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 September 30, 20182019
Or
 [   ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
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United States Steel Corporation
(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 StreetPittsburghPA 15219-2800
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(412) (412) 433-1121
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
United States Steel Corporation Common StockXNew York Stock Exchange
United States Steel Corporation Common StockXChicago Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesüx Noo
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 [ü] x No []o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerü
x
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company(a) __
(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. ___
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No x
YesNoü
Common stock outstanding at October 26, 201828, 2019177,268,638170,037,954 shares






INDEX


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






CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This report contains information that may constitute ”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 2727A 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," “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,changes, share of sales and earnings per share growth,changes, 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, 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
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)


  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net sales:        
Net sales $2,702
 $3,351
 $9,001
 $9,415
Net sales to related parties (Note 21) 367
 378
 1,112
 1,072
Total (Note 5) 3,069
 3,729
 10,113
 10,487
Operating expenses (income):        
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below) 2,902
 3,172
 9,301
 9,101
Selling, general and administrative expenses 63
 81
 223
 251
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 161
 126
 454
 384
Earnings from investees (31) (17) (68) (39)
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 26) 
 
 
 (18)
Restructuring charges (Note 22) 54
 
 54
 
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets (1) (5) 3
 (3)
Other expense (income), net 1
 (1) 
 
Total 3,149
 3,356
 9,967
 9,676
(Loss) earnings before interest and income taxes (80) 373
 146
 811
Interest expense 32
 41
 97
 134
Interest income (3) (6) (13) (16)
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 11) 
 3
 
 77
Other financial (benefits) costs (4) 2
 (2) 4
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 23
 19
 69
 53
     Net interest and other financial costs (Note 11) 48
 59
 151
 252
(Loss) earnings before income taxes (128) 314
 (5) 559
Income tax (benefit) provision (Note 13) (44) 23
 (43) 36
Net (loss) earnings (84) 291
 38
 523
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
Net (loss) earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation $(84) $291
 $38
 $523
(Loss) earnings per common share (Note 14):     
 
Earnings per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:     
 
-Basic $(0.49) $1.64
 $0.22
 $2.96
-Diluted $(0.49) $1.62
 $0.22
 $2.92

  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net sales:     
 
Net sales 3,351
 $2,976
 $9,415
 $8,176
Net sales to related parties (Note 20) 378
 272
 1,072
 941
Total (Note 5) 3,729
 3,248
 10,487
 9,117
Operating expenses (income):        
Cost of sales (excludes items shown below) 3,172
 2,828
 9,101
 8,110
Selling, general and administrative expenses 81
 75
 251
 223
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 126
 118
 384
 376
Earnings from investees (17) (9) (39) (29)
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 24) 
 (21) (18) (21)
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23) 
 
 
 (72)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) 
 (2) 
 30
Net gain on disposal of assets (5) (1) (3) (2)
Other income, net (1) 
 
 (5)
Total 3,356
 2,988
 9,676
 8,610
Earnings before interest and income taxes 373
 260
 811
 507
Interest expense 41
 60
 134
 173
Interest income (6) (5) (16) (13)
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 9) 3
 31
 77
 32
Other financial costs 2
 12
 4
 37
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) (Note 3) (a)
 19
 15
 53
 47
     Net interest and other financial costs (Note 9) 59
 113
 252
 276
Earnings before income taxes 314
 147
 559
 231
Income tax provision (Note 11) 23
 
 36
 3
Net earnings 291
 147
 523
 228
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
Net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation $291
 $147
 $523
 $228
Earnings per common share (Note 12):     
 
Earnings per share attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders:     
 
-Basic $1.64
 $0.84
 $2.96
 $1.30
-Diluted $1.62
 $0.83
 $2.92
 $1.29

(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 condensed consolidated financial statements.




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


 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net earnings $291
 $147
 $523
 $228
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:     
 
Net (loss) earnings $(84) $291
 $38
 $523
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Changes in foreign currency translation adjustments (10) 44
 (58) 149
 (40) (10) (45) (58)
Changes in pension and other employee benefit accounts 50
 55
 143
 146
 30
 50
 94
 143
Changes in derivative financial instruments 7
 8
 (11) 6
 (2) 7
 2
 (11)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 47
 107
 74
 301
 (12) 47
 51
 74
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest 338
 254
 597
 529
Comprehensive (loss) income including noncontrolling interest (96) 338
 89
 597
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to United States Steel
Corporation
 $338
 $254
 $597
 $529
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to United States Steel Corporation $(96) $338
 $89
 $597










































































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




UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions)  
 September 30, 
 2018
 December 31,  
 2017
 September 30, 2019 December 31,
 2018
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 6) $1,344
 $1,553
 $476
 $1,000
Receivables, less allowance of $29 and $28 1,463
 1,173
Receivables from related parties (Note 20) 210
 206
Inventories (Note 13) 1,950
 1,738
Receivables, less allowance of $27 and $29 1,183
 1,435
Receivables from related parties (Note 21) 217
 224
Inventories (Note 7) 2,071
 2,092
Other current assets 101
 85
 95
 79
Total current assets 5,068
 4,755
 4,042
 4,830
Operating lease assets (Note 8) 239
 
Property, plant and equipment 15,698
 15,086
 16,725
 16,008
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion 11,055
 10,806
 11,415
 11,143
Total property, plant and equipment, net 4,643
 4,280
 5,310
 4,865
Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $9 and $11 508
 480
Intangibles – net (Note 7) 160
 167
Deferred income tax benefits (Note 11) 56
 56
Investments and long-term receivables, less allowance of $5 in both periods 576
 513
Intangibles – net (Note 9) 152
 158
Deferred income tax benefits (Note 13) 460
 445
Other noncurrent assets 134
 124
 138
 171
Total assets $10,569
 $9,862
 $10,917
 $10,982
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $2,419
 $2,096
 $2,138
 $2,454
Accounts payable to related parties (Note 20) 106
 74
Accounts payable to related parties (Note 21) 111
 81
Payroll and benefits payable 425
 347
 345
 440
Accrued taxes 144
 132
 107
 118
Accrued interest 38
 69
 26
 39
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 15) 4
 3
Current operating lease liabilities (Note 8) 56
 
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 16) 67
 65
Total current liabilities 3,136
 2,721
 2,850
 3,197
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 15) 2,498
 2,700
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (Note 8) 189
 
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (Note 16) 2,500
 2,316
Employee benefits 666
 759
 905
 980
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 11) 7
 6
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 13) 8
 14
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 320
 355
 265
 272
Total liabilities 6,627
 6,541
 6,717
 6,779
Contingencies and commitments (Note 22) 
 
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 18):    
Common stock (177,354,654 and 176,424,554 shares issued) (Note 12) 177
 176
Treasury stock, at cost (96,399 shares and 1,203,344 shares) (3) (76)
Contingencies and commitments (Note 23) 

 

Stockholders’ Equity (Note 19):    
Common stock (178,542,856 and 177,386,430 shares issued) (Note 14) 179
 177
Treasury stock, at cost (8,505,376 shares and 2,857,578 shares) (173) (78)
Additional paid-in capital 3,909
 3,932
 3,947
 3,917
Retained earnings 629
 133
 1,221
 1,212
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 19) (771) (845)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 20) (975) (1,026)
Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity 3,941
 3,320
 4,199
 4,202
Noncontrolling interests 1
 1
 1
 1
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $10,569
 $9,862
 $10,917
 $10,982




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




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

 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2018 2017 2019 2018
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash        
Operating activities:        
Net earnings $523
 $228
 $38
 $523
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 384
 376
 454
 384
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23) 
 (72)
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 24) (18) (21)
Restructuring and other charges (Note 21) 
 30
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 9) 77
 32
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 26) 
 (18)
Restructuring charges (Note 22) 54
 
Loss on debt extinguishment (Note 11) 
 77
Provision for doubtful accounts 4
 1
 
 4
Pensions and other postretirement benefits 57
 42
 76
 57
Deferred income taxes (Note 11) 1
 7
Net gain on disposal of assets (3) (2)
Deferred income taxes (Note 13) (38) 1
Net loss (gain) on disposal of assets 3
 (3)
Equity investee earnings, net of distributions received (35) (18) (64) (35)
Changes in:        
Current receivables (357) (214) 209
 (357)
Inventories (228) (123) (4) (228)
Current accounts payable and accrued expenses 302
 121
 (325) 285
Income taxes receivable/payable 53
 15
 27
 53
Bank checks outstanding 1
 12
 
 1
All other, net (39) 132
 (34) (22)
Net cash provided by operating activities 722
 546
 396
 722
Investing activities:        
Capital expenditures (646) (291) (978) (646)
Disposal of assets 10
 
 4
 10
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in equity investee (Note 24) 
 105
Investments, net (1) (3) 
 (1)
Net cash used in investing activities (637) (189) (974) (637)
Financing activities:        
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 15) 640
 737
Repayment of long-term debt (Note 15) (922) (906)
Revolving and other credit facilities - borrowings, net (Note 16) 165
 
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs (Note 16) 
 640
Repayment of long-term debt (Note 16) (4) (922)
Common stock repurchased (Note 25) (88) 
Dividends paid (27) (26) (26) (27)
Receipt from exercise of stock options 34
 14
 
 34
Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 10) (9) (10)
Net cash used in financing activities (284) (191)
Taxes paid for equity compensation plans (Note 12) (7) (9)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 40
 (284)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (13) 15
 (6) (13)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (212) 181
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (544) (212)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year (Note 6) 1,597
 1,555
 1,040
 1,597
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (Note 6) $1,385
 $1,736
 $496
 $1,385



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




Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1.     Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel, or the Company) produces and sells steel products, including flat-rolled and tubular products, in North America and Europe. Operations in North America also include iron ore and coke production facilities, railroad services and real estate operations. Operations in Europe also include coke production facilities.
The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited statements but does not include all disclosures required for complete financial statements by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The other information in these condensed financial statements is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods covered. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless disclosed otherwise. These condensed financial statements, including notes, have been prepared in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all of the information and disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Additional information is contained in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2018, which should be read in conjunction with these condensed financial statements.
2.    New Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans- General (Subtopic 715-20), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (ASU(ASU 2018-14). ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that the FASB no longer considers cost beneficial, adds certain disclosure requirements and clarifies others. ASU 2018-14 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. U. S. Steel is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its defined benefit plan disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurementof Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU(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 assessing the impact of the ASU, but does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its overall Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3.    Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 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 operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For financingfinance 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 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. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted-Targeted Improvements (ASU 2018-11), which provides an option to use a modified retrospective transition method at the adoption date. U. S. Steel expects to adoptadopted the new lease accounting standard at the adoption dateeffective January 1, 2019 using the optional modified retrospective transition method outlined in ASU 2018-11. U. S. Steel has completed its inventoryAs a result of leases. Based on ourthe adoption, an operating lease portfolioasset and estimated secured borrowing rates at September 30, 2018, we anticipate that the impact of adoption will result incurrent and noncurrent liabilities for operating leases were recorded, and there was an insignificant reduction in prior year retained earnings for the cumulative effect of adoption and a right of use asset and totalfor operating leases where payment started after lease liability in the range of $200 million to $275 million. We estimate that the short-term portion of the total lease liability will be between $45 million and $75 million. We anticipate changes in our lease portfolio and estimated borrowing rates which will cause the actual impact of adoption to vary.commencement. See Note 8 for further details.







3.    Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2018-02). ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Act). The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods therein; early adoption is permitted. U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2018-02 on July 1, 2018, and elected not to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the 2017 Act. As a result, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. U. S. Steel's accounting policy is to release stranded income tax effects from AOCI whenadoption of the circumstances upon which the stranded tax effects are premised cease to exist.
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 accountingfollowing ASU's 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 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 historically capitalized the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost into inventory, when applicable, and will continue to do so prospectively.

The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic benefit cost of our defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) plans on our consolidated statement of operations was as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Statement of Operations (In millions)
 As Revised Previously Reported Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Cost of Sales $2,828
 $2,829
 $(1)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 75
 89
 (14)
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 15
 
 15



 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Statement of Operations (In millions)
 As Revised Previously Reported Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Cost of Sales $8,110
 $8,115
 $(5)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 223
 265
 (42)
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 47
 
 47

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 extinguish 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. There was a $4 million cash outflow for make-whole premiums that was reclassified from cash provided by operating activities to the repayment of long-term debt line within the cash used in financing activities section on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The other cash receipt and cash payment items addressed in ASU 2016-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s 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.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 and 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 superseded most previous revenue recognition guidance.On January 1, 2018, U. S. Steel adopted 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 adoption2019 did not have a financial statementmaterial impact toon U. S. Steel but did result in expanded disclosures. See Note 5 for further details.Steel's financial position, results of operations or cash flows:
Accounting Standard Update
2018-07Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
2018-15Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract

4.    Segment Information
U. S. Steel has three3 reportable segments: (1) Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled), which consists of the following three3 commercial entities that directly interact with our customers and service their needs: (i) automotive solutions, (ii) consumer solutions, and (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, and certain other items that management believes are not indicative of future results.
The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level.


Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for at market-based prices and are eliminated at the corporate consolidation level. Corporate-level selling, general and administrative expenses and costs related to certain former businesses are allocated to the reportable segments and Other Businesses based on measures of activity that management believes are reasonable.
The results of segment operations for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018 are:
(In millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $2,277
 $86
 $2,363
 $30
 $46
USSE 518
 3
 521
 
 (46)
Tubular 262
 1
 263
 1
 (25)
Total reportable segments 3,057
 90
 3,147
 31
 (25)
Other Businesses 12
 28
 40
 
 8
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (118) (118) 
 (63)
Total $3,069
 $
 $3,069
 $31
 $(80)

          
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018          
Flat-Rolled $2,632
 $32
 $2,664
 $15
 $305
USSE 767
 4
 771
 
 72
Tubular 313
 2
 315
 2
 7
Total reportable segments 3,712
 38
 3,750
 17
 384
Other Businesses 17
 31
 48
 
 16
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (69) (69) 
 (27)
Total $3,729
 $
 $3,729
 $17
 $373
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $2,632
 $32
 $2,664
 $15
 $305
USSE 767
 4
 771
 
 72
Tubular 313
 2
 315
 2
 7
Total reportable segments 3,712
 38
 3,750
 17
 384
Other Businesses 17
 31
 48
 
 16
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (69) (69) 
 (27)
Total $3,729
 $
 $3,729
 $17
 $373

          
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017          
Flat-Rolled $2,249
 $42
 $2,291
 $7
 $161
USSE 710
 1
 711
 
 73
Tubular 276
 
 276
 2
 (7)
Total reportable segments 3,235
 43
 3,278
 9
 227
Other Businesses 13
 29
 42
 
 12
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (72) (72) 
 21
Total $3,248
 $
 $3,248
 $9
 $260




The results of segment operations for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018 are:
(In millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $7,221
 $250
 $7,471
 $63
 $275
USSE 1,933
 9
 1,942
 
 (27)
Tubular 921
 4
 925
 5
 (21)
Total reportable segments 10,075
 263
 10,338
 68
 227
Other Businesses 38
 88
 126
 
 26
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (351) (351) 
 (107)
Total $10,113
 $
 $10,113
 $68
 $146
           
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018          
Flat-Rolled $7,114
 $148
 $7,262
 $34
 $562
USSE 2,438
 20
 2,458
 
 297
Tubular 888
 4
 892
 5
 (55)
Total reportable segments 10,440
 172
 10,612
 39
 804
Other Businesses 47
 94
 141
 
 44
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (266) (266) 
 (37)
Total $10,487
 $
 $10,487
 $39
 $811
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Customer
Sales
 Intersegment
Sales
 Net
Sales
 Earnings (Loss)
from
investees
 Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Flat-Rolled $7,114
 $148
 $7,262
 $34
 $562
USSE 2,438
 20
 2,458
 
 297
Tubular 888
 4
 892
 5
 (55)
Total reportable segments 10,440
 172
 10,612
 39
 804
Other Businesses 47
 94
 141
 
 44
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (266) (266) 
 (37)
Total $10,487
 $
 $10,487
 $39
 $811
           
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017          
Flat-Rolled $6,265
 $154
 $6,419
 $24
 $293
USSE 2,123
 25
 2,148
 
 215
Tubular 682
 
 682
 6
 (93)
Total reportable segments 9,070
 179
 9,249
 30
 415
Other Businesses 47
 89
 136
 (1) 34
Reconciling Items and Eliminations 
 (268) (268) 
 58
Total $9,117
 $
 $9,117
 $29
 $507

The following is a schedule of reconciling items to consolidated earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Items not allocated to segments: 
 
 
 
December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire $(9) $
 $(53) $
Restructuring charges (54) 
 (54) 
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 26) 
 
 
 18
Granite City Works restart costs 
 (27) 
 (63)
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges 
 
 
 8
Total reconciling items $(63) $(27) $(107) $(37)



  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Items not allocated to segments: 
 
 
 
Gain on equity investee transactions (Note 24) $
 $21
 $18
 $21
Granite City Works restart costs (27) 
 (63) 
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges 
 
 8
 
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets (a)
 
 
 
 (35)
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (Note 23) 
 
 
 72
Total reconciling items $(27) $21
 $(37) $58

(a) Included in Restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.5.     Revenue




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 three3 reportable segments: Flat-Rolled, USSE and Tubular. Flat-Rolled primarily generates revenue from sheet and coated product sales to North American customers. Flat-Rolled also sells slabs, iron ore pellets and coke making by-products. USSE sells slabs, sheet, strip mill plate, coated products and spiral welded pipe to customers primarily in the Eastern European market. Tubular sells seamless and electric resistance welded (ERW) steel casing and tubing (commonly known as oil country tubular goods or OCTG), standard and line pipe and mechanical tubing and primarily serves customers in the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenue from our railroad and real estate businesses is reported in the Other Businesses category in our segment reporting structure. The following tables disaggregate our revenue by product for each of our reportable business segments for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively:


CustomerNet Sales by Product (In millions):
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $40
$83
$
$
$123
 $69
$2
$
$
$71
Hot-rolled sheets 764
267


1,031
 537
199


736
Cold-rolled sheets 718
91


809
 627
59


686
Coated sheets 829
282


1,111
 765
231


996
Tubular products 
12
304

316
 
11
257

268
All Other (a)
 281
32
9
17
339
 279
16
5
12
312
Total $2,632
$767
$313
$17
$3,729
 $2,277
$518
$262
$12
$3,069
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $15
$51
$
$
$66
 $40
$83
$
$
$123
Hot-rolled sheets 525
273


798
 764
267


1,031
Cold-rolled sheets 576
79


655
 718
91


809
Coated sheets 787
267


1,054
 829
282


1,111
Tubular products 
11
268

279
 
12
304

316
All Other (a)
 346
29
8
13
396
 281
32
9
17
339
Total $2,249
$710
$276
$13
$3,248
 $2,632
$767
$313
$17
$3,729
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.



(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $50
$172
$
$
$222
 $278
$11
$
$
$289
Hot-rolled sheets 1,976
959


2,935
 1,982
818


2,800
Cold-rolled sheets 2,092
293


2,385
 1,931
229


2,160
Coated sheets 2,332
889


3,221
 2,309
779


3,088
Tubular products 
37
862

899
 
31
903

934
All Other (a)
 664
88
26
47
825
 721
65
18
38
842
Total $7,114
$2,438
$888
$47
$10,487
 $7,221
$1,933
$921
$38
$10,113
(a) Consists primarily of sales of raw materials and coke making by-products.
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Flat-RolledUSSETubularOther BusinessesTotal
Semi-finished $16
$155
$
$
$171
 $50
$172
$
$
$222
Hot-rolled sheets 1,507
862


2,369
 1,976
959


2,935
Cold-rolled sheets 1,761
235


1,996
 2,092
293


2,385
Coated sheets 2,291
774


3,065
 2,332
889


3,221
Tubular products 
30
656

686
 
37
862

899
All Other (a)
 690
67
26
47
830
 664
88
26
47
825
Total $6,265
$2,123
$682
$47
$9,117
 $7,114
$2,438
$888
$47
$10,487
(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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
 
(In millions) September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents $476
 $1,344
Restricted cash in other current assets 
 4
Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets 20
 37
      Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $496
 $1,385

(In millions) September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents $1,344
 $1,694
Restricted cash in other current assets 4
 
Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets 37
 42
      Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $1,385
 $1,736


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


7.    Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventories and lower of cost and net realizable value for first-in, first-out (FIFO) method inventories. The LIFO method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. The FIFO method is the predominant inventory costing method in Europe. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the LIFO method accounted for 71 percent and 74 percent of total inventory values, respectively.

