UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
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FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
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Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
January 27, 2016
 
 
United States Steel Corporation
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
1-16811
25-1897152
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA
15219-2800
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(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

412 433-1121
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(Registrant's telephone number,
including area code)
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





<PAGE> 2


Item 8.01. Other Events.

On January 27, 2016, United States Steel Corporation conducted a conference call to discuss its results for the fourth quarter and full-year of 2015. The slides that were discussed during that call are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Also, a question and answer document that was posted to the Company’s website on January 27, 2016 is attached as Exhibit 99.2.

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

99.1. Slides provided in connection with the fourth quarter and full-year of 2015 earnings call of United States Steel Corporation.

99.2. Question and Answer 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 hereunto duly authorized.

UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION


    


By
/s/ Colleen M. Darragh
 
-----------------------------------
 
Colleen M. Darragh
 
Vice President and Controller



Dated: January 27, 2016






United States Steel Corporation Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast January 27, 2016 © 2011 United States Steel Corporation Exhibit 99.1


 
Forward-looking Statements This presentation contains information that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. Generally, we have identified such forward-looking statements by using the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “forecast,” “aim,” “will” and similar expressions or by using future dates in connection with any discussion of, among other things, operating performance, trends, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements relating to volume growth, share of sales and earnings per share growth, and statements expressing general views about future operating results. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the time made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Supplementary Data - Disclosures About Forward-Looking Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 2 United States Steel Corporation


 
Adjusted EBITDA – Total Corporation $ Millions Flat-Rolled EBITDA $ Millions U. S. Steel Europe EBITDA $ Millions 4Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Note: For reconciliation of non-GAAP amounts see Appendix 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 3Q 2015 Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results 3 United States Steel Corporation Tubular EBITDA $ Millions 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 4Q 2015 Positive adjusted EBITDA under difficult market conditions 3Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 3Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 Positive adjusted EBITDA despite lowest utilization rate since 2009 Imports remain a challenge for all of our segments Note: Corporate adjusted EBITDA also includes Other Businesses and postretirement benefit expense


 
Cash from Operations $ Millions 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 Total Estimated Liquidity $ Millions YE 2014 YE 2013 YE 2012 YE 2015 Cash and Liquidity 4 United States Steel Corporation Cash and Cash Equivalents $ Millions Net Debt $ Millions YE 2012 YE 2013 YE 2014 YE 2015 YE 2012 YE 2013 YE 2014 YE 2015 Maintaining strong cash and liquidity a strategic priority Disciplined capital spending Efficient working capital management Strong cash and liquidity position a competitive advantage


 
5 Carnegie Way 55% 12% United States Steel Corporation A strong performance in 2015 and a strong start in 2016 $815 million of Carnegie Way benefits realized in 2015 2015 is now the new base year for comparison $250 million of carryover impact in 2016 from projects that were implemented at various points throughout 2015 •Flat-Rolled $647 •Tubular $ 44 •U. S. Steel Europe $115 •Other Businesses $ 9


 
Carnegie Way Transformation Improving Earnings Power 6 United States Steel Corporation 2015 vs. 2014 Flat-Rolled EBITDA 2015 vs. 2014 $ Millions 2014 EBITDA Commercial Costs & Other Income 2015 EBITDA Price ($1,071) Volume ($2,303) $1,716 $647 $1,166 $155 $61/ton ̶ Carnegie Way Benefits Carnegie Way


 
7 Carnegie Way transformation Phase 1: Earning the right to grow in search of: • Economic profits • Customer satisfaction and loyalty • Process improvements and focused investment Phase 2: Driving profitable growth with: • Innovation and Technology • Differentiated customer solutions • Focused M&A Strategic Approach United States Steel Corporation


 
8 United States Steel Corporation Business Update Steelmaking facilities Flat-Rolled finishing facilities Iron ore mining facilities Tubular facilities U. S. Steel Europe Operating updates


