Stock Analysis on Net

United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:X)

$22.49

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since July 28, 2023.

Analysis of Profitability Ratios
Quarterly Data

Microsoft Excel

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Profitability Ratios (Summary)

United States Steel Corp., profitability ratios (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Return on Sales
Gross profit margin
Operating profit margin
Net profit margin
Return on Investment
Return on equity (ROE)
Return on assets (ROA)

Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31).


The financial performance exhibits significant fluctuations over the analyzed quarters, with notable troughs and recoveries across key profitability and return metrics.

Gross profit margin
The gross profit margin declined steadily from 12.8% in the first quarter of 2019 to a trough of 0.48% in the third quarter of 2020, indicating severe pressure on core profitability possibly due to rising costs or diminished revenue. Subsequently, this margin rebounded strongly, peaking at 30.07% in the first quarter of 2022, before experiencing a gradual decline to 13.73% by mid-2023.
Operating profit margin
The operating profit margin showed a parallel trend, starting at 7.56% in Q1 2019 and decreasing into negative territory by Q4 2019 (-1.78%), reaching its lowest point of -14.94% in Q3 2020. This reflects challenges in operating efficiency during that period. A marked recovery ensued, with operating margins soaring to 25.81% in Q1 2022, followed by a downward adjustment to 8.1% at the mid-2023 mark.
Net profit margin
Net profit margin mirrored the operating margin trend, falling from 7.92% in early 2019 through negative values, hitting -18.81% in Q3 2020. Post this downturn, net margins improved significantly, peaking at 22.73% in Q1 2022 and decreasing thereafter to 7.05% by mid-2023. This pattern suggests volatile bottom-line profitability affected by factors influencing operational performance and possibly extraordinary items or tax impacts.
Return on equity (ROE)
ROE experienced a pronounced drop from a robust 27.18% in Q1 2019 to -54.57% in Q3 2020, signaling substantial losses relative to shareholder equity in the interim. The metric then exhibited a sharp recovery, surging to a high of 51.2% in Q1 2022. Since then, ROE moderated but remained positive, trending downwards to 12.49% by mid-2023. This recovery highlights a restoration of profitability and effective equity utilization after the difficult period.
Return on assets (ROA)
ROA decreased from 10.32% at the start of 2019 to a minimum of -16.04% in Q3 2020, reflecting poor asset profitability during that time. Similar to other indicators, ROA rebounded strongly to 25.83% in Q1 2022 before tapering off to 6.6% by June 2023. This indicates improving efficiency in asset use after the downturn, albeit with some recent weakening.

Overall, the data reveals a significant period of financial stress centered around the year 2020, marked by sharp declines in profitability and returns, likely influenced by external adverse conditions. This was followed by a vigorous recovery phase ending in early 2022, after which there is evidence of a stabilization and moderate decrease in performance metrics through mid-2023. The cyclical nature suggests sensitivity to economic or industry-specific factors affecting cost structures, revenue, and asset utilization.


Return on Sales


Return on Investment


Gross Profit Margin

United States Steel Corp., gross profit margin calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Gross profit (loss)
Net sales
Profitability Ratio
Gross profit margin1
Benchmarks
Gross Profit Margin, Competitors2
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31).

1 Q2 2023 Calculation
Gross profit margin = 100 × (Gross profit (loss)Q2 2023 + Gross profit (loss)Q1 2023 + Gross profit (loss)Q4 2022 + Gross profit (loss)Q3 2022) ÷ (Net salesQ2 2023 + Net salesQ1 2023 + Net salesQ4 2022 + Net salesQ3 2022)
= 100 × ( + + + ) ÷ ( + + + ) =

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The quarterly financial data reveals several significant trends in profitability and sales performance over the observed periods.