7.     
(In millions) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Raw materials $661
 $605
Semi-finished products 911
 1,021
Finished products 441
 404
Supplies and sundry items 58
 62
Total $2,071
 $2,092

Current acquisition costs were estimated to exceed the above inventory values by $999 million and $1,038 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories, cost of sales decreased and earnings before interest and income taxes increased by $12 million and $5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. As a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories, cost of sales decreased and earnings before interest and income taxes increased by $4 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Inventory includes $40 million and $39 million of land held for residential/commercial development as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
8.    Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, U. S. Steel adopted ASU 2016-02 using the optional modified retrospective transition method outlined in ASU 2018-11 which permitted application of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 using a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. As of September 30, 2019, an operating lease asset of $239 million and current and noncurrent liabilities for operating leases of $56 million and $189 million, respectively, were recorded (see below tabular disclosure for further details). There was an insignificant cumulative effect of adoption for operating lease liabilities that exceeded their related asset values for leases where payment started after lease commencement.
Operating lease assets consist primarily of office space, heavy mobile equipment used in our mining operations and facilities and equipment under operating service agreements for electricity generation and scrap processing. We also have operating lease assets for light mobile equipment and information technology assets. Significant finance leases include the Fairfield slab caster lease and heavy mobile equipment used in our mining operations (see Note 16 for further details). Variable lease payments are primarily related to operating service agreements where payment is solely dependent on consumption of certain services, such as raw material and by-product processing. Most long-term leases include renewal options and, in certain leases, purchase options. Generally, we are not reasonably certain that these options will be exercised. We have residual value guarantees under certain light mobile equipment leases. There is no impact to our leased assets for residual value guarantees as the potential loss is not probable (see “Other Contingencies” in Note 23 for further details). We do not have material restrictive covenants associated with our leases or material amounts of sublease income. From time to time, U. S. Steel may enter into arrangements for the construction or purchase of an asset and then enter into a financing arrangement to lease the asset. U. S. Steel recognizes leased assets and liabilities under these arrangements when it obtains control of the asset.
U. S. Steel elected the option within ASU 2016-02 to straight-line expense and not record assets or liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. For leases beginning in 2019 and later, we separate non-lease components from lease components for leases under operating service agreements. We do not separate non-lease components for other lease types as they are not significant. The Company does not have secured notes outstanding; therefore, we use an estimated secured borrowing rate as the discount rate for most of our leases. In accordance with the practical expedients outlined in ASU 2016-02, we did not use hindsight in determining the lease term for existing leases and elected not to reassess the following for existing leases: whether contracts contain a lease, lease classification, and initial direct costs.


The following table summarizes the lease amounts included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019.
(In millions)Balance Sheet LocationSeptember 30, 2019
Assets

Operating
Operating lease assets (a)
$239
Finance
Property, plant and equipment (b)
49
  Total Lease Assets
$288



Liabilities

Current

  OperatingCurrent operating lease liabilities$56
  FinanceCurrent portion of long-term debt8
Non-Current

  OperatingNoncurrent operating lease liabilities189
  FinanceLong-term debt less unamortized discount and issue costs47
Total Lease Liabilities
$300
(a) Operating lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $37 million.
(b) Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $24 million.

The following table summarizes lease costs included in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019.

(In millions)ClassificationThree Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Operating Lease Cost (a)
Cost of sales$21
 $61
Operating Lease CostSelling, general and administrative expenses2
 8
Finance Lease Cost

 
  AmortizationDepreciation, depletion and amortization2
 4
  InterestInterest expense1
 2
Total Lease Cost
$26
 $75
(a) Operating lease cost recorded in cost of sales includes $4 million and $13 million of variable lease cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. An immaterial amount of variable lease cost is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and immaterial amounts of short-term lease cost are included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Lease liability maturities as of September 30, 2019 are shown below.
(In millions)Operating Finance Total
2019$22
 $4
 $26
202066
 11
 77
202155
 11
 66
202244
 17
 61
202335
 6
 41
After 202382
 17
 99
  Total Lease Payments$304
 $66
 $370
  Less: Interest59
 11
 70
  Present value of lease liabilities$245
 $55
 $300



Future minimum commitments for capital and operating leases having non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows.
(In millions) Capital
Leases
 Operating
Leases
2019 $5
 $66
2020 5
 55
2021 5
 45
2022 11
 37
2023 
 28
After 2023 
 72
   Total minimum lease payments $26
 $303
Less imputed interest costs 4
 
   Present value of net minimum lease payments included in long-term debt $22
 

Lease terms and discount rates are shown below.

September 30, 2019
Weighted average lease term
  Finance6 years
  Operating6 years


Weighted average discount rate
  Finance6.22%
  Operating7.74%

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases follows.
(In millions)Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
    Operating cash flows from operating leases$18
 $54
    Operating cash flows from finance leases1
 2
    Financing cash flows from finance leases3
 4
Right-of-use assets exchanged for lease liabilities:
 
    Operating leases14
 38
    Finance leases2
 37




9.     Intangible Assets
Intangible assets that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives are detailed below:
  
 As of September 30, 2019 As of December 31, 2018
(In millions) Useful
Lives
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amount
Customer relationships 22 Years $132
 $75
 $57
 $132
 $70
 $62
Patents 10-15 Years
22
 8
 14
 22
 7
 15
Other 4-20 Years 14
 8
 6
 14
 8
 6
Total amortizable intangible assets 
 $168
 $91
 $77
 $168
 $85
 $83
  
 As of September 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
Customer relationships 22 Years $132
 $69
 $63
 $132
 $64
 $68
Patents 10-15 Years
22
 6
 16
 22
 5
 17
Other 4-20 Years 14
 8
 6
 15
 8
 7
Total amortizable intangible assets 
 $168
 $83
 $85
 $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$2 million in both the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017.2018. Amortization expense was $6 million in both the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017.2018. The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 20182019 is $2 million. We expect a consistent level of annual amortization expense through 2022.2023.
In addition, theThe carrying amount of acquired water rights with indefinite lives as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 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 qualitativequantitative impairment evaluation of its acquired water rights during the third quarter of 2018.2019. Based on the results of the evaluation, the water rights were not impaired.





8.    
10.    Pensions and Other Benefits
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018:
 Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
 Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018
Service cost $12
 $13
 $4
 $4
 $11
 $12
 $4
 $4
Interest cost 58
 59
 23
 23
 59
 58
 22
 23
Expected return on plan assets (90) (98) (20) (16) (81) (90) (19) (20)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 
 7
 8
 
 
 8
 7
Amortization of actuarial net loss 38
 37
 1
 1
 33
 38
 
 1
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below 18
 11
 15
 20
 22
 18
 15
 15
Multiemployer plans 16
 15
 
 
 20
 16
 
 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
 $10
 $1
 $
 $
 3
 10
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost $44
 $27
 $15
 $20
 $45
 $44
 $15
 $15
(a) During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the non-qualified pension plan incurred settlement charges of approximately $3 million and $10 million, respectively, due to lump sum payments for certain individuals.
The following table reflects the components of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
  Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
(In millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Service cost $33
 $37
 $10
 $12
Interest cost 178
 174
 68
 69
Expected return on plan assets (243) (270) (59) (61)
Amortization of prior service cost 1
 
 22
 22
Amortization of actuarial net loss 99
 114
 2
 3
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below 68
 55
 43
 45
Multiemployer plans 57
 45
 
 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
 3
 10
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost $128
 $110
 $43
 $45
  Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost $37
 $37
 $12
 $13
Interest cost 174
 177
 69
 70
Expected return on plan assets (270) (292) (61) (49)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 
 22
 22
Amortization of actuarial net loss 114
 111
 3
 3
Net periodic benefit cost, excluding below 55
 33
 45
 59
Multiemployer plans 45
 44
 
 
Settlement, termination and curtailment losses (a)
 10
 5
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost $110
 $82
 $45
 $59
(a) During the first nine months of 20182019 and 2017,2018, the non-qualified pension plan incurred settlement charges of approximately $10$3 million and $5$10 million, respectively, due to lump sum payments for certain individuals.

Employer Contributions
During the first nine months of 20182019, U. S. Steel made cash payments of $45$58 million to the Steelworkers’ Pension Trust and $19$8 million of pension payments not funded by trusts.
During the first nine months of 20182019, cash payments of $36$33 million were made for other postretirement benefit payments not funded by trusts.
Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $13$12 million and $11$13 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019and2018,and2017, respectively. Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $35$34 million and $30$35 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.
9.    


11.    Net Interest and Other Financial Costs
Net interest and other financial costs includes interest expense (net of capitalized interest), interest income, financing costs, net periodic benefit costs (other than service costs) related to pension and other post-


employmentpost-employment benefits (OPEB) plans, and foreign currency derivative and remeasurement gains and losses. During the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018, net foreign currency gains of $3$8 million and losses of $6$3 million, respectively were recorded in other financial costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, net foreign currency gains of $11$15 million and losses of $21$11 million, respectively, were recorded in other financial costs. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, there were losseswas a loss on debt extinguishmentsextinguishment recognized of $77 million and $32 million, respectively.million. There were 0 debt extinguishment transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
See Note 1415 for additional information on U. S. Steel’s use of derivatives to mitigate its foreign currency exchange rate exposure.


10.    12.    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, 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 September 30, 20182019, there were 10,993,9306,996,547 shares available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan.


Recent grants of stock-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock units, total shareholder return (TSR) performance awards and return on capital employed (ROCE) performance awards. Stock options are generally issued at the market priceShares 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 stockunder the Omnibus Plan are issued from authorized, but unissued stock. The following table is a general summary of the awards made under the Omnibus Plan during the first nine months of 20182019 and 2017. There were no stock options granted during the first nine months of 2018.
 2018 2017 2019 2018
Grant Details 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
 
Shares(a)
Fair Value(b)
Stock Options 
$
 647,780
$17.28
Restricted Stock Units 742,495
$41.44
 344,500
$36.27
 1,005,500
$23.76
 742,495
$41.44
Performance Awards (c)
            
TSR 79,190
$61.57
 169,850
$40.72
 210,520
$29.22
 79,190
$61.57
ROCE (d)
 247,510
$43.50
 
$
ROCE 527,470
$23.90
 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 $9$10 million and $6$9 million in the three-month periods ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and $26$30 million and $21$26 million in the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.


As of September 30, 20182019, total future compensation expense related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements was $2927 million, and the weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is approximately 1 year18 months.

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. The stock options generally vest ratably over a three-year service period and have a term of ten years.

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


TSR performance awards may vest at varying levels at the end of a three-yearthree-year performance period if U. S. Steel's total shareholder return compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies over the three-year performance period meets performance criteria established byduring the Committee at the beginning of thethree-year performance period. PerformanceTSR performance awards can vest at betweenzero


0 and 200 percent of the target award. The fair value of the TSR performance awards is calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation.


ROCE performance awards may vest at the end of a three-year performance period contingent upon meeting the specified ROCE metric established by the Committee at the beginning of the performance period.goal. ROCE performance awards can vest at between zero0 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.

For further details about our stock-based compensation incentive plans and stock awards see Note 15 of the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2018.
11.    13.    Income Taxes
Tax provision
For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 20182019 and 20172018, we recorded a tax provisionbenefit of $3643 million on our pretax earningsloss of $5595 million and a tax provision of $3$36 million on our pretax earnings of $231$559 million, respectively. IncludedThe tax provision in both periods reflects a benefit for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion from iron ore that we produce and consume or sell. In 2018, the tax provision in the first nine months of 2018 isalso reflects a tax benefit for the release of a portion of the domestic valuation allowance due to pretax income. Included in the tax provision in the first nine months of 2017 is a benefit of $13 million related to the carryback of certain 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.
The tax provision for the first nine monthsquarter of 2018 is2019 was based on an estimated annual effective rate, which requires management to make its best estimate of annual pretax income or loss.
During For the year, management regularly updates forecastedquarters ended June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, the Company computed its tax benefit using a discrete period effective tax rate, which reflects the actual taxes attributable to year-to-date earnings and losses, because we determined that a reliable estimate of the expected annual effective tax rate could not be made. A small change in our estimated marginal pretax results for the various countriesyear ended December 31, 2019 could create a large change in which we operate based on changesthe expected annual effective tax rate. The sensitivity of the effective tax rate was increased by the benefit for percentage depletion in factors such as prices, shipments, product mix, plant operating performance andexcess of cost estimates. To the extent that actual 2018 pretax resultsdepletion for U.S. and foreign income or loss vary from estimates applied herein, the actual tax provision or benefit recognized in 2018 could be materially different from the forecasted amount used to estimate the tax provision for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018.iron ore.
Deferred taxes
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzes the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset may not be realized.

At September 30, 2018,2019, U. S. Steel reviewed all available positive and negative evidence and determined that it is more likely than not that all of its netcertain domestic deferred tax assets may not be realized.


U. S. Steel will continue to monitor the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis taking into consideration, among other items, the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term. In the future, if we determine that realization is more likely than not for deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance, the related valuation allowance will be reduced, and we will record a non-cash benefit to earnings.
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits are the differences between a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return and the benefit recognized for accounting purposes pursuant to the guidance in ASCAccounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740 on income taxes. As of September 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $40$33 millionand $42$35 million, respectively. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if


recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $6$2 million as of both September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018.
U. S. Steel records interest related to uncertain tax positions as a part of net interest and other financial costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Any penalties are recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of both September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, U. S. Steel had accrued liabilities of $6$1 millionand $2 million for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.positions, respectively.
It is reasonably expected that during the next 12 months unrecognized tax benefits related to income tax positions will decrease by approximately $32 million.
12.    


14.    Earnings and Dividends Per Common Share
(Loss) Earnings Per Share Attributable to United States Steel Corporation Stockholders
Basic (loss) earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share assumes the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units and performance awards, provided in each case the effect is dilutive.
The computations for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations are as follows:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2019 2018
(Loss) earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders $(84) $291
 $38
 $523
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
 
 
 
Basic 170,801
 177,250
 171,882
 176,815
Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards 
 1,876
 629
 1,919
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted 170,801
 179,126
 172,511
 178,734
Basic (loss) earnings per common share $(0.49) $1.64
 $0.22
 $2.96
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $(0.49) $1.62
 $0.22
 $2.92
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation stockholders $291
 $147
 $523
 $228
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
 
 
 
Basic 177,250
 175,003
 176,815
 174,684
Effect of stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards 1,876
 1,481
 1,919
 1,652
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted 179,126
 176,484
 178,734
 176,336
Basic earnings per common share $1.64
 $0.84
 $2.96
 $1.30
Diluted earnings per common share $1.62
 $0.83
 $2.92
 $1.29

The following table summarizes the securities that were antidilutive, and therefore, were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per common share:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Securities granted under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended 4,327
 1,671
 3,255
 1,689
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Securities granted under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended 1,671
 2,679
 1,689
 1,677

Dividends Paid Per Share
The dividend for each of the first three quarters of 20182019 and 20172018 was five cents per common share.


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 inventory costing method in Europe. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the LIFO method accounted for 71 percent and 75 percent of total inventory values, respectively.


(In millions) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Raw materials $622
 $527
Semi-finished products 829
 796
Finished products 441
 356
Supplies and sundry items 58
 59
Total $1,950
 $1,738
Current acquisition costs were estimated to exceed the above inventory values by $1,024 million and $802 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories, cost of sales decreased and earnings before interest and income taxes increased by $4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The impact from the liquidation of LIFO inventories was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Inventory includes $39 million and $42 million of land held for residential/commercial development as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
14.    15.    Derivative Instruments
U. S. Steel is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks in our European operations. USSE’s revenues are primarily in euros and costs are primarily in euros and U.S. dollars (USD).dollars. U. S. Steel uses foreign exchange forward sales contracts (foreign exchange forwards) with maturities no longer than 12 months to exchange euros for USDU.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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. U. S. Steel hasdid not electeddesignate euro foreign exchange forwards entered into prior to designate these contractsJuly 1, 2019, as hedges. Therefore,hedges; therefore, changes in their fair value arewere recognized immediately in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.Operations (mark-to-market accounting). For those contracts, U. S. Steel will continue to recognize changes in fair value immediately through earnings until the contracts mature. U. S. Steel elected cash flow hedge accounting for euro foreign exchange forwards prospectively effective July 1, 2019. Accordingly, future gains and losses for euro foreign exchange forwards entered into after July 1, 2019 will be recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) until the related contract impacts earnings. We mitigate the risk of concentration of counterparty credit risk by purchasing our forwards from several counterparties.
During the three months ended September 30,In 2018, U. S. Steel entered into long-term freight contracts in its domestic operations that require payment in Canadian dollars (CAD). We entered into foreign exchange forward sales contracts with remaining maturities up to three years


15 months to exchange USD for CAD to mitigate a portion of the related risk of exchange rate fluctuations and to manage our currency requirements. We elected to designate these contracts as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, we record gains and losses on these contracts within accumulated other comprehensive income until the related contract impacts earnings. The impact related to these contracts was not material to our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2018.
From time to time U. S. Steel may use fixed-price forward physical purchase contracts to partially manage our exposure to price risk related to the purchases of natural gas, zinc and tin used in the production process. Generally, forward physical purchase contracts qualify for the normal purchase and normal sales exceptions described in ASC Topic 815 and are not subject to mark-to-market accounting. U. S. Steel also uses financial swaps to protect from the commodity price risk associated with purchases of natural gas, zinc and tin (commodity purchase swaps). CommodityWe elected cash flow hedge accounting for domestic 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 includeduse mark-to-market accounting for commodity purchase swaps used 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 ImprovementsEuropean operations.
From time to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2017-12 was not material to U. S. Steel'stime, we enter into financial results. See Note 3 for additional information on the recently adopted accounting standard.
Financial swaps that are also used to partially manage the sales price of certain hot-rolled coil and iron ore pellet contract sales (sales swaps). In prior periods, we did not electWe elected cash flow 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 cash flow hedges. See the tabular disclosure beloweffective January 1, 2018 and for further details.iron ore pellet sales swaps effective January 1, 2019.
In accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements and disclosures, the fair value of our foreign exchange forwards, commodity purchase swaps and sales swaps was determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as "significant other observable" inputs. The inputs used are from market sources that aggregate data based upon market transactions.


The table below shows the outstanding swap quantities used to hedge forecasted purchases and sales as of September 30, 20182019 and September 30, 2017:2018:
Hedge ContractsClassification September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018
Natural gas (in mmbtus)Commodity purchase swaps 56,873,000
 12,345,000
Tin (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 530
 470
Zinc (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 14,561
 13,886
Hot-rolled coils (in tons)Sales swaps 
 38,000
Foreign currency (in millions of euros)Foreign exchange forwards 316
 275
Foreign currency (in millions of CAD)Foreign exchange forwards C$33
 C$58
Hedge ContractsClassification September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Natural gas (in mmbtus)Commodity purchase swaps 12,345,000
 24,142,500
Tin (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 470
 320
Zinc (in metric tons)Commodity purchase swaps 13,886
 16,716
Hot-rolled coils (in tons)Sales swaps 38,000
 122,000
Iron ore pellets (in metric tons)Sales swaps 
 225,000
Foreign currency (in millions of euros)Foreign exchange forwards 275
 222
Foreign currency (in millions of CAD)Foreign exchange forwards C$58
 C$

The following summarizes the fair value amounts included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:
(In millions) Designated as Hedging InstrumentsBalance Sheet Location September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Sales swapsAccounts payable $
 $1
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts receivable 3
 2
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 14
 17
Commodity purchase swapsInvestments and long-term receivables 1
 
Commodity purchase swapsOther long-term liabilities 8
 1
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts receivable 3
 
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts payable 1
 1
Foreign exchange forwardsOther long-term liabilities 
 1
      
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments     
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts receivable 9
 12

(In millions) Designated as Hedging InstrumentsBalance Sheet Location September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Sales swapsAccounts payable $6
 $
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts receivable 1
 4
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 9
 2
Commodity purchase swapsInvestments and long-term receivables 
 1
Commodity purchase swapsOther long-term liabilities 
 1
      
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments     
Sales swapsAccounts payable 
 2
Commodity purchase swapsAccounts payable 
 1
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts receivable 12
 
Foreign exchange forwardsAccounts payable 
 11


The table below summarizes the effect of hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)AOCI and amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
 Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in IncomeGain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017Three Months Ended September 30, 2019Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Sales swaps (b)
 $6
 $
 Net sales $(6) $
$
$6
 Net sales$
$(6)
Commodity purchase swaps 
 8
 
Cost of sales (c)
 (4) (2)(6)
 
Cost of sales (c)
(4)(4)
Foreign exchange forwards3

 Cost of sales

(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting prospectively for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Ironiron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.on January 1, 2019.
(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 IncomeGain (Loss) on Derivatives in AOCI Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 
Location of Reclassification from AOCI (a)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Sales swaps (b)
 $(6) $
 Net sales $(9) $
$1
$(6) Net sales$(1)$(9)
Commodity purchase swaps (7) 5
 
Cost of sales (c)
 (3) (5)(2)(7) 
Cost of sales (c)
(14)(3)
Foreign exchange forwards4

 Cost of sales

(a) The earnings impact of our hedging instruments substantially offsets the earnings impact of the related hedged items since ineffectiveness is less than $1 million.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting prospectively for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Ironiron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.on January 1, 2019.
(c) Costs for commodity purchase swaps are recognized in cost of sales as products are sold.
The table below summarizes the impact of derivative activityFor euro foreign exchange forward derivatives where hedge accounting haswas not been elected, on our Consolidated Statementsthere were gains of Operations for$11 million and $5 million in the three and nine monthsthree-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 2017:

   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)Consolidated Statement of Operations Location Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Sales swaps (a)
Net sales $
 $5
Foreign exchange forwards (b)
Other financial costs 5
 (7)
(a) U. S. Steel has electedgains of $18 million in both the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively, recognized in other financial costs. There were no other material impacts for derivatives where hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Iron ore pellet sales swaps werewas not classified as hedges.elected.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for foreign exchange forwards to exchange USD for CAD. Foreign exchange forwards to exchange euro for USD were not classified as hedges.
   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(In millions)Consolidated Statement of Operations Location Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Sales swaps (a)
Net sales $
 $7
Commodity purchase swapsCost of sales 
 3
Foreign exchange forwards (b)
Other financial costs 18
 (20)
(a) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for hot-rolled coil sales swaps prospectively on January 1, 2018. Iron ore pellet sales swaps were not classified as hedges.
(b) U. S. Steel has elected hedge accounting for foreign exchange forwards to exchange USD for CAD. Foreign exchange forwards to exchange euro for USD were not classified as hedges.