 
9 United States Steel Corporation Flat-Rolled Record-setting auto sales in 2015 at 17.47 million vehicles Construction spend is up nearly 11% through November, compared to 2014 Major unit shipments up over 6% in 2015 according to the Assc. of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Service center carbon flat-rolled inventory at 3 months supply due to low shipments; flat-rolled inventory down 12.5% in 2015 Imports remain high U. S. Steel Europe V4* car production is expected to grow 10% and 0.2% in 2015 and 2016, respectively Appliance growth in Central Europe expected to outperform EU average growth in 2015. EU appliance market projected to grow 3% and 2% in 2015 and 2016, respectively EU construction activity is expected to grow 1.5% and 2.5% in 2015 and 2016, respectively Tubular During 4Q, import share of OCTG apparent market demand is projected to exceed 39% December 2015 OCTG inventory is approximately 7-8 months of supply WTI oil prices down 10% from 3Q Market Updates Major industry summary and market fundamentals * Visegrad Group – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia


 
10 United States Steel Corporation 2016 Outlook 2016 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance At current market conditions, which include spot prices, import volumes and supply chain inventory levels, we would expect 2016 adjusted EBITDA to be near breakeven. As overall market conditions improve we would expect adjusted EBITDA to improve consistent with the pace and magnitude of any improvement in market conditions. We expect improved results for Other Businesses, primarily from real estate. We expect lower pension and other benefits costs. At current market conditions, we expect approximately $500 million of cash benefits from working capital in 2016, primarily related to better inventory management.


 
United States Steel Corporation Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Q & A January 27, 2016 © 2011 United States Steel Corporation United States Steel Corporation 11


 
© 2011 United States Steel Corporation Appendix 12 United States Steel Corporation


 
EBIT $ Millions Average Realized Prices $ / Ton 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Flat-Rolled Segment 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Shipments Net tons (Thousands) 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 4Q 2015 13 United States Steel Corporation EBITDA $ Millions 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 3Q 2015 FY 2015


 
EBIT $ Millions Average Realized Prices $ / Ton 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Tubular Segment 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Shipments Net tons (Thousands) 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 14 United States Steel Corporation EBITDA $ Millions 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015


 
EBIT $ Millions Average Realized Prices $ / Ton 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 U. S. Steel Europe Segment 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 Shipments Net tons (Thousands) 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 15 United States Steel Corporation EBITDA $ Millions 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015 4Q 2015 FY 2015


 
16 Major end-markets summary Flat-Rolled Segment United States Steel Corporation Automotive 2015 auto sales set a new record at 17.47 million vehicles; up 3% versus 2014. Inventories finish year at same 61 days of vehicles; NAFTA built inventory slightly lower. 2016: N.A. production forecast up to 17.7 million; USA sales forecasted to exceed 2015 volume. Industrial Equipment Construction equipment demand steady, and expected to benefit from regional USA weather events. Mining equipment demand remains low due to lower international commodity prices and currency. 2016 railcar demand & backlogs remain steady, but no appreciable increase forecasted. Tin Plate AISI reports that apparent consumption of tin mill products through October is down 3.2%. However, domestic mill shipments are off -13.1% YTD. Imports up 14% in 2015 and now account for 40% of U.S. tin mill market. Appliance 2015 major unit shipments increased 6.3% y-o-y, with December registering 10.3% y-o-y growth, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM); 2016 shipment outlook not yet available, but should follow positive trend expected for residential construction growth. Pipe and Tube Structural tubing demand steady supporting construction and distribution. Line pipe project activity decreased in 4Q15 and early 1Q16, due to budgeting and lower energy prices. No meaningful improvement expected for welded OCTG in 2016. Construction YTD USA construction square footage contract awards through Nov up 4% versus 2014 but uneven across the industry; Residential up 12% in 2015, yet Non-Residential down 10%. US Housing Starts up 10.5% in Nov to a SAAR of 1.17 million; 8 consecutive months > 1 million. YTD construction spend is up 10.7% versus 2014, but unexpectedly fell 0.4% in Nov. Service Center MSCI Carbon Flat Rolled shipments in 2015 fell over 7%; both Hot Rolled and Coated the big declines. Months supply of flat roll inventory still high at 3 months based on low shipping volumes; however, carbon flat rolled inventory was reduced by 12.5%, or 772,600 tons, during 2015. Total steel products trended similarly to carbon flat rolled, with lower y-o-y shipments, and a large inventory reduction during 2015. Sources: Wards / McGrawHill - Dodge / Customer Financial Reports / MSCI US Dept of Commerce / AHAM / AISI / Railway Age / AIA / Blue Chip / Focus Economics


