BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business, Consolidation and Presentation

Nature of Business

Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, we are also the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in North America. We are vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling and tubing. We serve a diverse range of markets due to our comprehensive offering of flat-rolled steel products and are the largest supplier of steel to the automotive industry in North America. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, we employ approximately 26,000 people across our operations in the United States and Canada.

Unless otherwise noted, discussion of our business and results of operations in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refers to our continuing operations.

Acquisition of FPT

On November 18, 2021, we completed the acquisition of FPT. FPT is a leading prime ferrous scrap processor in the U.S. FPT's operations consist of 22 scrap facilities located primarily in the Midwest region of the United States.

Refer to NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS for further information.

Business Operations

We are organized into four operating segments based on differentiated products, Steelmaking, Tubular, Tooling and Stamping, and European Operations. We primarily operate through one reportable segment – the Steelmaking segment.

Basis of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements consolidate our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries, all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

Investments in Affiliates

We have investments in several businesses accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These investments are included within our Steelmaking segment. We review an investment for impairment when circumstances indicate that a loss in value below its carrying amount is other than temporary.

As of December 31, 2019, our 23% ownership in Hibbing was recorded as an equity method investment. As a result of the acquisition of ArcelorMittal USA, we acquired an additional 62.3% ownership interest in Hibbing. As of both December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our ownership in the Hibbing joint venture was 85.3% and was fully consolidated within our operating results with a noncontrolling interest.

Our investment in affiliates of $128 million and $105 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, was classified in Other non-current assets.

Significant Accounting Policies

We consider the following policies to be beneficial in understanding the judgments involved in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the

reporting period. Our mineral reserves; future realizable cash flow; environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; valuation of business combinations, long-lived assets, inventory, tax assets and post-employment, post-retirement and other employee benefit liabilities; reserves for contingencies and litigation require the use of various management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from estimates. Management reviews its estimates on an ongoing basis. Changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and affect the results of operations and financial position in future periods.

Business Combinations

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recognized and measured based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, while the acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Any excess of the purchase consideration when compared to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, if any, is recorded as goodwill. We engaged independent valuation specialists to assist with the determination of the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interest, and goodwill, for the acquisitions. If the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs, an estimate will be recorded. Subsequent to the acquisition date, and not later than one year from the acquisition date, we will record any material adjustments to the initial estimate based on new information obtained that would have existed as of the date of the acquisition. Any adjustment that arises from information obtained that did not exist as of the date of the acquisition will be recorded in the period the adjustment arises.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit as well as all short-term securities held for the primary purpose of general liquidity. We routinely monitor and evaluate counterparty credit risk related to the financial institutions in which our short-term investment securities are held. Where right of offset exists, we report cash balances net.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Loss

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the point control transfers and represent the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferred goods and do not bear interest. We establish provisions for expected lifetime losses on accounts receivable at the time a receivable is recorded based on historical experience, customer credit quality and forecasted economic conditions. We regularly review our accounts receivable balances and the allowance for credit loss and establish or adjust the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method in accordance with CECL. We evaluate the aggregation and risk characteristics of receivable pools and develop loss rates that reflect historical collections, current forecasts of future economic conditions over the time horizon we are exposed to credit risk, and payment terms or conditions that may materially affect future forecasts.

Inventories

Inventories are generally stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using average cost, excluding depreciation and amortization. Certain iron ore inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the LIFO method.

Refer to NOTE 2 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION for further information.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

We are exposed to certain risks related to the ongoing operations of our business, including those caused by changes in commodity prices and energy rates. We have established policies and procedures, including the use of certain derivative instruments, to manage such risks.

Derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position and measured at fair value. On the date a qualifying hedging instrument is executed, we designate the hedging instrument as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the related hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, we discontinue hedge

accounting prospectively and record all future changes in fair value in the period of the instrument's earnings or losses.

For derivative instruments that have been designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in fair value are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings or losses in the period the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings or when the underlying hedged transaction is no longer reasonably possible of occurring.