At current contract values, $8 million and $6$9 million currently in AOCI as of September 30, 20182019 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 14 months and the maximum duration27 months. There are 0 outstanding contracts for sales swaps is 3 months.swaps.


15.    Debt

(In millions) 
Interest
Rates %
 Maturity September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
2037 Senior Notes 6.650 2037 $350
 $350
2026 Senior Notes 6.250 2026 650
 
2025 Senior Notes 6.875 2025 750
 750
2021 Senior Secured Notes 8.375 2021 
 780
2020 Senior Notes 7.375 2020 356
 432
Environmental Revenue Bonds 5.750 - 6.875 2019 - 2042 400
 400
Fairfield Caster Lease   2022 23
 24
Other capital leases and all other obligations   2019 1
 1
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Variable 2023 
 
USSK Credit Agreement Variable 2023 
 
USSK credit facilities Variable 2018 
 
Total Debt     2,530
 2,737
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs     28
 34
Less short-term debt and long-term debt due within one year     4
 3
Long-term debt     $2,498
 $2,700

16.    Debt
(In millions) 
Interest
Rates %
 Maturity September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
2037 Senior Notes 6.650 2037 $350
 $350
2026 Senior Notes 6.250 2026 650
 650
2025 Senior Notes 6.875 2025 750
 750
Environmental Revenue Bonds 5.750 - 6.875 2019 - 2042 400
 400
Fairfield Caster Lease   2022 20
 22
Other finance leases and all other obligations   2019 - 2029 40
 6
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Variable 2023 
 
USSK Credit Agreement Variable 2023 381
 229
USSK credit facilities Variable 2021 
 
Total Debt     2,591
 2,407
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs     24
 26
Less short-term debt and long-term debt due within one year     67
 65
Long-term debt     $2,500
 $2,316

To the extent not otherwise discussed below, information concerning the senior notes and other listed obligations can be found in Note 1617 of the audited financial statements in the United States Steel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Senior Note Repurchases
Through a series of open market purchases, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020 at a weighted average price of 107.119 percent of par during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
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 was 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 2026
In March 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% Senior Notes due March 15, 2026 (2026 Senior Notes). U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $640 million after fees of approximately $10 million related to the underwriting and third-party expenses. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to tender or otherwise redeem all of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes as discussed above.

The 2026 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 March 15th and September 15th of each year, commencing on September 15, 2018.

Similar to our other senior notes, the indenture governing the 2026 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 2026 Senior Notes upon a change of control under certain specified circumstances, as well as other customary provisions.

U. S. Steel may redeem the 2026 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, or from time to time, on or after March 15, 2021 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 March 15 of the years indicated below:

YearRedemption Price
2021103.125%
2022101.563%
2023 and thereafter100.000%

At any time prior to March 15, 2021, U. S. Steel may also redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes at 106.25%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, but excluding the applicable date of redemption, with proceeds from equity offerings.

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
On February 26, 2018, U. S. Steel entered intoAs of September 30, 2019, there were 0 amounts drawn under the $1.5 billion Fourth 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 September 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 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 September 30, 2018,2019, we would not have met this covenant. If we are unable to meet this covenant in future periods,As a result, the amount available to the Company under this facility wouldwill be reduced by $150 million.million and the availability under the Credit Facility Agreement was $1.35 billion as of September 30, 2019.


The Credit Facility Agreement provides for borrowings at interest rates based on defined, short-term market rates plus a spread based on availability and includes other customary terms and conditions including restrictions on our ability to create certain liens and to consolidate, merge or transfer all, or substantially all, of our assets. The Credit Facility Agreement expires in 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 Credit Facility Agreement. Borrowings are secured by liens on certain North American inventory and trade accounts receivable.

On October 25, 2019, we entered into a new five-year senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion (Fifth Credit Facility Agreement) to replace the existing Credit Facility Agreement. The Fifth Credit Facility Agreement has substantially the same terms as the existing Credit Facility Agreement, except the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement will mature five years from the date of effectiveness, includes a “first-in, last-out” tranche in an amount up to $150 million and includes certain other changes, including changes to the fixed charge coverage ratio allowing us to exclude (i) certain capital expenditures from the calculation of the ratio and (ii) any restricted payments made pursuant to any share repurchase program from the calculation of "consolidated fixed charges." On October 30, 2019, we drew $700 million on the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement to fund the closing of our acquisition of a 49.9% interest in Big River Steel.
U. S. Steel Košice (USSK) credit facilities
OnAt September 26, 2018,30, 2019, USSK and onehad borrowings of €350 million (approximately $381 million) under its wholly owned subsidiaries, as guarantor, entered into a €460 million (approximately $501 million) unsecured revolving credit facility (USSK Credit Agreement), replacing USSK's €200 million revolving credit facility (Prior Facility). The USSK Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 26, 2023 and contains terms and conditions substantially similar to the Prior Facility. Concurrent with the execution of the USSK Credit Agreement, USSK reduced the size of a separate €40 million unsecured credit facility to €20 million.

At September 30, 2018, USSK had no borrowings under its €460 million (approximately $533 million) USSK Credit Agreement.facility. The USSK Credit Agreement contains


certain USSK financial covenants, including a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum stockholders' equity to assets ratio. The covenants are measured semi-annually for the period covering the last twelve calendar months and calculated as set forth in the USSK Credit Agreement. If USSK does not comply with the USSK Credit Agreement financial covenants, it may not draw on the facility until the next measurement date, outstanding borrowings may be accelerated, or the margin on outstanding borrowings may be increased. At September 30, 2018,2019, USSK had full availability of €110 million (approximately $120 million) under the USSK Credit Agreement. On October 15, 2018, USSK drew down €200 million (approximately $232 million) from its USSK Credit Agreement (See Note 25). 
At September 30, 2018,2019, USSK had no0 borrowings under its €20€20 million and €10 million unsecured credit facilities (collectively, approximately $35$33 million) and the availability was approximately $33$32 million due to approximately $2$1 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. The €20 million credit facility expires in December


2018. Currently, the €10 million credit facility also expires in December 2018, but can be extended one additional year 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.

Environmental Revenue Bonds
On October 10, 2019, we launched offerings of 2 series of environmental revenue bonds in aggregate principal amount of approximately $368 million, that will mature between 2024 and 2049 (collectively, the “2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds”). Proceeds of the 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds in the amount of approximately $93 million will be used to redeem a portion of our existing outstanding environmental revenue bonds for which we issued a conditional redemption notice. Proceeds of the 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds in the amount of $275 million will be used to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, equipping and installation of certain solid waste disposal facilities, including an electric arc furnace and other equipment and facilities at the Company’s Fairfield Works. The 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds closed on October 25, 2019.

2026 Senior Convertible Notes
On October 21, 2019, U. S. Steel issued an aggregate principal amount of $300 million of 5.00% Senior Convertible Notes due November 1, 2026 (2026 Senior Convertible Notes), with a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Convertible Notes, on the same terms and conditions. On October 25, 2019, U. S. Steel issued an additional $50 million of 2026 Senior Convertible Notes after the full option was exercised. U. S. Steel received net proceeds of approximately $340 million from the sale of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes after deducting underwriting fees and estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, for previously announced strategic investments and capital expenditures. Interest on the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2020.

Prior to August 1, 2026, holders of notes may convert all or a portion of their notes at their option only upon the satisfaction of specified conditions and during certain periods. On or after August 1, 2026, holders may convert all or a portion of their notes at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, we will satisfy the obligation with cash, common stock, or a combination thereof, at our election. U. S. Steel may not redeem the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes prior to November 5, 2023. On or after November 5, 2023 and prior to August 1, 2026, if the price per share of U. S. Steel's common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for specified periods, U. S. Steel may redeem all or a portion of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes at a cash redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

If U. S. Steel undergoes a fundamental change, as defined in the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes, holders may require us to repurchase the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes in whole or in part for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any) up to, but excluding the repurchase date.

For accounting purposes, the proceeds received from the issuance of the notes will be allocated between debt and equity to reflect the fair value of the conversion option embedded in the notes and the fair value of similar debt without the conversion option. As a result, based on the aggregate principal amount of $350 million, we estimate that we will record approximately $106 million of the gross proceeds of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes as an increase in additional paid-in capital with the offsetting amount recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount will be amortized over the term of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes using an estimated interest


rate of 10.5% (the estimated effective borrowing rate for nonconvertible debt at the time of issuance) which will accrete the carrying value of the notes to the principal amount at maturity.
Change in control event
If there is a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $2,106$2,131 million as of September 30, 20182019 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK credit facilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either purchase the leased Fairfield Works slab caster for approximately $2421 million or provide a letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
16.    17.    Asset Retirement Obligations
U. S. Steel’s asset retirement obligations (AROs) primarily relate to mine, landfill closure and post-closure costs. The following table reflects changes in the carrying values of AROs:
(In millions) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
Balance at beginning of year $60
 $69
 
Obligations settled (7) (12) 
Accretion expense 2
 3
 
Balance at end of period $55
 $60
 
(In millions) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 
Balance at beginning of year $69
 $79
 
Obligations settled (7) (8) 
Change in estimate of obligations


(6)
Foreign currency translation effects 
 2
 
Accretion expense 2
 2
 
Balance at end of period $64
 $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.
17.    18.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, current accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, bank checks outstanding, and accrued interest included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate fair value. See Note 1415 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 liabilities that were not carried at fair value at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018.
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In millions) Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Carrying
Amount
Financial liabilities: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (a)
 $2,501
 $2,478
 $2,851
 $2,678
 $2,229
 $2,452
 $2,182
 $2,353
(a) Excludes capitalfinance 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 22.



23.
18.    


19.    Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity


The following table reflects the first nine months of 2019 and 2018 reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to U. S. Steel and equity attributable to noncontrolling interestsinterests:
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
(In millions)
 Total Retained Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Non-
Controlling
Interest
Balance at beginning of year $4,203
 $1,212
 $(1,026) $177
 $(78) $3,917
 $1
Comprehensive income (loss): 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings 54
 54
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 32
 
 32
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment (17) 
 (17) 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 15
   15
        
Employee stock plans 2
 
 
 1
 (6) 7
 
Common stock repurchased (42) 

 

 
 (42) 

 

Dividends paid on common stock (9) (9) 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect upon adoption of lease accounting standard (2) (2) 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings 68
 68
 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other benefit adjustments 32
 

 32
 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment 12
 

 12
 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments (11) 

 (11) 

 

 

 

Employee stock plans 12
 

 

 1
 (1) 12
 

Common stock repurchased (28) 

 

 

 (28) 

 

Dividends paid on common stock (9) (9) 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019 4,312
 1,314
 (963) 179
 (155) 3,936
 1
Comprehensive income (loss):              
Net loss (84) (84) 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:              
Pension and other benefit adjustments 30
 

 30
 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment (40) 

 (40) 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments (2) 

 (2) 

 

 

 

Employee stock plans 11
 

 

 


 


 11
  
Common stock repurchased (18) 

 

 

 (18) 

 

Dividends paid on common stock (8) (8) 

 

 

 

 

Other (1) (1) 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2019 $4,200
 $1,221
 $(975) $179
 $(173) $3,947
 $1



Nine Months Ended
September 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 18
 18
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 46
 
 46
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment 40
 
 40
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments (16)   (16)        
Employee stock plans 39
 
 
 1
 75
 (37) 
Dividends paid on common stock (9) (9) 
 
 
 

 
Balance at March 31, 2018 3,439
 142
 (775) 177
 (1) 3,895
 1
Comprehensive income (loss): 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings 214
 214
 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other benefit adjustments 47
 

 47
 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment (87) 

 (87) 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments (3) 

 (3) 

 

 

 

Employee stock plans 5
 

 

 


 


 5
 

Dividends paid on common stock (9) (9) 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2018 3,606
 347
 (818) 177
 (1) 3,900
 1
Comprehensive income (loss):              
Net earnings 291
 291
 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:              
Pension and other benefit adjustments 50
 

 50
 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment (10) 

 (10) 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments 7
 

 7
 

 

 

 

Employee stock plans 7
 

 

 


 (2) 9
 

Dividends paid on common stock (9) (9) 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2018 $3,942
 $629
 $(771) $177
 $(3) $3,909
 $1



20.    Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
(In millions) Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
 Foreign
Currency
Items
 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total
Balance at December 31, 2018 $(1,416) $403
 $(13) $(1,026)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (3) (45) (12) (60)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)
 97
 
 14
 111
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 94
 (45) 2
 51
Balance at September 30, 2019 $(1,322) $358
 $(11) $(975)
         
Balance at December 31, 2017 $(1,309) $463
 $1
 $(845)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (b)
 (6) (58) 1
 (63)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a)(b)
 149
 
 (12) 137
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 143
 (58) (11) 74
Balance at September 30, 2018 $(1,166) $405
 $(10) $(771)
(a)See table below for further details.
(b)The Company previously disclosed in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018, an increase to AOCI of $292 million in the Other comprehensive income before reclassifications line item and a decrease to AOCI of $149 million in the Amounts reclassified from AOCI line item for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 amounts for Pension and 2017:Other Benefit Items. These amounts should have been disclosed as a decrease to AOCI of $6 million and an increase to AOCI of $149 million, respectively, which have been corrected in the table above. The Company concluded that the errors were not material to the financial statements of any prior annual or interim period and therefore, amendments of previously filed reports are not required. The revision had no impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Quarterly periods not presented herein will be revised, as applicable, in future filings.
Nine Months Ended September 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 523
 523
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 143
 
 143
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment (58) 
 (58) 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments (11)   (11)        
Employee stock plans 51
 
 
 1
 73
 (23) 
Dividends paid on common stock (27) (27) 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2018 $3,942
 $629
 $(771) $177
 $(3) $3,909
 $1
   
Amount reclassified from AOCI (c)
   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)Details about AOCI components 2019 2018 2019 2018
 Amortization of pension and other benefit items        
 
Prior service costs (a)
 $8
 $7
 $23
 $22
 
Actuarial losses (a)
 33
 39
 101
 117
 
      Settlement, termination and
curtailment losses
(a)
 3
 10
 3
 10
 Total pensions and other benefits items 44
 56
 127
 149
 Derivative reclassifications from AOCI 5
 (11) 19
 (12)
 Total before tax 49
 45
 146
 137
 
Tax benefit (b)
 (12) 
 (35) 
 Net of tax $37
 $45
 $111
 $137

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 (loss), net of tax: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other benefit adjustments 146
 
 146
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment 149
 
 149
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 6
   6
        
Employee stock plans 26
 
 
 
 90
 (64) 
Dividends paid on common stock (26) 

 
 
 
 (26) 
Other 4
 4
 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017 $2,808
 $(18) $(1,196) $176
 $(92) $3,937
 $1



19.    Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)
(In millions) (a)
 Pension and
Other Benefit
Items
 Foreign
Currency
Items
 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total
Balance at December 31, 2017 $(1,309) $463
 $1
 $(845)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 292
 (58) 1
 235
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (b)
 (149) 
 (12) (161)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 143
 (58) (11) 74
Balance at September 30, 2018 $(1,166) $405
 $(10) $(771)
(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)Details about AOCI components 2018 2017 2018 2017
 Amortization of pension and other benefit items        
 
Prior service costs (a)
 $(7) $(8) $(22) $(22)
 
Actuarial losses (a)
 (39) (38) (117) (114)
 
      Settlement, termination and
      curtailment losses (a)
 (10) (1) (10) (5)
 Total pensions and other benefits items (56) (47) (149) (141)
 Derivative reclassifications to Consolidated Statements of Operations (11) 
 (12) 
 Total before tax (67) (47) (161) (141)
 
Tax benefit (b)
 
 
 
 
 Net of tax $(67) $(47) $(161) $(141)
(a)These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 810 for additional details).
(b)Amounts in 2018 do not reflect a tax benefitprovision as a result of a full valuation allowance on our domestic deferred tax assets.
(c)The corrections noted in footnote (b) to the table above are consistently reflected in this table.
20.    21.    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.investees. Generally, transactions are conducted under long-term contractual arrangements. Related party sales and service transactions were $367 million and $378 million and $272 million for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018, respectively and $1,072$1,112 million and $941$1,072 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, 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 million and $8 million and $7 million for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018, respectively and $23 million and $62 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017, respectively.2018. Purchases of iron ore pellets from related parties amounted to $23$27 millionand$4023 million for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and $66$78 million and $120$66 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017.respectively.
Accounts payable to related parties include balances due to PRO-TEC Coating Company, LLC (PRO-TEC) of $103109 million and $7280 million at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, respectively for invoicing and receivables collection services provided by U. S. Steel on PRO-TEC's behalf. U. S. Steel, as PRO-TEC’s exclusive sales agent, is responsible for credit risk related to those receivables. U. S. Steel also provides PRO-TEC marketing, selling and customer service functions. Payables to other related parties totaled $32 million and $2$1 million at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, respectively.




21. 22. Restructuring and Other Charges


Restructuring charges recorded duringDuring the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were immaterial.2019, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $54 million, which consists of charges of $25 million at USSK for headcount reductions and plant exit costs, and $29 million for the intended indefinite idling of our East Chicago Tin operations and our finishing facility in Dearborn, Michigan. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $18 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $30 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 million primarily associated with a change in estimate for previously recorded environmental costs and Company-wide headcount reductions. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $24$20 million.
Charges for restructuring and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are recorded in the period U. 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 thefor restructuring and cost reductions are reported in restructuring and other charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The activity in the accrued balances incurred in relation to restructuring and other cost reduction programs during the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 were as follows:
(In millions) Employee Related Costs Exit Costs 
Non-cash Charges (a)
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2018 $
 $17
 $
 $17
Additional charges 28
 9
 17
 54
Cash payments/utilization (14) (6) (17) (37)
Balance at September 30, 2019 $14
 $20
 $
 $34

  Employee Related Exit 
(in millions) Costs Costs Total
Balance at December 31, 2017 $4
 $34
 $38
Cash payments/utilization (3) (15) (18)
Balance at September 30, 2018 $1
 $19
 $20
(a)Non-cash charges primarily relate to accelerated depreciation associated with the intended indefinite idling of our ECT operations and Dearborn, Michigan finishing facility.


Accrued liabilities for restructuring and other cost reduction programs are included in the following balance sheet lines:

(in millions) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(In millions) September 30, 2019
Accounts payable $11
 $26
 $14
Payroll and benefits payable 1
 4
 14
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 8
 8
 6
Total $20
 $38
 $34



22.    23.    Contingencies and Commitments
U. S. Steel is the subject of, or party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. Certain of these matters are discussed below. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. However, management believes that U. S. Steel will remain a viable and competitive enterprise even though it is possible that these contingencies could be resolved unfavorably.


U. S. Steel accrues for estimated costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that it will incur these costs in the future and the costs are reasonably estimable.
Asbestos matters As of September 30, 20182019, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 750796 active cases involving approximately 2,3002,380 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. At December 31, 2017, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 820 cases involving approximately 3,315 plaintiffs. As of September 30, 2018, about About 1,540,, or approximately 6765 percent,, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. At December 31, 2018, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 755 cases involving approximately 2,320 plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, we believeit believes that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs.