 
17 Market industry summary Tubular Segment United States Steel Corporation Sources: Baker Hughes, US Energy Information Administration, Preston Publishing, Internal Oil Directed Rig Count The oil directed rig count averaged 567during 4Q, a decrease of 14% q-o-q. There are currently 510 active oil rigs. Gas Directed Rig Count The natural gas directed rig count averaged 186 during 4Q, a decrease of 11% q-o-q. There are currently 127 active natural gas rigs. Natural Gas Storage Level Currently 3.3 Tcf, 24% above year-ago levels and 17% above the five year average. Oil Price The West Texas Intermediate oil price averaged $41.94 per barrel during 4Q, down $5 or 10% from 3Q. Natural Gas Price The Henry Hub natural gas price averaged $2.12 per million Btu during 4Q, down $0.65 q-o-q. Imports During 4Q, import share of OCTG apparent market demand is projected to exceed 39%. OCTG Inventory December 2015 OCTG inventory is estimated to be between 7 - 8 months of supply.


 
18 Major end-markets summary United States Steel Corporation U. S. Steel Europe Segment Sources: Eurofer, USSK Marketing, IHS, BDS Automotive In 4Q, EU car production reached 4.4 million units, an increase of 5.4% y-o-y. Total EU 2015 car production is forecasted to end up 6.7% higher to 18 million units. In 1Q 2016, EU car production is expected to amount to 4.9 million units, an increase of 3.6% y-o-y. Total EU 2016 car production is forecasted to grow by 1.8% to roughly 18.3 million units. V4 car production is anticipated to increase by 12% y-o-y in 4Q and for the full year 2015 we expect 10% growth y-o-y to 3.3 million units. In 1Q 2016, we expect V4 car production to normalize and to amount to 0.9 million units, a decrease of 2.9% y-o-y. Total V4 2016 car production is forecasted to grow by 0.2% to roughly 3.31 million units. Appliance In 4Q, the EU appliance sector declined by 3% y-o-y. Overall 2015 EU domestic appliances market is projected to grow by 3% y-o-y. Key players pushing trend up were Germany, France and Italy with stable economic and residential property sectors. In 1Q 2016 we expect growth of 4% y-o-y; 2016 projection is 2% y-o-y growth. Central Europe will continue to achieve slightly higher performance compared to the EU average. Tin Plate Although 4Q consumption fell 9.5% q-o-q, the drop was much lower then in the previous couple of years. Hence the 2015 consumption of tinplate is expected to reach 3.9 million MT or 3.8% y-o-y growth. No major improvement in the EU tinplate market is expected for 2016 as the imports from Asia are becoming more aggressive; we may see some shift of purchased volumes from the EU producers to Asian importers, especially in middle-range can makers segment. Construction The economic recovery in the EU remained broadly on track in 2H 2015. Performance of the construction subsectors remained primarily driven by the residential market. Total EU construction activity is forecast to rise by 1.5% in 2015. The outlook for 2016 is for a further improvement of sector fundamentals. Lower oil prices and an improving labor market combined with expected easing in access to and cost of financing should also lead to improving non-residential demand. All in all, output in 2016 is expected to rise by 2.5% y-o-y after a forecasted 0.4% increase for 1Q 2016. Service Centers Data for 4Q signals that ex-stock sales of flat rolled products improved compared with the monthly average of 3Q. As inventories did not change significantly, there was a slight reduction of the inventory-sales ratio.


