NATIONAL STEEL CORP
10-K/A, 1998-01-29
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS)
Previous: NATIONAL RESEARCH CORP, SC 13G, 1998-01-29
Next: NATIONAL STEEL CORP, 10-Q/A, 1998-01-29



<PAGE>
 
                                     1996

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                  FORM 10-K/A
    
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2       

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

                  For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996

                                      OR

[_]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

                         Commission File Number 1-983

                          NATIONAL STEEL CORPORATION

            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Incorporated under the Laws of the State of Delaware             25-0687210
(State or other jurisdiction                                  (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)

4100 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN                         46545-3440
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 219-273-7000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

   Title of Each Class                 Name of each exchange on which registered
   -------------------                 -----------------------------------------

      Class B Common Stock                       New York Stock Exchange
First Mortgage Bonds, 8-3/8%                     New York Stock Exchange
      Series due 2006                            

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                     None
                               (Title of class)


   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes X   No    .
                                              ---     ---
   Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]

   At March 3, 1997, there were 43,288,240 shares of the registrant's common
stock outstanding.

   Aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates:  $177,348,615.

   The amount shown is based on the closing price of National Steel
Corporation's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 3, 1997.
Voting stock held by officers and directors is not included in the computation.
However, National Steel Corporation has made no determination that such
individuals are "affiliates" within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act of 1933.

                     Documents Incorporated By Reference:

   Selected portions of the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Part II and IV of the
Report on Form 10-K.

  Selected portions of the 1997 Proxy Statement of National Steel Corporation
are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report on Form 10-K.

                                       1

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 13 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
is hereby amended as follows:
    
This amendment reflects restated financial statements (See Note B to 
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in amended Exhibit 13 filed 
herewith). The amended items are set forth below:

Items 6, 7, and 8 are incorporated by reference to amended Exhibit 13 filed 
herewith.

Schedule II is filed herewith.

Exhibit 13 is filed herewith.      








                                   SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf 
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



                                NATIONAL STEEL CORPORATION
    
                                By: /s/ John A. Maczuzak
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    John A. Maczuzak
                                    President and Chief Operating Officer 


                                By: /s/ Michael D. Gibbons
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Michael D. Gibbons
                                    Acting Chief Financial Officer        
<PAGE>
 
                  NATIONAL STEEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                            (Thousands of Dollars)
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
          COLUMN A                      COLUMN B                  COLUMN C                    COLUMN D        COLUMN E
          --------                     -----------    ----------------------------------     -----------    -------------
                                                                  ADDITIONS
                                                      ---------------------------------- 
                                       Balance at                           Charged to
                                       Beginning         Charged to        Other Accounts -  Deductions -    Balance at
     Description                       of Period      Costs and Expense      Describe         Describe      End of Period
     -----------                       -----------    -----------------    --------------    -----------    -------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>                  <C>               <C>            <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1996
- ----------------------------          

RESERVES DEDUCTED FROM ASSETS
 Allowances and discounts on trade
  notes and accounts receivable          $ 19,986           $21,560 (1)      $    ----         $22,226 (3)     $ 19,320
 Valuation allowance on deferred
  tax assets                              135,600             ----              (37,200) (2)     ----            98,400
 
Year Ended December 31, 1995
- ----------------------------         
 
RESERVES DEDUCTED FROM ASSETS
 Allowances and discounts on trade
  notes and accounts receivable          $ 15,185           $21,046 (1)      $    ----         $16,245 (3)     $ 19,986
 Valuation allowance on deferred
  tax assets                              189,500             ----              (53,900) (2)     ----           135,600
 
Year Ended December 31, 1994
- ----------------------------
 
RESERVES DEDUCTED FROM ASSETS
 Allowances and discounts on trade
  notes and accounts receivable          $ 21,380           $28,504 (1)      $    ----         $34,699 (3)     $ 15,185
 Valuation allowance on deferred
  tax assets                              252,100             ----              (62,600) (2)     ----           189,500
</TABLE>       
    
NOTE 1 -  Provision for doubtful accounts of $748, $4,854 and $(3,155) for
          1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively and other charges consisting
          primarily of claims for pricing adjustments and discounts allowed.
NOTE 2 -  Represents the increase or (decrease) in the net deferred tax asset.
NOTE 3 -  Doubtful accounts charged off, net of recoveries, claims and discounts
          allowed and reclassification to other assets.

                                      34

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 13
                                                                       (Amended)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
National Steel Corporation
Financial Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>
Five Year Selected Financial and
 Operating Information............................  16
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis..............  17
 
Statements of Consolidated Income.................  23
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.......................  24
 
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.............  25
 
Statements of Changes in Consolidated
 Stockholders' Equity and
 Redeemable Preferred Stock--Series B.............  26
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........  27
 
Report of Ernst & Young LLP Independent Auditors..  46
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
FIVE YEAR SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Data
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Year Ended December 31,
                                                            1996        1995       1994       1993       1992
                                                         (Restated)  (Restated) (Restated) (Restated) (Restated)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
  Net sales                                                $ 2,954     $ 2,954    $ 2,700    $ 2,419    $ 2,373
  Cost of products sold                                      2,618       2,529      2,337      2,255      2,106
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization                     144         145        142        137        115
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Gross profit                                                 192         280        221         27        152
  Selling, general and administrative                          137         154        138        137        133
  Unusual charges (credits)                                     --           5        (25)       111         37
  Income (loss) from operations                                 65         129        113       (219)       (12)
  Financing costs (net)                                         36          39         56         62         62
  Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary
    items and cumulative effect of accounting changes           32          90        169       (281)       (74)
  Extraordinary items                                           --           5         --         --        (50)
  Cumulative effect of accounting changes                       11          --         --        (16)        76
  Net income (loss) applicable to common stock                  43          97        174       (273)       (65)
  Per share data applicable to common stock:
    Income (loss) before extraordinary items
      and cumulative effect of accounting changes              .74        2.13       4.79      (7.58)     (3.59)
  Net income (loss)                                            .99        2.26       4.79      (8.07)     (2.56)
  Cash dividends                                                --          --         --         --         --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA
  Cash and cash equivalents                                    109         128        162          5         55
  Working capital                                              281         250        252         51        100
  Net property, plant and equipment                          1,456       1,469      1,394      1,399      1,395
  Total assets                                               2,556       2,669      2,500      2,305      2,189
  Current maturities of long term obligations                   38          36         36         28         33
  Long term obligations                                        470         502        671        674        662
  Redeemable Preferred Stock--Series B                          64          65         67         68        138
  Stockholders' equity                                         645         600        401        220        358
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER DATA
  Shipments (net tons, in thousands)                         5,895       5,564      5,208      5,005      4,974
  Raw steel production (net tons, in thousands)              6,557       6,081      5,763      5,551      5,380
  Effective capacity utilization                              93.7%       96.5%      96.1%     100.0%     100.5%
  Number of employees (year end)                             9,579       9,474      9,711     10,069     10,299
  Capital investments                                      $   129     $   215    $   138    $   161    $   284
  Total debt and redeemable preferred stock as
    a percent of total capitalization                         47.0%       50.1%      65.9%      77.8%      69.9%
  Common shares outstanding at year end (in thousands)      43,288      43,288     36,376     36,361     25,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>      

16
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
    
Audit Committee Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods

Pursuant to an Audit Committee inquiry, the Company has determined that certain
prior period financial statements must be restated. The financial statements for
each of the quarters of and the years ended 1996, 1995 and 1994 have been
restated to correct accounting errors.

The effect of the restatement on items previously presented in the Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is as
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                   Year ended                    Year ended                    Year ended        
                                               December 31, 1996             December 31, 1995             December 31, 1994     
                                            --------------------------    --------------------------    --------------------------
                                            As Reported    As Restated    As Reported    As Restated    As Reported    As Restated
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
Net sales                                    $2,954,033     $2,954,033     $2,954,218     $2,954,218     $2,700,273     $2,700,273
Cost of products sold                         2,619,469      2,618,151      2,527,521      2,529,323      2,353,970      2,337,154
Selling, general and administrative expense     138,568        136,731        153,690        153,690        138,223        138,223
Unusual charges (credits)                           --             --           5,336          5,336        (24,888)       (24,888)
Financing costs (net)                            36,249         36,249         39,214         39,214         55,699         55,699
Other income                                      3,732          3,732            --             --         110,972        110,972
Income tax provision (credit)                   (15,728)       (10,840)       (13,651)       (12,201)       (16,676)       (16,546)
Extraordinary item                                  --             --           5,373          5,373            --             --
Cumulative effect of accounting change              --          11,100            --             --             --             --
Net income                                       44,557         53,924        110,796        107,544        168,512        185,198
% Net income increase (decrease)                                  21.0%                         (2.9)%                         9.9%
</TABLE> 

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis has been revised to reflect
the restated financial statements as discussed in Note B to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

Net Sales
    
Net sales for 1996 and 1995 for National Steel Corporation (the "Company") each
totaled $ 3.0 billion. Despite an increase in volume in 1996, net sales remained
essentially unchanged primarily as a result of a decline in average selling
prices sustained earlier in the year, as well as lower outside pellet sales.
Steel shipments for 1996 were a record 5,895,000 tons, representing a 5.9%
increase compared to the 5,564,000 tons shipped in 1995. Productivity
improvements as well as additional capacity provided by the new Triple G coating
line at the Granite City Division contributed to this increase.     

Cost of Products Sold
    
The Company's cost of products sold totaled $2.6 billion in 1996, an increase of
$88.8 million, or 3.5%, compared to 1995. Some of the major factors contributing
to this increase include the 331,000 net ton increase in steel shipments,
unplanned blast furnace and kiln outages at the Granite City Division and
National Steel Pellet Company, respectively, as well as a shift in product mix
to more costly but higher value-added products. Higher natural gas prices due to
extreme cold weather earlier in the year also increased costs. These increases
were partially offset by a reduction in costs associated with the decline in
outside pellet sales, along with the Company's cost reduction programs.     

Raw steel production increased to 6,557,000 tons in 1996, a 7.8% increase from
the 6,081,000 tons produced in 1995.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
    
Selling, general and administrative expense of $136.8 million in 1996 represents
a $16.9 million decrease compared to 1995. This decrease is a result of the
favorable settlement of a lawsuit earlier in the year, along with a reduction in
the level of spending for professional services.     

Financing Costs

Net financing costs of $36.2 million in 1996 represents a $3.0 million decrease
compared to net financing costs of $39.2 million for 1995. This decrease is a
result of the prepayment of $133.3 million of debt in August 1995, offset by a
reduction in interest income as a result of lower average cash balances.

Income Taxes
    
During 1996 and 1995, the Company recognized income tax credits and additional
deferred tax assets of $21.6 million and $28.6 million, respectively, based upon
future projections of income. In 1996 and 1995, these credits were offset by
$10.4 million and $9.5 million of federal income tax expense and $.3 million
and $6.9 million of state income tax expense, respectively.

The Company's effective tax rate was lower than the combined federal and state
statutory rates primarily because of the continued utilization of available
federal and state net operating loss carryforwards. As such, the Company's
effective alternative minimum tax rate was approximately 24% and 11% for 1996
and 1995, respectively. 

Settlement of Legal Proceedings

During the third quarter of 1996, the Company settled two disputes that resulted
in aggregate gains totaling $11.2 million.

On September 12, 1996, following the closing of the settlement agreement between
the Company and Bakers Port, Inc., the Company sold 213 acres out of a total of
2,338 acres of land received in connection with this settlement. The sale
generated a net gain of $3.7 million, which was recorded as other income.

On August 15, 1996, the Company finalized the settlement agreement with the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") relating to the Donner-Hanna
Joint Venture pension plans. As a part of the settlement, the Company paid $8.5
million to the PBGC. Since the Company had estimated and accrued $16.0 million
for this liability, a gain of $7.5 million was recorded in connection with this
settlement. This gain reduced cost of goods sold during the third quarter of
1996.