The following table shows the number of asbestos claims in the current period and the prior three years:
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled and
Resolved
(a)
 New Claims Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2016 3,315 225 250 3,340
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315
December 31, 2018 3,315 1,285 290 2,320
September 30, 2019 2,320 150 210 2,380
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2015 3,455 415 275 3,315
December 31, 2016 3,315 225 250 3,340
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315
September 30, 2018 3,315 1,225 210 2,300
(a) The period ending September 30,December 31, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.
Historically, asbestos-related claims against U. S. Steel fall into three3 groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos on the premises of U. S. Steel facilities; (2) claims made by persons allegedly exposed to products manufactured by U. S. Steel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel.
The amount U. S. Steel accrues for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial condition. However, U. S. Steel is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related claims due to a number of uncertainties, including: (1) the rates at which new claims are filed, (2) the number of and effect of bankruptcies of other companies traditionally defending asbestos claims, (3) uncertainties associated with the variations in the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, (4) uncertainties regarding the facts, circumstances and disease process with each claim, and (5) any new legislation enacted to address asbestos-related claims.
Further, U. S. Steel does not believe that an accrual for unasserted claims is required. At any given reporting date, it is probable that there are unasserted claims that will be filed against the Company in the future. In 2018, the Company engaged an outside valuation consultant to assist in assessing its ability to estimate an accrual for unasserted claims. This assessment was based on the Company's settlement experience, including recent claims trends. The analysis focused on settlements made over the last several years as these claims are likely to best represent future claim characteristics. After review by the valuation consultant and U. S. Steel management, it was determined that the Company could not estimate an accrual for unasserted claims.
Despite these uncertainties, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular quarter.condition.
Environmental matters U. S. Steel is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for noncompliance. Changes in accrued liabilities for remediation activities where U. S. Steel is identified as a named party are summarized in the following table:
(In millions)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Beginning of period$187
Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable6
Obligations settled(17)
End of period$176

(In millions)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Beginning of period$179
Accruals for environmental remediation deemed probable and reasonably estimable2
Obligations settled(4)
End of period$177


Accrued liabilities for remediation activities are included in the following Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet lines:
(In millions) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Accounts payable $41
 $37
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 135
 150
Total $176
 $187

(In millions) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Accounts payable $30
 $29
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 147
 150
Total $177
 $179
Expenses related to remediation are recorded in cost of sales and were immaterial for both the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 20182019 and September 30, 2017.2018. It is not currently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred or the penalties that may be imposed. Due to uncertainties inherent in remediation projects and the associated liabilities, it is reasonably possible that total remediation costs for active matters may exceed the accrued liabilities by as much as 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 six6 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 ZincGary Works and the former steelmaking plant at Joliet, Illinois. As of September 30, 2018,2019, accrued liabilities for these projects totaled $1$2 million for the costs of studies, investigations, interim measures, design and/or remediation. It is reasonably possible that additional liabilities associated with future requirements regarding studies, investigations, design and remediation for these projects could be as much as $30 million to $50$45 million.
(2)
Significant Projects with Defined Scope - Projects with significant accrued liabilities with a defined scope. As of September 30, 2018,2019, there are three4 significant projects with defined scope greater than or equal to $5 million each, with a total accrued liability of $134$130 million. These projects are Gary Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (accrued liability of $26$25 million), the former Geneva facility (accrued liability of $62$50 million), the Cherryvale zinc site (accrued liability of $10 million) and the former Duluth facility St. Louis River Estuary (accrued liability of $46$45 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 two2 other environmental remediation projects which each had an accrued liability of between $1 million and $5 million. The total accrued liability for these projects at September 30, 20182019 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 million each. The total accrued liability for these projects at September 30, 20182019 was approximately $64 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 $22 million at September 30, 20182019 and were based on known scopes of work.
Administrative and Legal Costs – As of September 30, 20182019, U. S. Steel had an accrued liability of $89 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 compliancecomply with various regulations, laws and other requirements relating to the environment. In the first nine months of 20182019 and 2017,2018, such capital expenditures totaled $55$40 million and $39$55 million, respectively. U. S. Steel anticipates making additional such expenditures in the future;future, which may be material; however, the exact amounts and timing of such expenditures are uncertain because of the continuing evolution of specific regulatory requirements.
EU Environmental Requirements - Under the EmissionEmissions 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 futuretotal production levels, we started to purchase allowances in the third quarter of 2017 to meet the annual compliance submission in the future. As of September 30, 2018,2019, we have purchased approximately 1012 million European Union Allowances totaling €101€132 million (approximately $117$144 million). However, due to a number of variables such asWe estimate that the future market value oftotal shortfall will be approximately 12 million allowances future production levels and future emissions intensity levels, we cannot reliably estimatefor the Phase III period. Although the full cost of complying with the ETS regulations depends on future production levels and future emissions intensity levels, at this time.time we do not believe that the cost for the Phase III period will be significantly different from the costs we have already incurred.
The EU’s Industry EmissionIndustrial Emissions Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for Iron and Steel production to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated


emission levels. Our most recent broad estimate of future capital expenditures for projects thatto comply with or go beyond BAT requirements is €138 million (approximately $160 million)$150 million) over the 2017 to 2020 program period. In order to receive full grant amountsThese costs may be mitigated if USSK is required to complycomplies with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually. USSK complied with these covenants as of September 30, 2018.2019. If we are unable to meet these covenants in the future, USSK might be required to provide additional collateral (e.g. bank guarantee) to secure the full value of estimated expenditures. There could be increased operating costs associated with these projects, such as increased energy and maintenance costs. We are currently unable to reliably estimate what the increase in operating costs will be as many projects are in the development stage.
Environmental indemnifications – Throughout its history, U. S. Steel has sold numerous properties and businesses and many of these sales included indemnifications and cost sharing agreements related to the assets that were divested. These indemnifications and cost sharing agreements have included provisions related to the condition of the property, the approved use, certain representations and warranties, matters of title, and
environmental matters. While most of these provisions have not specifically dealt with environmental issues, there have been transactions in which U. S. Steel indemnified the buyer for clean-up or remediation costs relating to the business sold or its then existing conditions or past practices related to non-compliance with environmental laws. Most of the recent indemnification and cost sharing agreements are of a limited nature, only applying to non-compliance with past and/or current laws. Some indemnifications and cost sharing agreements only run for a specified period of time after the transactions close and others run indefinitely. In addition, current owners or operators of property formerly owned or operated by U. S. Steel may have common law claims and cost recovery and contribution rights against U. S. Steel related to environmental matters. The amount of potential claimsenvironmental liability associated with these transactions and properties is not estimable due to the nature and extent of the unknown conditions related to the properties divested and deconsolidated. Aside from the Slovak Government for repaymentenvironmental liabilities already recorded as a result of a portion of the grant funds received.
Duethese transactions due to other EU legislation, BAT for Large Combustion Plants (LCP), we are required to make changes to the boilers at our steamspecific environmental remediation activities and power generation plant in order to comply with stricter air emission limits for large combustion plants. The requirements for LCP resultedcases (included in the construction$176 million of a new boileraccrued liabilities for remediation discussed above), there are no other known probable and certain upgradesestimable environmental liabilities related 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 emissions ceilings for each category of emissions (total suspended particulate, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx)). The allowable amount of discharged emissions from existing boilers will decrease each year until mid-2020. These projects will result in a reduction in electricity, emissions, and operating, maintenance and waste disposal costs. The construction of both boilers is complete with a total final installed cost of €128 million (approximately $150 million). 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.these transactions.
Guarantees – The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4$4 million at September 30, 2018.2019.
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 $1621 million at September 30, 20182019). NoNaN 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 $197161 million as of September 30, 20182019, 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 theour 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 $4120 million and $4440 million at September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018, respectively.
Capital Commitments At September 30, 20182019, U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $649977 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 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Later
Years
 Total
$219 $599 $397 $330 $322 $723 $2,590

Remainder of 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Later
Years
 Total
$195 $581 $482 $309 $304 $1,147 $3,018
The majority of U. S. Steel’s unconditional purchase obligations relatesrelate to the supply of industrial gases, and certain energy and utility services with terms ranging from two to 1516 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 September 30, 20182019, if U. S. Steel were to terminate the agreement, it may be obligated to pay in excess of $168117 million.
Total payments relating to unconditional purchase obligations were $167 million and $147 million and $132 million for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018, respectively, and $454$493 million and $425$454 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.
23.    24.    Significant Equity Investments

Summarized unaudited income statement information for our significant equity investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 is reported below (amounts represent 100% of investee financial information):

(In millions) 2019 2018
Net sales $1,857
 $1,662
Cost of sales 1,624
 1,510
Operating income 190
 114
Net earnings 172
 101
Net earnings attributable to significant equity investments 172
 101


U. S. Steel's portion of the equity in net earnings of the significant equity investments above was $66 million and $37 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is included in the earnings from investees line on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.


25.    Common Stock Repurchase Program
In November 2018, U. S. Steel Canada Inc. Retained Interest
On Juneannounced a two year common stock repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to $300 million of its outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market or privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of management. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, U. S. Steel completedrepurchased 5,289,475 shares of common stock for approximately $88 million. As of September 30, 2019, there is approximately $137 million remaining under 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.share repurchase authorization.
24.    26.    Equity Investee Transactions

On September 29, 2017, a subsidiary 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. 


On May 31, 2018, U. S. Steel assigned its equity ownership interest in Leeds Retail Center, LLC and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $18 million.

25.    27.    Subsequent Events

Big River Steel Acquisition
On October 15, 2018, U. S. Steel and the United Steelworkers (USW) reachedSeptember 30, 2019, a tentative agreement on successor four-year Collective Bargaining Agreements covering approximately 14,000 USW-represented employees at all of the company’s domestic flat-rolled and iron ore mining facilities as well as tubular operations in Fairfield, Alabama, Lorain, Ohio, and Lone Star, Texas. The tentative agreements remain subject to ratification, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of November of 2018.
On October 15, 2018, USSK drew down €200 million (approximately $232 million) from its USSK Credit Agreement and subsequently repatriated most of the funds to its parent, U. S. Steel.  U. S. Steel intends to use the funds, together with cash on hand, for the redemption of its 7.375% Senior Notes due in 2020 (2020 Senior Notes) as discussed below.  
On October 23, 2018, awholly owned subsidiary of U. S. Steel completed the sale of its 40%entered into 2 separate equity interest purchase agreements, pursuant to which, among other things, U. S. Steel agreed to acquire a 49.9% ownership interest in Acero Prime, S. R. L. de CV. AsBig River Steel at a resultpurchase price of approximately $700 million in cash, with a call option to acquire the transaction, remaining 50.1% within the next four years at an agreed-upon price formula based on Big River Steel’s achievement of certain metrics that include: free cash flow, product development, safety and the completion of a proposed expansion of Big River Steel's existing manufacturing line. Big River Steel currently operates a technologically advanced mini mill with approximately 1.7 million tons of steel making capacity. The acquisition closed on October 31, 2019.

U. S. Steel recognizedwill account for its investment in Big River Steel under the equity method as control and risk of loss are shared among the partnership members. Under the equity method of accounting, U. S. Steel will recognize its share of Big River Steel's after tax net income or loss as well as the amortization of any basis differences due to the step-up to fair value of certain assets and liabilities attributable to Big River Steel. 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
On October 25, 2019, we entered into a pretax gainnew five-year senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion (Fifth Credit Facility Agreement) to replace the existing Credit Facility Agreement. The Fifth Credit Facility Agreement has substantially the same terms as the existing Credit Facility Agreement, except the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement will mature five years from the date of effectiveness, includes a “first-in, last-out” tranche in an amount up to $150 million and includes certain other changes, including changes to the fixed charge coverage ratio allowing us to exclude (i) certain capital expenditures from the calculation of the ratio and (ii) any restricted payments made pursuant to any share repurchase program from the calculation of "consolidated fixed charges." On October 30, 2019, we drew $700 million on the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement to fund the closing of our acquisition of a 49.9% interest in Big River Steel.

Environmental Revenue Bonds
On October 10, 2019, we launched offerings of 2 series of environmental revenue bonds in aggregate principal amount of approximately $20$368 million, that will mature between 2024 and 2049 (collectively, the “2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds”). Proceeds of the 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds in the fourth quarteramount of 2018.approximately $93 million will be used to redeem a portion of our existing outstanding environmental revenue bonds for which we issued a conditional redemption notice. Proceeds of the 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds in the amount of $275 million will be used to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, equipping and installation of certain solid waste disposal facilities, including an electric arc furnace and other equipment and facilities at the Company’s Fairfield Works. The 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds closed on October 25, 2019.

2026 Senior Convertible Notes
On November 1, 2018,October 21, 2019, U. S. Steel issued an aggregate principal amount of $300 million of 5.00% Senior Convertible Notes due November 1, 2026 (2026 Senior Convertible Notes), with a notice30-day option to redeem its 2020purchase up to an additional $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes.Convertible Notes, on the same terms and conditions. On December 3, 2018, the next business dayOctober 25, 2019, U. S. Steel issued an additional $50 million of 2026 Senior Convertible Notes after the redemption date,full option was exercised. U. S. Steel received net proceeds of approximately $340 million from the sale of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes after deducting underwriting fees and estimated


offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, for previously announced strategic investments and capital expenditures. Interest on the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2020. See Note 16 for further details.

Prior to August 1, 2026, holders of notes may convert all or a portion of their notes at their option only upon the satisfaction of specified conditions and during certain periods. On or after August 1, 2026, holders may convert all or a portion of their notes at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, we will satisfy the obligation with cash, common stock, or a combination thereof, at our election. U. S. Steel may not redeem the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes prior to November 5, 2023. On or after November 5, 2023 and prior to August 1, 2026, if the price per share of U. S. Steel's common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for cashspecified periods, U. S. Steel may redeem all or a portion of its outstanding 2020the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes (approximately $356 million aggregate principal amount), at thea cash redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

If U. S. Steel undergoes a make-whole premium andfundamental change, as defined in the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes, holders may require us to repurchase the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes in whole or in part for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any,any) up to, but not including,excluding the redemptionrepurchase date. The redemption

For accounting purposes, the proceeds received from the issuance of the notes will be funded byallocated between debt and equity to reflect the fair value of the conversion option embedded in the notes and the fair value of similar debt without the conversion option. As a combinationresult, based on the aggregate principal amount of cash on hand and borrowings under$350 million, we estimate that we will record approximately $106 million of the USSK Credit Agreement. U. S. Steelgross proceeds of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes as an increase in additional paid-in capital with the offsetting amount recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount will incur a loss on early extinguishmentbe amortized over the term of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes using an estimated interest rate of 10.5% (the estimated effective borrowing rate for nonconvertible debt at the time of approximately $20 million associated with this redemption.issuance) which will accrete the carrying value of the notes to the principal amount at maturity.






Item 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
U. S. Steel's results in the third quarter of 2019 were significantly impacted by market challenges in each of the Company's three reportable segments: North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), U. S. Steel Europe (USSE) and Tubular Products (Tubular). In Flat-Rolled, our contract and spot orders were impacted by the continued decline in weekly index prices. USSE continues to experience margin compression due to continued high levels of imports and significantly weaker economic conditions, primarily in the manufacturing sector. In Tubular, continued high levels of imports are negatively impacting the market.

Net sales by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018 are set forth in the following table:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
   Nine Months Ended September 30,   Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
(Dollars in millions, excluding intersegment sales) 2018 2017 
%
Change
 2018 2017 
%
Change
 2019 2018 
%
Change
 2019 2018 
%
Change
Flat-Rolled Products (Flat-Rolled) $2,632
 $2,249
 17% $7,114
 $6,265
 14%
U. S. Steel Europe (USSE) 767
 710
 8% 2,438
 2,123
 15%
Tubular Products (Tubular) 313
 276
 13% 888
 682
 30%
Flat-Rolled $2,277
 $2,632
 (13)% $7,221
 $7,114
 2 %
USSE 518
 767
 (32)% 1,933
 2,438
 (21)%
Tubular 262
 313
 (16)% 921
 888
 4 %
Total sales from reportable segments 3,712
 3,235
 15% 10,440
 9,070
 15% 3,057
 3,712
 (18)% 10,075
 10,440
 (3)%
Other Businesses 17
 13
 31% 47
 47
 % 12
 17
 (29)% 38
 47
 (19)%
Net sales $3,729
 $3,248
 15% $10,487
 $9,117
 15% $3,069
 $3,729
 (18)% $10,113
 $10,487
 (4)%



Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 versus the three months ended September 30, 20172018 is set forth in the following table:
Three Months Ended September 30, 20182019 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 20172018
 
Steel Products (a)
     
Steel Products(a)
 
 Volume Price Mix 
FX (b)
 
Coke &
Other
(c)
 Net
Change
 Volume Price Mix 
FX(b)
 
Coke & Other(c)
 Net Change
Flat-Rolled 4 % 16% (1)%  % (2)% 17% —% (12)% (1)% —% —% (13)%
USSE 3 % 7% (1)% (1)%  % 8% (30)% (3)% 5% (3)% (1)% (32)%
Tubular (2)% 13% 1 %  % 1 % 13% (4)% (8)% (2)% —% (2)% (16)%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory
Net sales were $3,729$3,069 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018,2019, compared with $3,248$3,729 million in the same period last year. The decrease in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment resulted from lower realized prices (decrease of $127 per net ton), notably for hot-rolled products. The USSE segment continues to experience significant market challenges, which resulted in decreased sales versus the same period last year. The change in sales for the USSE segment was primarily due to decreased shipments (decrease of 336 thousand net tons) in most product categories from continued high levels of imports and significantly weaker economic conditions, primarily in the manufacturing sector. The weakening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar was also an adverse impact in the third quarter of 2019. The decrease in sales for the Tubular segment resulted from lower average realized prices (decrease of $185 per net ton) and decreased shipments (decrease of 10 thousand net tons) from lower demand in seamless products.
Management’s analysis of the percentage change in net sales for U. S. Steel’s reportable business segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is set forth in the following table:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
  
Steel Products(a)
    
  Volume Price Mix 
FX(b)
 
Coke & Other(c)
 Net Change
Flat-Rolled 5% (3)% (1)% —% 1% 2%
USSE (16)% (2)% 3% (6)% —% (21)%
Tubular 3% 2% —% —% (1)% 4%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory
Net sales were $10,113 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared with $10,487 million in the same period in the prior year. The increase in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment primarily reflects higher realized prices (increase of $131 per net ton) across all product types and increased shipments (increase of 115406 thousand net tons) due to accelerated demand for steel products in line with the recent economic growth.of semi-finished and hot rolled products. The increasedecrease in sales for the USSE segment was primarily due to higher average realized euro-based prices (increasedecreased shipments (decrease of €31 per net ton) and increased shipments (increase of 34551 thousand net tons) in most product categories due to improved market conditions.increased import competition, flat to declining demand and the weakening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar. The increase in sales for the Tubular segment resulted from higher realized prices (increase of $169 per net ton) 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is set forth in the following table:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  
Steel Products (a)
    
  Volume Price Mix 
FX (b)
 
Coke &
Other
(c)
 Net
Change
Flat-Rolled 4% 10% (1)% % 1% 14%
USSE 1% 5% 1 % 8% % 15%
Tubular 11% 18% 1 % % % 30%
(a) Excludes intersegment sales
(b) Foreign currency translation effects
(c) Includes sales of coke and scrap inventory
Net sales were $10,487 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared with $9,117 million in the same period last year. The increase in sales for the Flat-Rolled segment primarily reflects higher realized prices (increase of $77 per net ton) across all product types and increased shipments (increase of 332 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 €28 per net ton). The increase in sales for the Tubular segment resulted from higher realized prices (increase of $209$24 per net ton) and increased shipments (increase of 5512 thousand net tons) due to improved market conditions..


Pension and other benefits costs

Pension and other benefit costs (other than service cost) are reflected within net interest and other financial costs and the service cost component is reflected within cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Defined benefit and multiemployer pension plan costs included in cost of goods sold totaled $28$31 million and $82$90 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019, respectively, compared to $28 million and $81$82 million in the comparable periods in 2017.


2018.
Costs related to defined contribution plans totaled $11$12 million and $32$35 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, respectively, compared to $11 million and $32 million in the comparable periods in 2017.2018.


Other benefit expense included in cost of sales totaled $4 million and $12$10 million in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 20182019, respectively, and $4 million and $13$12 million in the comparable periods in 2017.2018.


Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $63 million and $223 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, compared to $81 million and $251 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $75 million and $223 million inrespectively. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. For both2019 the decrease is primarily due to a decrease in variable compensation.

Restructuring charges

During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 20182019, the increaseCompany recorded restructuring charges of $25 million related to its labor productivity strategy within its USSE segment and $29 million for the intended indefinite idling of its East Chicago Tin operations and its finishing facility in Dearborn, Michigan within its Flat-Rolled segment, see further details below.

Charges for restructuring initiatives are recorded in the period the Company commits to a restructuring plan, or executes specific actions contemplated by the plan and all criteria for liability recognition have been met. Charges related to restructuring are reported in restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Business Strategy
U. S. Steel is primarily dueexecuting a transformational strategy to develop the “best of both” integrated and mini mill capabilities to improve competitiveness and drive through-cycle cash flow. Through a series of operational improvements, strategic investments and portfolio moves, to be completed over the next several years, U. S. Steel plans to execute a strategy focused on acquiring technology and capabilities to improve competitiveness and drive through-cycle cash flow generation. Execution of U. S. Steel’s strategy will position the Company with a suite of world-class assets with distinct advantages to serve current and future customers with high-tech, sustainable steel solutions. The strategy is focused on commercial differentiation, which the Company currently believes can be achieved by investing in three core market-leading, differentiated and technologically advanced assets at Mon Valley Works (located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Gary Works (located in Gary, Indiana) and Big River Steel (located in Osceola, Arkansas). The Company will be able to compete effectively in strategic end markets based on cost and/or capabilities to offer customers differentiated products to deliver highly competitive long-term cash flow generation through higher earnings and lower sustaining capital expenditures.
Strategic projects and technology investments
On October 31, 2019, the Company completed the first step in acquiring Big River Steel in Osceola, Arkansas through the purchase of a 49.9% ownership interest at a purchase price of approximately $700 million in cash, with a call option to acquire the remaining 50.1% within the next four years at an increase in variable compensation.