Gross Profit (Loss)
Gross profit exhibited notable volatility during the timeframe. Initially, profit levels ranged between 327 million and 43 million US dollars in 2019, showing a declining trajectory toward the end of that year. In early 2020, a sharp drop occurred, culminating in a gross loss of 183 million in the second quarter. However, from late 2020 onward, profitability recovered substantially, peaking at over 2 billion US dollars in the third quarter of 2021. Following this peak, gross profit declined gradually but remained positive, exceeding 500 million US dollars in mid-2023.
Net Sales
Net sales demonstrated fluctuations aligning somewhat with the general economic conditions reflected through the data. Sales declined from around 3.5 billion US dollars at the start of 2019 to a low point of approximately 2.1 billion in mid-2020, corresponding with the period of gross loss. Subsequently, sales rebounded sharply throughout late 2020 and into 2021, reaching almost 6 billion US dollars in the third quarter of 2021. After this, sales moderated, exhibiting some drops and recoveries, with values stabilizing near 5 billion US dollars by mid-2023.
Gross Profit Margin
The gross profit margin reflected the volatility observed in gross profit and net sales. Margins shrank markedly during 2019 and early 2020, reaching as low as 0.48% in the third quarter of 2020. Thereafter, the margin improved significantly, achieving a high of over 30% in the first quarter of 2022. Following this peak, the margin decreased gradually but stayed at a relatively healthy level above 10% in mid-2023.

Overall, the data indicates a period of operational challenges culminating in losses in the first half of 2020. This was followed by a robust recovery phase through 2021 and early 2022, characterized by increasing gross profit, expanding sales, and margin improvement. Although subsequent quarters saw some easing in these metrics, the company maintained profitability and relatively strong margins through mid-2023, suggesting stabilization after the earlier volatility.


Operating Profit Margin

United States Steel Corp., operating profit margin calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
Net sales
Profitability Ratio
Operating profit margin1
Benchmarks
Operating Profit Margin, Competitors2
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31).

1 Q2 2023 Calculation
Operating profit margin = 100 × (Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxesQ2 2023 + Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxesQ1 2023 + Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxesQ4 2022 + Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxesQ3 2022) ÷ (Net salesQ2 2023 + Net salesQ1 2023 + Net salesQ4 2022 + Net salesQ3 2022)
= 100 × ( + + + ) ÷ ( + + + ) =

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes

The earnings before interest and income taxes displayed considerable volatility over the observed periods. Initially, there was a positive performance in early 2019, with earnings around 111 to 115 million USD, which then deteriorated sharply by the latter part of 2019 and early 2020, reaching significant negative values as low as -532 million USD in mid-2020. Following this downturn, a recovery phase began in late 2020, with earnings returning to positive territory by the end of that year and increasingly improving through 2021, peaking at 2342 million USD in the third quarter of 2021. This peak was followed by fluctuations but maintaining generally positive values through mid-2023, indicating an overall recovery and improved profitability compared to the trough experienced during 2020.

Net Sales

Net sales showed a declining trend from early 2019, where values were consistently above 3000 million USD, dipping significantly around mid-2020 to a low of 2091 million USD in the second quarter. This decline aligns temporally with reduced earnings, suggesting possible external or internal factors impacting revenue generation. After mid-2020, sales began to improve sharply, peaking at nearly 6000 million USD in the third quarter of 2021, well above pre-2020 levels. However, after this peak, sales experienced some volatility and a downward adjustment throughout 2022 and into early 2023, ending with moderate recovery signs by mid-2023 at around 5000 million USD. This pattern reflects a cycle of contraction and expansion in sales volumes or pricing power over the period.

Operating Profit Margin

The operating profit margin mirrored the overall earnings trend, starting with stable positive margins above 6% in early 2019 but declining sharply through late 2019 and 2020 into negative territory, reaching a low near -15% during mid to late 2020. This negative margin period corresponds with reduced earnings and sales, highlighting diminished operational efficiency or increased costs. From late 2020 onward, margins recovered strongly, surging into double digits by early 2021 and exceeding 25% in several quarters across 2021 and 2022. Although margins declined somewhat after the peak, they remained positive and substantive through 2023, suggesting improved cost management and pricing power after the earlier challenging period.

