CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC. Third-Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation October 20, 2025 © 2025 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. All Rights Reserved. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This presentation contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry or our businesses, are forward-looking statements. We ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $174 million for Q1 2025, reflecting a challenging pricing environment and underperformance of non-core assets [30] - Total shipments in Q1 were 4.14 million tons, consistent with guidance to exceed 4 million tons, aided by a full quarter contribution from Stelco [30] - Price realization for Q1 was $980 per net ton, a slight improvement from Q4's $970, but still weighed down by lower realizations in cold rolled products [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive sector remains a high-margin business for the company, with expectations of an annual EBITDA benefit of $250 million to $500 million starting in the second half of 2025 [10] - The company is idling several non-core assets, which is expected to generate annual savings of over $300 million [18] - The idling of loss-making operations is aimed at optimizing the operating footprint and improving profitability [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, only 50% of cars sold in the U.S. were domestically produced, highlighting the need for reshoring automotive production [6] - The company is seeing a shift of automotive production back to the U.S., with key customers increasing domestic manufacturing [9] - The domestic flat rolled prices have increased, while the company's realized prices under a Brazilian price-linked slab contract have declined, leading to negative margins [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to consistent profitability and free cash flow generation through operational changes and strategic initiatives [5] - The strategic repositioning of Stelco as a Canadian supplier is expected to provide more business opportunities for U.S. mills [24] - The company is actively engaging with automotive clients to secure longer-term steel supply contracts as they increase domestic production [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improved pricing and operational efficiencies in the second half of 2025, with expectations for a reset in financial results in 2026 [31] - The company is committed to reducing costs and optimizing operations to remain competitive in the U.S. steel market [11][36] - Management highlighted the importance of enforcing trade laws to protect against unfair competition from dumped steel imports [36] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its 2025 capital expenditure guidance from $700 million to $625 million, primarily due to idled assets and canceled projects [34] - The company maintains a healthy liquidity position with approximately $3 billion in available liquidity and $3.3 billion in secured capacity [35] - Management indicated that cash charges related to idling operations would be minimal, with expected non-cash accounting charges of around $300 million in Q2 [87] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing for achieving $300 million savings - Management indicated that the full impact of the $300 million savings would start to materialize in the second half of 2025, primarily from the Cleveland Dearborn switch and other operational changes [42][43] Question: Impact of steel tariffs on Stelco - Management clarified that the acquisition of Stelco was planned to redirect sales to the Canadian market, and the Section 232 tariffs would not change their strategy [50][51] Question: Assumptions around domestic auto production increase - Management expressed confidence that the overall number of cars produced in the U.S. would increase, benefiting steel suppliers like the company [60] Question: Updates on asset sales and debt covenants - Management confirmed that unsolicited inquiries for non-core assets have been received, with potential sales bringing several billion dollars in value, which would be used for debt reduction [69][70] Question: CapEx and blast furnace reline updates - Management stated that CapEx guidance has been lowered and that blast furnace relines are planned for 2027, with ongoing reliance on blast furnaces for production [105][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $81 million, primarily due to weaker automotive demand and lagged pricing [33] - Total shipments in Q4 were 3.8 million tons, lower than Q3 due to the idling of the C6 furnace and seasonally weaker demand [37] - Q4 price realization was $976 per net ton, a decrease of $70 per net ton from the previous quarter, influenced by the inclusion of Stelco and its lower price mix [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct shipments to the automotive sector in Q4 were the lowest since the pandemic, reflecting a significant impact from weak demand [33] - The company expects to improve shipment levels above 4 million tons in Q1 2025 due to better demand and full utilization of Stelco [37] - The inclusion of Stelco is expected to reduce average costs by an additional $40 per net ton in 2025 [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for steel in 2024 was the weakest since 2010, with significant declines in automotive and construction sectors [8] - The company noted a significant uptick in demand for automotive products as 2025 begins, indicating a recovery in market share [23] - The first quarter of 2025 is expected to see a price increase of at least $10 per ton compared to Q4 2024 due to increased automotive shipments [101] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging tariffs to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign steel imports [11][12] - The acquisition of Stelco is seen as a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and cost structure [16][18] - The company aims to achieve $120 million in synergies from the Stelco acquisition by the end of 2025, with a strong focus on maximizing value from the combination [18][145] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, citing improvements in order books and rising steel prices as positive indicators [6][23] - The company is prepared for the implementation of tariffs, which are expected to bolster domestic demand and reduce competition from foreign producers [10][109] - Management emphasized a commitment to debt reduction and maintaining financial flexibility despite current leverage levels [41][132] Other Important Information - The company reported a total reportable incident rate of 0.9% for 2024, highlighting a strong safety record [26] - The company has $3 billion in liquidity and plans to use free cash flow for debt reduction [40][132] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be $700 million, down from $800 million in 2024 [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on evolving tariff environment and implications for Stelco - Management stated that tariffs are necessary and will benefit the overall business, with minimal negative impact on Stelco due to its Canadian operations [54][55] Question: Clarification on reporting tariffs in adjusted EBITDA - Management confirmed that results will be reported as they are, without excluding tariffs from adjusted EBITDA [58][59] Question: Volume cadence and cost guidance for 2025 - Management indicated that only 30% to 35% of volumes will be under fixed pricing, with cost reductions expected to materialize more in the latter half of the year [76][78] Question: Update on capital expenditures and project timelines - Management outlined a clear CapEx plan for 2025, with specific allocations for legacy operations and ongoing projects [88][90] Question: Conditions for potential restart of C6 furnace - Management stated that the C6 furnace remains indefinitely idle with no current plans for a restart [141] Question: Synergies from Stelco acquisition - Management expressed confidence in achieving and potentially exceeding the $120 million synergy target from the Stelco acquisition [145] Question: Working capital expectations for Q1 - Management indicated that working capital build in Q4 was to prepare for improved demand in 2025, with benefits expected in subsequent quarters [114][115] Question: Possibility of equity issuance - Management confirmed there are no plans for equity issuance, focusing instead on debt reduction [128][132]