                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
Subsequent Event

On January 31, 1997, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with North
Limited ("North") and Bethlehem Steel Corporation ("BSC"), pursuant to which the
Company and BSC will sell to North their respective minority equity interests in
the Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC"). The Company, which owns 21.73% of IOC,
will receive approximately $85 million in proceeds in exchange for its shares
and realize an after-tax gain of approximately $25 million. The Company expects
to record the gain during the first quarter of 1997 at the time of the closing
of the transaction.

Change in Pension Measurement Date and Discount Rate and Increase in Minimum
Contributions
    
The Company retroactively reflected in its 1996 income statement the cumulative 
effect of an accounting change which resulted from a change in the valuation 
date used to measure liabilities related to pension and OPEB liabilities. The 
cumulative impact of this change was $11.1 million. The valuation date to 
measure the liabilities was changed from December 31 to September 30 and was 
made in order to provide more timely information with respect to pension and 
OPEB provisions. This adjustment was done in conjunction with certain 
restatements of prior periods. (See Note B to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements - Audit Committee Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods.)
     
As a result of recent federal legislation, the Company expects minimum pension
plan contributions to increase from $38.3 million in 1996 to approximately $93.0
million in 1997.

As a result of the increase in long term interest rates in the United States, at
September 30, 1996, the Company increased the discount rate used to calculate
the actuarial present value of its accumulated benefit obligation for pensions
and OPEB by 75 basis points to 8.0%, from the rate used at December 31, 1995.
The effect of these changes did not impact 1996 expense. However, the increase
in the discount rate used to calculate the pension obligation decreased the
minimum pension liability recorded on the Company's balance sheet from $110.6
million to $17.5 million at September 30, 1996, and at the same time resulted in
a $1.3 million increase to stockholders' equity.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

During the first quarter of 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS 121"), "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." SFAS 121
requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in
operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets'
carrying value. The adoption of SFAS 121 did not have an impact on the Company's
financial statements.

The Company also adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
("SFAS 123") "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" during the first quarter
of 1996. SFAS 123 requires the Company to either adopt a fair value based method
of expense recognition for all stock compensation based awards, or provide pro
forma net income and earnings per share ("EPS") information as if the
recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS 123 had been adopted. The Company
decided to account for its stock based compensation awards following the
provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"). APB 25
requires compensation expense to be recognized only if the market price of the
underlying stock exceeds the exercise price on the date of grant. The Company's
stock based awards consist of stock options with an exercise price equal to
market price on the date of grant. As such, the Company has not recorded
compensation expense in connection with these awards. In addition, the effect of
applying the SFAS 123 fair value method to the Company's stock-based awards
results in net income and EPS that are not materially different from amounts
reported.

Labor Negotiations

In 1993, the Company and the United Steelworkers of America ("USWA") negotiated
a six year labor agreement continuing through July 1999, with a reopener
provision in 1996 for specified payroll items and employee benefits. Pursuant to
the terms of the reopener, if the parties could not reach a settlement, they
were to submit final offers to an arbitrator who would, after a hearing,
consider the information and determine an award. On October 30, 1996, the
arbitrator handed down an award regarding the arbitration of the reopener. The
arbitrator's award is comparable to the industry pattern for payroll and benefit
items under collective bargaining agreements between the USWA and other
integrated steel producers. Pursuant to the award, employees represented by the
USWA received an immediate wage increase of fifty cents per hour retroactive to
August 1, 1996, with increases of twenty five cents per hour on August 1, 1997
and 1998. In addition, $500 lump sum bonuses will be paid to each employee
represented by the USWA on May 1, 1998 and 1999.

18
<PAGE>
 
The Company estimates that these items, along with certain other provisions in
the agreement, will increase employee related expenses by approximately $7
million, $15 million and $18 million for 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The
Company's 1996 labor costs increased by approximately $4 million as a result of
the arbitrator's award.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--COMPARISON OF THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994

Net Sales

Net sales for 1995 totaled $3.0 billion, a 9.4% increase compared to 1994. This
increase was attributable to an increase in volume as well as an increase in
realized selling prices. Steel shipments for 1995 were 5,564,000 tons,
representing a 6.8% increase compared to the 5,208,000 tons shipped in 1994. Raw
steel production increased to 6,081,000 tons, a 5.5% increase from the 5,763,000
tons produced in 1994.

Cost of Products Sold
    
Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales declined from 86.6% in 1994 to
85.6% in 1995. This improvement was the result of an increased level of
shipments, higher average selling prices and various cost reduction programs,
and was achieved despite a major blast furnace reline.     

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $153.7 million in 1995
represented an increase of $15.5 million compared to 1994. This increase was
largely attributable to nonrecurring outside professional fees associated with
various strategic initiatives.

Unusual Charges (Credits)

Reduction in Workforce--During the fourth quarter of 1994, the Company finalized
and implemented a plan that resulted in a workforce reduction of approximately
400 salaried nonrepresented employees, and a restructuring charge of $34.2
million, or $25.6 million net of tax. During the first quarter of 1995, the
Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $5.3 million, or $3.6
million net of tax, as a result of the various elections made by the terminated
employees during the first quarter.

The aggregate restructuring charge of $39.5 million was comprised of OPEB--$26.5
million; severance--$12.5 million; pensions--($2.6) million and other charges--
$3.1 million. Substantially all of the amounts related to severance and other
charges were paid as of December 31, 1995. The remaining balance of $23.9
million related primarily to OPEB and pensions and will require the utilization
of cash over the retirement lives of the affected employees.

Financing Costs

Net financing costs of $39.2 million in 1995 represented a 29.6% decrease
compared to net financing costs of $55.7 million for 1994. This decrease was
attributable to higher short term investment earnings resulting from the receipt
of cash generated by the issuance of 6.9 million shares of Class B Common Stock
in February 1995, coupled with a decrease in interest expense as a result of
debt reduction.

Primary Offering of Class B Common Stock and Extraordinary Item

On February 1, 1995, the Company completed a primary offering of 6,900,000
shares of Class B Common Stock, bringing the total number of shares of Class B
Common Stock issued and outstanding to 21,176,156 at that time. Subsequent to
the offering, NKK Corporation, through its ownership of all 22,100,000 issued
and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, holds 67.6% of the combined
voting power of the Company. The remaining 32.4% of the combined voting power is
held by the public. The issuance of the additional shares of Class B Common
Stock generated net proceeds of approximately $104.7 million. On August 7, 1995,
the Company utilized these proceeds, along with an additional amount of $20.9
million funded from the Company's available cash, to prepay $133.3 million
principal amount of the outstanding $323.3 million related party debt associated
with the rebuild of the No. 5 Coke Oven Battery serving the Great Lakes
Division. This transaction resulted in an extra-ordinary item of $5.4 million,
net of related income tax expense of $.5 million, or $.13 per share.

                                                                              19
        
<PAGE>
 
LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL

The Company's liquidity needs arise primarily from capital investments, working
capital requirements, pension funding requirements and principal and interest
payments on its indebtedness. The Company has satisfied these liquidity needs
with funds provided by long term borrowings and cash provided by operations. One
source of liquidity consists of a Receivables Purchase Agreement (the
"Receivables Purchase Agreement") with commitments of up to $200.0 million.
During July 1996, the Company amended the Receivables Purchase Agreement
extending the expiration date to May 2001. Also during July 1996, the Company
entered into a new $100.0 million credit facility and a new $50.0 million credit
facility, which will expire in May 2000 and July 1997, respectively, both of
which are secured by the Company's inventories (the "Inventory Facilities").

The Company is currently in compliance with all material covenants of, and
obligations under, the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Inventory Facilities
and other debt instruments. On December 31, 1996, there were no cash borrowings
outstanding under the Receivables Purchase Agreement or the Inventory
Facilities, and outstanding letters of credit under the Receivables Purchase
Agreement totaled $89.8 million. For 1996, the maximum availability under the
Receivables Purchase Agreement, after reduction for letters of credit
outstanding, varied from $59.3 million to $110.4 million and was $88.7 million
as of December 31, 1996.
            
At December 31, 1996, total debt and redeemable preferred stock as a percentage
of total capitalization decreased to 47.0% as compared to 50.1% at December 31,
1995. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $109.0 million and $127.6 million as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1996, obligations
guaranteed by the Company approximated $32.2 million, compared to $35.6 million
at December 31, 1995.     

Cash Flows From Operating Activities
    
For 1996, cash provided from operating activities totaled $158.9 million, a
decrease of $106.2 million compared to 1995. This decrease is primarily
attributable to the $53.6 million decrease in net income as well as a higher
usage to fund working capital needs.     

For 1995, cash provided from operating activities decreased by $51.7 million
compared to 1994. However, excluding the after tax effect of the 1994 Bessemer
and Lake Erie Railroad litigation gain of $107.9 million, cash provided by
operating activities increased by $56.2 million. The increase was primarily
attributable to increased sales and improvements in operating results.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Capital investments for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 amounted to
$128.6 million and $215.4 million, respectively. The 1996 spending is primarily
related to the 72 inch continuous galvanizing line upgrade and construction of
the new coating line, both at the Midwest Division, along with the completion of
the coating line at the Granite City Division. Capital expenditures during 1995
were primarily for projects related to the Company's Granite City Division.
These projects included the construction of the Triple G coating line, the "B"
blast furnace reline and the hot strip mill modernization program.

Budgeted capital expenditures approximating $297.0 million, of which $99.4
million is committed at December 31, 1996, are expected to be made during 1997
and 1998. These budgeted capital expenditures relate primarily to the completion
of the new coating line and the completion of the 72 inch continuous galvanizing
line upgrade, both at the Midwest Division, as well as blast furnace repairs
scheduled at the Great Lakes Division.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

During 1996, the Company utilized $56.7 million for financing activities, which
included scheduled repayments of debt, as well as dividend payments on the
Company's preferred stock. During the fourth quarter of 1996, a $6.5 million low
interest loan was issued to National Steel Pellet Company from the State of
Minnesota for the general upgrade of the mine's operations.

During the first quarter of 1995, the Company completed a primary offering of
6,900,000 million shares of Class B Common Stock. The issuance of this stock
generated net proceeds of $104.7 million, which was used along with cash from
operations during the third quarter of 1995 to prepay $133.3 million aggregate
principal amount of related party debt.

20
<PAGE>
 
Weirton Liabilities and Preferred Stock

In connection with the Company's June 1990 recapitalization, the Company
received $146.6 million from FoxMeyer Health Corporation (collectively with its
subsidiaries "FOX"), which changed its name to Avatex Corporation in January
1997, in cash and recorded a net present value equivalent liability with respect
to certain released Weirton Benefit Liabilities, primarily retiree healthcare
and life insurance. As a result of this transaction, the Company's future cash
flow will decrease as the released Weirton Benefit Liabilities are paid. During
each of 1996 and 1995, such cash payments were $15.4 million.

The Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock is presently subject to mandatory
redemption by the Company on August 5, 2000 at a redemption price of $58.3
million and may be redeemed beginning January 1, 1998 without the consent of FOX
at a redemption price of $62.2 million. Based upon the Company's actuarial
analysis, the unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities approximate the aggregate
remaining dividend and redemption payments with respect to the Series B
Redeemable Preferred Stock and, accordingly, such payments are expected to be
made in the form of releases of FOX from its obligations to indemnify the
Company for corresponding amounts of the remaining unreleased Weirton Benefit
Liabilities. Dividend and redemption payments with respect to the Series B
Redeemable Preferred Stock reduce the Company's cash flow, even though they are
paid in the form of a release of FOX from such obligations, because the Company
is obligated, subject to certain limited exceptions, to pay such amounts to the
trustee of the pension plan included in the Weirton Benefit Liabilities.