 
U. S. Steel Commercial – Contract vs. Spot Contract vs. spot mix – twelve months ended December 31, 2015 Firm 32% Market Based Quarterly * 20% Flat-Rolled Market Based Monthly * 13% Tubular U. S. Steel Europe Spot 26% Cost Based 9% Contract: 74% Spot: 26% Firm 39% Market Based Quarterly* 2% Spot 38% Cost Based 11% Program 49% Contract: 62% Spot: 38% Market Based Monthly* 10% Spot 51% Program: 49% Spot: 51% United States Steel Corporation 19 Market Based Semi-annual * <1% *Annual contract volume commitments with price adjustments in stated time frame


 
20 United States Steel Corporation Other Items Capital Spending 2015 actual $500 million 2016 estimate $350 million Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 2015 actual $547 million 2016 estimate $495 million Pension and Other Benefits Costs 2015 actual $251 million 2016 estimate will be provided after ratification of collective bargaining agreements Pension and Other Benefits Cash Payments (excluding voluntary pension contributions) 2015 actual $189 million 2016 estimate will be provided after ratification of collective bargaining agreements


 
21 Global OSHA Recordable Incidence Rates 2010 through 2015 United States Steel Corporation Safety Performance Rates Frequency of Injuries (per 200,000 manhours) Data for 2010 forward includes Lone Star Tubular Operations, Bellville Tubular Operations, Rig Site Services, Tubular Processing Houston, Offshore Operations Houston, and Wheeling Machine Products. Data for 2011 forward includes Transtar. Data for 2010 through 2011 includes U. S. Steel Serbia. 15% Improvement 2010 to 2015 Global Days Away From Work Incidence Rates 2010 through 2015 29% Improvement 2010 to 2015


 
Flat-Rolled $ Millions Tubular $ Millions Note: For reconciliation of non-GAAP amounts see Appendix Carnegie Way Transformation Improving Earnings Power 22 United States Steel Corporation 2014 EBITDA Commercial Costs & Other Income 2015 EBITDA 2014 EBITDA Commercial Costs & Other Income 2015 EBITDA 2015 vs. 2014 Segment EBITDA U. S. Steel Europe $ Millions 2014 EBITDA Commercial Costs & Other Income 2015 EBITDA $1,166 Price ($1,071) Volume ($2,303) $1,716 $155 $327 Price ($128) Volume ($1,685) $1,327 ($115) $228 Price ($631) Volume $92 $358 $115 $162 $647 $44 $61/ton ̶ Carnegie Way Benefits $26/ton ̶ Carnegie Way Benefits $74/ton ̶ Carnegie Way Benefits Carnegie Way Carnegie Way Carnegie Way


 
23 United States Steel Corporation Net Debt Net Debt ($ millions) FY 2015 FY 2014 FY 2013 FY 2012 Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt $45 $378 $323 $2 Long-term debt, less unamortized discount 3,116 3,120 3,616 3,936 Total Debt $3,161 $3,498 $3,939 $3,938 Less: Cash and cash equivalents 755 1,354 604 570 Net Debt $2,406 $2,144 $3,335 $3,368 Reconciliation of net debt


 
24 United States Steel Corporation Adjusted Results ($ millions) FY 2015 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 Reported net earnings (loss) ($1,508) ($999) ($173) ($261) ($75) Loss on shutdown of coke production facilities 65 ─ ─ ─ 65 Loss on shutdown of Fairfield Works Flat-Rolled Operations (a) 53 ─ 53 ─ ─ Losses associated with U. S. Steel Canada Inc. 145 ─ 10 135 ─ Granite City Works temporary idling charges 99 99 ─ ─ ─ Impairment of equity investment 18 18 ─ ─ ─ Loss on retirement of senior convertible notes 36 36 ─ ─ ─ Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 766 766 ─ ─ ─ Restructuring and other charges (b) 64 47 7 10 ─ Adjusted net earnings (loss) ($262) ($33) ($103) ($116) ($10) Reconciliation of reported and adjusted net earnings (b) Consists primarily of employee related costs, including costs for severance, supplemental unemployment benefits and continuation of health care benefits. (a) Includes the shutdown of the blast furnace and associated steelmaking operations, along with most of the flat-rolled finishing operations at Fairfield Works, and does not include the slab and rounds caster and #5 coating line.


