, the ALJ issued an order dismissing the FDO claims.public comments and U. S. Steel filed a petitionis awaiting their response to review the ALJ’s order with the USITC commissioners. The USITC reinstated the FDO claim on February 27, 2017. After an aggressive discovery schedule, the Respondent manufacturers filed Motions for Summary Determination seeking to dismiss the claim. On October 2, 2017, the ALJ granted those motions. The Company has elected not to pursue an appeal leaving the price fixing claim as the remaining claim.comments.

U. S. Steel v.On August 9, 2017, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued rulemaking proposals to replace the current sulfate standard with an equation-based standard. As part of the rulemaking process, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) was appointed to preside over public hearings and Commissioner John Linc Stine: On February 21, 2017, U. S. Steel filed a Verified Complaintcomments. The Company and Writ of Mandamus againstothers challenged the standards and presented evidence that the standards were unsupported by science and that the MPCA failed to consider associated costs as part of the rulemaking process.  On January 9, 2018, the ALJ rejected the MPCA’s proposals, concluding that the MPCA failed to comply with state law requirements for failuredrafting and adopting a new standard, that portions of the rule were unsupported by the MPCA’s evidence and that the MPCA proposal was unconstitutional due to act on U. S. Steel’s request forvagueness. On March 28, 2018, the MPCA submitted comments to the Chief ALJ seeking revisions to water quality standards which will affect the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (water) permit at Minntac. MPCA filed an Answer and Counterclaim and U. S. Steel responded to the Counterclaim on April 5, 2017. Three citizen groups, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Save Lake Superior Association and Save Our Sky Blue Waters (collectively MCEA), filed a Notice of Intervention, which was granted by the district court. Both parties have filed cross-motions for summary judgment, which remain outstanding pending a court-ordered mediation.

these determinations.
On October 2, 2017, an Amended Shareholder Class Action Complaint was filed in Federal Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania consolidating previously-filed actions. Separately, four related shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in State and Federal courts in Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The underlying consolidated class action lawsuit alleges that U. S. Steel, Mario Longhi, Dave Burritt, Dan Lesnakcertain current and former officers, an upper level manager of the Company and the financial Underwritersunderwriters who participated in the August 2016 secondary public offering violated federal securities laws in making false statements and/or failing to discover and disclose material information regarding the financial condition of the Company. The lawsuit claims that this conduct caused a prospective class of plaintiffs to sustain damages during the period offrom January 27, 2016 andto April 25, 2017 as a result of the prospective class purchasing the Company's common stock at artificially inflated prices and/or suffering losses when the price of the common stock dropped. The derivative lawsuits generally make the same allegations against Mario Longhi and Dave Burrittthe same officers and also allege that thecertain current and former members of the Board of Directors failed to exercise appropriate control and oversight over the Company and seekswere unjustly compensated. They seek to recover losses sustained by the Company.that were allegedly sustained. The Company is vigorously defending these matters.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS

The following is a summary of the proceedings of U. S. Steel that were pending or contemplated as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, under federal and state environmental laws. Information about specific sites where U. S. Steel is or has been engaged in significant clean up or remediation activities is also summarized below. Except as described herein, it is not possible to accurately predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.

CERCLA Remediation Sites

Claims under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) have been raised with respect to the cleanup of various waste disposal and other sites. Under CERCLA, potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for a site include current owners and operators, past owners and operators at the time of disposal,


persons who arranged for disposal of a hazardous substance at a site, and persons who transported a hazardous substance to a site. CERCLA imposes strict and joint and several liabilities. Because of various factors, including the ambiguity of the regulations, the difficulty of identifying the responsible parties for any particular site, the complexity of determining the relative liability among them, the uncertainty as to the most desirable remediation techniques, and


the amount of damages and cleanup costs and the time period during which such costs may be incurred, we are unable to reasonably estimate U. S. Steel’s ultimate liabilities under CERCLA.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, U. S. Steel has received information requests or been identified as a PRP at a total of seven CERCLA sites, two of which have liabilities that have not been resolved. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that U. S. Steel’s liability for CERCLA cleanup and remediation costs at the other five sites will be between $100,000 and $1 million for four of the sites, and over $5 million for one site as described below.

Duluth Works

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

While work continues on obtaining additional information forcompletion of the remedial design and educating the public and key stakeholders on the details of the plan, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Additional study, investigation, design, oversight costs, and implementation of U. S. Steel's preferred remedial alternatives on the upland property and Estuary are currently estimated as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 at approximately $47 million.