For derivative instruments that have not been designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recorded in the period of the instrument's earnings or losses.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Our properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of plant and equipment is computed principally by the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives. Depreciation continues to be recognized when operations are idled temporarily. Depreciation and depletion are recorded over the following estimated useful lives:

Asset Class	Basis	Life
Land, land improvements and mineral rights
Land and mineral rights	Units of production	Life of mine
Land improvements	Straight line	20 to 45 years
Buildings	Straight line	20 to 45 years
Equipment	Straight line/Double declining balance	3 to 27 years

Refer to NOTE 6 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT for further information.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets from an acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized for financial statement purposes, but it is assessed for impairment on an annual basis on October 1 (or more frequently if necessary).

Refer to NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS and NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES for further information.

Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities

Intangible assets and liabilities are subject to periodic amortization on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Refer to NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS and NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES for further information.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. We recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities associated with leases based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Lease terms reflect options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. For short-term leases (leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less), right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Refer to NOTE 13 - LEASE OBLIGATIONS for further information.

Asset Impairment

We monitor conditions that may affect the carrying value of our long-lived tangible and intangible assets when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset groups may not be recoverable. In order to determine if assets have been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available ("asset group"). The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is

based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset group. Fair value can be determined using a market approach, income approach or cost approach.

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, no impairment indicators were present that would indicate the carrying value of any of our asset groups may not be recoverable; as a result, no impairment assessments were required.

Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for classification of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own views about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

•Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

•Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

•Level 3 — Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

The classification of assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Refer to NOTE 9 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS and NOTE 10 - PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS for further information.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and OPEB plans, primarily consisting of retiree healthcare benefits as part of our total compensation and benefits programs.

We recognize the funded or unfunded status of our pension and OPEB obligations on the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position based on the difference between the market value of plan assets and the actuarial present value of our retirement obligations on that date, on a plan-by-plan basis. If the plan assets exceed the pension and OPEB obligations, the amount of the surplus is recorded as an asset; if the pension and OPEB obligations exceed the plan assets, the amount of the underfunded obligations is recorded as a liability. Year-end balance sheet adjustments to pension and OPEB assets and obligations are recorded as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Statements of Consolidated Financial Position.

The actuarial estimates of the PBO and APBO incorporate various assumptions including the discount rates, the rates of increases in compensation, healthcare cost trend rates, mortality, retirement timing and employee turnover. The discount rate is determined based on the prevailing year-end rates for high-grade corporate bonds with a duration matching the expected cash flow timing of the benefit payments from the various plans. The remaining assumptions are based on our estimates of future events by incorporating historical trends and future expectations. The amount of net periodic cost that is recorded in the Statements of Consolidated Operations consists of several components including service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, and amortization of previously unrecognized amounts. Service cost represents the value of the benefits earned in the current year by the participants. Interest cost represents the cost associated with the passage of time. Certain items, such as plan amendments, gains and/or losses resulting from differences between actual and assumed results for demographic and economic factors affecting the obligations and assets of the plans, and changes in other assumptions are subject to deferred recognition for income and expense purposes. The expected return on plan assets is calculated on a plan-by-plan basis using each plan's strategic asset allocation and our expected long-term capital market return assumptions. Service costs are classified within Cost of goods sold, Selling, general and administrative expenses and Miscellaneous – net while the interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs/credits,

net actuarial gain/loss, and other costs are classified within Net periodic benefit credits (costs) other than service cost component.

Refer to NOTE 10 - PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS for further information.

Labor Agreements

At December 31, 2021, we employed approximately 26,000 people, of which approximately 18,500 were represented by labor unions under various agreements. We have ten agreements that expire in 2022 and three agreements that expire in 2023. Workers at some of our North American facilities are covered by agreements with the USW, UAW and IAM, as well as several other smaller unions that have various expiration dates.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded as liabilities at fair value. The fair value of the liability is determined as the discounted value of the expected future cash flows. The asset retirement obligation is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings. In addition, the asset retirement cost is capitalized and amortized over the life of the related asset. Reclamation costs are adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation costs. We review, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation for each applicable operation in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations. We perform an in-depth evaluation of the liability every three years in addition to our routine annual assessments.

Future reclamation costs for inactive operations are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the costs expected to be incurred at a site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates at inactive operations are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

Refer to NOTE 14 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS for further information.