 
25 United States Steel Corporation Adjusted Results ($ per share) FY 2015 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 Reported diluted EPS (LPS) ($10.32) ($6.83) ($1.18) ($1.79) ($0.52) Loss on shutdown of coke production facilities 0.44 ─ ─ ─ 0.45 Loss on shutdown of Fairfield Works Flat-Rolled Operations (a) 0.37 ─ 0.36 ─ ─ Losses associated with U. S. Steel Canada Inc. 0.99 ─ 0.07 0.93 ─ Granite City Works temporary idling charges 0.68 0.68 ─ ─ ─ Impairment of equity investment 0.12 0.12 ─ ─ ─ Loss on retirement of senior convertible notes 0.25 0.25 ─ ─ ─ Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 5.24 5.23 ─ ─ ─ Restructuring and other charges (b) 0.44 0.32 0.05 0.07 ─ Adjusted diluted EPS (LPS) ($1.79) ($0.23) ($0.70) ($0.79) ($0.07) Reconciliation of reported and adjusted diluted EPS (b) Consists primarily of employee related costs, including costs for severance, supplemental unemployment benefits and continuation of health care benefits. (a) Includes the shutdown of the blast furnace and associated steelmaking operations, along with most of the flat-rolled finishing operations at Fairfield Works, and does not include the slab and rounds caster and #5 coating line.


 
26 United States Steel Corporation Adjusted Results ($ millions) FY 2015 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 Reported (loss) earnings before interest and income taxes (EBIT) ($1,055) ($306) ($170) ($392) ($187) Depreciation expense 547 129 136 138 144 EBITDA (508) (177) (34) (254) (43) Loss on shutdown of coke production facilities 153 ─ ─ ─ 153 Loss on shutdown of Fairfield Works Flat-Rolled Operations (a) 91 ─ 91 ─ ─ Losses associated with U. S. Steel Canada Inc. 271 ─ 16 255 ─ Granite City Works temporary idling charges 99 99 ─ ─ ─ Impairment of equity investment 18 18 ─ ─ ─ Restructuring and other charges (b) 78 47 12 19 ─ Adjusted EBITDA $202 ($13) $85 $20 $110 Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA (b) Consists primarily of employee related costs, including costs for severance, supplemental unemployment benefits and continuation of health care benefits. (a) Includes the shutdown of the blast furnace and associated steelmaking operations, along with most of the flat-rolled finishing operations at Fairfield Works, and does not include the slab and rounds caster and #5 coating line.


 
27 United States Steel Corporation Adjusted Results Segment EBITDA – Flat-Rolled ($ millions) FY 2015 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 FY 2014 Segment EBIT ($237) ($88) ($18) ($64) ($67) $709 Depreciation $392 $90 99 99 104 457 Segment EBITDA $155 $2 $81 $35 $37 $1,166 Reconciliation of segment EBITDA Segment EBITDA – Tubular ($ millions) FY 2015 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 FY 2014 Segment EBIT ($179) ($64) ($50) ($66) $1 $261 Depreciation 64 16 14 17 17 66 Segment EBITDA ($115) ($48) ($36) ($49) $18 $327 Segment EBITDA – U. S. Steel Europe ($ millions) FY 2015 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 FY 2014 Segment EBIT $81 $6 $18 $20 $37 $133 Depreciation $81 20 21 20 20 95 Segment EBITDA $162 $26 $39 $40 $57 $228


 


