United States Steel Corporation reported second quarter 2012 net income of $101 million compared to a first quarter 2012 net loss of $219 million and second quarter 2011 net income of $222 million Adjusted second quarter 2012 net income was $112 million excluding an $11 million after-tax early redemption premium on our $300 million 5.65% Senior Notes due 2013. Adjusted first quarter 2012 net income was $110 million excluding a $399 million after-tax loss on the sale of U. S. Steel Serbia; a $58 million after-tax gain on the sale of transportation assets; and a $12 million after-tax gain on property tax settlements. Adjusted second quarter 2011 net income was $185 million excluding $37 million of net foreign currency gains, primarily related to the accounting remeasurement of a U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan to a European entity.

Commenting on results, U. S. Steel Chairman and CEO John P. Surma said, "We reported good operating results for the second quarter reflecting positive results from all three of our operating segments. Our Flat-rolled and Tubular segments had solid results considering the very fragile nature of the U.S. economic recovery. U. S. Steel Europe returned to profitability with significantly improved results but continues to be challenged by the economic situation in the region."

The company reported second quarter 2012 reportable segment and Other Businesses income from operations of $330 million, compared with income of $295 million in the first quarter of 2012 and income of $396 million in the second quarter of 2011.

For the second quarter 2012, we recorded a tax provision of $70 million on our pre-tax income of $171 million. The tax provision does not reflect any tax benefit for pre-tax losses in Canada, which is a jurisdiction where we have recorded a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

As of 30 June 2012, U. S. Steel had $565 million of cash and $2.4 billion of total liquidity.

Reportable Segments and Other Businesses
Management believes segment income from operations is a key measure in evaluating company performance. U. S. Steel’s reportable segments and Other Businesses had income from operations of $330 million, or $61 per ton, in the second quarter of 2012, compared with income of $295 million, or $52 per ton, in the first quarter of 2012 and income of $396 million, or $72 per ton, in the second quarter of 2011.

Flat-rolled second quarter results were comparable to the first quarter. The benefits of an $8 per ton increase in average realized prices more than offset the effects of lower shipments, which reflected the adverse effect of a large increase in flat-rolled imports. Maintenance costs increased by $40 million over the first quarter, primarily related to scheduled blast furnace and other maintenance projects. Reduced energy costs in the second quarter partially offset the increased maintenance costs.

While the economic conditions in Europe remained challenging, second quarter results for our European segment improved significantly compared to the first quarter. Average realized prices increased due to higher spot market and quarterly contract prices. Operating costs decreased in the second quarter as a result of lower raw materials and energy costs. U. S. Steel Kosice shipments and utilization rates remained in line with the first quarter as modest end user increases in demand were offset by weaker spot market sales. The restocking that drove first quarter spot market sales moderated as service centers and distributors reduced purchases to match real demand. Additionally, first quarter results included a $17 million operating loss from our former Serbian operations.

Tubular second quarter income from operations decreased compared to the first quarter. Shipments of 493,000 tons were approximately 7% lower than the record levels of the first quarter as distributors rebalanced their inventory to reflect lower forecasts for drilling activity and we carried out a planned facility outage. Average realized prices of $1,706 per ton remained near first quarter levels.

Outlook
Commenting on U. S. Steel’s outlook for the third quarter, Surma said, "We expect total reportable segment and Other Businesses operating results to be positive in the third quarter but below our second quarter results, reflecting the continued weakness in the North American, European and emerging market economies. Average realized prices are expected to be lower for all three operating segments with total reportable segment shipments slightly lower than the second quarter. Our Tubular segment is expected to continue its trend of solid operating profits."

The company expects near break-even results for its Flat-rolled segment in the third quarter due to lower average realized prices. Proceeds are expected to be lower compared to the second quarter as spot and index-based contract prices decrease. While average realized spot prices are projected to be lower for the third quarter, spot transaction prices are expected to increase as the quarter progresses. Shipments for the Flat-rolled segment are expected to be comparable to the second quarter, as end user demand appears stable and supply chain inventories remain balanced. Operating costs are expected to be comparable to the second quarter.

U. S. Steel expect its European segment results to remain positive but lower than the second quarter reflecting the continued economic challenges in Europe. Average realized prices are expected to decrease compared to the second quarter as lower spot market prices carry over into the third quarter. Shipments are expected to be lower as service centers and distributors maintain a conservative buying pattern to minimize inventory and Europe enters its summer holiday period. Operating costs should be comparable to the second quarter.

The company expects third quarter 2012 results for its Tubular segment to be in line with the second quarter results. Shipments are expected to be lower as end users continue to adjust their drilling plans due to economic uncertainty and concern over energy prices. Similarly, average realized prices are projected to decline as supply has outpaced demand, mainly due to a substantial increase of imported products. Operating costs are expected to decrease compared to the second quarter due to lower substrate and facility maintenance costs.

U. S. Steel is currently negotiating with the United Steelworkers for a new labor agreement covering most of its domestic operations. The current agreement expires on 1 September 2012. The company anticipates reaching a competitive agreement without a work stoppage.