Operating configuration update                            agreed-upon price formula based on Big River Steel’s achievement of certain metrics that include: free cash flow, product development, safety and the completion of a proposed expansion of Big River Steel's existing manufacturing line. Big River Steel currently operates a technologically advanced mini mill with approximately 1.7 million tons of steel making capacity.
In March 2018,May 2019, U. S. Steel announced that it will construct a new endless casting and rolling facility at its Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, and a cogeneration facility at its Clairton Plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, both part of the Company's Mon Valley Works. This investment in state-of-the-art sustainable steel technology is expected to significantly upgrade the production capability of our lowest liquid steel cost mill in the U.S., while further reducing conversion costs through improved process efficiencies, yield and energy consumption. The investment is currently expected to be at least $1.2 billion through 2022 and is expected to generate run-rate earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of approximately $275 million beginning in 2023. The Company continues to evaluate design and engineering for the project.
The installation of endless casting and rolling technology will allow differentiated product capabilities to serve strategic markets. The Mon Valley Works will also become the principal source of substrate for the production of the Company's industry-leading XG3TM Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), a market leading solution for our customers to improve fuel efficiency. The cogeneration facility, equipped with state-of-the-art emissions control systems at the Company's Clairton Plant, will convert a portion of the coke oven gas generated at its Clairton Plant into electricity to power the steelmaking and finishing facilities throughout U. S. Steel's Mon Valley operations. This project, in addition to producing


sustainable AHSS, is expected to improve environmental performance, energy conservation and reduce our carbon footprint associated with Mon Valley Works. First steel production is expected in 2022, contingent upon permitting and construction.
In February 2019, U. S. Steel restarted construction of the EAF steelmaking facility at its Tubular Operations in Fairfield, Alabama. The EAF is expected to strengthen our competitive position and reduce cost by $90 per ton as the Company becomes self-sufficient in its rounds supply, which is expected to generate approximately $80 million of annual EBITDA contribution beginning in 2021. The EAF is expected to begin producing steel in the second half of 2020.
In January 2019, U. S. Steel announced the construction of a new Dynamo line at USSE. The new line, a $130 million investment, has an annual capacity of approximately 100,000 metric tons. Construction on the Dynamo line began in mid-2019 and under the original business plan was targeted to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2020. Upon its completion, the new line will enable production of sophisticated silicon grades of non-grain oriented (NGO) electrical steels to support increased demand in vehicles and generators. The project is expected to contribute $35 million of run-rate EBITDA. Due to significant market challenges in Europe, the Company will evaluate the pace of this investment.
As part of its asset revitalization program (described below), the Company expects to invest approximately $500 million, of which approximately 30 percent has already been spent, to upgrade the Gary Works hot strip mill through a series of projects focused on expanding the line's competitive advantages. The Gary Works hot strip mill will further differentiate itself as a leader in heavy gauge products in strategic markets. Asset revitalization investments are also being made at other critical Flat-Rolled steel making assets, including the Mon Valley Works steel shop, which will provide high quality, low cost liquid steel for our future endless casting and rolling line.
Operating configuration
As the Company invests in differentiated technology and re-centers around its core assets, it will also adjust its operating configuration to best facilitate execution of its strategy and respond to market conditions and customer demand.
On October 8, 2019, the Company announced that it is implementing an enhanced operating model and organizational structure to accelerate the Company’s strategic transformation and better serve its customers. The new operating model will be effective January 1, 2020 and will be centered around manufacturing, commercial, and technological excellence. Our former “commercial entity” structure was put into place to deepen understanding of business ownership and our relationships with customers and allowed the Company to identify the technology that would restartdifferentiate our products and processes on the basis of cost and/or capabilities. The new enhanced operating model is a logical next step in the execution of the Company’s strategy and will make us a more nimble company positioned to deliver the benefits of our strategy through the cycle. 
In August 2019, the Company began the process of indefinitely idling its East Chicago Tin operations within its Flat-Rolled segment due primarily to increased tin import levels in the U.S. We anticipate completion of this process, which will include headcount reductions of approximately 150, sometime during the fourth quarter of 2019. Additionally, U. S. Steel intends to indefinitely idle its finishing facility in Dearborn, Michigan (which operates an electrolytic galvanizing line) during the fourth quarter of 2019.
In July 2019, U. S. Steel began implementing a labor productivity strategy at USSK so that it could better compete in the European steel market, which has experienced softening demand as well as a significant increase in imports. It is anticipated that the labor productivity strategy will result in total headcount reductions, including contractors, of approximately 2,500 by the end of 2021. As of September 30, 2019, approximately 1,800 positions, including approximately 400 contractors, were eliminated.
In June 2019, U. S. Steel idled two blast furnaces in the U.S. and one blast furnace in Europe to better align global production with its order book. As a result, monthly blast furnace production capacity was reduced by approximately 200,000 - 225,000 tons in the U.S. and 125,000 tons in Europe. Blast furnace production at one or more of the idled furnaces may resume when market conditions improve.
In June 2019, U. S. Steel restarted the No. 1 Electric-Weld Pipe Mill (No. 1 Pipe Mill) at its Lone Star Tubular Operations to enable the Company to support increased demand for high-quality electric-welded pipe produced in the United States. The No. 1 Pipe Mill produces 7-16 inch welded pipe and is complementing our current Tubular product offerings. It had been idled since 2016.
In June and October 2018, U. S. Steel restarted the "B" blast furnace and steelmaking facilities and the "A" blast furnace, respectively, at its Granite City Works facility which would enable the Companyin response to support anticipated increased demand for steel produced inat the United States as a result of the Section 232 investigation into steel imports. The restart occurred in the second quarter of 2018.time.

Additionally, in June 2018, U. S. Steel announced that it would restart the "A" blast furnace at its Granite City Works facility, which will support increased demand for steel manufactured in the United States, while allowing the Company to continue to support customers during planned asset revitalization efforts. The restart was completed in October 2018.

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


U. S. Steel will continue to evaluate potential strategic and organizational opportunities, which may include the acquisition, divestiture or consolidation of assets. We continue to focusGiven the cyclicality of our industry, we are focused on strategically deployingmaintaining and spending cash (including strategic capital investments under our asset revitalization program)expenditures in technology investments), in order to invest in areas consistent with our long-term strategy, such as sustainable steel technologies, 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 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.

Asset Revitalization
Better operating performanceIn 2017, we launched our asset revitalization program, a multi-year, comprehensive $2 billion investment (which included $1.5 billion in capital spending) in our most critical assets within our Flat-Rolled segment, coupledsegment. The program is composed of many projects designed to continuously improve safety, quality, delivery and cost performance. As we revitalize our assets, we are increasing profitability, productivity and operational stability, and reducing volatility. This program is designed to prioritize investment in the areas with relatively stable market conditions during 2017the highest returns, like the Gary Works hot strip mill investments described above. As the Company refocuses its strategy on technology investments, it will rescope the asset revitalization program, and 2018, have resulted in improved segment results in recent quarters.currently plans to reduce the program by approximately $200-250 million. We currently expect capital spending for the entire program to be approximately $1.3 billion, $800 million of which has already been spent. As we continue with the implementation of our asset revitalization program described below, and increase investment in our facilities,on selective assets, we expect to realize the sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery and cost thatcosts we are targeting to position us to succeed over the long term and to support future growth initiatives. In view of our having substantially implemented the program, and because the program has been reprioritized in order to invest in other opportunities, the Company no longer intends to provide annual scorecards against the original target metrics.

Asset Revitalization
As part of our long-term strategy, the Board of Directors approved a $2 billion multi-year asset revitalization program focused on our Flat-Rolled segment. Management evaluated performance in the key industries we serve, and developed projects across multiple Flat-Rolled segment assets with a focus on continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery and cost. The Company views this program as essential to improving reliability and our ability to compete effectively in the industry. As we revitalize our assets, we expect to increase profitability, productivity and operational 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 $1.5 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.


The benefits of the asset revitalization program are already evident, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 were immaterial. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $18 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $30 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 million primarily associated with a change in estimate for previously recorded environmental costs and Company-wide headcount reductions. Cash payments were made related to severance and exit costs of $24 million.
Charges for restructuring and ongoing cost reduction initiatives are recorded in the period U. 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 the restructuring and other charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 20172018 is set forth in the following table:

 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
(Dollars in millions) 2018 2017  2018 2017 
Flat-Rolled $305
 $161
 89 % $562
 $293
 92%
USSE 72
 73
 (1)% 297
 215
 38%
Tubular 7
 (7) 200 % (55) (93) 41%
Total earnings from reportable segments 384
 227
 69 % 804
 415
 94%
Other Businesses 16
 12
 33 % 44
 34
 29%
Segment earnings before interest and income taxes 400
 239
 67 % 848
 449
 89%
Items not allocated to segments:       
 
 
Gain on equity investee transactions 
 21



 18
 21
 
Granite City Works restart costs (27) 
 

 (63) 
 
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges 
 
 

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



 
 72
 
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets 
 
 

 
 (35) 
Total earnings before interest and income taxes $373
 $260
 43 % $811
 $507
 60%
   Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 (Dollars in millions) 2019 2018  2019 2018 
Flat-Rolled $46
 $305
 (85)% $275
 $562
 (51)%
USSE (46) 72
 (164)% (27) 297
 (109)%
Tubular (25) 7
 (457)% (21) (55) 62 %
 Total earnings from reportable segments (25) 384
 (107)% 227
 804
 (72)%
Other Businesses 8
 16
 (50)% 26
 44
 (41)%
 Segment (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes (17) 400
 (104)% 253
 848
 (70)%
Items not allocated to segments:            
 December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire (9) 
   (53) 
  
 Restructuring charges (54) 
   (54) 
  
 Gain on equity investee transactions 
 
   
 18
  
 Granite City Works restart costs 
 (27)   
 (63)  
 Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges 
 
   
 8
  
Total (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes $(80) $373
 (121)% $146
 $811
 (82)%
Segment results for Flat-Rolled
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended September 30, %
Change
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
%
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
%
Change
 2018 2017 2018 2017 20192018 20192018
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions) $305
 $161
 89% $562
 $293
 92%$46
$305
(85)% $275
$562
(51)%
Gross margin 16% 13% 3% 14% 11% 3%8%16%(8)% 10%14%(4)%
Raw steel production (mnt) 2,933
 2,821
 4% 8,558
 8,247
 4%2,783
2,933
(5)% 8,842
8,558
3 %
Capability utilization 68% 66% 2% 67% 65% 2%65%68%(3)% 70%67%3 %
Steel shipments (mnt) 2,659
 2,544
 5% 7,777
 7,445
 4%2,654
2,659
 % 8,183
7,777
5 %
Average realized steel price per ton $859
 $728
 18% $807
 $730
 11%$732
$859
(15)% $771
$807
(4)%
The increasedecrease in Flat-Rolled results for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same period in 20172018 was primarily due to higherlower average realized prices (approximately $325$335 million) as a resultand continued high levels of improved market conditions, and increased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $30 million).imports. This change was partially offset by increased spending for maintenance and outage costs (approximately $90 million), higherlower raw material costs (approximately $75$15 million), decreased energy costs (approximately $10 million), a contingency gain from recovered claims arising out of the bankruptcy of a supplier (approximately $10 million) and an increase indecreased other operating costs, primarily due to increasedincluding variable compensation (approximately $45$40 million).
The increasedecrease in Flat-Rolled results for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same period in 20172018 was primarily due to higherlower average realized prices (approximately $610$230 million) as a result of improved market conditions,, higher raw material costs (approximately $75 million) and increased spending for operating costs (approximately $85 million). These changes were partially offset by increased shipments, including substrate to our Tubular segment (approximately $75$65 million) and lower energydecreased other costs, (approximately $20 million). This change was partially offset by higher raw material costs (approximately $245 million), increased spending for maintenance and outage costs (approximately $125 million) and an increase in other operating costs primarily due to increasedincluding variable compensation (approximately $65$40 million).
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same periodsperiod in 2017 increased2018 decreased primarily as a result of higherlower average realized prices.



Segment results for USSE
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended September 30, %
Change
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
%
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
%
Change
 2018 2017 2018 2017 20192018 20192018
Earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions) $72
 $73
 (1)% $297
 $215
 38%
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(46)$72
(164)% $(27)$297
(109)%
Gross margin 13% 15% (2)% 16% 14% 2%(2)%13%(15)% 4%16%(12)%
Raw steel production (mnt) 1,210
 1,235
 (2)% 3,810
 3,778
 1%823
1,210
(32)% 3,130
3,810
(18)%
Capability utilization 96% 98% (2)% 102% 101% 1%65 %96%(31)% 84%102%(18)%
Steel shipments (mnt) 1,101
 1,067
 3 % 3,384
 3,333
 2%765
1,101
(31)% 2,833
3,384
(16)%
Average realized steel price per ton $669
 $639
 5 % $695
 $617
 13%
Average realized steel price per ($/ton)$656
$669
(2)% $660
$695
(5)%
Average realized steel price per (€/ton)590
575
3 % 587
582
1 %
The decrease in USSE results for the three months ended September 30, 2018 remained consistent2019 compared to the same period in 2017. The results included an increase2018 was primarily due to higherthe continued market challenges and continued high levels of imports in Europe and the significant compression in margins from lower average realized euro-based prices (approximately $45$15 million). This increase was offset by, decreased shipments (approximately $50 million), the weakening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar (approximately $10 million), higher raw material costs (approximately $30$35 million) which includes an unfavorable first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory impact, and increased otherhigher energy costs (approximately $15$10 million).
The increasedecrease in USSE results for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same period in 20172018 were significantly impacted by continued market challenges in Europe and was primarily due to higherlower average realized euro-based prices (approximately $115$45 million) and, decreased shipments (approximately $60 million), the strengtheningweakening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar (approximately $65 million). These increases were partially offset by, higher raw material costs (approximately $50$90 million), which includes a favorable first-in-first-out (FIFO)an unfavorable FIFO inventory impact, and increased spending on operating costs (approximately $50$25 million), higher energy costs (approximately $25 million) and increased other costs, including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions allowance (approximately $15 million).
Gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same period in 20172018 decreased primarily as a result of reduced capacity utilization. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 increased primarily as a result oflower average realized prices and higher realized prices.raw material and energy costs.
Segment results for Tubular
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended September 30, %
Change
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
%
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
%
Change
 2018 2017 2018 2017 20192018 20192018
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes ($ millions) $7
 $(7) 200 % $(55) $(93) 41%
(Loss) earnings before interest and taxes ($ millions)$(25)$7
(457)% $(21)$(55)62%
Gross margin 7% 4% 3 % % (5)% 5%(4)%7%(11)% 2%%2%
Steel shipments (mnt) 184
 185
 (1)% 564
 509
 11%174
184
(5)% 576
564
2%
Average realized steel price per ton $1,602
 $1,433
 12 % $1,477
 $1,268
 16%$1,417
$1,602
(12)% $1,501
$1,477
2%
The increasedecrease in Tubular results for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 as compared to the same period in 20172018 was primarily due to higherlower average realized prices (approximately $20$30 million) and decreased othershipments (approximately $5 million) due to the continued high levels of imports, increased spending on operating costs (approximately $10 million) and increased costs associated with the continued execution of the commercial and technology strategy (approximately $15 million). These increaseschanges were partially offset by higherlower substrate and rounds costs (approximately $20$30 million).
The increase in Tubular results for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same period in 20172018 was primarily due to higher average realized prices (approximately $90$15 million) and improved shipment volumeslower substrate and rounds costs (approximately $50 million). These changes were partially offset by increased spending on operating costs (approximately $20 million) and increased costs associated with the continued execution of the commercial and technology strategy (approximately $10 million). This increase was partially offset by higher substrate costs (approximately $60 million).


Gross margin for the three andmonths ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 decreased primarily as a result of lower average realized prices. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to the same periodsperiod in 20172018 increased primarily as a result of higher average realized prices.prices and lower substrate and rounds costs.
Results for Other Businesses

Other Businesses had incomeearnings of $8 million and $26 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to earnings of $16 million and $44 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared.

Items not allocated to incomesegments
We recorded $54 million of $12 million and $34 millionrestructuring charges in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.2019 for our labor productivity strategy at USSK and the intended indefinite idling of East Chicago Tin and our finishing facility in Dearborn, Michigan within the Flat-Rolled segment.



We incurred $9 million and $53 million of costs associated with the December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively (see Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section for more details).



Items not allocated to segments

We recognized a gain on equity investee transactions of $18 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as a result of the assignment of our entire equity ownership interest in LeedsLeed's Retail Center, LLC in May 2018. We recognized a $21 million gain on equity investee transactions in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to the sale of our 15% ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company, L.C.


We recognized $27 million and $63 million in Granite City Works restart costs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 respectively, as a result of costs associated with the restart of the "A" and "B" blast furnacesfurnace at Granite City Works.


We recorded an $8 million favorable adjustment in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to Granite City Works temporary idling charges as a result of the 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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the restructuring and disposition of USSC on June 30, 2017.

We recorded a $35 million loss on the shut down of certain tubular assets in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the permanent shut down and relocation of the No. 6 Quench & Temper Mill at Lorain Tubular Operations.
Net interest and other financial costs
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
%
Change
 Nine Months Ended September 30, %
Change
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 %
Change
(Dollars in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 2019 2018 
Interest expense $41
 $60
 (32)% $134
 $173
 (23)% $32
 $41
 (22)% $97
 $134
 (28)%
Interest income (6) (5) 20 % (16) (13) 23 % (3) (6) (50)% (13) (16) (19)%
Loss on debt extinguishment 3
 31
 (90)% 77
 32
 141 % 
 3
 (100)% 
 77
 (100)%
Other financial costs 2
 12
 (83)% 4
 37
 (89)% (4) 2
 (300)% (2) 4
 (150)%
Net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) 19
 15
 27 % 53
 47
 13 % 23
 19
 21 % 69
 53
 30 %
Total net interest and other financial costs $59
 $113
 (48)% $252
 $276
 (9)% $48
 $59
 (19)% $151
 $252
 (40)%


The decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due to reduced interest expense due to our lower average cost of debt.

The decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due to the loss on debt extinguishment in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as described below and reduced interest expense due to our improved debt profile, partially offset by higher net periodic benefit cost as discussed below.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes and repurchased through a tender offer and redemption $780 million of its 2021 Senior Secured Notes for an aggregate cash outflow of approximately $840 million, which included $60 million in premiums. Additionally, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 2020 Senior Notes during the first nine months of 2018.  The loss on debt extinguishment line in the table above includes $66 million in premiums and $11 million in unamortized debt issuance costs which were written off in connection with the extinguishment of debt.  For further information, see Note 1516 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due to a loss on debt extinguishment in the three months ended September 30, 2017, reduced interest expense due to our improved debt profile and net foreign currency gains on our euro-U.S. dollar derivatives.
The decrease in net interest and other financial costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period last year is primarily due to reduced interest expense as a result of our improved debt profile and net foreign currency gains on our euro-U.S. dollar derivatives partially offset by a higher loss on debt extinguishment in 2018.
The net periodic benefit cost (other than service cost) components of pension and other benefit costs are reflected in the table above, and increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 as compared to the same


periods last year mainlyprimarily due to higher settlement chargesa lower expected return on asset assumption for pension assets, a lower asset return than expected in 2018 resulting from lump sum payments for certain individuals.partially offset by the natural maturation of the plan and increased discount rates.
Total net periodic pension cost, including service cost and multiemployer plans, is expected to total approximately $143$170 million in 2018.2019. Total other benefits costs, including service cost, in 20182019 are expected to total approximately $60$57 million. The pension cost projection includes approximately $60$77 million of contributions to the Steelworkers Pension Trust.
Income taxes
The income tax (benefit) provision was $(44) million and $(43) million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $23 million and $36 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to less than $1 million. The tax provision in both periods reflects a benefit for percentage depletion in excess of cost depletion from iron ore that we produce and $3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.consume or sell. In 2018, the tax provision also reflects a tax benefit for the release of a portion of the domestic valuation allowance due to pretax income. Included in the
The tax provision infor the first nine months of 2017 is a benefit of $13 million related to the carryback of certain 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 20172019 was immaterial.
On December 22, 2017,based on an estimated annual effective rate, which requires management to make its best estimate of annual pretax income or loss. For the Tax Cutsquarters ended June 30, 2019 and Jobs Act (the 2017 Act) was signed into law. The 2017 Act includes changes to U.S. federalSeptember 30, 2019, the Company computed its tax rates, imposes significant additional limitations onbenefit using 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. After review, we have determined that the 2017 Act will have a minimal impact on the 2018discrete period effective tax rate, duewhich reflects the actual taxes attributable to the Company's current corporate tax structureyear-to-date earnings and net operating losses. However,losses, because we haddetermined that a reduction in cash taxes paid in 2018 due to the eliminationreliable estimate of the Alternative Minimum Tax and expect that benefit to continueexpected annual effective tax rate could not be made. A small change in future years.
Each quarter U. S. Steel analyzesour estimated marginal pretax results for the likelihood that our deferredyear ended December 31, 2019 could create a large change in the expected annual effective 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,rate. The sensitivity of the deferredeffective tax asset may not be realized.
Despite six consecutive quartersrate was increased by the benefit for percentage depletion in excess of pretax domestic income, at September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel determined that the negative evidence, including the uncertainty regarding the Company's continued ability to generate domestic income in the near term, still outweighs the positive evidence and concluded that is more likely than not that all of its net domestic tax asset may not be realized.
As our projectionscost depletion for 2019 are refined in the fourth quarter of this year, and with consideration of the profitability of our domestic operations in 2017 and year to date in 2018, it is reasonably possible that we may conclude that realization is more likely than not for some or all of the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance, and we will reduce the related valuation allowance and record a non-cash benefit.iron ore.
For further information on income taxes see Note 1113 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation were $(84) million and $38 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to net earnings of $291 million and $523 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net earnings of $147 million and $228 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The changes primarily reflect the factors discussed above.