RCRA and Other Remediation Sites

U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. There are 1917 such sites where remediation is being sought involving amounts in excess of $100,000. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that liability for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with 97 sites have potential costs between $100,000 and $1 million per site, 5 sites may involve remediation costs between $1 million and $5 million per site and 5 sites are estimated to or could have, costs for remediation, investigation, restoration or compensation in excess of $5 million per site.

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

Gary Works

On October 23, 1998, the EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final Administrative Order on Consent (Order) addressing Corrective Action for Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU) throughout Gary Works. This Order requires U. S. Steel to perform a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation (RFI), a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) and Corrective Measure Implementation. While work continues on several items, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Until the remaining Phase I work and Phase II field investigations are completed, it is not possible to assess what additional expenditures will be necessary for Corrective Action projects at Gary Works. In total, the accrued liability for Corrective Action projects is approximately $26 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, based on our current estimate of known remaining costs.

Geneva Works

At U. S. Steel’s former Geneva Works, liability for environmental remediation, including the closure of three hazardous waste impoundments and facility-wide corrective action, has been allocated between U. S. Steel and the current property owner pursuant to an agreement and a permit issued by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality


(UDEQ). Having completed the investigation on a majority of the remaining areas identified in the permit, U. S. Steel has determined the most effective means to address the remaining impacted material is to manage those materials in a previously approved on-site Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU). While preliminary approval of the conceptual CAMU design has been granted by the UDEQ, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of approximately $63$62 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, for our estimated share of the remaining costs of remediation.



USS-POSCO Industries (UPI)

A joint venture in Pittsburg, California between subsidiaries of U. S. Steel and POSCO, UPI's facilities were previously owned and operated solely by U. S. Steel which retains primary responsibility for the existing environmental conditions. During 2016, U. S. Steel implemented its preferredWork continues to monitor the impacts of the remedial plan implemented in 2016 to address groundwater impacts from trichloroethylene at SWMU 4. Evaluations continue for the three SWMUs known as the Northern Boundary Group and it is likely that corrective measures will be required, but it is not possible at this time to define a scope or estimate costs for what may be required by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. As such, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, approximately $1 million has been accrued for ongoing environmental studies, investigations and remedy implementation.monitoring. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Fairfield Works

A consent decree was signed by U. S. Steel, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice and filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (United States of America v. USX Corporation) in December 1997. In accordance with the consent decree, U. S. Steel initiated a RCRA corrective action program at the Fairfield Works facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, (ADEM), with the approval of the EPA, assumed primary responsibility for regulation and oversight of the RCRA corrective action program at Fairfield Works. While work continues on different aspects of the program, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. In total, the accrued liability for remaining work under the Corrective Action Program, was approximately $229,000$201,000 at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Fairless Plant

In April 1993, U. S. Steel entered into a consent order with the EPA pursuant to RCRA, under which U. S. Steel would perform Interim Measures (IM), an RFI and CMS at our Fairless Plant. A Phase I RFI Final Report was submitted in September of 1997. With EPA’s agreement, in lieu of conducting subsequent phases of the RFI and the CMS, U. S. Steel has been working through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Act 2 Program to characterize and remediate facility parcels for redevelopment. While work continues on these items, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, the accrued liability to maintain the interim measures, and clear properties through the Act 2 process is approximately $156,000.$270,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Lorain Tubular Operations

In September 2006, U. S. Steel received a letter fromand the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) inviting U. S. Steel to enter intocommenced discussions about RCRA Corrective Action at Lorain Tubular Operations. A Phase I RFI on the identified SWMUs and Areas of Contamination was submitted in March 2012. While work continuesdiscussions continue with OEPA on finalizing the Phase II RFI report that addresses additional investigations of soil, site wide groundwater and the pipe mill lagoon, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, costs to complete additional projects are estimated to be approximately $113,000.$101,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”




Joliet Works

The 50-acre parcel at the former Joliet Works is enrolled in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) voluntary Site Remediation Program.Program (the Program). The Program requires investigation and establishment of cleanup objectives followed by submission/approval of a Remedial Action Plan to meet those objectives. The 50-acre parcel was divided into four (4) subareas with remedial activities completed in 2015 for three (3) of the subareas. While work continues to define the requirements for further investigation of the remaining parcel,subarea, there has been no material change in the


status of the project during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $294,000$287,000 as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Cherryvale (KS) Zinc

In April 2003, U. S. Steel and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. (SSB) entered into a Consent Order with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) concerning a former zinc smelting operation in Cherryvale, Kansas. Remediation of the site proper was essentially completed in 2007. The Consent Order was amended on May 3, 2013, to require investigation (but not remediation) of potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting operation. On November 22, 2016, KDHE approved a State Cooperative Final Agency Decision Statement that identified the remedy selected to address potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting site. Work continues on developingfinalizing the institutional controls required under the Plan while the Removal Action Design Plan.Plan was approved during the second quarter of 2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, an accrual of approximately $448,000$268,000 remains available for addressing these outstanding issues. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2022 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