If any dividend or redemption payment otherwise required pursuant to the terms
of the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock is less than the amount required to
satisfy FOX's then current indemnification obligation, FOX would be required to
pay such shortfall in cash to the Company. The Company's ability to fully
realize the benefits of FOX's indemnification obligations is necessarily
dependent upon FOX's financial condition at the time of any claim with respect
to such obligations.

On August 20, 1996, FOX filed a Form 10-Q for its quarter ended June 30, 1996 in
which it reported a writedown of $238.7 million in its investment in FoxMeyer
Drug Company, its principal operating subsidiary. Primarily as a result of this
writedown, the consolidated stockholders' equity of FOX was reported in its Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 as a deficit of $88.4 million. At
December 31, 1996, this deficit was $83.0 million.

On August 27, 1996, most of FOX's operating subsidiaries (including FoxMeyer
Drug Company) filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. Although FOX, the parent company,
was not included in the Chapter 11 filing, the Chapter 11 filing has caused the
Company to have increased concerns about FOX's ability to honor its remaining
indemnification obligations to the Company. FOX is subject to the informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, in accordance
therewith, files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                                                     21
         
<PAGE>
 
National Steel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Statements of Consolidated Income

    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts                                   Years Ended December 31,
                                                                            1996          1995          1994
                                                                         (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Sales                                                                $2,954,033    $2,954,218    $2,700,273
      Cost of products sold                                               2,618,151     2,529,323     2,337,154
      Selling, general and
       administrative                                                       136,731       153,690       138,223
      Depreciation, depletion and
       amortization                                                         144,413       145,452       141,869
      Equity income of affiliates                                            (9,763)       (8,767)       (5,464)
      Unusual charges (credits)                                                   -         5,336       (24,888)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Operations                                                       64,501       129,184       113,379
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other (income) expense
     Interest and other financial income                                     (7,103)      (11,736)       (5,542)
     Interest and other financial costs                                      43,352        50,950        61,241
     Other                                                                   (3,732)            -      (110,972)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Item and Cumulative Effect of 
 Accounting Change                                                           31,984        89,970       168,652
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Income tax credit                                                        (10,840)      (12,201)      (16,546)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before Extraordinary Item and Cumulative Effect of Accounting 
 Change                                                                      42,824       102,171       185,198
   Extraordinary item                                                             -         5,373            -
   Cumulative effect of accounting change                                    11,100             -            -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                                                   53,924       107,544       185,198
   Less preferred stock dividends                                            10,959        10,958        11,038
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock                                    $   42,965    $   96,586    $  174,160
===============================================================================================================
Per Share Data Applicable to Common Stock
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before Extraordinary Item and Cumulative Effect of Accounting 
 Change                                                                  $      .74    $     2.13    $     4.79
   Extraordinary Item                                                             -           .13             -
   Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change                                       .25            -              -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock                                    $      .99    $     2.26    $     4.79
===============================================================================================================
    Weighted average shares outstanding
     (in thousands)                                                          43,288        42,707        36,367
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>      

                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
22
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
National Steel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts                                               December 31,
                                                                                          1996         1995
                                                                                       (Restated)   (Restated)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                                    <C>           <C>
ASSETS         Current assets
                 Cash and cash equivalents                                            $   109,041   $   127,616
                 Receivables, less allowances (1996--$19,320; 1995--$19,986)              281,889       316,662
                 Inventories                                                              440,567       413,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total current assets                                                       831,497       857,653
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Investments in affiliated companies                                       65,399        59,885
                 Property, plant and equipment
                  Land and land improvements                                              241,582       232,072
                  Buildings                                                               271,713       258,207
                  Machinery and equipment                                               3,151,302     3,049,935
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total property, plant and equipment                                      3,664,597     3,540,214
                 Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization              2,209,079     2,071,511
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Net property, plant and equipment                                    1,455,518     1,468,703
                 Deferred tax assets                                                      151,500       129,900
                 Intangible pension asset                                                  17,040       108,822
                 Other assets                                                              35,338        44,277
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total  Assets                                                          $ 2,556,292   $ 2,669,240
===============================================================================================================
LIABILITIES,   Current liabilities
REDEEMABLE       Accounts payable                                                     $   234,892   $   255,574
PREFERRED        Salaries and wages                                                        67,964        89,987
STOCK AND        Withheld and accrued taxes                                                69,137        66,005
STOCKHOLDERS'    Pension and other employee benefits                                       79,132        96,218
EQUITY           Other accrued liabilities                                                 55,487        60,759
                 Income taxes                                                               6,427         3,027
                 Current portion of long term obligations                                  37,731        35,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total current liabilities                                                  550,770       607,320
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Long term obligations                                                    323,550       339,613
                 Long term obligations to related parties                                 146,744       161,912
                 Long term pension liabilities                                            243,237       326,151
                 Postretirement benefits other than pensions                              251,769       225,306
                 Other long term liabilities                                              332,130       343,573
                 Redeemable Preferred Stock--Series B                                      63,530        65,030
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Stockholders' equity
                 Common Stock par value $.01:
                   Class A--authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
                     22,100,000 shares in 1996 and 1995                                       221           221
                   Class B--authorized 65,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
                     21,188,240 shares in 1996 and 1995                                       212           212
                 Preferred Stock--Series A                                                 36,650        36,650
                 Additional paid-in capital                                               465,359       465,359
                 Retained earnings                                                        142,120        97,893
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total stockholders' equity                                                 644,562       600,335
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total Liabilities, Redeemable Preferred Stock and
                 Stockholders' Equity                                                 $ 2,556,292   $ 2,669,240
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                                              23
<PAGE>
 
National Steel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars in Thousands                                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                               1996        1995         1994
                                                            (Restated)  (Restated)   (Restated)   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  Net Income                                                $  53,924    $ 107,544    $ 185,198
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization                144,413      145,452      141,869
      Carrying charges related to facility sales
       and plant closings                                      22,385       24,307       24,337
      Net gain on disposal of non-core assets                  (3,732)         --           -- 
      Equity income of affiliates                              (9,763)      (8,767)      (5,464)
      Dividends from affiliates                                 4,375        6,332        6,252
      Long term pension liability (net of change in
       intangible pension asset)                               18,430       24,763       36,707
      Postretirement benefits                                  29,459       43,579       23,598
      Extraordinary item                                          --        (5,373)         --
      Cumulative effect of accounting change                  (11,100)         --           --
      Deferred income taxes                                   (21,600)     (28,600)     (20,700)
  Changes in working capital items:
      Receivables                                              34,773      (23,793)     (68,160)
      Inventories                                             (27,192)     (44,291)       3,085
      Accounts payable                                        (20,682)     (17,012)      30,292
      Accrued liabilities                                     (38,209)      52,386      (32,025)
  Other                                                       (16,576)     (11,431)      (8,147)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                     158,905      265,096      316,842
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment                 (128,621)    (215,442)    (137,519)
  Proceeds from sale of assets                                  4,118          110        1,694
  Net proceeds from sale of non-core assets                     3,732          --           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities                        (120,771)    (215,332)    (135,825)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
  Exercise of stock options                                       --           169          211
  Issuance of Class B Common Stock                                --       104,734          --
  Prepayment of related party debt                                --      (125,624)         --
  Debt repayments                                             (35,750)     (35,849)     (83,845)
  Borrowings                                                    6,500          --        87,950
  Payment of released Weirton
   Benefit Liabilities                                        (15,360)     (15,429)     (16,614)
  Payment of unreleased Weirton Liabilities
   and their release in lieu of cash
   dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock--Series B           (8,066)      (7,099)      (7,055)
  Dividend payments on Preferred Stock--Series A               (4,033)      (4,032)      (4,032)
  Dividend payments on Redeemable Preferred Stock--Series B       --          (964)      (1,008)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities                         (56,709)     (84,094)     (24,393)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents          (18,575)     (34,330)     156,624
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year            127,616      161,946        5,322
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year                $ 109,041    $ 127,616    $ 161,946
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Cash Payment Information
  Interest and other financing costs paid                   $  42,487    $  45,627    $  60,342
  Income taxes paid                                            16,525       22,229        5,338
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>        

                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
<PAGE>
 
National Steel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Statements of Changes in Consolidated Stockholders' Equity
and Redeemable Preferred Stock--Series B
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Dollars in Thousands           Common       Common     Preferred     Additional     Retained          Total           Redeemable
                               Stock--     Stock--      Stock--       Paid-In       Earnings      Stockholders'       Preferred
                               Class A     Class B      Series A      Capital       (Deficit)         Equity       Stock--Series B
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993
 as previously reported        $221         $143       $36,650        $360,314     $(207,366)        $189,962         $68,030
Adjustment to correct prior
 period accounting errors         -            -             -               -        30,344           30,344               -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1,           221          143        36,650         360,314      (177,022)         220,306          68,030
 1994 (Restated)
Net Income (Restated)                                                                185,198          185,198
Amortization of excess of
 book value over
 redemption value of
 Redeemable Preferred                                                                                                        
 Stock--Series B                                                                       1,500            1,500          (1,500)
Cumulative dividends on
 Preferred Stock--                                                                                                  
 Series A and B                                                                      (12,538)         (12,538)
Exercise of stock options                                                  211                            211
Minimum pension liability                                                              5,934            5,934
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31,         221          143        36,650         360,525         3,072          400,611          66,530
 1994 (Restated)
 
Net Income (Restated)                                                                107,544          107,544
Amortization of excess of
 book value over
 redemption value of
 Redeemable Preferred                                                                                                          
 Stock--Series B                                                                       1,500            1,500          (1,500)
Cumulative dividends on
 Preferred Stock--
 Series A and B                                                                      (12,458)         (12,458)
Issuance of Common
 Stock--Class B                               69                       104,665                        104,734
Exercise of stock options                                                  169                            169 
Minimum pension liability                                                             (1,765)          (1,765)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at December 31,         221          212        36,650         465,359        97,893          600,335          65,030
 1995 (Restated)
 
Net Income (Restated)                                                                 53,924           53,924
Amortization of excess of
 book value over
 redemption value of
 Redeemable Preferred                                                                                                          
 Stock--Series B                                                                       1,500            1,500          (1,500)
Cumulative dividends on
 Preferred Stock--                                                                                            
 Series A and B                                                                      (12,459)         (12,459)
Minimum pension liability (Restated)                                                   1,262            1,262
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at December 31,        $221         $212       $36,650        $465,359     $ 142,120         $644,562         $63,530
 1996 (Restated)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>       

                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                                     25
<PAGE>
 
National Steel Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 1996

Note A--Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of National Steel Corporation and its majority owned subsidiaries (the
"Company"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Nature of Operations. The Company is a domestic manufacturer engaged in a single
line of business, the production and processing of steel. The Company targets
high value-added applications of flat rolled carbon steel for sale primarily to
the automotive, construction and container markets. The Company also sells hot
and cold rolled steel to a wide variety of other users including the pipe and
tube industry and independent steel service centers. The Company's principal
markets are located throughout the United States.

In 1996 and 1995, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales.
In 1994, a single customer accounted for approximately 10% of net sales. Sales
to the automotive market accounted for approximately 28% of total net sales in
1996 and 1995, and 29% in 1994. Concentration of credit risk related to trade
receivables is limited due to the large numbers of customers in differing
industries and geographic areas and management's credit practices.

Since 1986, the Company has had cooperative labor agreements with the United
Steelworkers of America (the "USWA") and other labor organizations, which
collectively represent 82.6% of the Company's employees. The Company entered
into a six year agreement with these labor organizations effective as of August
1, 1993 (the "1993 Settlement Agreement"). Additionally, the 1993 Settlement
Agreement contains a no-strike clause also effective through 1999. Scheduled
negotiations reopened in 1996, and were ultimately resolved utilizing the
arbitration provisions provided for in the 1993 Settlement Agreement without any
disruption to operations.

Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents are short-term liquid investments which
consist principally of time deposits and commercial paper at cost which
approximates market. These investments have maturities of three months or less
at the time of purchase.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of last-in, first-out ("LIFO")
cost or market.

Based on replacement cost, inventories would have been approximately $168.8 and
$146.0 million higher than reported at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
During each of the last three years certain inventory quantity reductions caused
liquidations of LIFO inventory values. These liquidations did not have a
material effect on net income.

The Company's inventory as of December 31 is as follows:
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------  
Inventories                     1996       1995
                             (Restated)  (Restated)                  
<S>                           <C>        <C>
                              Dollars in thousands
- ---------------------------------------------------
Finished and semi-finished     $390,675   $368,623
Raw materials and supplies      184,331    182,118
- --------------------------------------------------- 
                                575,006    550,741
Less LIFO reserve               134,439    137,366
- ---------------------------------------------------
                               $440,567   $413,375
===================================================
</TABLE>       
 
The Company originally recorded a $3.5 million reserve for slow moving inventory
at December 31, 1996 which was eliminated as part of the restatement. See Note 
B--Audit Committee Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods.

Investments in Affiliated Companies. Investments in affiliated companies
(corporate joint ventures and 20% to 50% owned companies) are stated at cost
plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition. Undistributed earnings
of affiliated companies included in retained earnings at December 31, 1996 and
1995 amounted to $14.6 million and $8.9 million, respectively. (See Note N--
Investment in Iron Ore Company of Canada regarding its sale subsequent to year
end.)
Property, Plant and Equipment.  Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost
and include certain expenditures for leased facilities.  Interest costs
applicable to facilities under construction are capitalized. Capitalized
interest amounted to $4.0 million in 1996, $6.3 million in 1995 and $3.7 million
in 1994. Amortization of capitalized interest amounted to $5.5 million in 1996
and $5.6 million in 1995 and 1994.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation of production facilities
and amortization related to capitalized lease obligations are generally provided
by charges to income computed by the straight-line method. Depreciation and
depletion of certain raw material facilities and furnace relinings are computed
on the basis of tonnage produced in relation to estimated total production to be
obtained from such facilities.

26
<PAGE>
 
Research and Development. Research and development costs are expensed when
incurred and are charged to cost of products sold. Expenses for 1996, 1995 and
1994 amounted to approximately $11.6 million, $9.8 million and $7.9 million,
respectively.

Financial Instruments. Financial instruments consist of cash and cash
equivalents, long term obligations (excluding capitalized lease obligations),
and the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock. The fair value of these financial
instruments approximates their carrying amounts at December 31, 1996. At
December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had not invested in any derivative
financial instruments.

Earnings per Share. Earnings per share of common stock ("EPS") is computed by
dividing net income applicable to common stock by the sum of the weighted
average shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus common stock
equivalents, if dilutive.

Use of Estimates. Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications. Certain items in prior years have been reclassified to
conform with the current year presentation.
    
NOTE B - AUDIT COMMITTEE INQUIRY AND RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR PERIODS

The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors in the third quarter of
1997 was informed of allegations about managed earnings, including excess
reserves and the accretion of such reserves to income over multiple periods, as
well as allegations about deficiencies in the system of internal controls. The
Audit Committee engaged legal counsel who, with the assistance of an accounting
firm, has inquired into these matters. The Company, based upon the inquiry, has
determined the need to restate its financial statements for certain prior
periods. In the Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 1997, the Company included the
effects of the restatement that increased previously reported retained earnings
at December 31, 1996 by $49.7 million and January 1, 1992 by $31.0 million. That
Form 10-Q also indicated that the Audit Committee inquiry was continuing.
Subsequent to that filing, as a result of further review initiated due to that
inquiry, and as part of its 1997 year end closing process, the Company has
become aware of certain additional accounting errors which require restatement.
These additional adjustments affect the reported results for 1996, and result in
reporting a net earnings increase of $3.4 million in 1996.

On December 15, 1997, the Board of Directors approved the termination of the
Company's Vice President-Finance in connection with the Audit Committee inquiry.
During January 1998, legal counsel to the Audit Committee issued its report to
the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee approved the report and concluded
its inquiry. On January 21, 1998, the Board of Directors accepted the report and
approved the recommendations, except for the recommendation to revise the Audit
Committee Charter, which will be considered at the next Board of Directors
meeting. The report found certain misapplications of generally accepted
accounting principles and accounting errors, including excess reserves, which
have been corrected by the restatements as discussed below. The report found
that the accretion of excess reserves to income during the first, second and
third quarters of 1997 as described in the amended Forms 10-Q for those quarters
may have had the effect of management of earnings as the result of errors in
judgment and misapplications of generally accepted accounting principles.
However, these errors do not appear to have involved the intentional
misstatement of the Company's accounts. The report also found weaknesses in the
internal controls and recommended various improvements in the Company's system
of internal controls, a comprehensive review of such controls, a restructuring
of its finance and accounting department, and expansion of the role of the
internal audit function, as well as corrective measures to be taken related to
the specific causes of the accounting errors. The Company has begun to implement
these recommendations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has authorized an
investigation pursuant to a formal order of investigation relating to the
matters described above. The Company has been cooperating with the Staff of the
Commission and intends to continue to do so.

The following tables reflect the effects of the restatement on reported net
income (loss) and retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (in millions of
dollars):
          
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 Restatement:
- -----------------

                                          1st Quarter  2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter  4th Quarter   Year
                                          -----------  ----------- -----------  -----------   ----
<S>                                      <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>


Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
and Accounting Change
- ---------------------------------
   As Originally Reported                  $ (21.0)       $  5.0       $ 21.2        $ 23.6    $ 28.8

   As Restated                             $ (19.8)       $ 12.4       $ 12.1        $ 27.3    $ 32.0

Income (Loss) Before
Accounting Change:
- --------------------

   As Originally Reported                  $ (15.6)       $ 10.4       $ 24.3        $ 25.5    $ 44.6

   As Restated                             $ (14.2)       $ 17.9       $ 11.5        $ 27.6    $ 42.8


Net Income (Loss):
- ------------------

   As Originally Reported                  $ (15.6)       $ 10.4       $ 24.3        $ 25.5    $ 44.6

   As Restated                             $ (14.2)       $ 17.9       $ 22.6        $ 27.6    $ 53.9


Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
- --------------------------

  As Originally Reported                   $ ( .42)       $  .18          .50 *      $  .52    $  .78

  As Restated                              $ ( .39)       $  .35       $  .46 *      $  .57    $  .99
</TABLE>

- -------------------
* Third quarter 1996 reported earnings per share before cumulative effect of
accounting change was $.50, the restated amount was $.20; full year as reported
was $.78 and the restated amount was $.74.

- -------------------

Pre-tax loss in the first quarter decreased by $1.2 million as a result of the
restatement adjustments. The decrease was the result of an approximately $1.8
million adjustment to correct the accruals for certain employee incentive costs,
offset by other adjustments which decreased pre-tax income by approximately $.6
million.

Pre-tax income in the second quarter increased by $7.4 million as a result of
the restatement adjustments. The correction of a delay in recognition of reduced
pension and postretirement benefits increased pre-tax income by $8.7 million.
These reduced pension and postretirement expenses, which became known to the
Company when the January 1 actuarial valuation information was being completed
late in the second quarter, were previously recognized and reported in the third
quarter. These expenses were reduced from the original estimates as a result of
revised interest rate assumptions and as a result of the use of actual claim
information with respect to postretirement benefit obligation computations. In
addition, the second quarter included a reduction of pre-tax income of
approximately $1.0 million to amortize grant income over the useful lives of the
productive assets purchased with the grant rather than to recognize such grant
income as received. Other adjustments decreased pretax income by $.3 million.

Pre-tax income in the third quarter decreased by $9.1 million as a result of the
restatement adjustments. This decrease was caused by the aforementioned $8.7
million pension and postretirement benefit adjustment and other adjustments,
which decreased pre-tax income by $.4 million. In addition to the effect of the
above adjustments on net income, the restated net income in the third quarter
was increased $11.1 million to reflect the change made in the measurement date
for the Company's pension and postretirement obligations from December 31st to
September 30th. This change is accounted for as a cumulative effect of an
accounting change. The $3.7 million increase in the tax provision related to the
correction of the effective tax rate used in calculating the previously reported
income tax provision. As a result of these adjustments, net income for the
quarter decreased by $1.7 million.

Fourth quarter pre-tax income increased by an aggregate of $3.7 million as a
result of the restatement adjustments. This resulted from reflecting the
reversal of a reserve for slow moving inventory of $3.5 million previously
recorded in the fourth quarter and reflecting a reduction of the allowance for
bad debts by $2.0 million from amounts previously reported. This increase in 
pre-tax income was partially offset by an increase in postemployment benefits
obligations based on corrections to actuarial valuations, which decreased pre-
tax income by approximately $2.4 million. Other adjustments increased pre-tax
income by approximately $.6 million. The tax provision in the fourth quarter was
increased in the restated financial statements by approximately $1.6 million as
a result of a correction of the effective tax rate used in calculating the
previously reported income tax provision.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Effect on Other Years:
- ----------------------

                                                1995        1994       1993        1992
                                              --------    --------   --------    ---------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
Income (Loss) Before Income
Taxes, Extraordinary Item And
Accounting Change
- ------------------------------

   As Originally Reported                     $  91.8      $ 151.8    $ (279.9)    $ (74.5)

   As Restated                                $  90.0      $ 168.7    $ (281.1)    $ (73.9)

Income (Loss) Before
  Extraordinary Item And
  Accounting Change
- ------------------------

   As Originally Reported                     $ 105.4      $ 168.5    $ (242.4)   $  (74.7)

   As Restated                                $ 102.2      $ 185.2    $ (243.6)   $  (74.0)

Net Income (Loss)
- -----------------

   As Originally Reported                     $ 110.8      $ 168.5    $ (258.9)   $  (48.4)

   As Restated                                $ 107.5      $ 185.2    $ (260.1)   $  (47.8)

Earnings (Loss) Per Share
- -------------------------

   As Originally Reported                     $  2.34*     $  4.33    $  (8.04)*   $ (2.58)*

   As Restated                                $  2.26*     $  4.79    $  (8.07)*   $ (2.56)*

</TABLE>

- --------------------

* Reported earnings per share for 1995 before extraordinary items was $2.21, the
restated amount was $2.13. Reported earnings (loss) per share for 1993 before
cumulative effect of accounting change was $(7.55); the restated amount was
$(7.58). Reported earnings (loss) per share for 1992 before extraordinary items
and cumulative effect of accounting change was $(3.61); the restated amount was
$(3.59).

- --------------------

The most significant of the restatement adjustments displayed in the table above
occurred in 1994 and 1995. Restated pre-tax income for 1994 increased by $16.9
million. Approximately $13.1 million of the increase in 1994 pre-tax income
related to adjustments to actuarially value certain of the Company's
postemployment and postretirement benefit liabilities related to workers
compensation and benefits for surviving spouses of certain former employees of
the Company or joint ventures in which the Company was involved.  The remaining
adjustments relate to a reduction of the Company's Michigan Single Business Tax
accruals and other items, which increased pre-tax income by approximately $3.7
million and $.1 million, respectively, in 1994. The 1995 restated pre-tax income
includes an adjustment of approximately $3.8 million to amortize the recognition
of grant income over the useful lives of the productive assets purchased with
the grant, offset by other adjustments related primarily to postretirement and
postemployment benefits, which increased pre-tax income by $2.0 million. Grant
income had previously been recognized as income when received.