BALANCE SHEET
Accounts receivable increasedReceivable decreased by $294$259 million from year-end 2017 primarily due to higher average realized prices as well as increased shipment volumes across all of our segments.
Inventories increased by $212 million from year-end 20172018 primarily as a result of increased operating levels and higher raw material prices.lower sales.
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilitiesOperating lease assets increased by $355$239 million from year-end 2017 primarily2018 as a result of increased operating levels and higher raw material prices across allthe adoption of our segments.the new accounting standard for leases (see Note 8 for further details).
Property, plant and equipment, net increased by $363$445 million from year-end 2018 primarily due to the level of capital expenditures exceeding depreciation expense.
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities decreased by $286 million from year-end 2018 primarily as a result of lower production levels for our Flat-Rolled and USSE segments.
Payroll and benefits payable increased decreased by $78$95 million from year-end 20172018 primarily due to profit-based incentive payments related to 2018 financial performance that were paid in the first quarter of 2019.
Current operating lease liabilitiesincreased accruals for variable compensation.


Long-term debt decreased by $202$56 million from year-end 20172018 as a result of the adoption of the new accounting standard for leases (see Note 8 for further details).
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities increased by $189 million from year-end 2018 as a result of the adoption of the new accounting standard for leases (see Note 8 for further details).
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs increased by $184 million from year-end 2018 primarily due to borrowings on 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 and the repurchase of $75 million of our 2020 Senior Notes throughout 2018, partially offset by the issuance of $650 million aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Senior Notes in March 2018 . For additional information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.USSK Credit Agreement.
Employee benefits decreased by $93$75 million from year-end 20172018 primarily as a result of impacts from the natural maturation of our pension plans.


CASH FLOW
Net cash provided by operating activities was $722$396 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $546$722 million in the same period last year. The increasedecrease in cash from operations is primarily due to strongerlower financial results, partially offset by changes in working capital period over period.period.
Changes in working capital can vary significantly depending on factors such as the timing of inventory production and purchases, which is affected by the length of our business cycles as well as our captive raw materials position, customer payments of accounts receivable and payments to vendors in the regular course of business.
Our key working capital components include accounts receivable and inventory. The accounts receivable and inventory turnover ratios for the three months and twelve months ended September 30,20182019 and 20172018 are as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Twelve Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Twelve Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018
Accounts Receivable Turnover 2.3
 2.2
 8.5
 8.6
 2.0
 2.3
 9.0
 8.5
Inventory Turnover 1.7
 1.6
 6.4
 6.1
 1.4
 1.7
 6.2
 6.4
The increasedecrease in the inventoryaccounts receivable turnover approximates one day5 days for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 as compared to the same period ended September 30, 20172018 and is primarily due to an increasedecreased sales as a result of lower average realized prices in cost of goods sold mainly attributed to higher raw material costs.our Flat-Rolled segment. The increase in the inventoryaccounts receivable turnover approximates three2 days for the twelve months ended September 30, 20182019 as compared to the same period ended September 30, 20172018 and is primarily due to an increaseincreased shipments in cost of goods sold mainly attributed to higher raw material costs.our Flat-Rolled and Tubular segments.
The accounts receivabledecrease in the inventory turnover remained consistentapproximates 12 days and 2 days for the three months and twelve months ended September 30, 20182019 as compared to the three months and twelve months ended September 30, 2017.2018, respectively, and is primarily due to decreased shipments in our USSE segment.
The last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method is the predominant method of inventory costing in the United States. At September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, theThe LIFO method accounted for 71 percent and 74 percent of total inventory values respectively.at both September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018. In the U.S., management monitors inventory realizability by comparing the LIFO cost of inventory with the replacement cost of inventory. To the extent the replacement cost (i.e., market value) of inventory is lower than the LIFO cost of


inventory, management will write the inventory down. As of September 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 20172018 the replacement cost of the inventory was higher by approximately $1,024$999 million and $802$1,038 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 2018.2019.
Our cash conversion cycle for the third quarter of 2018 decreased2019 increased by fournine days as compared to the fourth quarter of 20172018 as shown below:


Cash Conversion Cycle2018  20172019  2018
$ millions Days  $ millions Days$ millions Days  $ millions Days
Accounts receivable, net (a)
$1,673
 41  $1,379
 43$1,400 45  $1,659 42
         
+ Inventories (b)
$1,950
 55  $1,738
 58$2,071 67  $2,092 58
         
- Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (c)
$2,523
 70  $2,163
 71$2,182 75  $2,477 72
         
         
= Cash Conversion Cycle (d)
  26    30 37  28
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, were $646$978 million, compared with $291$646 million in the same period in 20172018. Flat-rolledFlat-Rolled capital expenditures were $531$764 million and included spending for the Great LakesMon Valley No. 3 Blast Furnace D4 Major Repairs,outage, Mon Valley sulfur dioxide (SO2) Boiler Stack project, Great Lakes Blast Furnace D4 No. 1 Stove Rebuild, Clairton C-Battery, Minntac Open Pit Equipment,Endless Casting and Rolling, Gary Hot Strip Mill Motors and Table Covers, Granite City A Restartupgrades, Great Lakes B2 Blast Furnace, Midwest Tin Cold Mill upgrades, and various other infrastructure, environmental and strategic projects. Tubular capital expenditures of $33were $97 million primarily related toand included spending for the Fairfield Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project, Offshore Operations Threading Line No. 5threading line and Swageswage extension Lorain No. 3 Rotary Mill Reliability, as well asand various other strategic capital projects. USSE capital expenditures of $63$111 million consisted of spending for No. 3 coke battery Thru-Wall Replacement, Blast Furnace 1 No. 13 Stove Rebuild, Continuous Pickle Line 1 upgradeimproved Sinter Strand emission control, improved Ore Bridges Emission control, the new Dynamo line and various other infrastructure and environmental projects.
U. S. Steel’s contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2018,2019, totaled $649$977 million.

Capital expenditures for 20182019 are expected to total approximately $1$1.24 billion, not including the acquisition of a 49.9% ownership interest in Big River Steel, and remain focused largely on strategic,projects that further our strategy, infrastructure and environmental projects, as well as asset revitalization ofprojects.

Revolving and other credit facilities - borrowings, net totaled $165 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 due to our equipmentborrowing on the USSK Credit Agreement.
Common stock repurchased under our common stock repurchase program approved in 2018 totaled 5,289,475 shares and approximately $88 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. See Note 25 to improve our operating reliability and efficiency, and product quality and cost by focusing on investments in our North American Flat-Rolled segment.the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs, totaled $640 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $640 million after fees of approximately $10 million related to underwriting and third-partythird party expenses. For further information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Repayment of long-term debt totaled $922 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Pursuant to a cash tender offer, U. S. Steel repurchased $499through a tender offer and subsequent redemption approximately $780 million of ourits outstanding 2021 Senior Secured Notes in March 2018 and redeemed the remaining $281 million in April 2018. Approximatelypaid premiums of $60 million in premiums were paid for the 2021 Senior Secured Notes transactions.tender. Additionally, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 2020 Senior Notes through a series of open market purchases at a weighted average price of 107.119 percent of par during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and paid premiums of approximately $5 million.
For further information, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.




LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes U. S. Steel’s liquidity as of September 30, 20182019:
(Dollars in millions)
 

Cash and cash equivalents$1,344
 Amount available under $1.5 Billion Credit Facility Agreement1,500

Amount available under USSK credit facilities566

Total estimated liquidity$3,410
(Dollars in millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents$476
Amount available under $1.5 Billion Credit Facility Agreement1,350
Amount available under USSK credit facilities152
Total estimated liquidity$1,978
 
As of September 30, 20182019, $197$79 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 the facility size of $1.5 billion and extends the maturity date to 2023.
As of September 30, 2018,2019, 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 Credit Facility Agreement is less than the greater of 10 percent of the total aggregate commitments and $150 million. Based on the four quarters as of September 30, 2018,2019, we would not have met this covenant. IfSo long as we are unablecontinue to not meet this covenant, in future periods, the amount available to the Company under this facility would beis effectively reduced by $150 million. As a result, availability under this facility was $1,350 million as of September 30, 2019.

On September 26, 2018, USSK, and one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, as guarantor,October 25, 2019, we entered into a 460new five-year senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount up to $2.0 billion (Fifth Credit Facility Agreement) to replace the existing Credit Facility Agreement. The Fifth Credit Facility Agreement has substantially the same terms as the existing Credit Facility Agreement, except the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement will mature five years from the date of effectiveness, includes a “first-in, last-out” tranche in an amount up to $150 million and includes certain other changes, including changes to the fixed charge coverage ratio allowing us to exclude (i) certain capital expenditures from the calculation of the ratio and (ii) any restricted payments made pursuant to any share repurchase program from the calculation of "consolidated fixed charges." On October 30, 2019, we drew $700 million on the Fifth Credit Facility Agreement to fund the closing of our acquisition of a 49.9% interest in Big River Steel.

On October 10, 2019, we launched offerings of two series of environmental revenue bonds in aggregate principal amount of approximately $368 million, that will mature between 2024 and 2049 (collectively, the “2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds”). Proceeds of the 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds in the amount of approximately $93 million will be used to redeem a portion of our existing outstanding environmental revenue bonds for which we issued a conditional redemption notice. Proceeds of the 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds in the amount of $275 million will be used to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, equipping and installation of certain solid waste disposal facilities, including an electric arc furnace and other equipment and facilities at the Company’s Fairfield Works. The 2019 Environmental Revenue Bonds closed on October 25, 2019.

On October 21, 2019, U. S. Steel issued an aggregate principal amount of $300 million of 5.00% Senior Convertible Notes due November 1, 2026 (2026 Senior Convertible Notes), with a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Convertible Notes, on the same terms and conditions. On October 25, 2019, U. S. Steel issued an additional $50 million of 2026 Senior Convertible Notes after the full option was exercised. U. S. Steel received net proceeds of approximately $340 million from the sale of the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes after deducting underwriting fees and estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, for previously announced strategic investments and capital expenditures. Interest on the 2026 Senior Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2020. See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

At September 30, 2019, USSK had borrowings of €350 million (approximately $381 million) under its €460 million (approximately $501 million) unsecured revolving credit facility (USSK Credit Agreement), replacing USSK's 200 million revolving credit facility (Prior Facility). The USSK Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 26, 2023 and contains terms and conditions similar to the Prior Facility. Concurrent with the execution of the USSK Credit Agreement, USSK reduced the size of a separate €40 million unsecured credit facility to €20 million.
At September 30, 2018, USSK had no borrowings under its 460 million (approximately $533 million) USSK Credit Agreement.facility. The USSK Credit Agreement contains certain USSK financial covenants, including a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum stockholders' equity to assets ratio. The covenants are measured semi-annually for the period covering the last twelve calendar months and calculated as set forth in the USSK Credit Agreement. If USSK does not comply with the USSK Credit Agreement financial covenants, it may not draw on the facility until the next measurement date, outstanding borrowings may be accelerated, or the margin on outstanding borrowings may be increased. At September 30, 2018,2019, USSK had full availability of €110 million (approximately $120 million) under the USSK Credit Agreement. On October 15, 2018, USSK drew down €200 million (approximately $232 million) from itsThe USSK Credit Agreement and subsequently repatriated most of the funds to its parent, U. S. Steel.  U. S. Steel intends to use the funds, together with cash on hand, for the redemption of its 7.375% Senior Notes dueexpires in 2020 (2020 Senior Notes) as discussed below.  September 2023.


At September 30, 2018,2019, USSK had no borrowings under its €20 million and €10 million unsecured credit facilities (collectively, approximately $35$33 million) and the aggregate availability was approximately $33$32 million due to approximately $2$1 million of customs and other guarantees outstanding. The €20 million credit facility expires in December 2018. Currently, the €10 million credit facility also expires in December 2018, but can be extended one additional year to the final maturity date at the mutual consent of USSK and its lender.

Through a series of open market purchases, U. S. Steel repurchased approximately $75 million of its 2020 Senior Notes at a weighted average price of 107.119 percent of par during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

On November 1, 2018, U. S. Steel issued a notice to redeem its 2020 Senior Notes. On December 3, 2018, the next business day after the redemption date, the Company will redeem for cash all of its outstanding 2020 Senior Notes (approximately $356 million aggregate principal amount), at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. The redemption will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the USSK Credit


Agreement. U. S. Steel will incur a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $20 million associated with this redemption.
In March 2018, U. S. Steel issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes. U. S. Steel received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $640 million after fees of approximately $10 million related to the underwriting and third-party expenses. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repurchase all of our outstanding 2021 Senior Secured Notes (see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Debt" for further details). U. S. Steel will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year, commencing on September 15, 2018.
We may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding long-term debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, exchange transactions, redemptions or otherwise. Such purchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, and other factors and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved may be material.
We use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. The use of some forms of financial assurance and cash collateral have a negative impact on liquidity. U. S. Steel has committed $197$161 million of liquidity sources for financial assurance purposes as of September 30, 2018.2019. Increases in certain of these commitments which use collateral are reflected within cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
At September 30, 2018,2019, in the event of a change in control of U. S. Steel, the following may occur: (a) debt obligations totaling $2,106$2,131 million as of September 30, 20182019 may be declared due and payable; (b) the Credit Facility Agreement and the USSK credit facilities may be terminated and any amounts outstanding declared due and payable; and (c) U. S. Steel may be required to either repurchase the leased Fairfield slab caster for $24$21 million or provide a cash collateralized letter of credit to secure the remaining obligation.
The maximum guarantees of the indebtedness of unconsolidated entities of U. S. Steel totaled $4 million at September 30, 2018.2019. 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 20182019 are expected to be for capital expenditures, including asset revitalization,the acquisition of Big River Steel (which closed on October 31, 2019), employee benefits and operating costs, which includes purchases of raw materials. We finished the third quarter of 20182019 with $1,344$476 million of cash and cash equivalents and $3.4$2.0 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.
The Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program underCompany currently expects approximately $950 million in capital expenditures for 2020, which up to $300 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock may be acquired over the next two years at the discretion of management.  The shares will be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions.  Under the program, the purchases will be funded from cash on hand, and the repurchased shares will be held as treasury shares.  As of September 30, 2018, there were no repurchases under this program.includes spending for strategic projects described earlier.
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 buybacks,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 release and made the necessary repairs. We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, resumed operations in a controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of use and penalty requests from the involved governmental agencies. In January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging CWA and Permit violations at Midwest. On April 2, 2018, the United StatesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel and the relevant governmental agencies consisting of all material terms to resolve the CWA and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) violations at the Midwest Plant. A public comment period for the Consent Decree ensued. U. S. Steel, U.S. EPAThe suits that the Surfrider Foundation and the StateCity of Indiana continue to review those comments.Chicago filed are currently stayed. The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initially agreed to stay their actions pending finalization of the Consent Decree, butalso filed a motion to lift that stay in July 2018.  On September 13, 2018, both The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago filed motions, which were granted, to intervene in the Consent Decree case which remain pending.case. U. S. Steel continues to work with United States Department of Justice, U.S. EPA, and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) towards a finalized Consent Decree.


EU Environmental Requirements and Slovak Operations

Under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), USSK's final allocation of allowances for the Phase III period, which covers the years 2013 through 2020 is 48 million allowances. Based on projected 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 September 30, 2019, we have purchased approximately 12 million European Union Allowances totaling €132 million (approximately $144 million). We estimate that the total shortfall will be approximately 12 million allowances for the Phase III period. Although the full cost of complying with the ETS regulations depends on future production levels and future emissions intensity levels, at this time we do not believe that the cost for the Phase III period will be significantly different from the costs we have already incurred.

The EU’s Industry EmissionIndustrial Emissions Directive requires implementation of EU determined best available techniques (BAT) for iron and steel production, to reduce environmental impacts as well as compliance with BAT associated emission levels. This directive includes operational requirements for air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid waste disposal and energy conservation, dictates certain operating practices and imposes stricter emissions 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 emissions 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 totalfuture capital expenditures for projects to comply with orthat go beyond the BAT requirements foris up to €138 million (approximately $150 million) over the 2017 to 2020 program period is €138 million (approximately $161 million). Through September 30, 2018,period. These costs may be mitigated if USSK spent €9 million (approximately $11 million) toward the total estimated capital expenditures for the 2017 to 2020 program 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 under 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 $161 million) of spending noted, we currently believe we will be eligible to receive up to €78 million (approximately $91 million) of incentive grants. This could potentially reduce our net cash expenditures to approximately €60 million (approximately $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 complycomplies with certain financial covenants, which are assessed annually. USSK complied with these covenants as of September 30, 2018.2019. 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 repaymentfull value of a portion of the grant funds received.

We also believe there willestimated expenditures. There could be increased operating costs associated with these projects, such as increased energy and maintenance costs. We are currently unable to reliably estimate what the increase in operating costs will be as many projects are 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 Slovakian 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.


For further discussion of laws applicable in Slovakia and the EU and their impact on USSK, see Note 2223 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters, EU Environmental Requirements.”




New and Emerging Environmental Regulations


United States and European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations


Future compliance with CO2emission requirements may include substantial costs for emission allowances, restriction of production and higher prices for coking coal, natural gas and electricity generated by carbon based systems. Because we cannot predict what requirements ultimately will be imposed in the U.S. and Europe, it is difficult to estimate the likely impact on U. S. Steel, but it could be substantial. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13783 instructing the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)U.S. EPA to review the Clean Power Plan. On October 16, 2017, the U.S. EPA proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan after reviewing the plan pursuant to President Trump’s executive order. Any repeal and/or replacement of the Clean Power Plan is likely to be challenged by various proponents of the plan, such as environmental groups and certain states. Any impacts to our operations as a result of any future greenhouse gas regulations are not estimable at this time since the matter is unsettled. In any case, to the extent expenditures associated with any greenhouse gas regulation, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of U. S. Steel's products and services, operating results will be reduced. In addition, on April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA Administrator signed a notice in which the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. EPA and, therefore, the standards should be revised. The U.S. 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 U.S. EPA over the Agency’s withdrawal of the prior determination.

There have been no material changes in U. S. Steel’s exposure to European Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations since December 31, 2017.2018.


United States - Air


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


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


The U.S. EPA is currently in the process of completing a Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel MACT regulations, Coke MACT regulations, and Taconite Iron Ore Processing MACT regulations as required by the CAA. The U.S. EPA is under a court order to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Integrated Iron and Steel regulations no later than March 13, 2020; and to complete the Residual Risk and Technology Review of the Taconite Iron Ore Processing Regulations by June 30, 2020.

On August 16, 2019, U.S. EPA published a proposed Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) rule for the Integrated Iron and Steel MACT category in the Federal Register. Based on the results of U.S. EPA’s risk review, the Agency proposed that risks due to emissions of air toxics from the Integrated Iron and Steel category are acceptable and that the current regulations provided an ample margin of safety to protect public health. Under the technology review, U.S. EPA proposed that there are no developments in practices, processes or control technologies that necessitate revision of the standards. However, the Agency is taking comment on the consideration of work practices for the control of certain unmeasurable fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. U.S. EPA is accepting comment on the proposed rule until November 7, 2019. Based upon our analysis of the integrated iron and steel proposed rule, the Company does not expect any material impact if the rule is finalized as proposed. For the Taconite Iron Ore Processing category, based on the results of the Agency’s risk review, U.S. EPA is proposing that risks from emissions of air toxics from this source category are acceptable and that the existing standards provide an ample margin of safety. Furthermore, under the technology review, the Agency identified no cost-effective developments in controls, practices, or processes to achieve further emissions reductions. Therefore, U.S. EPA is proposing no revisions to the existing standards based on the RTRs. U.S. EPA is accepting comments on the taconite proposed rule until October 25, 2019. Based upon our analysis of the proposed taconite rule, the Company does not expect any material impact if the rule is finalized as proposed. Because the U.S. EPA has not completed its review of the Coke MACT regulations, any impacts related to the U.S. EPA’s review of thesethe coke standards cannot be estimated at this time.