Page 1 of 8 Fourth Quarter 2015 Questions and Answers Exhibit 99.2


 
Page 2 of 8 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains information that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. Generally, we have identified such forward-looking statements by using the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “forecast,” “aim,” “will” and similar expressions or by using future dates in connection with any discussion of, among other things, operating performance, trends, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements relating to volume growth, share of sales and earnings per share growth, and statements expressing general views about future operating results. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the time made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our Company's historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Supplementary Data - Disclosures About Forward-Looking Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 
Page 3 of 8 1. Your stock has been very volatile. Why is this so and what are you doing to reduce the impact of cyclicality on your results? The global steel industry is a cyclical industry and steel selling prices can change fairly quickly. Our operating configuration has significant leverage to steel selling price and volume changes to both the upside and the downside resulting in significant earnings volatility on a quarter to quarter basis. The volatility of our earnings is also affected by the consistency and reliability of our operations. One objective of our Carnegie Way transformation is to create a lower and more flexible cost structure as well as more flexible and reliable operations in order to mitigate the financial impact of this volatility. While we cannot control, or reduce, the cyclicality of the global steel industry, we can control our costs and create a more flexible business model that will produce stronger and more consistent results across industry cycles. 2. Is the Carnegie Way just a cost cutting initiative? No - it is much more than a cost cutting initiative. Carnegie Way is our culture and the way we run the business. We focus on our strengths and how we can create the most value for our stockholders and best serve our customers. We have achieved sustainable cost improvements through process efficiencies and our investments in reliability centered maintenance (RCM), and we will continue to find process improvements that enable us to better serve our customers and reward our stakeholders. Additionally, if we find that changes cannot be implemented and value cannot be created for our customers and stockholders, we exit those underperforming areas. Opportunities are greatest where we make money for our stockholders and our customers. When we deliver value, we can provide good jobs and benefits to our employees and help support the communities in which we do business. 3. How can investors see the Carnegie Way benefits in your financial results? When we performed an internal analysis of our 2015 results compared to our 2014 results, we concluded that we are performing better now than we would have in prior periods. This improved performance level is driven by the progress made through our Carnegie Way transformation. Our methodology included:  Removing the price and volume impacts to isolate the cost piece.  Deducting major raw materials costs including iron ore, coal, coke, scrap, and natural gas (or in the case of our Tubular segment, substrate costs), which we believe are costs observable to investors.  Excluding depreciation and pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB), which we disclose.


 
Page 4 of 8 We have more direct control over the majority of the remaining costs. Thus comparing 2015 costs to 2014’s, on a per ton basis, yields a result that is consistent with the Carnegie Way benefits disclosed in 2015. 4. You have mentioned that there is increased focus on earning economic profit. What is the definition of economic profit? The term profit typically refers to any positive income for a business enterprise. Economic profit has a higher threshold and refers to income in excess of an enterprise’s weighted average cost of capital, which includes the cost of equity as well as the cost of debt. Economic profit is true value creation as it provides stockholder returns above and beyond the weighted average cost of capital. 5. What is your approach to trade cases and how do you determine if one should be filed? The process by which we consider whether to file a potential trade case is complex, lengthy, and informed by the requirements set forth in the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Act). The Act provides American industries the right to petition for relief from imports that are sold in the United States at less than fair value ("dumped") or which benefit from subsidies provided through foreign government programs (Countervailing Duties, or “CVDs”). Under the U.S. law, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) determines whether dumping or subsidizing exists and, if so, the margin of dumping or amount of the subsidy; the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determines whether there is material injury or threat of material injury to the domestic industry by reason of the dumped or subsidized imports. To determine if a trade case should be filed, U. S. Steel’s international trade lawyers survey the relevant markets, triangulate and assess market intelligence, trends and data, while at the same time integrating and interpreting prevailing legal and political concerns. Then, based on a comprehensive review of the aforementioned considerations, the team renders an informed recommendation on whether to proceed with a petition, at which time other industry participants are engaged through external counsel to determine if the legal requirements can be met to progress a case. 6. What is the current status of the recently filed flat-rolled trade cases? In an effort to stem the increased flow of unfairly traded corrosion-resistant (CORE), cold-rolled, and hot-rolled steel products into the U.S. market, U. S. Steel, along with other steel producers, filed a series of three petitions with the DOC and the ITC.