Overall Analysis

The financial data reflect a significant disruption around 2020, potentially related to macroeconomic or industry-specific conditions causing downturns in earnings, sales, and profitability. Subsequent recovery trends indicate effective strategic responses or improving market conditions. The peak performance in late 2021 demonstrates robust operational resilience. While fluctuations persist following this peak, maintaining positive earnings and margins indicates sustained financial stability. The data suggest a cyclical pattern of contraction followed by strong recovery and moderate stabilization in the most recent periods.


Net Profit Margin

United States Steel Corp., net profit margin calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel Corporation
Net sales
Profitability Ratio
Net profit margin1
Benchmarks
Net Profit Margin, Competitors2
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31).

1 Q2 2023 Calculation
Net profit margin = 100 × (Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ2 2023 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ1 2023 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ4 2022 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ3 2022) ÷ (Net salesQ2 2023 + Net salesQ1 2023 + Net salesQ4 2022 + Net salesQ3 2022)
= 100 × ( + + + ) ÷ ( + + + ) =

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Net Earnings (Loss) Trend
The net earnings displayed significant volatility over the analyzed quarters. Initially, the earnings were positive, peaking early in the period. However, a sharp downturn occurred starting at the end of 2019, with substantial losses recorded through much of 2020. A notable recovery began in late 2020, as earnings returned to positive territory and surged into 2021, reaching a peak in the third quarter of 2021. After this peak, earnings generally declined but remained positive, with moderate fluctuations into mid-2023.
Net Sales Performance
Net sales started relatively stable but showed a decline through the early part of the timeline, particularly in 2020, coinciding with periods of negative earnings. From the end of 2020 onwards, net sales strongly recovered, with a marked increase observed in 2021, reaching the highest levels in mid to late 2021. Subsequently, sales experienced some variability but maintained relatively high levels compared to the earlier part of the period through mid-2023.
Net Profit Margin Analysis
The net profit margin followed a pattern consistent with net earnings. Initially positive, margins declined steeply in 2019 and through 2020, becoming negative at their lowest during mid-2020. A reversal occurred starting in late 2020, with net profit margins improving steadily and reaching peak levels in 2021 and early 2022. After peaking, margins experienced a gradual decline but remained positive throughout the remainder of the period, indicating sustained profitability despite some reduction in efficiency or increased costs.
Summary of Financial Performance Patterns
The financial data reveals a significant impact on profitability and earnings during the 2020 period, with marked losses and declining sales, possibly linked to adverse external conditions. This was followed by a robust recovery in earnings, sales, and profit margins beginning late 2020 and peaking in 2021. Although performance tapered somewhat after the peaks of 2021, the company maintained a positive and profitable position through mid-2023. The trends highlight a strong resilience and ability to regain financial health after periods of downturn.

Return on Equity (ROE)

United States Steel Corp., ROE calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel Corporation
Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity
Profitability Ratio
ROE1
Benchmarks
ROE, Competitors2
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31).

1 Q2 2023 Calculation
ROE = 100 × (Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ2 2023 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ1 2023 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ4 2022 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ3 2022) ÷ Total United States Steel Corporation stockholders’ equity
= 100 × ( + + + ) ÷ =

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The company’s financial performance indicates significant variability in net earnings over the examined periods, reflecting a combination of challenging market conditions and subsequent recovery phases.