Effect of Restatements on Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

As a result of the restatement, Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) as of
January 1, 1992 increased by $31.0 million. A comparison of Retained Earnings
(Accumulated Deficit) as originally reported and as restated for each of the
last five years is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      As Reported            As Restated             Cumulative Change
                                      -----------            -----------             -----------------
<S>                                   <C>                    <C>                      <C>                             
January 1, 1992                        $ 136.7                $ 167.7                     $ 31.0

December 31, 1992                         70.8                  102.4                       31.6

December 31, 1993                       (207.4)                (177.0)                      30.4

December 31, 1994                        (44.0)                   3.1                       47.1

December 31, 1995                         54.1                   97.9                       43.8

December 31, 1996                         89.5                  142.1                       52.6
</TABLE>

Adjustments made to reserves at January 1, 1992 consist of the following:

          -    Franchise tax and state tax reserves  $14.9
          -    General office reserve                  7.0
          -    Reserves for shutdown properties        8.9
          -    Other reserves                           .2
                                                      -----
                   Total                             $31.0
                                                     =====

The adjustments made to reserves at January 1, 1992 included excess state tax
reserves related to franchise taxes of approximately $12.4 million and state
income taxes of approximately $2.5 million.  The general office reserve was a
reserve established to record potential out-of-period items and was determined
to be unnecessary at, and subsequent to, December 31, 1991. The excess shutdown
reserves related to former operating or mining properties and joint ventures and
included retiree medical insurance and other benefit arrangements and other
property costs.

    
Note C -- Capital Structure and Primary Offering of Class B Common Stock
    

Ownership: On February 1, 1995, the Company completed a primary offering of
6,900,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, bringing the total number of shares of
Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding to 21,176,156 at that time. The
issuance of this stock generated net proceeds of $104.7 million, all of which
was used for related party debt reduction. Subsequent to the offering, NKK
Corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries "NKK"), through its ownership of
all 22,100,000 issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, holds
67.6% of the combined voting power of the Company. The remaining 32.4% of the
combined voting power is held by the public.

At December 31, 1996, the Company's capital structure was as follows: 

Series A Preferred Stock

At December 31, 1996, there were 5,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, par
value $1.00 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), issued and outstanding.
Annual dividends of $806.30 per share on the Series A Preferred Stock are
cumulative and payable quarterly. The Series A Preferred Stock is not subject to
mandatory redemption by the Company and is non-voting. All outstanding Shares of
Series A Preferred Stock are owned by NKK. In 1996 and 1995, cash dividends of
approximately $4.0 million were paid on the Series A Preferred Stock.

Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock

At December 31, 1996, there were 10,000 shares of Series B Redeemable Preferred
Stock issued and outstanding and held by FoxMeyer Health Corporation
(collectively with its subsidiaries "FOX"), which changed its name to Avatex
Corporation in January 1997. Annual dividends of $806.30 per share on the Series
B Redeemable Preferred Stock are cumulative and payable quarterly. Dividends and
redemption proceeds, to the extent required by the Stock Purchase and
Recapitalization Agreement (the "Recapitalization Agreement"), are used to
release FOX from its indemnification obligations with respect to the remaining
unreleased liabilities for certain employee benefits of its former Weirton Steel
Division employees (the "Weirton Benefit Liabilities"). The Series B Redeemable
Preferred Stock dividend permitted release and payment of $8.1 million and $7.1
million, respectively, of previously unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities
during 1996 and 1995, and a cash payment of $1.0 million during 1995, to
reimburse FOX for an obligation previously incurred in connection with the
Weirton Benefit Liabilities. There were no cash payments during 1996 in
connection with the Weirton Benefit Liabilities.

Upon the occurrence of certain events detailed in the Recapitalization
Agreement, prior to or coincident with the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock
final redemption, the released Weirton Benefit Liabilities will be recalculated
by an independent actuary. Any adjustment to bring the balances of the released
Weirton Benefit Liabilities to such recalculated amount will be dealt with in
the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock redemption proceeds or otherwise
settled. If the Company does not meet its preferred stock dividend and
redemption obligations when due, FOX has the right to cause

                                                                              27
<PAGE>
 
NKK to purchase the Company's preferred stock dividend and redemption
obligations. The Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock is nontransferable and
nonvoting. (See Note I--Weirton Liabilities.)    

The Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory redemption on
August 5, 2000 at a redemption price of $58.3 million and may not be redeemed
prior to January 1, 1998 without the consent of FOX. On January 1, 1998, the
redemption price for the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock would be $62.2
million.

Periodic adjustments are made to retained earnings for the excess of the book
value of the Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock at the date of issuance over
the redemption value. Based upon the Company's actuarial analysis, the
unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities approximate the aggregate remaining
dividend and redemption payments with respect to the Series B Redeemable
Preferred Stock, and accordingly, such payments are expected to be made in the
form of releases of FOX from its obligations to indemnify the Company for
corresponding amounts of the remaining unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities.
At that time, the Company will be required to deposit cash equal to the
redemption amount in the Weirton Retirement Trust, thus leaving the Company's
net liability position unchanged. The Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock, with
respect to dividend rights and rights on liquidation, ranks senior to the
Company's common stock and equal to the Series A Preferred Stock.

Class A Common Stock

At December 31, 1996, the Company had 30,000,000 shares of $.01 par value Class
A Common Stock authorized, of which 22,100,000 shares were issued and
outstanding and owned by NKK. Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to
two votes. No cash dividends were paid on the Class A Common Stock in 1996, 1995
or 1994.

Class B Common Stock

At December 31, 1996, the Company had 65,000,000 shares of $.01 par value Class
B Common Stock authorized and 21,188,240 shares issued and outstanding. No cash
dividends were paid on the Class B Common Stock in 1996, 1995 or 1994. All of
the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock are publicly traded.

28
         
<PAGE>
 
Note D--Long Term Obligations     

Long term obligations were as follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                              1996        1995
                                                                                                             Dollars in thousands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>        <C> 
First Mortgage Bonds, 8.375% Series due August 1, 2006,                                                      
  with general first liens on principal plants, properties, certain subsidiaries and an affiliated company.  $ 75,000     $ 75,000 
Vacuum Degassing Facility Loan, 10.336% fixed rate due in semi-annual installments through
  2000, with a first mortgage in favor of the lenders.                                                         26,375       32,357
Continuous Caster Facility Loan, 10.057% fixed rate to 2000 when the rate will be reset to a current
  rate. Equal semi-annual payments due through 2007, with a first mortgage in favor of the lenders.           113,920      119,428
Coke Battery Loan, 7.54% fixed rate with semi-annual payments due through 2008.
  Lenders are wholly-owned subsidiaries of NKK and unsecured.                                                 161,912      177,080
Pickle Line Loan, 7.726% fixed rate due in equal semi-annual installments through 2007,
  with a first mortgage in favor of the lender.                                                                83,526       87,901
Capitalized lease obligations                                                                                  24,965       28,485
Other                                                                                                          22,327       17,024
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long term obligations                                                                                   508,025      537,275
Less long term obligations due within one year                                                                 37,731       35,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long term obligations                                                                                        $470,294     $501,525
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Future minimum payments for all long term obligations and leases as of December 
31 1996 are as follows: 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                   CAPITALIZED     OPERATING          OTHER
                                                                                      LEASE          LEASES          LONG TERM
                                                                                                                    OBLIGATIONS
                                                                                             Dollars in thousands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>              <C>
1997                                                                                 $ 6,712        $ 61,737          $ 33,792
1998                                                                                   6,712          59,920            35,484
1999                                                                                   6,712          52,006            38,797
2000                                                                                   6,712          48,299            33,721
2001                                                                                   6,712          37,273            33,729
Thereafter                                                                           --------        147,762           307,537
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Payments                                                                       $33,560        $406,997          $483,060
===================================================================================================================================
Less amount representing interest                                                      8,595
Less current portion of obligation under capitalized lease                             3,939
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long term obligation under capitalized lease                                         $21,026
=============================================================================================
</TABLE>

Operating leases include a coke battery facility which services the Granite City
Division and expires in 2004, a continuous caster and the related ladle
metallurgy facility which services the Great Lakes Division and expires in 2008,
and an electrolytic galvanizing facility which services the Great Lakes Division
and expires in 2001. Upon expiration, the Company has the option to extend the
leases or purchase the equipment at fair market value. The Company's remaining
operating leases cover various types of properties, primarily machinery and
equipment, which have lease terms generally for periods of 2 to 20 years, and
which are expected to be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal
course of business. Rental expense totaled $72.2 million in 1996, $71.8 million
in 1995 and $70.4 million in 1994.

The Company borrowed a total of $350.0 million over a three year period ended in
1993 from a United States subsidiary of NKK for the rebuild of the No. 5 coke
oven battery servicing the Great Lakes Division. During 1995, the Company
utilized proceeds from the 6.9 million share primary offering, along with other
cash funds, to prepay

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 

         
<PAGE>
 
$133.3 million aggregate principal amount of the forementioned loan.  During 
1996, the Company made principal payments of $15.2 million, and recorded $12.1 
million in interest expenses, on the coke battery loan. During 1995, the
principal and interest payments on the coke battery loan totaled $152.9 million
and $19.7 million, respectively. The 1995 principal payments includes the $133.3
prepayment mentioned above. Accrued interest on the loan as of December 31, 1996
and 1995 was $4.7 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Additionally, deferred
financing costs related to the loan were $2.3 million and $5.5 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. (See Note J--Nonrecurring and
Extraordinary Items.)     

CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
During July 1996, the Company entered into a new $100.0 million credit facility 
and a new $50.0 million credit facility, which will expire in May 2000 and July
1997, respectively, both of which are secured by the company's inventories (the
"Inventory Facilities").  No amounts have been borrowed against the Inventory 
Facilities.

The Company's credit arrangements also consist of a Receivables Purchase
Agreement with commitments of up to $200.0 million. As of December 31, 1996, no
funded participation interests had been sold under the facility, although $89.8 
million in letters of credit had been issued.  With respect to the pool of 
receivables at December 31, 1996, after reduction for letters of credit 
outstanding, the amount of participating interest eligible for sale was $88.7 
million.  During 1996, the eligible amount ranged from $59.3 million to $110.4 
million.  During July 1996, the Company amended the Receivables Purchase 
Agreement extending the expiration date May 2001.
    
Various debt and certain lease agreements include restrictions on the amount of 
stockholders' equity available for the payment of dividends.  Under the most 
restrictive of these covenants, stockholders' equity in the amount of $177.8
million was free of such limitations at December 31, 1996.  The Company is 
currently in compliance with all material covenants of, and obligations under, 
the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Inventory Facilities and other debts 
instruments.     
    
NOTE E--PENSIONS     

The Company has various non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all employees.  Benefit payments for salaried employees are based 
upon a formula which utilizes employee age, years of credited service and the 
highest sixty consecutive months of pensionable earnings during the last ten
years preceding normal retirement. Benefit payments to most hourly employees are
the greater of a benefit calculation utilizing fixed rates per year of service
or the highest sixty consecutive months of pensionable earnings during the last
ten years preceding retirement, with a premium paid for years of service in
excess of thirty years. The Company's funding policy is to contribute, at a
minimum, the amount necessary to meet minimum funding standards as prescribed by
applicable law. The Company increased the long term rate of return for funding
purposes from 8.5% in 1995 to 9.25% in 1996. The Company's contributions to the
pension trust for 1996 and 1995 were $59.9 million and $8.9 million,
respectively. As a result of recent federal legislation, the Company expects
minimum pension contributions for the 1997 plan year to increase to
approximately $93.0 million.
    
As a result of a third quarter 1996 change in measurement date from December 31
to September 30 for pensions and other postemployment benefit obligations
("OPEB"), the Company recorded a retroactive adjustment of $8.3 million related
to pensions. (This restatement adjustment was recorded as a cumulative effect of
an accounting change on the Statement of Consolidated Income and reduced the
accrued pension liability by $8.3 million at December 31, 1996. This was done in
conjunction with certain restatements of prior periods. See Note B -- Audit
Committee Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods.)
    