South Works

On August 29, 2017, U. S. Steel was notified by the U.S. Coast Guard of a sheen on the water in the North Vessel Slip at our former South Works in Chicago, Illinois.  U. S. Steel has been working with the IEPA under their voluntary Site Remediation Program since 1993 to evaluate the condition of the property including the North Vessel Slip. The result of this cooperative effort has been the issuance of a series of “No Further Remediation” (NFR) notices to U. S. Steel including one specific to the North Vessel Slip. U. S. Steel has notified the IEPA of the potential changed condition and is working closely with the IEPA and the U. S. Coast Guard to determine the source of the sheen and options to address the issue. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $29,000 as of June 30, 2018.

Air Related Matters

Great Lakes Works

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

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

On January 31, 2018, U. S. Steel received a Violation Notice from MDEQ in which MDEQ alleges that U. S. Steel exceeded the applicable six-minute opacity standard at the B2 Blast Furnace Casthouse on October 25, 2017. U. S. Steel responded to the notice on February 21, 2018. No penalty has been assessed.



On May 27, 2015, Great Lakes Works received a Violation Notice in which MDEQ alleged that U. S. Steel did not obtain a required permit to install a BOP vessel replacement that occurred in November 2014. U. S. Steel responded to MDEQ on June 17, 2015. While the resolution of the matter is uncertain at this time, it is not anticipated that the resolution will be material to U. S. Steel.Steel.

Granite City Works

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

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


Minnesota Ore Operations

On February 6, 2013, the EPA published a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP)FIP that applies to taconite facilities in Minnesota. The FIP establishes and requires emission limits and the use of low NOx reduction technology on indurating furnaces as Best Available Retrofit Technology. While U. S. Steel installed low NOx burners on three furnaces at Minntac and is currently obligated to install low NOx burners on the two other furnaces at Minntac pursuant to existing


agreements and permits, the rule would require the installation of a low NOx burner on the one furnace at Keetac for which U. S. Steel did not have an otherwise existing obligation. U. S. Steel estimates expenditures associated with the installation of low NOx burners of as much as $25 to $30 million. In 2013, U. S. Steel filed a petition for administrative reconsideration to the EPA and a petition for judicial review of the 2013 FIP and denial of the Minnesota State Implementation Plan (SIP)SIP to the Eighth Circuit of the 2013 FIP.Circuit. In April 2016, U.S.the EPA promulgated a revised FIP with the same substantive requirements for U. S. Steel. In June 2016, U. S. Steel filed a petition for administrative reconsideration of the 2016 FIP to the EPA and a petition for judicial review of the 2016 FIP before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The EPA has yet to publish a response to eitherWhile the proceedings regarding the petition for administrative reconsideration injudicial review of the Federal Register as required, and2013 FIP remained stayed, oral arguments regarding the petition for judicial review of the 2016 FIP were heard by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on November 15, 2017. Thus, both petitions for judicial review remain with the Eighth Circuit. On December 4, 2017, EPA published a notification in the Federal Register in which the EPA denied U. S. Steel’s administrative petitions for reconsideration and stay of the 2013 FIP and 2016 FIP. On February 1, 2018, U. S. Steel filed a petition for judicial review of EPA’s denial of the administrative petitions for reconsideration to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. U. S. Steel continues to defend its petitions while pursuing a resolution that would include an equitable revision to the FIP.

Mon Valley Works

On November 9, 2017, EPA Region III and ACHD jointly issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) regarding the Company’s Edgar Thomson facility in Braddock, PA. In addition, on November 20, 2017, ACHD issued a separate, but related NOV to the Company regarding the Edgar Thomson facility. In the NOVs, based upon their inspections and review of documents collected throughout the last two years, the agencies allege that the Company has violated the CAA by exceeding the allowable visible emission standards from certain operations during isolated events. In addition, the agencies allege that the Company has violated certain maintenance, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. U. S. Steel met with EPA Region III and ACHD on December 18, 2017. ACHD, EPA Region III and U. S. Steel continue to negotiate a potential resolution of the matter.