On March 12, 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) submitted a CAA Section 126126(b) petition to the U.S. EPA. In the petition, the DEC asserts that stationary sources from the following nine states are interfering with attainment or maintenance of the 2008 and 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)


in New York state:York: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. DEC is requesting the U.S. EPA to require sources of nitrogen oxides in the nine states to reduce such emissions. On May 4, 2018, citing Section 307(d)(10) of the CAA, the U.S. EPA issued a notice extending the deadline for the agency to respond to the petition until November 9, 2018. TheOn May 20, 2019, U.S. EPA indicatedpublished a notice in the extension is justified because more time is neededFederal Register in which it proposed to reviewdeny DEC’s 126(b) petition. The public comment period for the petition and to solicit public comment.proposed action closed on July 15, 2019. On September 20, 2019, U.S. EPA approval ofsigned a final rule denying 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 U.S. EPA to develop and implement NAAQS for criteria pollutants, which include, among others, particulate matter (PM) - consisting of PM10 and PM2.5, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, SOsulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.


In June 2010, the U.S. EPA significantly lowered the primary NAAQS for SO2 from 140 parts per billion (ppb) on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Subsequently, the U.S. EPA designated the areas in which Great Lakes Works and Mon Valley Works facilities are located as nonattainment with the 2010 standard for the SO2 NAAQS. The non-attainment designation requires the facilitiesregion to implement operational and/or capital improvements to demonstrate attainment with the 2010 standard. U. S. Steel worked with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) in developing a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Allegheny County portion of the Pennsylvania SIP that includes reductions of SO2 and improved dispersion from U. S. Steel sources. The SIP is currently being reviewed byOn November 19, 2018, U.S. EPA published a proposed rule to approve the U.S. EPA.SIP. Comments on the proposed rule were accepted until December 19, 2018. In addition, as noted in the Legal Proceedings section, U. S. Steel continues to work with the regulatory authorities to address the Wayne County, Michigan (where Great Lakes Works is located) nonattainment status. The operational and financial impacts of the SO2 NAAQS isare not estimated to be material at this time.


In October 2015, the U.S. EPA lowered the NAAQS for ozone from 75 ppb to 70 ppb. On November 6, 2017, the U.S. EPA designated most areas in which we operate as attainment with the 2015 standard. In a separate ruling, on June 4, 2018, the U.S. EPA designated other areas in which we operate as “marginal nonattainment” with the 2015 ozone standard. While on December 6, 2018, U.S. EPA published a final rule regarding implementation of the 2015 ozone standard. Because anyno state regulatory or permitting actions to bring the ozone nonattainment areas into attainment have yet to be proposed or developed for U. S. Steel facilities, the operational and financial impact of the ozone NAAQS cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.


On December 14, 2012, the U.S. EPA lowered the annual standard for PM2.5 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 U.S. EPA designated some areas in which U. S. Steel operates as nonattainment with the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard. On April 6, 2018, the U.S. EPA published a notice that Pennsylvania, California and Idaho failed to submit a SIP to demonstrate attainment with the 2012 fine particulate standard by the deadline established by the CAA. As a result of the notice, Pennsylvania, a state in which we operate, is required to submit a SIP to the U.S. EPA no later than November 7, 2019 to avoid sanctions. Because it is earlyOn April 29, 2019, the ACHD published a draft SIP for the Allegheny County nonattainment area which demonstrates that all of Allegheny County will meet its reasonable further progress requirements and be in attainment with the 2012 PM2.5 annual and 24-hour NAAQS by December 31, 2021 with the existing controls that are in place. On September 12, 2019, the Allegheny County Board of Health unanimously approved the draft SIP. The draft SIP was then sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). After its review, PADEP will then send the SIP development stages, any impacts to U. S. Steel cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.the U.S. EPA for approval.


In 2010, the U.S. 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 U.S. 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.


In July 2018, the ACHD provided U. S. Steel, ACHD Regulation Subcommittee members and interested parties with draft regulations that would modify the existing air regulations applicable to coke plants in Allegheny County. While ACHD currently has some of the most stringent air regulations in the country governing coke plants, which apply to U. S. Steel’s coke plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania (the only remaining coke plant in Allegheny County and one of twothree remaining in Pennsylvania), the draft regulations would reduce the current allowable emissions from coke plant operations and would be more stringent than the Federal Best Available Control Technology and Lowest Achievable


Emission Rate requirements. In various meetings with ACHD, U. S. Steel has raised significant objections, in particular, that ACHD has not demonstrated that continuous compliance with the draft rule is economically and technologically feasible. While U. S. Steel continues to meet with ACHD regarding the draft rule, U. S. Steel will take appropriate actions to ensurebelieves that any rule promulgated by ACHD compliesmust comply with theirits statutory authority. AdoptingIf the draft rule or similar rule could be materialis adopted, the financial and operational impacts to U. S. Steel.Steel could be material. To assist in developing rules objectively and with technical justification, the June 27, 2019, Settlement Agreement, establishes procedures that would be used when developing a new rule. For further details on the June 27, 2019 Settlement Agreement with ACHD see "Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Proceedings - Mon Valley Works."




Environmental Remediation


In the United States, U. S. Steel has been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at eightseven sites under CERCLA as of September 30, 2018.2019. Of these, there are three sites wherefor which 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 18 additional sites wherefor which U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs in excess of $100,000 under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. At many of these sites, U. S. Steel is one of a number of parties involved and the total cost of remediation, as well as U. S. Steel’s share, is frequently dependent upon the outcome of ongoing investigations and remedial studies. U. S. Steel accrues for environmental remediation activities when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably estimable. As environmental remediation matters proceed toward ultimate resolution or as remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those previously accrued may be required.

For further discussion of relevant environmental matters, see "Part II. Other information - Item"Item 1. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Proceedings."
The total accrual for such liabilities at September 30, 2018 was $177 million. These amounts exclude liabilities related to asset retirement obligations, disclosed in Note 16 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.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
U. S. Steel did not enter into any new material off-balance sheet arrangements during the third quarter of 2018.


GUIDANCE

Market conditions remain solid, with stable end-user steel consumption. We experienced lower customer order rates for an extended period, driven by falling spot and index prices. However, we expect continued strength in steel demand will support favorable market conditions as we enter 2019.

We expect results for our Flat-rolled segment to continue to improve primarily due to increased shipments and lower maintenance and outage costs, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Despite a softening in the energy tubulars market, we expect a slight improvement in Tubular segment results primarily due to increased shipments, partially offset by lower average realized prices. We expect results for our European segment to decrease primarily due to inventory revaluation adjustments related to raw material price volatility.

We currently expect fourth quarter 2018 adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $575 million, which would result in full-year 2018 adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.8 billion.

Please refer to the table below for the reconciliation of Guidance net earnings to adjusted EBITDA.
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA GUIDANCE (a)
  Quarter EndedYear Ended
  December 31,December 31,
(Dollars in millions)20182018
Reconciliation to Projected Adjusted EBITDA Included in Guidance  
 Projected net earnings attributable to United States Steel Corporation included in Guidance$349
$872
 Estimated income tax expense30
66
 Estimated net interest and other financial costs75
327
 Estimated depreciation, depletion and amortization136
520
 Gain on equity investee transactions(20)(38)
 Granite City Works restart costs5
68
 Granite City works adjustment to temporary idling charges
(8)
 Projected adjusted EBITDA included in Guidance$575
$1,807
(a) Note: projected adjusted EBITDA included in Guidance excludes one-time costs resulting from the future ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement.

We present 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 EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the effects of gains on the sale of ownership interests in equity investees, facility restart costs and significant temporary idling charges. We present 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 on the sale of ownership interests in equity investees, facility restart costs and significant temporary idling charges that can obscure underlying trends. U. S. Steel's management considers adjusted EBITDA as an alternative measure of operating performance and not as an alternative measure of the Company's liquidity. U. S. Steel’s management considers 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 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 Guidance. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for net earnings (loss) 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.



LABOR AGREEMENT
On October 15, 2018, U. S. Steel and the United Steelworkers (USW) reached a tentative agreement on successor four-year Collective Bargaining Agreements covering approximately 14,000 USW-represented employees at all of the company’s domestic flat-rolled and iron ore mining facilities as well as tubular operations in Fairfield, Alabama, Lorain, Ohio, and Lone Star, Texas. The tentative agreements remain subject to ratification, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of November of 2018.


INTERNATIONAL TRADE
U. S. Steel continues to face import competition, much of which is unfairly-traded,unfairly traded, supported by foreign governments, and fueled by massive global steel overcapacity. Such These imports, as well as the underlying policies/practices policies, and overcapacity, impact the Company’s operational and financial performance. U. S. Steel continues to lead the industry in efforts to address dumped and subsidized imports and global overcapacitythese challenges that threaten the Company, our workers, our shareholders,stockholders, and our country’s national and economic security.
U. S. Steel continuesAs of the date of this filing, pursuant to actively defend and maintain the 54 antidumping and countervailing (antisubsidy) duty orders covering products U. S. Steel produces in proceedings before the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Through a series of Presidential Proclamations pursuant toissued in accordance with Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as of October 31, 2018, U.S. imports of certain steel products are subject to a 25 percent tariff, except for imports from: (1) Turkey, which are subject to a 50 percent tariff; (2) Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea, which are subject to restrictive quotas; (2) Canada and Mexico, which are currently not subject to either tariffs or quotas but tariffs could be re-imposed on surging product groups after consultations; and (3) Australia, which is not subject to either tariffs, quotas, or quotas. an anti-surge mechanism.
The DOCU.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is managing a process in which U.S. companies may request and/or oppose temporary product exclusions from the Section 232 tariffs or quotas. Over 30,00093,000 exclusions have been requested.requested for steel products. U. S. Steel is actively opposing exclusion requests for products that are the same as, or similarsubstitute products tofor, those produced by U. S. Steel produces.Steel.
Several legal challenges and retaliatory trade measures and retaliation actions have been initiated in response to the Section 232 action on steel. In the U.S., theaction. The American Institute for International Steel’s constitutional challenge toappeal of the March 2019 U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) decision upholding the constitutionality of the Section 232 statute filed in June 2018is pending before the CIT isU.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). In July 2019, JSW Steel Ltd (JSW) filed a complaint against the DOC in the briefing stage.CIT, challenging the DOC’s denial of its Section 232 exclusion requests for semi-finished steel products, which were opposed by U. S. Steel and other domestic steel producers. Multiple countries have challenged the Section 232 action at the WTOWorld Trade Organization (WTO), imposed retaliatory tariffs, and/or imposed retaliatory tariffs. Mexico imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S.acted to safeguard their domestic steel and other products in June 2018. Canada imposed a countermeasure surtax of 25 percent on imports of U.S.industries from increased steel and other products in July 2018 and imposed a provisional safeguard in the form of tariff rate quotas (TRQs; 25 percent tariffs on imports that exceed the quota) on certain steel products in October 2018. The European Union imposed 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on imports of U.S. steel and other products in June 2018 and imposed a provisional TRQ safeguard on global steel imports in July 2018.imports. In response,turn, the United States has challenged the above retaliation at the WTO. Decisions in these WTO disputes are not expected until the fourth quarter of 2019, at the earliest.
Following

Since its implementation in March 2018, the Section 232 action has supported the U.S. steel industry's and U. S. Steel’s multiple restarts and investment initiatives. The Company continues to actively defend the Section 232 action through all available tools and strategies, including by highlighting these benefits and the importance of maintaining the Section 232 action.
In February 2019, the European Commission (EC) imposed a definitive tariff rate quota (TRQ) safeguard on certain steel imports: 25 percent tariffs on certain steel imports that exceed quotas based on 105 percent of average import volumes for 2015-2017 and automatically increasing 5 percent annually, effective February 2019 through June 2021. In July 2019, the automatic 5 percent quota increase went into effect, despite opposition from the EU steel industry and the EC’s ongoing annual review of the measures. In September 2019, the EC completed its review, announcing several revisions to the safeguard, including a reduction of the annual quota increase to 3 percent and tightening of certain product-specific quotas, effective October 1, 2019.
Antidumping (AD) and countervailing (CVD or antisubsidy) duties apply in addition to the Section 232 tariffs and quotas and the EC’s TRQ safeguard, and AD/CVD orders will last beyond the Section 232 action and EC’s TRQ safeguard. Thus, U. S. Steel continues to actively defend and maintain the 54 U.S. AD/CVD orders and 11 EU AD/CVD orders covering products U. S. Steel produces in multiple proceedings before the DOC, U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), CIT, CAFC, the EC and European courts, and the WTO.
In 2018, following an investigation of China’s technology transfer and intellectual property violations by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the United States imposed tariffs on approximately $250 billion of U.S. imports from China, including finished steel couplings, and some products used in steel production, are subject toand certain downstream products. The original 10 to 25 percent tariffs.tariffs on these products were uniformly 25 percent by May 2019. In September 2019, USTR announced that 15 percent tariffs would be imposed in two stages on all remaining imports from China, with the first set of 15 percent tariffs taking effect on September 1, 2019, and the remaining 15 percent tariffs taking effect December 15, 2019. The United States continues to negotiate with China on structural trade issues, including China's subsidies and government support of its steel industry.
On September 30, 2018,The G-20’s Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity continues to work to reduce global steel overcapacity, currently estimated at 440 million metric tons. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Steel Committee and trilateral negotiations between the United States, Canada,EU, and Mexico agreed in principleJapan also continue to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a new free trade agreement that is intended to replace the current North American Free Trade Agreement. USMCA contains several new provisions designed to increase the use of USMCA-originaddress global steel and increase trade enforcement coordination among the three countries. To become law, USMCA must be ratified and implemented by the three governments. The agreement in principle to USMCA does not change the current Section 232 steel action or retaliation thereto.overcapacity.
U. S. Steel continueswill continue to execute a broad, global strategy to maximize opportunities and navigate challenges presented by imports, global steel overcapacity, and international trade law and policy developments.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Notes 2 and 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.




Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There were no material changes in U. S. Steel's exposure to market risk from December 31, 2017.2018.






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 September 30, 20182019. These disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that were designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed with or submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are: (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable law and regulations. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 20182019, 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 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017(Dollars in millions)2019 2018 2019 2018
SEGMENT EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES: 
 
    SEGMENT EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES:
 
    
Flat-Rolled $305
 $161
 $562
 $293
Flat-Rolled$46
 $305
 $275
 $562
U. S. Steel Europe 72
 73
 297
 215
U. S. Steel Europe(46) 72
 (27) 297
Tubular 7
 (7) (55) (93)Tubular(25) 7
 (21) (55)
Total reportable segments 384
 227
 804
 415
Total reportable segments(25) 384
 227
 804
Other Businesses 16
 12
 44
 34
Other Businesses8
 16
 26
 44
Items not allocated to segments: 
 
 
 
Items not allocated to segments:
 
 
 
Gain on equity investee transactions 
 21
 18
 21
Granite City Works restart costs (27) 
 (63) 
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges 
 
 8
 
Gain associated with retained interest in U. S. Steel Canada Inc. 
 
 
 72
Loss on shutdown of certain tubular assets 
 
 
 (35)
Total earnings before interest and income taxes $373
 $260
 $811
 $507
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
 
 
 
December 24, 2018 Clairton coke making facility fire(9) 
 (53) 
Restructuring charges(54) 
 (54) 
Gain on equity investee transactions
 
 
 18
Granite City Works restart costs
 (27) 
 (63)
Granite City Works adjustment to temporary idling charges
 
 
 8
Total (loss) earnings before interest and income taxesTotal (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes$(80) $373
 $146
 $811
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (dollars in millions)CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled $213
 $134
 531
 206
Flat-Rolled$263
 $213
 $764
 $531
U. S. Steel Europe 25
 28
 63
 62
U. S. Steel Europe36
 25
 111
 63
Tubular 9
 8
 33
 19
Tubular49
 9
 97
 33
Other Businesses 18
 1
 19
 4
Other Businesses2
 18
 6
 19
Total $265
 $171
 $646
 $291
Total$350
 $265
 $978
 $646
OPERATING STATISTICS 
 
 
 
OPERATING STATISTICS
 
 
 
Average realized price: ($/net ton) (a)
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled $859
 $728
 807
 730
U. S. Steel Europe 669
 639
 695
 617
Tubular 1,602
 1,433
 1,477
 1,268
Steel Shipments:(a)(b)
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled 2,659
 2,544
 7,777
 7,445
U. S. Steel Europe 1,101
 1,067
 3,384
 3,333
Tubular 184
 185
 564
 509
Intersegment Shipments:(b)
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled to Tubular 26
 43
 158
 137
U. S. Steel Europe to Flat-Rolled 
 
 22
 47
Raw Steel Production:(b)
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled 2,933
 2,821
 8,558
 8,247
U. S. Steel Europe 1,210
 1,235
 3,810
 3,778
Raw Steel Capability Utilization: (c)
 
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled 68% 66% 67% 65%
U. S. Steel Europe 96% 98% 102% 101%
Average realized price: ($/net ton unless otherwise noted)(a)
Average realized price: ($/net ton unless otherwise noted)(a)

 
 
 
Flat-Rolled$732
 $859
 $771
 $807
U. S. Steel Europe656
 669
 660
 695
U. S. Steel Europe (€/net ton)590
 575
 587
 582
Tubular1,417
 1,602
 1,501
 1,477
Steel shipments (thousands of net tons):(a)
Steel shipments (thousands of net tons):(a)

 
 
 
Flat-Rolled2,654
 2,659
 8,183
 7,777
U. S. Steel Europe765
 1,101
 2,833
 3,384
Tubular174
 184
 576
 564
Intersegment steel (unless otherwise noted) shipments (thousands of net tons):Intersegment steel (unless otherwise noted) shipments (thousands of net tons):
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled to Tubular79
 26
 212
 158
Flat-Rolled to U. S. Steel Europe (iron ore pellets and fines)235
 
 424
 
U. S. Steel Europe to Flat-Rolled
 
 
 22
Raw steel production (thousands of net tons):Raw steel production (thousands of net tons):
 
 
 
Flat-Rolled2,783
 2,933
 8,842
 8,558
U. S. Steel Europe823
 1,210
 3,130
 3,810
Raw steel capability utilization:(b)
Raw steel capability utilization:(b)

 
 
 
Flat-Rolled65% 68% 70% 67%
U. S. Steel Europe65% 96% 84% 102%
(a) Excludes intersegment transfers.
(b) Based on annual raw steel production capability of 17.0 million net tons for Flat-Rolled and 5.0 million net tons for USSE.
(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.




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

On April 11, 2017, there was a process waste water release at our Midwest Plant (Midwest) in Portage, Indiana that impacted a water outfall that discharges to Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel identified the source of the release and made the necessary repairs. We determined that all repairs were safely working as intended and, on April 14, 2017, resumed operations in a controlled, phased and highly monitored approach with extensive input from participating government agencies. The Company has since implemented substantial operational, process and notification improvements at Midwest. The Company has been presented with cost reimbursements, loss of use and penalty requests from the involved governmental agencies. In January of 2018, The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initiated suits in the Northern District of Indiana alleging CWAClean Water Act (CWA) and Permit violations at Midwest. On April 2, 2018, the U.S. EPA and the State of Indiana initiated a separate action against the Company and lodged a Consent Decree negotiated between U. S. Steel and the relevant governmental agencies consisting of all material terms to resolve the CWA and NPDESNational Pollutant Discharge Elimination System violations at the Midwest Plant. A public comment period for the Consent Decree ensued. U. S. Steel, U.S. EPAThe suits that the Surfrider Foundation and the StateCity of Indiana continue to review those comments.Chicago filed are currently stayed. The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago initially agreed to stay their actions pending finalization of the Consent Decree, butalso filed a motion to lift that stay in July 2018.  On September 13, 2018, both The Surfrider Foundation and the City of Chicago filed motions, which were granted, to intervene in the Consent Decree case which remain pending.

case. U. S. Steel continues to work with United States Department of Justice, U.S. EPA, and Indiana Department of Environmental Management towards a finalized Consent Decree.
On August 9, 2017,November 30, 2018, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued rulemaking proposalsa new Water Discharge Permit for the Minntac Tailings Basin waters. The Permit contains new sulfate limitations applicable to replacewater in the current sulfate standard with an equation-based standard. As part ofTailings Basin and groundwater flowing from U. S. Steel’s property. The MPCA also acted on the rulemaking process, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) was appointed to preside over public hearingssame date, denying the Company’s requests for variances from ground and comments. The Company and others challenged thesurface water standards and presented evidence thatrequest for a contested case hearing. U. S. Steel filed appeals with the standards were unsupported by science and thatMinnesota Court of Appeals on December 19, 2018 challenging 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 drafting and adopting a new standard, that portions of the rule were unsupportedactions taken by the MPCA’s evidenceMPCA. Separate appeals have been filed by a Minnesota Native American Tribe (Fond du Lac Band) and that the MPCA proposal was unconstitutional due to vagueness. On March 28, 2018, the MPCA submitted comments to the Chief ALJ seeking revisions to these determinations. The ALJ has not reversed the decision and the litigation on this matter has ended. However, the Minnesota Governor rejected any new wild rice legislation and by Executive Order created a new "Wild Rice Task Force." This Task Force is to issue a new wild rice report by the end of December 2018.nonprofit environmental group (Water Legacy). U. S. Steel has representation on this Task Force.filed Petitions to Intervene in both cases. The briefing is now complete and the matter is pending a determination by the Court.
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, fourfive related shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in State and Federal courts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Pennsylvania and the Delaware Court of Chancery. The underlying consolidated class action lawsuit alleges that U. S. Steel, certain current and former officers, an upper level manager of the Company and the financial underwriters who participated in the August 2016 secondary public offering of the Company's common stock (collectively, Defendants) violated federal securities laws in making false statements and/or failing to discover and disclose material information regarding the financial condition of the Company. The lawsuit claims that this conduct caused a prospective class of plaintiffs to sustain damages during the period from January 27, 2016 to April 25, 2017 as a result of the prospective class purchasing the Company's common stock at artificially inflated prices and/or suffering losses when the price of the common stock dropped. The derivative lawsuits generally make the same allegations against the same officers and also allege that certain current and former members of the Board of Directors failed to exercise appropriate control and oversight over the Company and were unjustly compensated. The plaintiffs seek to recover losses that were allegedly sustained. The class action Defendants moved to dismiss plaintiffs’ claims. On September 29, 2018 the Court ruled on those motions granting them in part and denying them in part. On March 18, 2019, the plaintiffs withdrew the claims against the Defendants related to the 2016 secondary offering. As a result, the underwriters are no longer parties to the case. Plaintiffs have moved to certify the class of claimants which is being challenged by the remaining Defendants. The Company isand the individual defendants are vigorously defending the remaining claims.


ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS


The following is a summary of the proceedings of U. S. Steel that were pending or contemplated as of September 30, 2018,2019, 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 September 30, 2018,2019, U. S. Steel has received information requests or been identified as a PRP at a total of eightseven CERCLA sites, three of which have liabilities that have not been resolved. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that U. S. Steel’s liability for CERCLA cleanup and remediation costs at the other fivefour sites will be between $100,000 and $1 million for 4three of the sites, and over $5 million for 1one site as described below.


Duluth Works


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


While work continues on completion of the remedial design, permitting 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. 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 September 30, 20182019 at approximately $46$45 million.


RCRAResource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) and Other Remediation Sites


U. S. Steel may be liable for remediation costs under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking to impose liability on U. S. Steel for remediation costs through discussions or litigation. There are 18 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 eight sites have potential costs between $100,000 and $1 million per site, five sites may involve remediation costs between $1 million and $5 million per site and five sites are estimated to or could have, costs for remediation, investigation, restoration or compensation in excess of $5 million per site.


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


Gary Works


On October 23, 1998, the U.S. EPA issued a final Administrative Order on Consent (Order) addressing Corrective Action for Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU) throughout Gary Works. This Order requires U. S. Steel to perform a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI), a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) and Corrective Measure Implementation. While work continuesEvaluations are underway at six groundwater areas on several items, there has been no material change in the statuseast side of the project duringfacility 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018.U.S. EPA. 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$25 million as of September 30, 2018,2019, based on our current estimate of known remaining costs. Significant additional costs associated with the six groundwater areas at this site




are possible and are referenced in Note 23 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”

Geneva Works


At U. S. Steel’s former Geneva Works, liability for environmental remediation, including the closure of three hazardous waste impoundments and facility-wide corrective action, has been allocated between U. S. Steel and the current property owner pursuant to an agreement and a permit issued by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ). Having completed the investigation on a majority of the remaining areas identified in the permit, U. S. Steel has determined the most effective means to address the remaining impacted material is to manage those materials in a previously approved on-site Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU). While preliminary approvalU. S. Steel awarded a contract for the implementation 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 nine months ended September 30,fourth quarter of 2018. Construction, waste stabilization and placement along with closure of the CAMU are expected to be complete in 2020. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of approximately $62$50 million as of September 30, 2018,2019, 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. WorkU. S. Steel continues to monitor the impacts of the remedial plan implemented in 2016 to address groundwater impacts from trichloroethylene at SWMU 4. Evaluations continue for the 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. As of September 30, 2018,2019, approximately $1 million has been accrued for ongoing environmental studies, investigations and remedy monitoring. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2223 to the Condensed 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 U.S.U.S EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice and filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (United States of America v. USX Corporation) in December 1997. In accordance with the consent decree, U. S. Steel initiated a RCRA corrective action program at the Fairfield Works facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, with the approval of the U.S.U.S EPA, assumed primary responsibility for regulation and oversight of the RCRA corrective action program at Fairfield Works. While work continues on different aspects of the program, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. In total, the accrued liability for remaining work under the Corrective Action Program, was approximately $252,000$213,000 at September 30, 2018.2019. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2223 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”


Fairless Plant


In April 1993, U. S. Steel entered into a consent order with the U.S.U.S EPA pursuant to RCRA, under which U. S. Steel would perform Interim Measures (IM), an RFI and CMS at our Fairless Plant. A Phase I RFI Final Report was submitted in September of 1997. With U.S.U.S EPA’s agreement, in lieu of conducting subsequent phases of the RFI and the CMS, U. S. Steel has been working through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Act 2 Program to characterize and remediate facility parcels for redevelopment. While work continues on these items, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. As of September 30, 2018,2019, the accrued liability to maintain the interim measures, and clear properties through the Act 2 process is approximately $189,000.$141,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2223 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”





Lorain Tubular Operations


In September 2006, U. S. Steel and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) commenced discussions about RCRA Corrective Action at Lorain Tubular Operations. A Phase I RFI on the identified SWMUs and Areas of Contamination was submitted in March 2012. While discussions continue with OEPA on finalizingdrafting the Statement of Basis identifying potential remedies to address areas documented in 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. As of September 30, 2018,2019, costs to complete additional projects are estimated to be approximately $98,000.$79,000. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2223 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”



Joliet Works


The 50-acre parcel at the former Joliet Works is enrolled in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) voluntary Site Remediation Program (the Program). The Program requires investigation and establishment of cleanup objectives followed by submission/approval of a Remedial Action Plan to meet those objectives. The 50-acre parcel was divided into four subareas with remedial activities completed in 2015 for three of the subareas. While work continues to define the requirements for further investigation of the remaining subarea, there has been no material change in the status of the project during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of $287,000$273,000 as of September 30, 2018.2019. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 2223 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”


Cherryvale (KS) Zinc


In April 2003, U. S. Steel and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. (SSB) entered into a Consent Order with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) concerning a former zinc smelting operation in Cherryvale, Kansas. Remediation of the site proper was essentially completed in 2007. The Consent Order was amended on May 3, 2013, to require investigation (but not remediation) of potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting operation. On November 22, 2016, KDHE approved a State Cooperative Final Agency Decision Statement that identified the remedy selected to address potential contamination beyond the boundary of the former zinc smelting site. The Removal Action Design Plan was approved during the second quarter of 2018,2018. The Waste Deposition Area design and work continues on finalizing the Interim Risk Management Plan (which includes institutional controls required undercontrols) were approved by KDHE during the Plan. Negotiationsfourth quarter of an2018. An amended consent order for remediation is scheduled to commencewas signed in the fourth quarterMay 2019 and a remediation contract was executed in June 2019.U. S. Steel has an accrued liability of 2018.Asapproximately $10 million as of September 30, 2018, an accrual2019, for our estimated share of approximately $220,000 remains available for addressing these outstanding issues. Significant additional costs associated with this site are possible and are referenced in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements “Contingencies and Commitments - Environmental Matters - Remediation Projects - Projects with Ongoing Study and Scope Development.”cost of remediation.


South Works


On August 29, 2017, U. S. Steel was notified by the U.S. Coast Guard of a sheen on the water in the North Vessel Slip at our former South Works in Chicago, Illinois.  U. S. Steel has been working with the IEPA under their voluntary Site Remediation Program since 1993 to evaluate the condition of the property including the North Vessel Slip. The result of this cooperative effort 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 $25,000$285,000 as of September 30, 2018.2019.


Air Related Matters



Great Lakes Works


In June 2010, the U.S. EPA significantly lowered the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for SO2 from 140 parts per billion (ppb)ppb on a 24-hour basis to an hourly standard of 75 ppb. Based upon the 2009-2011 ambient


air monitoring data, the U.S. EPA designated the area in which Great Lakes Works is located as nonattainment with the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.



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


On October 8, 2018,January 17, 2019, U. S. Steel received a Violation Notice from MDEQand EGLE met to discuss resolution of violations that were alleged to have occurred intermittently in which MDEQ alleges that U. S. Steel exceeded2017 and 2018 regarding opacity from: the D4 Blast Furnace slag pit, D4 Blast Furnace backdraft stack, B2 Blast Furnace casthouse roof monitor, B2 Blast Furnace backdraft stack, and Basic Oxygen Furnace Shop Roof Monitor; and exceedances of applicable limits at the pickle line based upon the results of a stack test conducted in April 2018.line. More recently, EGLE advised U. S. Steel is responding to the MDEQ with information regarding improvements made at the pickle line and related equipment since April 2018. Nothat it was assessing a civil penalty has been assessed.

On January 31, 2018,of approximately $380,000 for these alleged violations. 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 respondedand EGLE continue to the notice on February 21, 2018. No penalty has been assessed.negotiate resolution.

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.


Granite City Works


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


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


Minnesota Ore Operations


On February 6, 2013, the U.S. EPA published a FIP that applies to taconite facilities in Minnesota. The FIP establishes and requires emission limits and the use of low NOx reduction technology on indurating furnaces as Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART). While U. S. Steel installed low NOx burners on three furnaces at Minntac and is currently obligated to install low NOx burners on the two other furnaces at Minntac pursuant to existing agreements and permits, the rule would require the installation of a low NOx burner on the one furnace at Keetac for which U. S. Steel did not have an otherwise existing obligation. U. S. Steel estimates expenditures associated with the installation of low NOx burners of as much as $25 to $30 million. In 2013, U. S. Steel filed a petition for administrative reconsideration to the U.S. EPA and a petition for judicial review of the 2013 FIP and denial of the Minnesota SIP to the Eighth Circuit. In April 2016, the U.S. EPA promulgated a revised FIP with the same substantive requirements for U. S. Steel. In June 2016, U. S. Steel filed a petition for administrative reconsideration of the 2016 FIP to the U.S. EPA and a petition for judicial review of the 2016 FIP before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. While the proceedings regarding the petition for judicial review of the 2013 FIP remained stayed, oral arguments regarding the petition for judicial review of the 2016 FIP were heard by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on November 15, 2017. Thus, both petitions for judicial review remain with the Eighth Circuit. On December 4, 2017, U.S. EPA published a notification in the Federal Register in which the U.S. EPA denied U. S. Steel’s administrative petitions for reconsideration and stay of the 2013 FIP and 2016 FIP. On February 1, 2018, U. S. Steel filed a petition for judicial review of U.S. EPA’s denial of the administrative petitions for reconsideration to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. U.S. EPA and U. S. Steel continuesreached a settlement regarding the five indurating lines at Minntac. Notice of a 30-day comment period of the settlement agreement was published in the September 11, 2019, Federal Register. The comment period expired on October 11, 2019. U. S. Steel will work with U.S. EPA to defend its three petitionsaddress any comments. U. S. Steel and U.S. EPA continue to negotiate resolution for Keetac.


that are before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding BART requirements at Minntac and Keetac while pursuing a resolution that would include an equitable revision to the FIP.


Mon Valley Works


On November 9, 2017, U.S. EPA Region III and ACHDthe Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) jointly issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) regarding the Company’s Edgar Thomson facility in Braddock, PA. In addition, on November 20, 2017, ACHD issued a separate, but related NOV to the Company regarding the Edgar Thomson facility. In the NOVs, based upon their inspections and review of documents collected throughout the last two years, the agencies


allege that the Company has violated the CAA by exceeding the allowable visible emission standards from certain operations during isolated events. In addition, the agencies allege that the Company has violated certain maintenance, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. U. S. Steel met with U.S. EPA Region III and ACHD on December 18, 2017.several times. ACHD, U.S. EPA Region III and U. S. Steel continue to negotiate a potential resolution of the matter.


On June 27, 2019, U. S. Steel receivedand ACHD entered into a civil enforcement order with an assessed penaltySettlement Agreement that is now in the amounteffect resolving four appeals of $263,400 fromfour separate Enforcement Orders issued by the ACHD in 2018 and 2019. A comment period expired on April 4, 2018.July 31, 2019 after a public hearing that was held on July 30, 2019. 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 allegesSettlement Agreement requires that U. S. Steel failedpay a civil penalty and create a Community Benefit Trust totaling $2,732,504, with 90% of this value going into the trust; and 10% going into ACHD’s Clean Air Fund. In addition, U. S. Steel agreed to properly abate asbestos-containing materialcomplete several actions which are aimed at reducing emissions including: complete refractory repairs on Batteries 1, 2, 3 and 15; enhance training for certain coke plant employees; have third party audits conducted; complete projects on B Battery to reduce the potential for fugitive emissions, and complete upgrades on the Pushing Emission Control devices for Batteries 13-15; and 19-20. U. S Steel is working with ACHD in conformanceresponding to comments.

On December 24, 2018, U. S. Steel's Clairton Plant experienced a fire, affecting portions of the facility involved in desulfurization of the coke oven gas generated during the coking process. With the desulfurization process out of operation as a result of the fire, U. S. Steel was not able to certify compliance with applicable permitsClairton Plant’s Title V permit levels for sulfur emissions. U. S. Steel promptly notified ACHD, which has regulatory jurisdiction for the Title V permit, and regulations.  After meeting withupdated the ACHD regularly on our efforts to mitigate any potential environmental impacts until the desulfurization process was returned to normal operations. Of the approximately 2,400 hours between the date of the fire and April 4, 2019, when the Company resumed desulfurization, there were ten intermittent hours where average SO2 emissions exceeded the hourly NAAQS for SO2 at the Allegheny County regional air quality monitors located in Liberty and North Braddock boroughs which are near U. S. Steel's Mon Valley Works facilities. ACHD has asserted that these emission levels were the result of our inability to complete the desulfurization process following the fire and informed U. S. Steel that it will pursue enforcement action against the Company following restoration of the desulfurization process to normal operations. On February 13, 2019, PennEnvironment and Clean Air Council, both environmental, non-governmental organizations, sent U. S. Steel a 60-day notice of intent to sue letter pursuant to the CAA. The letter alleges Title V permit violations at the Clairton, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson facilities as a result of the December 24, 2018 Clairton Plant fire. The 60-day notice letter also alleged that the violations caused adverse public health and welfare impacts to the communities surrounding the Clairton, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson facilities. PennEnvironment and Clean Air Council subsequently filed a Complaint in Federal Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania on April 29, 2019 to which U. S. Steel has responded. On May 3, 2019, ACHD filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit which was granted by the Court. On June 25, 2019, ACHD filed its Complaint in Intervention, seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties regarding the alleged Permit violations following the December 24, 2018 fire. An initial Court status conference was held on August 22, 2019 and the parties are currently engaged in discovery.

Following up to its May 2, 2019, notice of intent to sue U. S. Steel, on May 3, 2018,August 26, 2019 the ACHD vacatedEnvironmental Integrity Project, the original orderBreathe Project and issuedClean Air Council, environmental, non-governmental organizations, filed a new order reducingcomplaint in the penalty to $198,600 for alleged violationsWestern District Court of Pennsylvania alleging that the Company did not report releases of reportable quantities of hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and coke oven emissions from the Clairton plant, the Edgar Thomson plant, and the Irvin plant as would be required under CERCLA because of the asbestos Operating and Maintenance Permit.fire. The Company will vigorously defend against these claims.

On April 24, 2019, U. S. Steel appealedwas served with a class action complaint that was filed in the new orderAllegheny Court of Common Pleas related to the December 24, 2018 fire at Clairton. The complaint asserts common law nuisance and negligence claims and seeks compensatory and punitive damages that allegedly were the result of U. S. Steel's conduct that resulted in the fire and U. S. Steel's operations subsequent to the fire. An initial Court status conference was held 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, 2017,27, 2019 and the first quarter of 2018. The Company appealed the June 3, 2018 orders on June 28, 2018. The cases were consolidated. After agreeing to perform some community supplemental environmental projects to offset part of the penalty, U. S. Steel withdrew the appeal of the consolidated cases on October 15, 2018.

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 occurredparties are currently engaged 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 determinesdiscovery. U. S. Steel is in compliance withvigorously defending the Order. U. S. Steel has appealed the Order and posted the penalty amount in an escrow account; and is currently engaged in discovery regarding the matter. A hearing date has been scheduled for December 3, 2018.

On October 17, 2018, ACHD issued an administrative order and assessed a penalty of $620,300 for violations regarding fugitive emission sources (coke oven doors, lids, offtakes, charging, high opacity doors and soaking) at the Clairton plant that were alleged to have occurred during the second quarter of 2018. We are currently reviewing the Order and will take appropriate action once our review is complete.
ASBESTOS LITIGATION
As of September 30, 2018,2019, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 750796 active cases involving approximately 2,3002,380 plaintiffs. The vast majority of these cases involve multiple defendants. At December 31, 2017, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 820 active cases involving approximately 3,315 plaintiffs. As of September 30, 2018, aboutAbout 1,540, or approximately 6765 percent, of these plaintiff claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. At December 31, 2018, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 755 active cases involving approximately 2,320 plaintiffs. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, we believeit believes that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs.



The following table shows activity with respect to asbestos litigation:
Period ended Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
 Opening
Number
of Claims
 
Claims
Dismissed,
Settled
and Resolved
(a)
 New
Claims
 Closing
Number
of Claims
December 31, 2015 3,455 415 275 3,315
December 31, 2016 3,315 225 250 3,340 3,315 225 250 3,340
December 31, 2017 3,340 275 250 3,315 3,340 275 250 3,315
September 30, 2018 3,315 1,225 210 2,300
December 31, 2018 3,315 1,285 290 2,320
September 30, 2019 2,320 150 210 2,380
(a) The period ending September 30,December 31, 2018 includes approximately 1,000 dismissed cases previously pending in the State of Texas.


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

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







Item 1A. RISK FACTORSRisk Factors


Please refer to item 1A.Our Investments in New Technologies May Not Be Fully Successful

Execution of our annual reportstrategy depends, in part, on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and item 1A.success of a number of investments we have made in new technologies. All of our quarterly reportinvestments are expected to deliver an enhanced “best of both” business model that delivers cost and/or capability differentiation for our stakeholders. Our intent to eventually acquire 100% of Big River Steel, like our other investments in state-of-the-art sustainable steel technologies including, but not limited to, the endless casting and rolling line at Mon Valley Works and XG3 at our PRO-TEC joint venture, is a significant element of our strategy. If our investment in Big River Steel fails to provide the benefits we expect or our financial condition is constrained, we may choose not to exercise our option to acquire its remaining outstanding ownership interests. In addition, if Big River Steel does not achieve the expected financial performance, we still may be required to acquire the remaining ownership interests at a discounted purchase price. Additionally, like with any significant construction project, we may be subject to changing market conditions and demand for our completed projects, delays and cost overruns, work stoppages, labor shortages, engineering issues, weather interferences, changes required by governmental authorities, delays or the inability to acquire required permits or licenses, the ability to finance the projects or disruption of existing operations, any of which could have an adverse impact on Form 10-Q  forour operational and financial results. Furthermore, new product development or modification is costly, involves significant research, development, time and expense and may not necessarily result in the quarter ended June 30, 2018 for a descriptionsuccessful commercialization of the principal risk factors affectingany new products, or new technologies may not perform as intended or expected. Unsuccessful execution of these strategic projects or underperformance of any of these assets could adversely affect our business.business, results of operations and financial condition.


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 INFORMATIONISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
None.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and the Affiliated Purchasers

Share repurchase activity under the Company's stock repurchase program during the three months ended September 30, 2019 was as follows:

Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (a)
July 1 - 31, 2019 672,942
 $14.684
 672,942
 $145,075,025
August 1 - 31, 2019 652,342
 $12.506
 652,342
 $136,917,011
September 1 - 30, 2019 
 $
 
 $136,917,011
Quarter ended September 30, 2019 1,325,284
 $13.612
 1,325,284
 $136,917,011
(a) On November 1, 2018, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $300 million of our outstanding common stock over a two-year period at the discretion of management, of which approximately $163 million had been utilized as of September 30, 2019. The Company’s stock repurchase program does not obligate it to acquire any specific number of shares. Under this program, the shares will be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions.


Item 6.EXHIBITS
   
31.1 
  
31.2 
  
32.1 
  
32.2 
  
95 
  
101 INS 
The following financial information from United States Steel Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 formatted in Inline XBRL Instance Document(Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
  
101 SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101 CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101 DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101 LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101 PREXBRL 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. DarraghKimberly D. Fast
  
  Colleen M. DarraghKimberly D. Fast
  Vice President &Acting Controller
November 2, 20181, 2019
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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