Pension expense and related actuarial assumptions utilized are summarized below:
     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1996            1995            1994
                                    (Restated)   
                                                Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                        7.25%           8.75%           7.50% 
  Return on assets                     9.25%           8.50%           8.50%
Average rate of compensation
  increase                             4.70%           4.70%           4.55%
Pension expense:
  Service cost                     $ 25,989        $ 19,143        $ 24,713
  Interest cost                     111,364         110,683         104,320    
  Actual return on plan assets      (82,362)       (234,792)         51,240
  Net amortization and deferral       6,930         169,756        (114,855)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net pension expense                61,921          64,790          65,418
  Cumulative effect of 
     accounting change               (8,300)             --              --  
  Special termination credits            --              --         (17,372)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL PENSION EXPENSE            $ 53,621        $ 64,790        $ 48,046
================================================================================
     
30
<PAGE>
 
The funded status of the Company's plans at September 30, 1996 and December 31,
1995 along with the actuarial assumptions utilized are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           1996            1995
                                                                                        (Restated)
                                                                                           Dollars in thousands
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>             <C>
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                                                                               8.00%           7.25%
  Average rate of compensation increase                                                       4.70%           4.70%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded Status:
  Accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") including vested benefits of
    $1,249,551 and $1,328,302 for 1996 and 1995, respectively                           $1,364,742      $1,441,579
  Effect of future pensionable earnings increases                                           99,502         116,474
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Projected benefit obligation ("PBO")                                                   1,464,244       1,558,053
  Plans' assets at fair market value                                                     1,181,708       1,132,077
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
  PBO in excess of plan assets at fair market value                                        282,536         425,976
  Unrecognized transition obligations                                                      (43,809)        (56,770)
  Unrecognized net gain (loss)                                                             106,702         (16,613)
  Unrecognized prior service cost                                                          (98,480)       (106,694)
  Pension contributions October through December 1996                                       (7,321)             --
  Adjustment required to recognize  minimum pension liability                               17,543         110,587     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Accrued pension liability                                                                257,171         356,486
  Less pension liability due within one year                                                13,934          30,335
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long term pension liability at December 31                                              $  243,237      $  326,151
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

As a result of an increase in long term interest rates at September 30, 1996,
the Company increased the discount rate used to calculate the actuarial present
value of its ABO by 75 basis points to 8.0% from the rate used at December 31,
1995.  This is the primary reason for the decrease in the ABO.

The adjustment required to recognize the minimum pension liability of $17.5
million and $110.6 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
represents the excess of the ABO over the fair value of plan assets, including
unfunded accrued pension cost, in underfunded plans. The decrease in the minimum
pension liability is primarily attributable to the increase in the discount
rate.

At September 30, 1996, the Company's pension plans' assets of $1.2 billion were
comprised of approximately 58% equity investments, 37% fixed income investments
and 5% in real estate investments.

Note F--Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

The Company provides contributory healthcare and life insurance benefits for
certain retirees and their dependents. Generally, employees are eligible to
participate in the medical benefit plans if they retired under one of the
Company's pension plans on other than a deferred vested basis, and at the time
of retirement had at least 15 years of continuous service. However, salaried
employees hired after January 1, 1993 are not eligible to participate in the
plans. The Company has elected to amortize its transition obligation over 20
years, 16 of which remain at December 31, 1996.
    
As a result of a third quarter 1996 change in measurement date from December 31
to September 30 for pensions and OPEBs, the Company recorded a retroactive
adjustment of $2.8 million related to OPEBs. (This restatement adjustment was
recorded as a cumulative effect of an accounting change on the Statement of
Consolidated Income and reduced the OPEB liability by $2.8 million at December
31, 1996. This was done in conjunction with certain restatements of prior
periods. See Note B--Audit Committee Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              31
<PAGE>
 
The components of postretirement benefit cost and related actuarial assumptions 
were as follows:
    
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1996        1995        1994
                                  (Restated)  (Restated)   (Restated)
                                         Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>         <C>         <C> 
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                       7.25%       8.75%       7.75%
  Health care trend rate              7.20%       7.80%      10.10%
Postretirement benefit cost:
  Service cost                     $12,546     $10,573     $13,737
  Interest cost                     47,812      54,416      55,243
  Amortization of
    transition obligation           27,759      27,759      27,995
  Other                             (4,887)     (5,003)     (2,162)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic postretirement benefit 83,230      87,745      94,813
cost 
Cumulative effect of 
  accounting change                 (2,800)       --          --
Special termination credits           --          --        (4,081)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Postretirement benefit cost  $80,430     $87,745     $90,732
                                   -------------------------------  
</TABLE>      

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost increased from amounts previously 
recorded by $3.1 million in 1996, $3.2 million in 1995 and $3.2
million in 1994 as a result of the restatement. See Note B --Audit Committee
Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods.

The following represents the plans' funded status as of September 30, 1996 and
December 31, 1995, reconciled with amounts recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet and related actuarial assumptions:
    
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1996          1995
                                      (Restated)    (Restated)  
                                        Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>  
Assumptions:
  Discount rate                            8.00%         7.25%
  Health care trend rate                   6.60%         7.20%
Accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation ("APBO")
  Retirees                             $429,774     $ 548,191
  Fully eligible active participants     76,945        85,871
  Other active participants             108,823       107,388
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                   615,542       741,450
Plan assets at fair value                48,287        33,201
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APBO in excess of plan assets           567,255       708,249
Unrecognized transition obligation     (427,800)     (463,144)
Unrecognized net gain (loss)            137,432        (8,828)
Claims and contributions October
through December 1996                   (15,118)         (971)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued postretirement
  liability                             261,769       235,306
Less postretirement benefit
  liability due within one year          10,000        10,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long term postretirement
benefit liability at December 31       $251,769     $ 225,306  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>      

As a result of the increase in the long term interest rates at September 30, 
1996, the Company increased the discount rate used to calculate the actuarial 
present value of its APBO by 75 basis points to 8.0% from the rate used at 
December 31, 1995. This is the primary reason for the decrease in the APBO. The 
assumed healthcare cost trend rate of 6.6% in 1996 decreases gradually to the 
ultimate trend rate of 5.0% in 2002 and thereafter. A 1.0% increase in the
assumed healthcare trend rate would have increased the APBO at September 30,
1996, and postretirement benefit cost for 1996 by $55.3 million and $6.6
million, respectively.

In connection with the 1993 Settlement Agreement between the Company and the 
USWA, the Company began prefunding the OPEB obligation with respect to USWA 
represented employees beginning in 1994. Pursuant to the terms of the 1993 
Settlement Agreement, a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association trust (the "VEBA 
Trust") was established. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to
contribute a minimum of $10.0 million annually and, under certain circumstances,
additional amounts calculated as set forth in the 1993 Settlement Agreement. In 
1996 and 1995, the Company contributed $15.5 million and $10.0 million, 
respectively, to the VEBA Trust. VEBA Trust assets of $48.3 million at September
30, 1996, were comprised of 70.0% equity investments and 30.0% fixed income 
investments.
    
Note G--Other Long Term Liabilities      

Other long term liabilities at December 31 consisted of the following:
    
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1996          1995
                                      (Restated)    (Restated)
                                        Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>  
Deferred gain on sale leasebacks       $ 21,503      $ 24,179
Insurance and employee benefits
  (excluding pensions and OPEB)         117,913       110,986              
Plant Closings                           45,480        54,319
Released Weirton Benefit Liabilities    122,697       121,373
Other                                    24,537        32,716
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other long term liabilities      $332,130      $343,573   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>      

32
<PAGE>
 
Note H--Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between
the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes
and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of deferred
tax assets and liabilities at December 31, are as follows:
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1996         1995
                                                         (Restated)   (Restated)
                                                          Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
Deferred tax assets
  Reserves                                                $139,900     $146,200
  Employee benefits                                        206,300      197,200
  Net operating loss ("NOL")
   carryforwards                                            55,200       55,700
  Leases                                                    12,700       17,500
  Federal tax credits                                       30,400       12,600
  Other                                                     28,000       22,600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets                                  472,500      451,800
  Valuation allowance                                      (98,400)    (135,600)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Deferred tax assets net of
   valuation allowance                                     374,100      316,200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities
  Book basis of property in
   excess of tax basis                                    (168,200)    (138,500)
  Excess tax LIFO over book                                (40,400)     (29,100)
  Other                                                    (14,000)     (18,700)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                            (222,600)    (186,300)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax assets after
 valuation allowance                                     $ 151,500     $129,900
================================================================================
</TABLE>      

In 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Company determined that it was more likely than not
that sufficient future taxable income would be generated and tax planning
strategies are available to justify increasing the net deferred tax assets after
the valuation allowance. Accordingly, the Company recognized additional deferred
tax assets of $21.6 million, $28.6 million and $20.7 million in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
    
<TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1996         1995         1994
                                            (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
                                                     Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>          <C>
Current taxes payable:
 Federal (alternative
 minimum tax)                                $ 10,426     $  9,498     $  4,146
 State and foreign                                334        6,901            8
Deferred taxes                                (21,600)     (28,600)     (20,700)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total tax credit                            $(10,840)    $(12,201)    $(16,546)
================================================================================
</TABLE>      

The reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory tax rates to
the recorded total tax credit on income before income taxes, extraordinary item 
and cumulative effect of accounting change is as follows:

<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1996          1995         1994
                                          (Restated)    (Restated)   (Restated)
                                                   Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>          <C>
Tax at federal
  statutory rates                          $ 11,200      $ 31,500     $ 59,000
Benefits of operating
  loss carryforward                          (9,900)      (62,200)     (86,500)
Temporary deductible
  differences for which
  (benefit)
  no benefit was
  recognized (net)                          (27,300)       14,700       17,100
Depletion                                    (1,900)       (4,300)      ------
Dividend exclusion                           (1,200)       (1,800)      (1,600)
Alternative minimum tax                      10,426         9,498        4,146
Other                                         7,834           401       (8,692)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total tax credit                          $(10,840)     $(12,201)    $(16,546)
================================================================================
</TABLE>      

The provision for income taxes increased from amounts previously reported by
$4.9 million in 1996, $1.4 million in 1995 and $.1 million in 1994 as a result
of the restatement. See Note B --Audit Inquiry and Restatement of Prior Periods.

At December 31, 1996, the Company had unused NOL carryforwards of approximately
$152.6 million, which expire as follows: $35.6 million in 2007 and $117.0
million in 2008.

At December 31, 1996, the Company had unused alternative minimum tax credit
carryforwards of approximately $24.1 million which may be applied to offset its
future regular federal income tax liabilities. These tax credits may be carried
forward indefinitely.       

33
<PAGE>
 
    
Note I--Weirton Liabilities     

On January 11, 1984, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the 
assets of its Weirton Steel Division ("Weirton") to Weirton Steel Corporation. 
In connection with the sale of Weirton, the Company retained certain existing 
and contingent liabilities (the "Weirton Liabilities") including the Weirton 
Benefit Liabilities, which consist of, among other things, pension benefits for 
the then active employees based on service prior to the sale, pension, life and 
health insurance benefits for the then retired employees and certain 
environmental liabilities.

As part of the 1984 sale of a 50% interest in the Company to NKK, FOX agreed, as
between FOX and the Company, to provide in advance sufficient funds for payment 
and discharge of, and to indemnify the Company against, all obligations and 
liabilities of the Company, whether direct, indirect, absolute or contingent, 
incurred or retained by the Company in connection with the sale of Weirton. As 
part of the 1990 ownership transaction whereby NKK purchased an additional 20% 
ownership in the Company, the Company released FOX from indemnification of 
$146.6 million of certain defined Weirton Benefit Liabilities. FOX also 
reaffirmed its agreement to indemnify the Company for Weirton environmental 
liabilities as to which the Company is obligated to Weirton Steel Corporation. 
On May 4, 1993, the Company released FOX from an additional $67.8 million of 
previously unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities in connection with an early 
redemption of 10,000 shares of Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock.