U. S. Steel received a civil enforcement order with an assessed penalty in the amount of $263,375 from the ACHD on April 4, 2018.  The allegations in the order are based on events that were alleged to have occurred in February and March of 2016.  The allegations were the subject of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations that were resolved through a settlement agreement after U. S. Steel contested the OSHA citations.  Specifically, the ACHD alleges that U. S. Steel failed to properly abate asbestos-containing material in conformance with applicable permits and regulations.  After meeting with U. S. Steel, on May 3, 2018, the ACHD vacated the original order and issued a new order reducing the penalty to $198,625 for alleged violations of the asbestos Operating and Maintenance Permit.  U. S. Steel appealed the new order on June 4, 2018.  In addition, the ACHD issued three new civil enforcement orders on June 3, 2018, assessing a total penalty of $91,100 for the Company’s alleged failure to submit quarterly reports of asbestos removed under its Operating and Maintenance Permits at the Irvin Works, Edgar Thomson, and


Clairton plants in 2015, 2016, 2017, and the first quarter of 2018.  The Company appealed the June 3, 2018 orders on June 28, 2018.  The parties are currently engaged in negotiations to resolve the asbestos matters with the ACHD.

On June 28, 2018, U. S. Steel received an Enforcement Order from the ACHD for the Clairton plant for alleged violations of various environmental permit and regulatory requirements pertaining to air emissions. The total penalty demand is $1,091,950 for alleged violations that were to have occurred in late 2017 and early 2018. ACHD ordered U. S. Steel to conduct a SO2 stack test of C Battery Quench Tower exhaust. ACHD also ordered U. S. Steel to provide an assessment of all emissions points at the Clairton facility to ACHD; and to propose measures, for ACHD approval, to reduce SO2, particulate matter and visible emissions within sixty days of receipt of the Order. In the Order, ACHD demanded that if U. S. Steel fails to meet any requirements in the Order, U. S. Steel shall place its two worst performing batteries on hot idle until ACHD determines U. S. Steel is in compliance with the Order. U. S. Steel intends to vigorously defend against the Order. While the outcome is uncertain, an unfavorable resolution could have a material impact on the Company's financial results.
ASBESTOS LITIGATION
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 830760 active cases involving approximately 3,3252,300 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. At December 31, 2016,2017, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 845820 active cases involving approximately 3,3403,315 plaintiffs. As of September 30, 2017, about 2,500,About 1,540, or approximately 7567 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, it believeswe believe that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs.
The following table shows the number ofactivity with respect to asbestos claims in the current period and the prior three years:

litigation:
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
 Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2014 3,320 190 325 3,455
December 31, 2015 3,455 415 275 3,315 3,455 415 275 3,315
December 31, 2016 3,315 225 250 3,340 3,315 225 250 3,340
September 30, 2017 3,340 200 185 3,325
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315
June 30, 2018 3,315 1,160 145 2,300
(a) The period ending June 30, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.

Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into three major groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.

The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition. However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, includingincluding: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims. Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular quarter.


Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

We face risks relating to changes in U.S. and foreign tariffs, trade agreements, laws, and policies
Through a series of Presidential Proclamations pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the U.S. government recently imposed restrictive quotas on certain steel imports from Argentina, Brazil, and Korea, and a 25 percent tariff on certain steel imports from all other countries except Australia. The Section 232 national security tariffs and quotas on steel imports currently provide U. S. Steel and other domestic steel producers critical relief from import competition. With no scheduled end date, the duration of the Section 232 relief is not known. Further, the U.S. government may negotiate alternatives to the Section 232 tariffs for certain countries. The U.S. Department of Commerce continues to administer its Section 232 product exclusion process. The Section 232 action on aluminum and steel imports, potential Section 232 action on other products, and recent and potential additional U.S. import tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 have resulted in the possibility of tariffs being applied to materials and/or items we purchase from subject countries or regions as part of our manufacturing process, and may result in additional, retaliatory action by foreign governments on U.S. exports of a range of products. All of the above poses a degree of uncertainty to our financial and operational performance, our customers, and overall economic conditions, all of which could impact steel demand and our performance. Thus, the overall impact of the Section 232 relief on our future financial and operational performance remains uncertain. 



Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Period 
(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased

 
(b)
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

 
(c)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

 
(d)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

June 1, 2018 - June 30, 2018 3,137 $37.615
  



Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 150 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.

Item 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 6.EXHIBITS
10.1 
31.1 
  
31.2 
  
32.1 
  
32.2 
  
95 
  
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



SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned chief accounting officer thereunto duly authorized.
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
  
By /s/ Colleen M. Darragh
  
  Colleen M. Darragh
  Vice President & Controller
November 1, 2017August 2, 2018
WEB SITE POSTING
This Form 10-Q will be posted on the U. S. Steel web site, www.ussteel.com, within a few days of its filing.

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