 
Page 5 of 8 On June 3, 2015, U. S. Steel launched the first case against China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan. The petitions allege that unfairly traded imports of CORE from the subject countries are causing material injury to the domestic industry and that significant subsidies have been provided to producers by the governments of those countries. The petitions also allege that foreign producers benefit from numerous countervailable subsidies. On July 16, 2015, the ITC determined that there is a reasonable indication that the U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain CORE products from the subject countries. All six ITC Commissioners voted in the affirmative. The DOC made preliminary affirmative determinations in the CVD and AD investigations of imports of CORE products from China, India, Italy, and South Korea. The DOC made a negative preliminary determination in the AD and CVD investigations of imports of CORE products from Taiwan. The case will now move to the final phase of the DOC's investigation, followed by the ITC's final determination. On July 28, 2015, U. S. Steel, joined by other major U.S. steel companies, filed a second case. The petitions charged that unfairly-traded imports of cold-rolled steel products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Russia, and the United Kingdom are causing material injury to the domestic industry. The petitions further allege that producers in each of the eight countries are dumping cold-rolled steel in the U.S. market and that the foreign producers in Brazil, China, India, South Korea, and Russia benefit from numerous countervailable subsidies. On September 10, 2015, the ITC determined that there was a reasonable indication that the U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of cold-rolled steel flat products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom that are being sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Brazil, China, India, Korea, and Russia. The ITC further determined that imports of cold-rolled steel products from the Netherlands were negligible. On December 16, 2015, the DOC announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the CVD investigations of imports of cold-rolled steel products from Brazil, China, India, and Russia. The DOC made a negative preliminary determination in the CVD investigation of imports of cold-rolled steel products from Korea. In early 2016, the DOC is expected to make its preliminary AD determinations. Finally, on August 11, 2015, U. S. Steel and five other domestic steel producers filed petitions for the imposition of duties on hot-rolled coil imports from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. On September 24, 2015, the ITC determined that there is a reasonable indication that the U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of certain hot-rolled steel products from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom that are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Brazil, Korea, and Turkey. On January 11, 2016, Commerce announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty investigation of imports of hot-rolled steel products from Brazil, and its negative preliminary determinations in the CV duty investigations of imports of hot-rolled steel products from South Korea and Turkey. Commerce’s preliminary AD determination will be issued in early March 2016.


 
Page 6 of 8 7. How are you responding to the threat from aluminum in the auto industry? The continued development of advanced high strength steels (AHSS), particularly Generation 1 Plus and Generation 3 AHSS, enables us to provide our automotive customers with a steel intensive total vehicle solution. These solutions will help our customers meet the increased CAFÉ and safety standards of future vehicles at a very attractive and competitive value proposition compared with potential alternative materials. We have increased our capabilities in people and equipment, namely at our Research and Technology Center in Munhall, Pennsylvania, and at our Automotive Technical Center in Troy, Michigan. We have made progress developing AHSS for automotive applications up to and including Generation 3 steels that possess unique properties in terms of strength, formability and toughness for light weighting and crash worthiness. We are working closely with customers on specific applications for their use incorporating advanced analytic techniques for geometry, grade and gauge redesign. 8. What is the current status of the labor negotiations with the United Steelworkers? We have reached tentative agreements with the United Steelworkers on successor three-year collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 18,000 USW-represented employees at U. S. Steel'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 a ratification vote which is anticipated to occur February 1, 2016. 9. How does the temporary idling of Granite City Works impact your ability to serve your flat-rolled customers? On November 23, we announced that we were temporarily idling our Granite City Works steelmaking operations and finishing operations. This decision is part of our on-going adjustment of steelmaking operations throughout North America to match customer demands. A temporary idling of Granite City Works will not impact our ability to serve our customers. We have worked closely with our customers through this transition. We have the necessary product capabilities and capacity across our other flat-rolled facilities and will continue to provide them with the high quality products, technical support and other services as we always have. 10. How is a stronger dollar impacting your results? A stronger U.S. dollar is one of the factors that contribute to the extremely high level of direct and indirect steel imports into the U.S. market, threatening domestic prices and volumes. In addition, a stronger dollar versus the euro negatively impacts our reported earnings attributable to our European segment.