During the first quarter of 1994, FOX sold all of its 3,400,000 shares of Class 
B Common Stock. In connection with the initial public stock offering, the 
Company entered into an agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") with FOX and NKK 
which amends certain terms and conditions of the Recapitalization Agreement. 
Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, FOX paid the Company $10.0 million as an 
unrestricted prepayment for environmental obligations which may arise after such
prepayment and for which FOX has previously agreed to indemnify the Company. 
Such prepayment accrues interest at a variable interest rate which is based upon
the prime rate. The interest rate on such prepayment was 10.75% at December 31, 
1996. The Company is required to repay to FOX portions of the $10.0 million to 
the extent the Company's expenditures for such environmental liabilities do not 
reach specified levels by certain dates over a twenty year period. FOX retains 
responsibility to indemnify the Company for remaining environmental liabilities 
arising after such prepayment and in excess of $10.0 million (as reduced by any 
above described repayments to FOX). At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the balance 
of the prepayment recorded in accrued liabilities totaled $8.6 million and $7.2 
million, respectively. The failure of FOX to satisfy its indemnity obligations 
in excess of the $10.0 million prepayment could have a material adverse effect 
on the Company's liquidity or results of operations. The Company's ability to 
fully realize the benefits of FOX's indemnification beyond the $10 million 
prepayment is necessarily dependent upon FOX's financial condition at the time 
of any claim with respect to such obligations.

On August 20, 1996, FOX filed a Form 10-Q for its quarter ended June 30, 1996 in
which it reported a writedown of $238.7 million in its investment in FoxMeyer 
Drug Company, its principal operating subsidiary. Primarily as a result of this 
writedown, the consolidated stockholders' equity of FOX was reported as a 
deficit of $88.4 million. At December 31, 1996, this deficit was $83.0 million. 
On August 27, 1996, most of FOX's operating subsidiaries (including FoxMeyer 
Drug Company) filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy 
Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. Although FOX, the parent company,
was not included in the Chapter 11 filing, the Chapter 11 filing has caused the 
Company to have increased concerns about FOX's ability to honor its remaining 
indemnification obligations to the Company. FOX is subject to the informational 
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, in accordance 
therewith, files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.

At December 31, 1996, the net present value of the released Weirton Benefit 
Liabilities, based upon a contractual discount factor of 12.0% per annum, is 
$140.7 million. FOX continues to indemnify the Company for the remaining 
unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities and other liabilities. The Company is 
indemnified by FOX for such remaining liabilities and, therefore, they are not 
recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. Such Weirton Liabilities are 
comprised of (i) the unreleased Weirton Benefit Liabilities, the amount of 
which, based on the Company's actuarial analysis, approximates the aggregate 
remaining dividend and redemption payments of $88.6 million with respect to the 
Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock and (ii) other contingent liabilities, such 
as environmental liabilities, that are not currently estimable.

34

    
     
<PAGE>
 
     
Note J--Nonrecurring and
Extraordinary Items

1996--The Company retroactively reflected in its 1996 income statement the
cumulative effect of an accounting change which resulted from a change in the
valuation date used to measure liabilities related to pension and OPEBs. The
cumulative impact of this change was $11.1 million. The valuation date to
measure the liabilities was changed from December 31 to September 30 and was
made in order to provide more timely information with respect to pension and
OPEB provisions. This restatement adjustment was done in conjunction with
certain restatements of prior periods. (See Note B-Audit Committee Inquiry and
Restatement of Prior Periods.)

1995--During 1995, the Company's Statement of Consolidated Income reflected two 
nonrecurring items.  An unusual charge of $5.3 million was recorded during the 
first quarter pursuant to the finalization of a restructuring plan that the 
Company began in 1994 related to the salaried nonrepresented workforce.  In 
addition, a $5.4 million extraordinary item was recorded during the third 
quarter in connection with the prepayment of $133.3 million aggregate principal 
amount of related party debt associated with the No. 5 coke oven battery serving
the Great Lakes Division.

1994--During 1994, the Company recorded a net unusual credit of $24.9 million.  
An unusual charge of $34.2 million was recorded in connection with the 
restructuring of the salaried nonrepresented workforce.  This charge was 
entirely offset by a $59.1 million credit recorded as a result of the reopening 
of National Steel Pellet Company ("NSPC"). NSPC had previously been idled in 
1993 following a strike by the USWA.

Additionally, during 1994 the United States Supreme Court denied the Bessemer 
and Lake Erie Railroad (the "B&LE") petition to hear the appeal in the Iron Ore 
Antitrust Litigation, thus sustaining a judgment in favor of the Company against
the B&LE. Accordingly, the Company received $111.0 million in satisfaction of 
this judgment, which was recorded as other income.

    
Note K--Related Party Transactions     

Summarized below are transactions between the Company and NKK, and the Company's
affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method.
    
The Company had U.S. dollar denominated borrowings outstanding with an NKK
affiliate totaling $161.9 million and $177.1 million as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively. (See Note D--Long Term Obligations and Note J--Nonrecurring
and Extraordinary Items.) Accounts receivable with related parties totaled $3.2
million at December 31, 1995. Accounts payable with related parties totaled $2.5
million at December 31, 1995. There were no related party accounts receivable or
payable balances at December 31, 1996.     

Effective May 1, 1995, the Company entered into an Agreement for the Transfer of
Employees (superseding a prior arrangement) with NKK Corporation.  The agreement
was unanimously approved by all directors of the Company who were not then, and 
never have been, employees of NKK.  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, 
technical and business advice is provided through NKK employees who are 
transferred to the employ of the Company.  The Company has agreed to reimburse 
NKK for the costs and expenses incurred by NKK in connection with the transfer 
of the employees.  The total amount of reimbursable expenses which the Company 
is obligated to pay was capped at $11.7 million for the initial term of the 
agreement, which ran from May 1, 1995 through December 31, 1996.  The agreement 
can be extended from year to year thereafter if approved by NKK and by a 
majority of those directors of the Company who are not then, and have never 
been, employees of NKK.  The agreement has been extended for 1997, with the 
total amount of reimbursable expenses capped at $7.0 million. The Company 
expensed $4.2 million and $5.1 million under this contract in 1996 and 1995, 
respectively.

In both 1996 and 1995, cash dividends of approximately $4.0 million were paid on
the Series A Preferred Stock.  Accrued dividends of $0.6 million were recorded 
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 related to the Series A Preferred Stock.
    
The Company is contractually required to purchase its proportionate share of raw
material production from certain affiliated companies.  Such purchases of raw 
materials and services aggregated $111.4 million in 1996, $86.5 million in 1995 
and $87.0 million 1994.  Additional expenses were incurred in connection with 
the operation of a joint venture agreement.  (See Note M--Other Commitments and 
Contingencies and Note N--Investment in Iron Ore Company of Canada.) Accounts 
payable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 included amounts with affiliated companies
accounted for by the equity method of $18.6 million and $19.0 million, 
respectively.

Note L--Environmental Liabilities     

The Company's operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations relating 
to the protection of human health and the environment. Because these 
environmental laws and regulations are quite stringent and are generally 
becoming more stringent, the Company has expended, and can be expected to 
expend in the future, substantial amounts for compliance with these laws and
regulations. Due to the possibility of future changes in circumstances or
regulatory requirements, the amount and timing of future environmental
expenditures could vary substantially from those currently anticipated.      
<PAGE>
 
It is the Company's policy to expense or capitalize, as appropriate, 
environmental expenditures that relate to current operating sites. Environmental
expenditures that relate to past operations and which do not contribute to 
future or current revenue generation are expensed. With respect to costs for 
environmental assessments or remediation activities, or penalties of fines that 
may be imposed for noncompliance with such laws and regulations, such costs are 
accrued when it is probable that liability for such costs will be incurred and 
the amount of such costs can be reasonably estimated. The Company has accrued an
aggregate liability of approximately $4.4 million and $2.4 million for these 
items at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 
1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), and similar state superfund statutes generally 
impose joint and several liability on present and former owners and operators, 
transporters and generators for remediation of contaminated properties 
regardless of fault. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are involved as
a potentially responsible party ("PRP") at a number of off-site CERCLA or state 
superfund site proceedings. At some of these sites, any remediation costs 
incurred by the Company would constitute liabilities for which FOX is required 
to indemnify the Company ("FOX Environmental Liabilities"--See Note I--Weirton
Liabilities). In addition, at some of these sites, the Company does not have 
sufficient information regarding the nature and extent of the contamination, the
wastes contributed by other PRPs, or the required remediation activity to 
estimate its potential liability. With respect to those sites for which the 
Company has sufficient information to estimate its potential liability, the 
Company has accrued an aggregate liability for CERCLA claims of approximately 
$5.1 million and $4.6 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Company has also recorded reclamation and other costs to restore its coal 
and iron ore mines at its shutdown locations to their original and natural 
state, as required by various federal and state mining statutes. The Company has
recorded an aggregate liability of approximately $12.1 million and $11.6 million
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, relating to these properties.

Since the Company has been conducting steel manufacturing and related operations
at numerous locations for over sixty years, the Company potentially may be 
required to remediate or reclaim any contamination that may be present at these 
sites. The Company does not have sufficient information to estimate its 
potential liability in connection with any potential future remediation at such 
sites. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued for such potential liabilities.

As these matters progress or the Company becomes aware of additional matters, 
the Company may be required to accrue charges in excess of those previously 
accrued. However, although the outcome of any of the matters described, to the 
extent they exceed any applicable reserves, could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations and liquidity for the applicable period, 
the Company has no reason to believe that such outcomes, whether considered 
individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's financial condition.
    
Note M--Other Commitments and Contingencies     

The Company has an agreement providing for the availability of raw material 
loading and docking facilities through 2002. Pursuant to this agreement, the 
Company must make advance freight payments if shipments fall below the contract 
requirements. At December 31, 1996, the maximum amount of such payments, before 
giving effect to certain credits provided in the agreement, totaled 
approximately $12 million, or $2 million per year. During the three years ended 
December 31, 1996, no advance freight payments were made as the Company met all 
of the contract requirements. The Company anticipates meeting the specified 
contract requirements in 1997.

In September 1990, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement to build a
$240 million continuous galvanizing line to serve North American automakers. 
This joint venture, which was completed in 1993, coats steel products for the 
Company and an unrelated third party. The Company is a 10% equity owner of the 
facility, an unrelated third party is a 50% owner, and a subsidiary of NKK owns 
the remaining 40%. The Company is committed to utilize and pay a tolling fee in 
connection with 50% of the available line-time of the facility. The agreement 
extends for 20 years after the start of production, which commenced in January 
1993.

The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture with an unrelated third party.
The joint venture, Double G Coatings Company, L.P. ("Double G"), constructed a 
$90 million steel coating facility near Jackson, Mississippi to produce 
galvanized and Galvalume(R) steel sheet for the construction market, which 
commenced production in May 1994. The Company is committed to utilize and pay a 
tolling fee in

36
    
     
<PAGE>
 
connection with 50% of the available line-time at the facility through May 10, 
2004.  Double G provided a first mortgage on its property, plant and equipment 
and the Company has separately guaranteed $24.1 million of Double G's debt as of
December 31, 1996.

The Company has agreements to purchase 1.8 million gross tons of iron ore 
pellets in 1997 from the Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC") for approximately 
$65.5 million.  Beginning in 1998, the Company's firm obligation to purchase 
iron ore pellets from IOC is .9 million gross tons per year through the year
2004. Other potential commitments with IOC consist of the purchase of an
additional .5 million gross tons per year, based upon National Steel's
production requirements, and are effective through 1999. (See Note N-Investments
in Iron Ore Company of Canada.) The Company has also agreed to purchase its
proportionate share of the limestone production from another affiliated company,
which will approximate $2 million per year. These agreements contain pricing
provisions that are expected to approximate market price at the time of
purchase.