Net Earnings (Loss)
Net earnings exhibited a downward trend starting in early 2019, with positive earnings recorded in the first half of 2019, followed by substantial losses in the latter part of 2019 and through most of 2020. The most severe losses occurred in late 2019 and mid-2020, correlating with broader economic disruptions during that time. Beginning in early 2021, net earnings improved markedly, transitioning back to significant positive figures. The peak was observed in late 2021, with net earnings reaching over $2 billion. Subsequently, earnings showed some decline but remained positive, indicating stabilization and profitability retention through mid-2023.
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity experienced a gradual decrease from early 2019 through late 2020, declining from approximately $4.2 billion to around $3.4 billion. This decline aligns with the periods of negative earnings and suggests capital erosion during those challenging quarters. From early 2021 onward, equity levels increased steadily, reaching over $10.7 billion by mid-2023. This upward trend suggests reinvestment, retained earnings accumulation, or possible capital infusions, reflecting the company’s recovering financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE)
ROE followed a pattern consistent with net earnings fluctuations. It started at a notably high level above 20% in early 2019, then dropped into negative territory during the loss periods of 2019 and 2020, with the lowest point nearing -55%. The negative ROE corresponds to diminished profitability and equity base impact due to losses. From 2021 onwards, ROE rebounded strongly, peaking above 50% in early 2022, reflecting highly efficient use of equity capital during the recovery phase. Though ROE tapered somewhat through 2022 and into 2023, it remained positive and above 10%, indicating continued profitability but at a moderated pace compared to the peak.

Overall, the data reveals a cycle of financial distress followed by robust recovery. The initial loss phase significantly impacted equity and profitability metrics. However, the company demonstrated resilience through improved earnings and equity growth, culminating in strong returns on equity post-2020. The stabilization and positive trends suggest effective management of financial challenges and an improved operating environment in recent quarters.


Return on Assets (ROA)

United States Steel Corp., ROA calculation (quarterly data)

Microsoft Excel
Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Sep 30, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Sep 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020 Mar 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Sep 30, 2019 Jun 30, 2019 Mar 31, 2019
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel Corporation
Total assets
Profitability Ratio
ROA1
Benchmarks
ROA, Competitors2
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31).

1 Q2 2023 Calculation
ROA = 100 × (Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ2 2023 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ1 2023 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ4 2022 + Net earnings (loss) attributable to United States Steel CorporationQ3 2022) ÷ Total assets
= 100 × ( + + + ) ÷ =

2 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance over the periods demonstrates notable fluctuations in profitability and asset utilization. Net earnings attributable to the company reveal a volatile trend, characterized by periods of significant losses followed by recovery phases with substantial profits. Initially, positive earnings were recorded, but the trend reversed sharply towards negative results in 2019 and the first half of 2020, indicating a period of financial distress. Subsequently, there was a marked turnaround starting from the third quarter of 2020, culminating in peak net earnings in 2021, particularly in the third and fourth quarters. Following this peak, earnings showed some decline during 2022 but remained positive and relatively stable through early 2023.

Total assets exhibited a generally upward trend throughout the timeframe, starting from approximately $11.2 billion and increasing steadily to over $20.3 billion by mid-2023. This growth indicates ongoing investment or asset accumulation despite the earnings volatility. The rise in asset base could reflect expansion efforts or adjustments in the balance sheet, providing a foundation for enhanced operational capacity or financial positioning.

Return on assets (ROA) follows a pattern consistent with net earnings developments. ROA began relatively high but deteriorated drastically into negative territory during the earnings loss periods in 2019 and early 2020, reflective of inefficiencies or underperformance in asset utilization. As profitability improved from late 2020 onward, ROA rebounded strongly, reaching above 25% by early 2022, signaling efficient use of assets to generate profits during that period. The subsequent gradual decline in ROA through 2022 and 2023, while still positive, suggests a moderation in efficiency and profitability relative to asset size.

Net Earnings (Loss)
Displayed significant volatility, with sharp losses during 2019 and early 2020, followed by a strong profit recovery peaking in 2021, and moderate stabilization in subsequent periods.
Total Assets
Showed a sustained growth trend across all quarters, nearly doubling from 2019 to mid-2023, indicating ongoing asset base expansion.
Return on Assets (ROA)
Correlated closely with earnings trends, declining sharply alongside losses and increasing substantially during profit recovery, peaking above 25% before moderating yet remaining positive.

Overall, the data depicts a company that faced considerable challenges impacting profitability during 2019-2020 but embarked on a significant recovery from late 2020 through 2021. The consistent asset growth amid earnings fluctuations suggests strategic investment or asset management choices to support future operations. The recovery in ROA underscores improved operational efficiency, although recent trends suggest some easing of the peak performance levels achieved earlier.