 
Page 7 of 8 11. Has the downturn in the domestic steel market altered the Carnegie Way transformation? No – while the downturn in the domestic steel market has had a direct impact on our Company, it has not altered the Carnegie Way transformation. Our financial results have decreased in 2015 as compared to 2014. Steel prices and shipment levels continue to be negatively impacted by high levels of unfairly traded imports, weak energy markets reducing demand for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) and high levels of inventory in both the flat-rolled and tubular supply chains. Despite these difficult conditions, we are focusing on what we can control. Benefits from our Carnegie Way transformation efforts continue to grow and include cost reductions, improving the flexibility and reliability of our operations and working more closely with our customers to create differentiated and value enhancing solutions. 12. How are you focusing on cash and liquidity? We are running the business with an intense focus on cash and liquidity in light of the prolonged downturn we are experiencing in the steel and oil and gas industries. We had $755 million of cash and $2.4 billion in liquidity at the end of 2015. Based on current market conditions, we expect approximately $500 million of cash benefits from working capital in 2016, primarily related to better inventory management. We are being very disciplined with our capital spending and currently expect it to be $350 million in 2016, down from the $500 million we spent in 2015. 13. How are the Commercial Entities improving the Company and how has the strategy evolved? The formation of our Commercial Entities was announced in November 2014. The Commercial Entities were created to specifically address the following markets: automotive, consumer, industrial, service centers, and mining. The Commercial Entities are working to create differentiated steel solutions that will better meet the needs of our existing customers and provide increased opportunities to establish new customer relationships. Over time, the Commercial Entity structure has become better defined and has evolved to align our steelmaking operations with the Commercial Entities. In December 2015, we announced that the automotive, consumer, and now-combined industrial, service center, and mining Commercial Entities would each assume operational management of specific steelmaking facilities. This strategic move to align operations within the Commercial Entities streamlines the decision making process and increases the accountability of each Commercial Entity to provide superior quality and delivery performance to their respective customers and meet their financial performance objectives.


 
Page 8 of 8 14. Why did you decide to postpone construction of the Electric Arc Furnace in Alabama? We decided to postpone the construction of the electric arc furnace in Alabama because of continued challenging market conditions in the energy tubular markets. The postponed EAF construction will not impact our ability to serve our energy tubular customers as we will continue to operate the Fairfield pipe mill. 15. What does a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets imply about your future? The accounting treatment of this non-cash item has no effect on our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits in the future to reduce cash tax payments. Additionally, the tax valuation allowance is subject to reversal with a corresponding benefit to earnings upon our return to sustained profitability. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP), we regularly evaluate the need for a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. Each quarter we analyze the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. Applicable accounting guidance does not permit us to use future income projections to support the realization of a deferred tax asset. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined it is more likely than not that all of our domestic deferred tax assets will not be realized. Accordingly, we recorded a $766 million tax provision to establish a full valuation allowance for our domestic deferred tax assets. Our net operating losses do not expire for many years and we have a history of utilizing our net operating losses before they expire. As a result of the tax valuation allowance recorded in the fourth quarter, we could experience more volatility in our quarterly effective tax rate. Additionally, we expect that our 2016 normal income tax provision or benefit for domestic operations will be offset by a related change in the valuation allowance. Therefore, we do not expect to have a tax provision or benefit in 2016 on our domestic financial results. We remain committed to our goal of earning economic profit across all business cycles and finding a way to remain profitable even at the bottom of the cycle. In recording this valuation allowance, we are following accounting requirements, but in no way should this be seen as an impediment to achieving our goal.


 
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