Environmental Remediation Costs

Certain of our operating activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. We conduct our operations to protect the public health and environment and believe our operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. Our environmental liabilities, including obligations for known environmental remediation exposures, have been recognized based on the estimated cost of investigation and remediation at each site. If the cost can only be estimated as a range of possible amounts with no point in the range being more likely, the minimum of the range is accrued. Future expenditures are discounted unless the amount and timing of the cash disbursements cannot be reasonably estimated. It is possible that additional environmental obligations could be incurred, the extent of which cannot be assessed. Potential insurance recoveries have not been reflected in the determination of the liabilities.

Refer to NOTE 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES for further information.

Revenue Recognition

Sales are recognized when our performance obligations are satisfied. Generally, our 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 according to shipping terms. 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.

Refer to NOTE 4 - REVENUES for further information.

Repairs and Maintenance

Repairs, maintenance and replacement of components are expensed as incurred. The cost of major equipment overhauls is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life, which is the period until the next scheduled overhauls. All other planned and unplanned repairs and maintenance costs are expensed when incurred.

Share-Based Compensation

The fair value of each performance share grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation to forecast relative TSR performance. A correlation matrix of historical and projected stock prices was developed for both the Company and its predetermined peer group of mining and metals companies. The fair value assumes that the performance objective will be achieved. The expected term of the grant represents the time from the grant date to the end of the service period. We estimate the volatility of our common shares and that of the peer group of mining and metals companies using daily price intervals for all companies. The risk-free interest rate is the rate at the grant date on zero-coupon government bonds, with a term commensurate with the remaining performance period.

The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the closing price of our common shares on the grant date.

Upon vesting of share-based compensation awards, we issue shares from treasury shares before issuing new shares. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur.

The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes model using the grant date price of our common shares, the option exercise price, the option’s expected term, the volatility of our common shares, the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield over the option’s expected term.

Refer to NOTE 11 - STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS for additional information.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are based on income for financial reporting purposes, calculated using tax rates by jurisdiction, and reflect a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or recoverable on the current year tax return and expected annual changes in deferred taxes. Any interest or penalties on income tax are recognized as a component of Income tax benefit (expense).

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized within Net income (loss) in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial results of operations.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements requires that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on technical merits.

Refer to NOTE 12 - INCOME TAXES for further information.

Foreign Currency

Our financial statements are prepared with the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency, and the functional currency of all subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, except for our European Operations for which the functional currency is the Euro.

Earnings Per Share

We present both basic and diluted EPS amounts for continuing operations and discontinued operations. Total basic EPS amounts are calculated by dividing Net income (loss) attributable to Cliffs shareholders, less the earnings allocated to our Series B Participating Redeemable Preferred Stock, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period presented.

Total diluted EPS amounts are calculated by dividing Net income (loss) attributable to Cliffs shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares, common share equivalents under stock plans using the treasury-stock method, common share equivalents of the Series B Participating Redeemable Preferred Stock using the if-

converted method and the calculated common share equivalents in excess of the conversion rate related to our 1.500% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes using the treasury-stock method. Common share equivalents are excluded from EPS computations in the periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.

Refer to NOTE 8 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES and NOTE 19 - EARNINGS PER SHARE for further information.

Variable Interest Entities

We assess whether we have a variable interest in legal entities in which we have a financial relationship and, if so, whether or not those entities are VIEs. A VIE is an entity with insufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary analysis is a qualitative analysis based on power and economics. We conclude that we are the primary beneficiary and consolidate the VIE if we have both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly influence the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Refer to NOTE 18 - VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES for additional information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Issued and Not Effective

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). This update requires certain convertible instruments to be accounted for as a single liability measured at its amortized cost. Additionally, the update requires the use of the "if-converted" method, removing the treasury stock method, when calculating diluted shares. The two methods of adoption are the full and modified retrospective approaches. We expect to utilize the modified retrospective approach. Using this approach, the guidance shall be applied to transactions outstanding as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amendment is adopted. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2021, we redeemed all of our outstanding 1.500% 2025 Convertible Senior Notes; therefore, there will be no impact as a result of our adoption of this update as of January 1, 2022. Refer to NOTE 21 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS for further information.