The Company has entered into certain commitments with suppliers which are of a 
customary nature within the steel industry.  Commitments have been entered into 
relating to future expected requirements for such commodities as coal, coke, 
natural and industrial gas, electricity and certain transportation and other
services. Commitments have also been made relating to the supply of pulverized
coal and coke briquettes. Certain commitments contain provisions which require
that the Company "take or pay" for specified quantities without regard to actual
usage for periods of up to 15 years. In 1997 and 1998 the Company has
commitments with "take or pay" or other similar commitment provisions for
approximately $200.0 million and $190.0 million, respectively.

The Company believes that production requirements will be such that consumption 
of the products or services purchased under these commitments will occur in the 
normal production process.  The Company also believes that pricing mechanisms 
in the contracts are such that the products or services will approximate the 
market price at the time of purchase.

The Company is guarantor of specific obligations of ProCoil Corporation, an 
affiliated company, approximating $8.1 million at December 31, 1996.
    
NOTE N--INVESTMENT IN IRON ORE COMPANY OF CANADA     
Summarized financial information for IOC, an affiliated company accounted for by
the equity method, is presented below:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1996            1995            1994
                                                Dollars in thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets                         $160,440        $151,868        $151,480
Property, plant and
  equipment and
  other assets                          337,812         331,881         354,857
Current liabilities                     153,071         115,178         108,689
Long term obligations
  and other liabilities                  99,652         116,168         141,268
Sales and operating
  revenues                              461,917         434,357         444,519
Gross profit                            112,479         111,367          87,729
Net income                               41,923          44,869          30,668
Company's equity in:
  Net assets                             53,353          54,847          55,711
  Net income                              9,110           9,750           6,664

  Ownership percentage                    27.73%          21.73%          19.96%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
On January 31, 1997, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with North
Limited ("North") and Bethlehem Steel Corporation ("BSC"), pursuant to which the
Company and BSC will sell to North their respective minority interests in IOC.
The Company, which owns 21.73% of the shares of IOC, will receive approximately
$85 million in proceeds in exchange for its shares and realize an after-tax gain
of approximately $25 million. This transaction is subject to approval by the
other shareholders of IOC and customary governmental approvals and is expected
to occur late in the first quarter of 1997. The Company will continue to
purchase iron ore from IOC pursuant to long-term contracts. (See Note M--Other
Commitments and Contingencies).     
                                                                              37
                                                                     
    
     



<PAGE>
 
Note O--Long Term Incentive Plan     

The Long Term Incentive Plan established in 1993 authorized the granting of 
options for up to 3,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to certain executive 
officers and other key employees of the Company. The Non-Employee Directors 
Stock Option Plan, also established in 1993, has authorized the grant of options
for up to 100,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to certain non-employee 
directors. The exercise price of the options equals the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of the grant. All options granted have ten year terms 
and generally vest and become fully exercisable at the end of three years of 
continued employment. However, in the event that termination is by reason of 
retirement, permanent disability or death, the option must be exercised in whole
or in part within 24 months of such occurrences.

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS 
123") "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" during 1996. SFAS 123 required 
the Company to either adopt a fair value based method of expense recognition for
all stock compensation based awards, or provide pro forma net income and 
earnings per share information as if the recognition and measurement provisions 
of SFAS 123 had been adopted. The Company decided to account for its stock based
compensation awards following the provisions of Accounting Principles Board 
Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"). APB 25 requires compensation expense to be recognized
only if the market price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price on 
the date of grant. The Company's stock based awards consist of stock options 
with an exercise price equal to market price on the date of grant. As such, the 
Company has not recorded compensation expense in connection with these awards. 
In addition, the effect of applying the SFAS 123 fair value method to the 
Company's stock-based awards results in net income and EPS that are not 
materially different from amounts reported.

A reconciliation of the Company's stock option activity and related information 
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                          Exercise Price
                              Number of     (Weighted
                               Options       Average)
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>  
Balance outstanding at
  January 1, 1994              584,168        $13.99
Granted                        304,500         14.00
Exercised                      (15,056)        14.00
Forfeited                     (155,139)
- --------------------------------------------------------
Balance outstanding at
  December 31, 1994            718,473         14.00
- --------------------------------------------------------
Granted                        427,500         15.02
Exercised                      (12,084)        14.00
Forfeited                     (165,973)
- --------------------------------------------------------
Balance outstanding at
  December 31, 1995            967,916         14.38
- --------------------------------------------------------
Granted                        314,000         12.96
Exercised                   ----------        
Forfeited                     (122,181)
- --------------------------------------------------------
Balance outstanding at
  December 31, 1996          1,159,735        $14.03
========================================================
</TABLE> 

Exercisable stock options as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 457,401; 
324,249; and 213,973, respectively.

Outstanding stock options did not enter into the determination of EPS in 1996, 
1995, or 1994 as their dilutive effect was less than 3%.

38

    
     
<PAGE>
 
Note P--Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Following are the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years 1996
and 1995. Reference should be made to Note B--Audit Committee Inquiry and
Restatement of Prior Periods and Note J--Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Items.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               1996

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three Months Ended,                                  March 31       June 30       September 30    December 31
                                                    (Restated)     (Restated)      (Restated)     (Restated)
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Net Sales                                            $682,143       $769,481        $735,858        $766,551
Gross Profit                                           16,853         52,614          54,397          67,605
Income (loss) before cumulative
  effect of accounting change                         (14,196)        17,917          11,527          27,576
Cumulative effect of accounting change                     --             --          11,100              --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                                     (14,196)        17,917          22,627          27,576

Per share earnings applicable to
  Common Stock
  Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
    accounting change                                    (.39)           .35             .21             .57
  Cumulative effect of accounting change                   --             --             .25              --
                                                     --------       --------        --------        --------
  Net Income (Loss)                                  $   (.39)      $    .35        $    .46        $    .57
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               1995

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three Months Ended,                                  March 31       June 30       September 30    December 31
                                                    (Restated)     (Restated)      (Restated)     (Restated)
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Net Sales                                            $752,676       $736,611        $724,798        $740,133
Gross Profit                                           97,501         80,544          53,718          47,680
Unusual charges                                         5,336       --------        --------        --------
Income before extraordinary item                       48,884         32,874          13,853           6,560
Extraordinary item                                   --------       --------           5,373        --------
Net Income                                             48,884         32,874          19,226           6,560
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per share earnings applicable to
  Common Stock
  Income before extraordinary item                       1.13            .70             .26             .09
  Extraordinary item                                 --------       --------             .12        --------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                         $   1.13       $    .70        $    .38        $    .09
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>      

                                                                              39
<PAGE>
 
                Report of Ernst & Young LLP Independent Auditors

To the Board of Directors
 National Steel Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Steel
Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the related statements of consolidated income, cash flows, and changes in
stockholders' equity and redeemable preferred stock--Series B for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996.  These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has
restated its previously issued 1996, 1995 and 1994 consolidated financial
statements.



                                    Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Wayne, Indiana
January 23, 1997, except for Notes N and B,
as to which the dates are January 31, 1997, and
January 28, 1998, respectively.

<PAGE>
 
CORPORATE INFORMATION

HEADQUARTERS
  4100 Edison Lakes Parkway
  Mishawaka, Indiana 46545-3440
  Telephone:  (219) 273-7000
  Telefax:    (219) 273-7869


ANNUAL MEETING
  The Annual Stockholders' Meeting of National Steel Corporation will be held
  April 21, 1997. Formal notice of the meeting and proxy materials will be
  mailed to stockholders.


LISTING OF COMMON STOCK
  Class B Common Stock (NS)
  New York Stock Exchange


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
  Ernst & Young LLP


TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
  Chemical Mellon Shareholders Services
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


ADDITIONAL REPORTS
  More detailed information on the Company's business is available in its Form
  10-K filed annually with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Stockholders
  desiring a copy of this report for the most recent fiscal year may obtain it,
  without charge, by written request to the Director, Investor Relations, at the
  Company's headquarters.


COMMON STOCK INFORMATION
  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low
  sales prices of the Class B Common Stock on a quarterly basis as reported on
  the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PERIOD                                         HIGH          LOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         1996
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
First Quarter                                   $ 15-1/4      $ 12-1/4
Second Quarter                                    14-1/2        10-1/4
Third Quarter                                     11-7/8         8-1/2
Fourth Quarter                                    11-1/2         8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         1995
First Quarter                                   $ 18-7/8      $ 14-5/8
Second Quarter                                    16-1/8        12-5/8
Third Quarter                                     17-5/8        14-1/2
Fourth Quarter                                    15-1/2        11-3/4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

As of December 31, 1996, there were approximately 184 registered holders of 
Class B Common Stock.  (See Note C--Capital Structure and Primary Offering of 
Class B Common Stock.)  The Company has not paid dividends on its Common Stock 
since 1984, with the exception of an aggregate dividend payment of $6.7 million 
in 1989.  The decision whether to pay dividends on the Common Stock will be 
determined by the Board of Directors in light of the Company's earnings, cash 
flows, financial condition, business prospects and other relevant factors.  
Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be entitled to 
share ratably, as a single class, in any dividends paid on the Common Stock.

In addition, dividends with respect to the Common Stock are subject to the prior
payment of cumulative dividends on any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, 
including the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock, 
and must be matched by a payment into the VEBA Trust, the amount of which is 
calculated under the terms of the 1993 Settlement Agreement between the Company 
and the USWA, until the asset value of the VEBA Trust exceeds $100.0 million.  
During 1997, the Company has the capability of declaring a Common Stock dividend
slightly in excess of $26 million without having to contribute any matching 
amounts into the VEBA Trust.  Various debt and certain lease agreements include 
restrictions on the amount of stockholders' equity available for the payment of 
dividends.  Under the most restrictive of these covenants, stockholders' equity 
in the amount of $177.8 million was free of such limitations at December 31, 
1996.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 23

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual report (Form 10-K/A)
of National Steel Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") of our report
dated January 23, 1997 (except for Notes N and B, as to which the dates are
January 31, 1997 and January 28, 1998, respectively), included in the 1996
Annual Report to Shareholders of the Company.

Our audit also included the financial statement schedule, as restated, of the
Company listed in item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our
audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements.

 .  Form S-8 No. 33-51991 pertaining to the 1994 and 1995 Stock Grants to Union
   Employees,

 .  Form S-8 No. 33-51081 pertaining to the 1994 National Steel Corporation Long
   Term Incentive Plan,

 .  Form S-8 No. 33-51083 pertaining to the 1993 National Steel Corporation Non-
   Employee Director's Stock Option Plan, and

 .  Form S-8 No. 33-61087 pertaining to the National Steel Retirement Savings
   Plan and National Steel Represented Employee Retirement Savings Plan;

of our report dated January 23, 1997 (except for Notes N and B, as to which the
dates are January 31, 1997 and January 28, 1998, respectively) with respect to
the consolidated financial statements, as restated, incorporated by reference,
and our report included in the preceding paragraph with respect to the financial
statement schedule, as restated, included in this Annual Report Form 10-K/A of
the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996.



                                    Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Wayne, Indiana
January 28, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                              DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                        109,041 
<SECURITIES>                                        0 
<RECEIVABLES>                                 301,209 
<ALLOWANCES>                                   19,320 
<INVENTORY>                                   440,567 
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              831,497       
<PP&E>                                      3,664,597      
<DEPRECIATION>                              2,209,079    
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              2,556,292      
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         550,770    
<BONDS>                                       470,294  
<COMMON>                                          433 
                          63,530 
                                    36,650 
<OTHER-SE>                                    607,479
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                2,556,292         
<SALES>                                     2,954,033          
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            2,954,033          
<CGS>                                       2,618,151          
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               2,618,151          
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                              266,983
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  666      
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             36,249       
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                31,984       
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (10,840)      
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            42,824      
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0  
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0      
<CHANGES>                                      11,100          
<NET-INCOME>                                   53,924
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .99
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .99
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission