-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, NnEu8gfILCX2Jy0nwc8urn1gwjO88gr6SHSiGdJdMtz/1UtDOr/79pP+8gp5kDIx brka8sbKLZ+4rDqW+aMuXQ== 0000950130-99-000397.txt : 19990127 0000950130-99-000397.hdr.sgml : 19990127 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950130-99-000397 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990126 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AK STEEL HOLDING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000918160 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS) [3312] IRS NUMBER: 311401455 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13696 FILM NUMBER: 99512593 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 703 CURTIS ST CITY: MIDDLETOWN STATE: OH ZIP: 45043 BUSINESS PHONE: 5134255000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 703 CURTIS ST CITY: MIDDLETOWN STATE: OH ZIP: 45043 10-K 1 FORM 10-K - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------ FORM 10-K [X] Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. OR [_] Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to . Commission File No. 1-13696. AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 31-1401455 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 703 Curtis Street, Middletown, Ohio 45043 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (513) 425-5000 Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered ------------------- ------------------------------------------ Common Stock $.01 Par Value New York Stock Exchange 10 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2004 New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 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. YES NO X . Aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock held by non- affiliates at January 22, 1999: $1,092,324,676. At January 22, 1999 there were 59,046,316 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE The information required to be furnished pursuant to Part III of this Form 10-K will be set forth in, and incorporated by reference from, the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 20, 1999, (the "1999 Proxy Statement"), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AK Steel Holding Corporation Table of Contents Page Item 1. Business......................................................... 1 Item 2. Properties....................................................... 4 Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................ 4 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.............. 5 Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.................................................................. 7 Item 6. Selected Financial Data.......................................... 8 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.................................................... 9 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk....... 13 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data...................... 14 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants.................... 32 Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............... 32 Item 11. Executive Compensation........................................... 32 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management... 32 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................... 32 Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 10-K. 32
i PART I Item 1. Business. General AK Steel Holding Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AK Steel Corporation (collectively, the "Company"), is a fully-integrated producer of flat rolled carbon steel. The Company concentrates on the production of premium quality coated, cold rolled and hot rolled carbon steel primarily for sale to the automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets. The Company also cold rolls and aluminum coats stainless steel for automotive industry customers. During 1998, the Company's shipments totalled 4,601,600 tons, of which 3,131,600 tons, or approximately 68%, up from 62% the prior year, consisted of value-added coated and cold rolled carbon steel products, reflecting the increasing benefits of the Company's Rockport Works facility. The Company has earned a reputation, particularly among high-end customers, for consistent product quality and superior service, receiving numerous customer quality awards. The Company is registered under the ISO 9002 international quality standard and certified under the QS 9000 quality assurance program used by domestic automotive manufacturers. Operations The Company conducts operations at its Middletown Works in Middletown, Ohio, its Ashland Works in Ashland, Kentucky and its Rockport Works near Rockport, Indiana. The Rockport Works, a state-of-the-art finishing facility currently completing construction on a 1,700 acre site in Spencer County, Indiana, began operating a hot-dip galvanizing and galvannealing line on June 16, 1998 and a continuous cold rolling mill on September 12, 1998. For further information with respect to these facilities, see Item 2. Properties. Customers The Company's principal customers are in the automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets. The Company also sells its products to distributors and convertors. The Company's marketing efforts are principally directed toward those customers who require on-time delivery, technical support and the highest quality coated and cold rolled products. The Company believes that its enhanced product quality and delivery capabilities, and its emphasis on customer technical support and product planning, are critical factors in its ability to serve this segment of the market. The following table sets forth the percentage of the Company's net sales attributable to various markets:
Years Ended December 31, -------------- 1996 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- Automotive.................................................... 55% 56% 60% Appliance, Construction and Manufacturing..................... 15% 16% 17% Distributors and Convertors................................... 30% 28% 23%
Consistent with management's strategy of concentrating on the high-end of the flat rolled carbon steel market, shipments to the automotive market have increased steadily in recent years. A major factor contributing to this increase has been the growth in the number of U.S.-based plants of foreign automotive manufacturers. The Company supplies coated, cold rolled and hot rolled steel to nearly all of these producers and is a major supplier to General Motors, Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler AG. Shipments to General Motors, the 1 Company's largest customer, accounted for approximately 17%, 18% and 19% of net sales in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Shipments to Ford accounted for approximately 13% of net sales in 1998. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales for any of these years. The appliance, construction and manufacturing markets consist principally of the home appliance market, heating, ventilation and air conditioning market and the lighting industry. Distributors and convertors, the third category of the Company's primary markets, purchase primarily hot rolled and cold rolled products and may process these further or sell them directly to third parties. On December 10, 1998, the Company and two divisions of Mexican steel producer Hylsamex, completed definitive agreements that will enable them to jointly market their respective products to serve customers in the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. Raw Materials The principal raw materials and commodities required in the Company's manufacturing operations are coal, iron ore, electricity, natural gas, oxygen, scrap metal, zinc, limestone and other commodity materials, all of which are purchased at competitive or prevailing market prices. Adequate sources of supply exist for all of the Company's raw material requirements. Employees As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 5,800 active employees, of whom approximately 54% were represented by the Armco Employees Independent Federation, Inc. (the "AEIF"), 17% by the United Steelworkers of America (the "USWA") and 6% by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union (the "OCAW"). The AEIF represents all hourly employees and certain nonexempt salaried employees at the Middletown Works. The USWA represents hourly steelmaking employees and certain nonexempt salaried employees at the Ashland Works. The OCAW represents hourly employees at the Ashland Works coke manufacturing facility. The Company's existing labor contracts are scheduled to expire as follows: AEIF--February 29, 2000, USWA--September 1, 2000, and OCAW--April 1, 2001. Competition The Company competes with domestic and foreign flat rolled carbon steel producers and producers of plastics, aluminum and other materials that can be used in place of flat rolled carbon steel in manufactured products. Price, service, delivery and quality are the primary competitive factors faced by the Company, and vary in importance according to the category of product and customer requirements. Domestic steel producers face significant competition from foreign producers who typically have lower labor costs. In addition, many foreign steel producers are owned, controlled or subsidized by their governments and their decisions with respect to production and sales may be influenced more by political and economic policy considerations than by prevailing market conditions. On September 30, 1998, complaints were filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission ("ITC") by several U.S. steel companies and the USWA that hot rolled carbon steel was being dumped in the U.S. Market at below fair market prices. On November 13, 1998 the ITC voted affirmatively in the preliminary determination of question of injury and on November 23, 1998 the Department of Commerce announced an affirmative finding of critical circumstances on the Japanese and Russian cases. A finding that unfairly traded imports have caused injury to domestic producers could result in tariffs that may slow imports. 2 Environmental Matters Domestic steel producers, including the Company, are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and the environment. The Company has expended the following for environmental related capital investments and environmental compliance:
Years Ended December 31, ----------------- 1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- (in millions) Environmental related capital investments................. $ 6.1 $ 4.3 $18.8 Environmental compliance costs............................ 53.6 52.9 65.2
The Company does not anticipate any material impact on its future recurring operating costs or profitability as a result of its compliance with current environmental regulations. Moreover, the Company believes that since all domestic steel producers operate under the same set of environmental regulations, the Company is under no competitive disadvantage resulting from compliance with such regulations. Environmental Remediation The Company and its predecessors have been conducting steel manufacturing and related operations for over 90 years. Although the Company believes that its predecessors utilized operating practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hazardous materials may have been released in or under currently or previously operated sites. Although the Company does not have sufficient information to estimate its potential liability in connection with any potential future remediation, it believes that if any such remediation is required, it will occur over an extended period of time. Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), which governs the treatment, handling and disposal of hazardous waste, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and authorized state environmental agencies may conduct inspections of RCRA regulated facilities to identify areas where there have been releases of hazardous waste or hazardous constituents into the environment and order the facilities to take corrective action to remediate such releases. The Middletown Works and the Ashland Works are subject to RCRA inspections by environmental regulators. While the Company cannot predict the future actions of these regulators, the potential exists for required corrective action at these facilities. Under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), EPA and state environmental authorities have conducted site investigations at certain of the Company's facilities, portions of which previously had been used for disposal of currently regulated materials. While the results of these investigations are still pending, the Company could, in the future, be directed to incur costs for remedial activities at the former disposal areas. Given the uncertain status of these investigations, however, the Company currently is unable to predict if and when such costs might arise or, if they should arise, their magnitude. Environmental Proceedings In 1991, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency notified the Company that it had referred to the Ohio Attorney General for potential enforcement action certain alleged violations of Ohio's water discharge and hazardous waste regulations at the Middletown Works. Although the Company believes it has a strong basis for contesting the alleged violations, it is in the process of negotiating a consent order with the Ohio Attorney General that will address the state's concerns. Subsequent to a multi-media inspection of Middletown Works during the fall of 1996, U.S. EPA Region V has notified the Company that legal proceedings have been initiated alleging violations of clean air and clean 3 water act regulations. The Company is having discussions with Region V and the Department of Justice concerning these matters. In addition to the foregoing matters, the Company is or may be involved in legal proceedings with various regulatory authorities that may require the Company to pay fines relating to violations of environmental laws and regulations, comply with more rigorous standards or other requirements, and incur capital and operating expenses to meet such obligations. The Company does not believe that the ultimate disposition of the foregoing proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Item 2. Properties. The Company's corporate headquarters is located in Middletown, Ohio. The Company conducts operations at its Middletown Works in Middletown, Ohio, its Ashland Works in Ashland, Kentucky and its Rockport Works in Spencer County, Indiana. Coke manufacturing plants, blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces and continuous casters are located at Ashland and Middletown. The Company has a hot rolling mill, cold rolling mill, pickling lines, annealing facilities and temper mills as well as four of its coating lines located at the Middletown Works, and one additional coating line located at the Ashland Works. All of these facilities are owned and together comprise approximately 5,400 acres of land. The Rockport Works, currently completing construction, is located on a 1,700 acre site in Spencer County, Indiana near the Ohio river community of Rockport. The facility consists of a state-of-the-art continuous cold rolling mill, a hot dip galvanizing and galvannealing line, a continuous carbon and stainless steel pickling line, a stainless steel annealing and pickling line, hydrogen annealing facilities and a temper mill. The first production component, the hot dip galvanizing and galvannealing line began operations on June 16, 1998. The continuous cold rolling mill began operations on September 12, 1998. The remaining facilities are scheduled to begin operations in a staggered fashion during 1999. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. In addition to the items discussed below, the Company is also involved in routine litigation, environmental proceedings, and claims pending with respect to matters arising out of the normal conduct of the business. In management's opinion, the ultimate liability resulting from all claims, individually or in the aggregate, will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Under the authority of CERCLA, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection conducted a comprehensive review of the waste management control systems and handling practices at the Ashland Works coke department and steelmaking facility in July, August and September 1991. As a result of this inspection, the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet instituted an administrative proceeding against the Company in November 1993, alleging certain regulatory violations. The Company has entered into non-binding mediation with the Kentucky Cabinet for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. Federal regulations promulgated pursuant to the Clean Water Act impose categorical pretreatment limits on the concentrations of various constituents in coke plant wastewaters prior to discharge into publicly owned treatment works ("POTW"). Due to concentrations of ammonia and phenol in excess of these limits at the Middletown Works, the Company, through the Middletown POTW, petitioned the EPA for "removal credits," a type of compliance exemption, based on the Middletown POTW's satisfactory treatment of the Company's wastewater for ammonia and phenol. The EPA declined to review the Company's application on the grounds that it had not yet promulgated new sludge management rules. The Company thereupon sought and obtained from the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Ohio an injunction prohibiting the EPA from instituting enforcement action against the Company for noncompliance with the pretreatment limitations, pending the EPA's promulgation of the applicable sludge management regulations. Although the Company is unable to 4 predict the outcome of this matter, if the EPA eventually refuses to grant the Company's request for removal credits, the Company could incur additional costs to construct pretreatment facilities at the Middletown Works. In January 1996, an action was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County, Ohio on behalf of four named plaintiffs who purport to represent a class of plaintiffs consisting of all hourly employees at the Company's Middletown Works and all hourly employees of independent contractors working at the facility since June 1992. The complaint has twice been amended to add additional named plaintiffs. The plaintiffs allege negligence and intentional tort and seek compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount for alleged dangerous working conditions at the Company's Middletown Works. In March 1997, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion to certify a class. The Company's appeal of this decision to the Ohio Supreme Court was denied on July 29, 1998. The Court of Common Pleas has set a new discovery schedule and a trial date of March 2000. On November 2, 1998, the Company filed motions in the trial court for an order vacating class certification and for partial summary judgment on the grounds of federal preemption. Both motions are pending. In April 1996, an action was filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, by a number of former employees of the Company seeking certain pension and postretirement benefits which they allege were wrongly denied them when the Company outsourced their positions. On June 18, 1998, the magistrate judge issued a report and recommendation to the court granting in part and denying in part the Company's motion for summary judgment. On September 18, 1998, the court adopted the magistrate judge's report and recommendation, and referred the parties to mediation. Mediation is in progress. Trial is scheduled for March 1999. On January 20, 1998, judgment was entered by the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Company in the amount of $6.5 million following a jury trial in a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee. On January 30, 1998, the Company moved for judgment in its favor as a matter of law, reduction of the damages and a new trial. On August 7, 1998, the court temporarily stayed all post-trial motions pending mediation, which is in progress. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None. Executive Officers of the Company The following table sets forth the name, age and principal position with the Company of each of its executive officers as of January 22, 1999:
Name Age Positions with the Company ---- --- -------------------------- Richard M. Wardrop, Jr.. 53 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer James L. Wareham........ 59 President Richard E. Newsted...... 41 Executive Vice President, Commercial John G. Hritz........... 44 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Michael T. Adams........ 42 Vice President, Manufacturing Michael P. Christy...... 42 Vice President, Purchasing and Transportation Thomas C. Graham, Jr.... 44 Vice President, Research and Engineering Brenda S. Harmon........ 47 Vice President, Human Resources Alan H. McCoy........... 47 Vice President, Public Affairs James W. Stanley........ 54 Vice President, Safety and Health James L. Wainscott...... 41 Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer James F. Walsh.......... 45 Vice President, Corporate Development Donald B. Korade........ 56 Controller
5 Richard M. Wardrop, Jr. has been Chairman of the Board of the Company since January 1997. He has been a director since March 1995 and Chief Executive Officer since May 1995. Mr. Wardrop also served as President of the Company from April 1994 until March 1997. From June 1992 to April 1994, Mr. Wardrop served as Vice President, Manufacturing of the Company's predecessor, Armco Steel Company, L.P. James L. Wareham has been President since March 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Wareham was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation as well as President of WHX Corporation, the parent company of Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. Richard E. Newsted was named Executive Vice President, Commercial in July 1998. From May 1997 until that date, Mr. Newsted had been Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. He had been Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company from August 1994 to May 1997 and was Treasurer from August 1994 through March 1995. From January 1993 until June 1994, Mr. Newsted was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of National Steel Corporation. John G. Hritz was named Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in January 1999. From May 1998 until that date, Mr. Hritz had been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. Prior to that Mr. Hritz had been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since August 1996. Mr. Hritz joined the Company in 1989 as Counsel in the Law Department, and was named Assistant General Counsel in 1993 and Assistant Secretary in 1994. Since June 1996, Mr. Hritz also has had responsibility for the Company's employee and labor relations and environmental affairs. In January 1999 Mr. Hritz assumed responsibility for the Company's research and engineering. Michael T. Adams was named Vice President, Manufacturing in July 1998. From October 1995 until that date, Mr. Adams served as General Manager, Manufacturing of the Company's Middletown Works facility. Prior to that Mr. Adams held various manufacturing and engineering positions within the Company. Michael P. Christy has been Vice President, Purchasing and Transportation since November 1998. From January 1998 until that date, Mr. Christy had been Vice President, Purchasing and Financial Analysis. Mr. Christy was named Director, Purchasing and Financial Analysis in May 1997 after having served as Director, Financial Planning and Analysis since June 1996. Prior to that Mr. Christy held various positions in finance, planning and operations at National Steel Corporation. Thomas C. Graham, Jr. has been Vice President, Research and Engineering since June 1996. From early 1994 until that date, he was General Manager Sales, Construction for National Steel Corporation, having previously held various positions in Project Engineering, Process and Technology, and Operations Management at that company. Brenda S. Harmon has been Vice President, Human Resources since January 1998. Mrs. Harmon had been General Manager, Human Resources since September 1996, after having been named Corporate Manager, Human Resources in March 1995. Prior to that Mrs. Harmon held various positions within the Company's Human Resources Department. Alan H. McCoy has been Vice President, Public Affairs since January 1997. From March 1994 until that date, Mr. McCoy served as General Manager, Public Relations. Prior to that Mr. McCoy held various positions within the Company's Public Relations Department. James W. Stanley has been Vice President, Safety and Health since January 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Stanley held various management positions with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration since its inception in 1971. James L. Wainscott was named Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in July 1998. From April 1995 until that date, Mr. Wainscott had been Vice President and Treasurer of the Company. For more than ten years prior to joining the Company, Mr. Wainscott held various financial positions with National Steel Corporation. 6 James F. Walsh was named Vice President, Corporate Development in July 1998. From January 1996 until that date, Mr. Walsh had been Vice President, Manufacturing of the Company. Mr. Walsh joined the Company in January 1993 as Manager, Maintenance Technology, and in April 1994 was named General Manager, Middletown Works. He was elected Vice President, Research and Design Engineering in August 1995. Donald B. Korade has been Controller since September 1995. Mr. Korade was Assistant Controller, Financial Accounting from June 1989 until September 1995. Prior to that date, Mr. Korade held various positions within the Company's Finance organization. PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. The Company's Common Stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since April 5, 1995 (symbol: AKS). In October 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one stock split of its outstanding Common Stock effective November 17, 1997. The number of shares, share prices, earnings per share and dividends per share have been restated for the two-for-one Common Stock split. The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the reported high and low sale prices of the Common Stock.
1997 High Low ---- -------- --------- First Quarter.......................................... $20 11/16 $17 1/2 Second Quarter......................................... 22 3/16 17 3/4 Third Quarter.......................................... 24 1/32 20 9/16 Fourth Quarter......................................... 22 5/8 16 1/8 1998 High Low ---- -------- --------- First Quarter.......................................... $21 5/8 $16 1/16 Second Quarter......................................... 22 3/16 16 11/16 Third Quarter.......................................... 18 7/8 13 5/8 Fourth Quarter......................................... 23 3/4 14 1/2
As of January 22, 1999, there were 59,046,316 shares of Common Stock outstanding and held of record by 301 stockholders. Because many of these shares were held by depositories, brokers and other nominees, the number of record holders is not representative of the number of beneficial holders. On May 15, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase, from time-to-time, up to $100.0 million of the Company's outstanding equity securities. The following table is a summary of the purchases under that plan:
Number Year of shares* Amount Per Share* ---- -------------- ---------- -------------- (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Common Stock............... 1997 1,409,050 $26.7 $18.96 1998 2,121,500 38.4 18.12 Preferred Stock............ 1996 625,195 12.8 20.50 1997 163,799 3.1 19.12 -------------- ---------- Total Program.............. 4,319,544 $81.0 ============== ==========
- -------- *On a post-split basis. In addition, on October 16, 1997, the Company redeemed its remaining outstanding 4,750,774 Shared Appreciation Income Linked Securities ("SAILS"), in exchange for the issuance of 8,191,284 shares of Common Stock on a post- split basis. 7 The Company has paid quarterly dividends on its Common Stock since November 15, 1995. In 1997, dividends at the rate of $0.10 per share were paid on February 15, May 15, August 15 and a dividend of $0.125 per share was paid on November 17 after the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 25% increase in the annual dividend rate. In 1998, a dividend of $0.125 per share was paid on February 17, May 15, August 17 and November 16. The declaration and payment of cash dividends is subject to restrictions imposed by the instruments governing its senior debt. At December 31, 1998, the Company had adequate amounts available for the payment of cash dividends. Item 6. Selected Financial Data. The following selected historical consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1998 have been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. The selected historical consolidated financial data presented herein are qualified in their entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of the Company and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Years Ended December 31, --------------------------------------------- 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (dollars in millions, except per share data) Statement of Operations Data: (1) Net sales........................ $2,016.6 $2,257.3 $2,301.8 $2,440.5 $2,393.6 Cost of products sold............ 1,655.2 1,768.1 1,846.5 1,964.5 1,963.4 Selling and administrative expenses........................ 113.7 116.5 114.7 114.8 118.8 Depreciation..................... 70.7 74.6 76.1 79.8 97.8 Special charges and unusual items (2)............................. (15.9) -- -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total operating costs............ 1,823.7 1,959.2 2,037.3 2,159.1 2,180.0 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating profit (2)............. 192.9 298.1 264.5 281.4 213.6 Interest expense................. 48.2 35.6 39.8 76.3 56.0 Other income..................... 7.3 19.0 12.3 36.4 18.6 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes and extraordinary item.............. 152.0 281.5 237.0 241.5 176.2 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (3)....................... (120.5) 12.9 91.1 90.6 61.7 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before extraordinary item. 272.5 268.6 145.9 150.9 114.5 Extraordinary item (4)........... (14.9) -- -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income....................... $ 257.6 $ 268.6 $ 145.9 $ 150.9 $ 114.5 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Basic earnings per share: Income before extraordinary items......................... $5.13 $4.82 $2.57 $2.59 $1.93 Extraordinary items............ (0.28) -- -- -- -- Net income..................... 4.85 4.82 2.57 2.59 1.93 Diluted earnings per share: Income before extraordinary items......................... 4.17 4.09 2.35 2.43 1.92 Extraordinary items............ (0.23) -- -- -- -- Net income..................... 3.94 4.09 2.35 2.43 1.92 Cash dividend per common share... n/a .075 .325 .425 .50
8
Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------------- 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Balance Sheet Data: (1) Cash, cash equivalents and short- term investments................. $ 261.8 $ 312.8 $ 739.3 $ 606.1 $ 83.0 Working capital................... 443.5 489.8 1,005.1 658.2 276.1 Total assets...................... 1,933.2 2,115.5 2,650.8 3,084.3 3,306.3 Current portion of long-term debt. -- -- -- -- -- Long-term debt (excluding current portion)......................... 330.0 325.0 875.0 997.5 1,145.0 Current portion of pension and postretirement benefit obligations...................... 110.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Long-term pension and postretirement benefit obligations (excluding current portion)......................... 638.3 655.7 564.9 554.1 572.6 Stockholders' equity (5).......... 449.0 674.2 777.0 879.6 929.5
- -------- (1) AK Steel Holding and AK Steel were formed effective March 29, 1994, as a result of a recapitalization of Armco Steel Company, L.P. which was a joint venture of Armco Inc. and Kawasaki Steel Corporation. (2) The operating profit for 1994 includes a gain of $15.9 million from the sale of the Company's equity interests in Southwestern Ohio Steel, L.P. and Nova Steel Processing. (3) Includes a tax benefit of $120.3 million in 1994 associated with recognition of the deferred tax asset related to postretirement benefits. (4) The extraordinary item of $14.9 million in 1994 consists of charges associated with the prepayment of certain outstanding debt. (5) Stockholders' equity at December 31, 1994, reflects reductions to equity of $39.3 million (net of tax) related to the establishment of an additional pension plan liability. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had fully funded its pension plan liability on an accumulated benefit obligation basis and eliminated the reduction to stockholders' equity. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Overview The Company concentrates on the production of premium quality coated, cold rolled and hot rolled carbon steel primarily for sale to the automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets. The Company also cold rolls and aluminum coats stainless steel for automotive industry customers. 1998 Compared to 1997 Net sales for 1998 totalled $2,393.6 million versus $2,440.5 million for 1997. The Company continues to shift product mix to coated and cold rolled products which accounted for nearly 80% of net sales and 68% of shipments in 1998. This improvement in sales of value added product is expected to continue in 1999 as the Company's Rockport Works increases its output and completes construction of the remaining facilities. The following table sets forth the percentage of the Company's net sales attributable to various markets for the years indicated:
Years Ended December 31, -------------- 1996 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- Automotive.................................................... 55% 56% 60% Appliance, Construction and Manufacturing..................... 15% 16% 17% Distributors and Convertors................................... 30% 28% 23%
In 1998, the Company's shipments to automotive customers were a record 2.3 million tons, surpassing by 11% the Company's 1997 record automotive shipments. Operating profit in 1998 totalled $213.6 million or $46 per ton shipped compared to $281.4 million or $61 per ton shipped in 1997. Operating results were negatively impacted by the General Motors work stoppage, a 9 planned twenty day Blast Furnace outage at the Company's Middletown Works, and lower realized selling prices particularly in the hot rolled product market. Record levels of imported hot rolled steel eroded the market price for non- contract spot steel sales. Interest expense totalled $56.0 million for 1998, $20.3 million lower than 1997 primarily related to increased capitalization of interest associated with the construction of the Rockport Works facility. Capitalized interest increased by $38.4 million from 1997. The total income tax provision was $61.7 million, the components of which are described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein. The effective book tax rate was 37.5% and 35% for 1997 and 1998, respectively. Net income for 1998 totalled $114.5 million compared to $150.9 million for 1997. Diluted earnings per share for 1998 was $1.92 compared to $2.43 in 1997. Year 2000 issue The year 2000 issue arises from the design of computer operating systems and computer software programs which recognize only two digits in the date field and, as a result, may interpret "00" incorrectly as the year 1900 instead of as the year 2000. Such incorrect recognition has the potential to disrupt both business systems and process control systems, of which the latter could directly impact the manufacturing process. The Company has assessed and essentially completed all necessary modifications and upgrades to its business systems to be year 2000 compliant. Additionally, with the assistance of outside consultants, the Company has assessed and essentially completed all necessary modifications and upgrades to its process control systems to be year 2000 compliant. The Company plans to complete testing of its business systems and process control systems by September 1999. In addition, the Company has responded to numerous customer inquiries on the year 2000 issue. Inquiries have also been made of the Company's major suppliers as to their year 2000 readiness. Electronic data interchange testing with customers and suppliers is expected to be completed by September 30, 1999. The Company currently estimates its expenditures for year 2000 compliance will approximate $5.0 million. Additional expenditures, if any, beyond this amount could be required based on the nature and extent of required modifications or upgrades identified during testing. Numerous factors could cause the expected cost and completion dates to differ from the above estimates. Contingency plans, if needed, will be in place prior to January 1, 2000. However, the Company currently believes that the year 2000 issues will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. 1997 Compared to 1996 Net sales increased 6% in 1997 over 1996 with coated and cold rolled shipments accounting for 75% of total product sales. The Company continues to focus on the automotive market with record shipments and sales during 1997. The following table sets forth the percentage of the Company's net sales attributable to various markets for the years indicated:
Years Ended December 31, -------------- 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- Automotive.................................................... 50% 55% 56% Appliance, Construction and Manufacturing..................... 16% 15% 16% Distributors and Convertors................................... 34% 30% 28%
10 Operating profit in 1997 totalled $281.4 million, or $61 per ton shipped, compared to $264.5 million or $60 per ton shipped in 1996. Reductions in selling prices and increases in raw materials and energy costs were offset as the Company continues to emphasize productivity gains and quality enhancements as the primary components of its cost reduction efforts. Manhours per net ton shipped continued to improve, declining to 2.83 for the year of 1997 from 3.02 for 1996. Interest expense, net of capitalized interest of $20.9 million, totalled $76.3 million in 1997 compared to $39.8 million in 1996. The increase in interest expense is attributable primarily to the issuance in December 1996 of $550.0 million of 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2006 (the "9 1/8% Notes") as well as the issuance in June and September 1997 of $92.5 million and $20.0 million, respectively, of Senior Secured Notes Due 2004 (the "Secured Notes"). Other income, consisting primarily of interest income, increased to $36.4 million in 1997 from $12.3 million in 1996. The total income tax provision was $90.6 million, the components of which are described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein. The tax rate was 38.4% and 37.5% for 1996 and 1997, respectively. Net income for 1997 totalled $150.9 million compared to $145.9 million for 1996. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated in compliance with the adoption of SFAS No. 128 and adjusted for the two-for-one Common Stock split. Diluted earnings per share for 1997 totalled $2.43 compared to $2.35 for 1996. Liquidity and Capital Resources Year Ended December 31, 1998 At December 31, 1998, the Company had $83.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and $99.7 million of financing available under its $125.0 million accounts receivable purchase credit facility. In January 1999, the Company's credit facility was increased from $125.0 million to $200.0 million and the expiration date extended to December 31, 2003. During 1998, cash flow from operations generated $143.1 million. Operating cash flows were attributed primarily to net income and noncash charges for depreciation and taxes, offset by the impact of working capital items. Cash flows used in investing totalled $488.0 million. Capital investments used $772.6 million in cash which was partially offset by sales of short term investments which generated $257.9 million. Cash flows from financing activities generated $79.7 million. In January 1998, the Company issued an aggregate of $137.5 million of Senior Secured Notes Due 2004, of which $130.0 million bear interest at 8.48% and $7.5 million bear interest at 8.98%. In February 1998, the City of Rockport, Indiana, issued $10.0 million in Variable Rate Demand Revenue Bonds with a 30- year term maturing December 1, 2028, priced at an initial rate of 3.20% which are secured by the Company's letter of credit. Interest is at a variable rate which is reset weekly and paid monthly. The Company paid $29.7 million in dividends and utilized $39.6 million for open market purchases of its Common Stock. Anticipated Debt Service The Company's long-term debt at December 31, 1998, totalled $1,145.0 million and consisted of $325.0 million principal amount of its 10 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2004 and $550.0 million principal amount of its 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2006, none of which is subject to amortization prior to maturity. In addition, the Company has $250.0 million of Senior Secured Notes repayable in four successive annual installments of $62.5 million commencing in December 2001. The remaining $20.0 million consists of tax exempt revenue bonds due $10.0 million each on December 1, 2027 and 2028. Interest expense for 1998, net of capitalized interest of $59.3 million, totalled $56.0 million. 11 Capital Investments The Company anticipates annual capital investments of approximately $125.0 million to maintain the competitiveness and efficiency of its existing facilities and to assure its compliance with applicable safety and environmental standards. Capital investments including Rockport Works totalled $772.6 million, including capitalized interest, during 1998. At December 31, 1998, commitments for future capital investments, including Rockport Works and those to ensure environmental compliance, totalled approximately $104.8 million, all of which will be funded in 1999. Employee Benefit Obligations The Company's pension plans are fully funded on an accumulated benefit obligation basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as of December 31, 1998. Funding levels in the near term (three to five years) are expected to be minimal. The Company also has available a pension funding credit balance of $298.1 million that can be used to meet future funding requirements. At December 31, 1998, the Company's liability for postretirement benefits other than pensions totalled $572.6 million. The Company has established a health care trust as a means of prefunding this liability. The balance of the trust, including the earnings on the trust investments, as of December 31, 1998, was $210.4 million, which was equivalent to over two years of active and retiree health care payments. Other On December 10, 1998, the Company and two divisions of Mexican steel producer Hylsamex completed definitive agreements that will enable them to jointly market their respective products to serve customers in the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. Year Ended December 31, 1997 At December 31, 1997, the Company had $606.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and short term investments and $109.4 million of financing available under its $125.0 million accounts receivable purchase credit facility. During 1997, cash flow from operations generated $472.0 million. Operating cash flows were attributed primarily to net income, the impact of working capital items and noncash charges for depreciation and taxes. Cash flows used in investing activities totalled $706.3 million of which $508.4 million was associated with the Rockport Works. Remaining capital investments totalled $128.1 million and purchases of short-term investments were $41.7 million. Cash flows from financing activities generated $59.4 million. In 1997 the Company issued an aggregate of $112.5 million of its Secured Notes with a weighted average interest rate of 8.99%, an additional $137.5 million of the Secured Notes were issued in January 1998 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.51%. The Company paid $34.1 million in dividends and utilized $29.8 million for open market purchases of its equity securities during 1997. Other On October 8, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a two-for- one Common Stock split that became effective November 17, 1997. Following the stock split, approximately 62.0 million common shares were outstanding. On October 16, 1997, the Company redeemed its then outstanding 4,750,774 SAILS in exchange for the issuance of 8,191,284 shares (on a post-split basis) of Common Stock. The redemption did not dilute the interests of common shareholders because per share earnings from the date of issuance of the SAILS had been calculated 12 on a diluted basis that gave effect to the mandatory conversion feature of the SAILS. Cash requirements for the redemption were minimal, relating only to payment for fractional shares. Redemption of the SAILS resulted in net annual dividend cash flow savings of $6.1 million. In October 1997, the Board of Directors also approved a 25% increase in the Company's Common Stock dividend to an annual indicated rate of $.50 per share on a post-split basis. A post-split quarterly dividend of $.125 per share was paid on November 17, 1997 to shareholders of record on October 21, 1997. Year Ended December 31, 1996 On December 17, 1996, the Company completed arrangements for $800.0 million of debt financing for the construction of Rockport Works. On that date the Company issued $550.0 million of 9 1/8% Notes and entered into definitive agreements for the private sale beginning in June of 1997 of an aggregate of $250.0 million of Secured Notes, which will be collateralized by the hot-dip galvanizing and galvannealing line and the continuous cold mill at the Rockport Works. Pending completion of these facilities, the Company is prohibited from granting liens on its inventories. At December 31, 1996, the Company had $739.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and short term investments and $119.4 million of financing available under its $125.0 million accounts receivable purchase credit facility. During 1996 cash flow from operations generated $86.3 million. Cash flows from net income were partially offset as the Company contributed a total of $100.0 million to a trust established to prefund health care benefits for both active and retired employees, contributed $25.0 million to its pension trust and paid profit sharing bonuses of $34.6 million. Cash flows used in investing activities totalled $185.1 million of which $53.6 million was associated with the Rockport Works. Cash flows from financing activities generated $484.9 million as the net proceeds from the issuance of $550.0 million of the 9 1/8% Notes were partially offset as the Company paid cash dividends of $28.7 million and utilized $39.2 million for open market purchases of its equity securities during 1996. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk. In the ordinary course of business, the Company's market risk is limited to changes in interest rates. The Company manages interest rate risk through strategies utilized in current operations and issuing substantially all fixed rate debt as a source for financing operations. The fair value of this debt as of December 31, 1998 is $1,164.6 million. A change in the prevailing interest rates of 10% would result in a change in the total fair value of long term debt by approximately $116.5 million. Fair values were determined from quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows. 13 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. AK Steel Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page ---- Independent Auditors' Report.............................................. 15 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998............................................................ 16 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998.............. 17 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998...................................................... 18 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998......................................... 19 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................ 20
14 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Board of Directors of AK Steel Holding Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AK Steel Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 1999 15 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 (dollars in millions, except per share data)
1996 1997 1998 -------- -------- -------- Net sales (Note 7)................................. $2,301.8 $2,440.5 $2,393.6 Operating costs: Cost of products sold (Notes 1 and 7)............ 1,846.5 1,964.5 1,963.4 Selling and administrative expenses.............. 114.7 114.8 118.8 Depreciation (Note 1)............................ 76.1 79.8 97.8 -------- -------- -------- Total Operating costs.......................... 2,037.3 2,159.1 2,180.0 -------- -------- -------- Operating profit................................... 264.5 281.4 213.6 Interest expense (Note 4).......................... 39.8 76.3 56.0 Other income....................................... 12.3 36.4 18.6 -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes......................... 237.0 241.5 176.2 Current income tax provision (Note 3).............. 3.8 46.3 31.2 Deferred income tax provision (Note 3)............. 87.3 44.3 30.5 -------- -------- -------- Net income......................................... 145.9 150.9 114.5 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities: Unrealized holding gains/(losses) arising during period................................. -- 2.1 (0.5) Less: reclassification adjustment for gains/(losses) included in net income......... -- 0.2 1.0 -------- -------- -------- Comprehensive income............................... $ 145.9 $ 152.8 $ 113.0 ======== ======== ======== Earnings per share: (Note 2)* Basic earnings per share......................... $ 2.57 $ 2.59 $ 1.93 Diluted earnings per share....................... 2.35 2.43 1.92 Cash dividends per common share.................. .325 .425 .50
- -------- * Restated for two-for-one Common Stock split effective November 17, 1997. See notes to consolidated financial statements. 16 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1997 and 1998 (dollars in millions)
1997 1998 -------- -------- ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)........................ $ 348.2 $ 83.0 Short-term investments.................................... 257.9 -- Accounts receivable, net (Notes 1 and 4).................. 241.5 286.8 Inventories, net (Note 1)................................. 365.2 431.9 Other..................................................... 8.8 5.8 -------- -------- Total Current Assets..................................... 1,221.6 807.5 -------- -------- Property, plant and equipment (Note 1): Land, land improvements and leaseholds.................... 47.8 90.7 Buildings................................................. 81.8 155.2 Machinery and equipment................................... 1,396.4 2,050.8 Construction in progress.................................. 693.2 635.8 -------- -------- Total.................................................... 2,219.2 2,932.5 Less accumulated depreciation............................. (626.5) (681.6) -------- -------- Property, plant and equipment, net........................ 1,592.7 2,250.9 Prepaid pension (Note 6).................................... 159.2 170.3 Other (Note 6).............................................. 110.8 77.6 -------- -------- Total Assets............................................. $3,084.3 $3,306.3 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable.......................................... $ 375.6 $ 322.9 Accrued salary and wages.................................. 66.1 58.0 Other accruals (Notes 2 and 3)............................ 91.9 126.5 Current portion of deferred taxes (Note 3)................ 29.7 23.9 Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)................ -- -- Current portion of pension obligation (Note 6)............ 0.1 0.1 Current portion of postretirement benefit obligation (Note 6)....................................................... -- -- -------- -------- Total Current Liabilities................................ 563.4 531.4 -------- -------- Noncurrent Liabilities: Long-term debt (Note 4)................................... 997.5 1,145.0 Pension obligation (Note 6)............................... -- -- Postretirement benefit obligation (Note 6)................ 554.1 572.6 Deferred taxes (Note 3)................................... 30.3 68.0 Other liabilities......................................... 59.4 59.8 Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 8 and 9).......... -- -- -------- -------- Total Noncurrent Liabilities............................. 1,641.3 1,845.4 -------- -------- Total Liabilities........................................ 2,204.7 2,376.8 -------- -------- Stockholders' Equity: Common Stock, Authorized 200,000,000 shares of $.01 par value each; issued, 1997, 63,503,718 shares; 1998, 63,868,087 shares; outstanding, 1997, 60,808,922 shares; 1998, 59,022,588 shares (Note 2)......................... 0.6 0.6 Additional paid-in capital................................ 716.8 722.0 Treasury stock, common shares at cost, 1997, 2,694,796 shares; 1998, 4,845,499 (Note 2)......................... (48.2) (87.8) Retained earnings......................................... 208.3 293.1 Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... 2.1 1.6 -------- -------- Total Stockholders' Equity.................................. 879.6 929.5 -------- -------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity.................. $3,084.3 $3,306.3 ======== ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 17 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 (dollars in millions)
1996 1997 1998 ------- ------- ------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income........................................ $ 145.9 $ 150.9 $ 114.5 ------- ------- ------- Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation..................................... 76.1 79.8 97.8 Deferred income taxes............................ 87.3 44.3 30.5 Other, net....................................... 3.5 12.8 13.2 Changes in Assets and Liabilities: Accounts and notes receivable.................. (42.4) 19.0 (44.8) Inventories.................................... (20.2) (4.3) (66.7) Current liabilities............................ (36.2) 179.0 (23.5) Other assets................................... (19.1) 7.7 14.2 Pension obligation............................. (14.4) (5.9) (11.1) Postretirement benefit obligation.............. (90.8) (10.8) 18.5 Other liabilities.............................. (3.4) (0.5) 0.5 ------- ------- ------- Total Adjustments............................ (59.6) 321.1 28.6 ------- ------- ------- Net cash flows from operating activities....... 86.3 472.0 143.1 ------- ------- ------- Cash flows from investing activities: Capital investments............................... (141.6) (636.5) (772.6) Net (purchase)/sale of short-term investments..... (40.4) (41.7) 257.9 Purchase of long-term investments................. -- (26.4) (0.1) Proceeds from the sale of long-term investments... -- 0.4 24.5 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment........................................ 0.3 0.9 8.4 Advances to investees............................. (5.4) (3.0) (6.1) Proceeds, asset sales............................. 2.0 -- -- ------- ------- ------- Net cash flows from investing activities....... (185.1) (706.3) (488.0) ------- ------- ------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock............ 16.6 7.0 1.7 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt. ........ 550.0 122.5 147.5 Purchase of treasury stock........................ -- (26.7) (39.6) Purchase of preferred stock....................... (39.2) (3.1) -- Preferred stock dividends paid.................... (11.7) (10.3) -- Common Stock dividends paid....................... (17.0) (23.8) (29.7) Underwriting discount and stock issuance expense.. (13.8) (6.1) (0.2) Other, net........................................ -- (0.1) -- ------- ------- ------- Net cash flows from financing activities....... 484.9 59.4 79.7 ------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........................................ 386.1 (174.9) (265.2) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.... 137.0 523.1 348.2 ------- ------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.......... $ 523.1 $ 348.2 $ 83.0 ======= ======= ======= Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest......................................... $ 38.0 $ 93.0 $ 109.5 Interest capitalized............................. (1.7) (20.9) (59.3) Income taxes..................................... 5.8 42.6 23.2
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 18 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (dollars in millions)
Additional Preferred Common Paid-In- Treasury Retained Stock Stock Capital Stock Earnings Total --------- ------ ---------- -------- -------- ------ Balance, December 31, 1995.................... $0.1 $0.3 $715.0 $(21.5) $(19.7) $674.2 Net income............... 145.9 145.9 Stock options exercised.. 16.6 16.6 Tax benefit from exercise of stock options (Note 3)...................... 4.1 4.1 Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock..... 0.3 0.3 Purchase of stock........ (30.3) (8.9) (39.2) Cash dividend: Preferred stock $.538 cash dividend per quarter............... (11.1) (11.1) Common Stock $.075 cash dividend per quarter, $.10 in fourth quarter*.............. (17.0) (17.0) Issuance of restricted stock, net.............. 4.3 4.3 Unamortized restricted stock (Note 2).......... (1.1) (1.1) ---- ---- ------ ------ ------ ------ Balance, December 31, 1996.................... 0.1 0.3 708.9 (21.5) 89.2 777.0 Net income............... 150.9 150.9 Unrealized gain on marketable securities... 2.1 2.1 Stock options exercised.. 7.0 7.0 Two-for-one Common Stock split................... 0.3 (0.3) Tax benefit from exercise of stock options (Note 3)...................... 1.2 1.2 Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock..... 0.1 0.1 Purchase of stock........ (2.8) (26.7) (0.3) (29.8) Redemption of preferred stock................... (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) Cash dividend: Preferred stock $.538 cash dividend per quarter............... (7.7) (7.7) Common Stock $.10 cash dividend per quarter, $.125 in fourth quarter*.............. (23.8) (23.8) Issuance of restricted stock, net.............. 6.2 6.2 Unamortized restricted stock (Note 2).......... (3.4) (3.4) ---- ---- ------ ------ ------ ------ Balance, December 31, 1997.................... -- 0.6 716.8 (48.2) 210.4 879.6 Net income............... 114.5 114.5 Unrealized gain on marketable securities... (0.5) (0.5) Stock options exercised.. 1.7 1.7 Tax benefit from exercise of stock options (Note 3)...................... 0.2 0.2 Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock..... 0.2 0.2 Purchase of stock........ (39.6) (39.6) Common Stock $.125 cash dividend per quarter.... (29.7) (29.7) Issuance of restricted stock, net.............. 4.6 4.6 Unamortized restricted stock (Note 2).......... (1.5) (1.5) ---- ---- ------ ------ ------ ------ Balance, December 31, 1998.................... $-- $0.6 $722.0 $(87.8) $294.7 $929.5 ==== ==== ====== ====== ====== ======
- -------- * Restated for two-for-one Common Stock split effective November 17, 1997 See notes to consolidated financial statements. 19 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation: AK Steel Holding Corporation ("AK Holding") and its wholly-owned subsidiary AK Steel Corporation ("AK Steel," collectively the "Company") were formed effective March 29, 1994 as a result of the recapitalization of Armco Steel Company, L.P. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations and financial position of AK Steel approximates the results of operations and financial position of AK Holding. For comparison purposes certain 1996 and 1997 items have been reclassified to conform with 1998 classifications. All references to the number of common shares and per share amounts have given effect to the two-for-one Common Stock split effective November 17, 1997. The Company consists of the operations and accounts of the Middletown Works, Ashland Works, Rockport Works, Headquarters, AKSR Investments Inc. ("AKR") and AKS Investments, Inc. and its group of wholly-owned subsidiaries, (the "AKSII Group"). The Company is an integrated steel producer of carbon flat rolled steel for the automotive, appliance, manufacturing and other markets. The Company has one major customer that accounted for 17%, 18%, and 19% of its net sales in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively and another customer that accounted for 13% in 1998. Employees: As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 5,800 active employees, of whom approximately 54% were represented by the Armco Employees Independent Federation, Inc. (the "AEIF"), 17% by the United Steelworkers of America (the "USWA") and 6% by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union (the "OCAW"). The AEIF represents all hourly employees and certain nonexempt salaried employees at the Middletown Works. The USWA represents hourly steelmaking employees and certain nonexempt salaried employees at the Ashland Works. The OCAW represents hourly employees at the Ashland Works coke manufacturing facility. The Company's existing labor contracts are scheduled to expire as follows: AEIF--February 29, 2000, USWA--September 1, 2000, and OCAW--April 1, 2001. Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are of an original maturity of three months or less. Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments does not differ materially from their estimated fair value (quoted market prices) in 1997 and 1998 with the exception of the 10 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2004 whose fair value approximates $347.3 and $340.4 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively, and the 9 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2006 ("9 1/8% Notes") whose fair market value approximates $569.5 and $573.4 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively. 20 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Accounts Receivable: The allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.5 at December 31, 1997 and 1998. Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the majority of inventories is measured on the last in, first out ("LIFO") method. Other inventories are measured principally at average cost.
1997 1998 ------ ------ Inventories on LIFO: Finished and semifinished.................................. $235.5 $269.1 Raw materials and supplies................................. 154.2 168.4 Adjustment to state inventories at LIFO value.............. (31.6) (13.1) ------ ------ Total.................................................... 358.1 424.4 Other inventories............................................ 7.1 7.5 ------ ------ Total inventories........................................ $365.2 $431.9 ====== ======
There was no liquidation of LIFO inventory layers in 1996 or 1998. Investments: The Company has investments in associated companies (joint ventures and an entity that the Company does not control). These investments are accounted for under the equity method. Because these companies are directly integrated in the basic steelmaking facilities, the Company includes its proportionate share of the income (loss) of these associated companies in cost of products sold. Through November 1996, Virginia Horn Taconite Company ("Virginia Horn"), a member of the AKSII Group, owned a 56% equity interest in Eveleth Expansion Company ("Eveleth"), a partnership that produced iron ore pellets, which equated to a 35% interest in Eveleth Mines. In December 1996, under a restructuring of Eveleth Mines, Virginia Horn increased its ownership interest in Eveleth Mines LLC ("EVTAC"), a newly formed Minnesota limited liability company, to 40%. In connection with such investment, Virginia Horn has certain commitments to EVTAC. The Company's proportionate share of the gains/(losses) of Eveleth was $5.4 in 1996 and of EVTAC was ($1.9) and ($0.9) in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Property, Plant and Equipment: Plant and equipment are depreciated under the straight line method over their estimated lives ranging from 2 to 40 years. Accounting Policies: In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." This statement, which is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1997, expands or modifies disclosures and, accordingly, had no impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has not completed the process of evaluating the impact that will result from adopting SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". The Company is therefore unable to disclose the impact that adopting SFAS No. 133 will have on its financial position and results of operations when such statement is adopted. 2. Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock: In October 1994, the Company issued 7,479,674 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, Shared Appreciation Income Linked Securities ("SAILS") which constituted a series of the Company's Preferred Stock and ranked prior to the Common Stock as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets 21 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) upon liquidation. The SAILS were entitled to cumulative dividends, payable quarterly in arrears, at a rate of 7% per annum of their stated value of $30.75 per share. Between October, 1995 and May, 1997, 2,728,900 SAILS were repurchased and retired under the Company's share repurchase programs. On October 16, 1997, the Company redeemed the 4,750,774 SAILS then remaining outstanding in exchange for 8,191,284 shares of Common Stock on a post-split basis. Common Stock: On November 17, 1997 the Company implemented a two-for-one stock split of its outstanding Common Stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend, issuing approximately 30.6 million shares pursuant thereto. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available and therefore, have one vote per share in respect of all matters and are not entitled to preemptive rights. Dividends: The Company has paid quarterly dividends on its Common Stock since November 15, 1995. In 1997, dividends at the post-split rate of $0.10 per share were paid on February 15, May 15, August 15 and a dividend of $.125 per share was paid on November 17, after the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 25% increase in the annual dividend rate. In 1998, a dividend of $.125 per share was paid on February 17, May 15, August 17, and November 16. The declaration and payment of cash dividends is subject to restrictions imposed by the instruments governing its senior debt. At December 31, 1998, the Company had adequate amounts available for the payment of cash dividends. Stock Repurchase Plan: On May 15, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase, from time to time, up to $100.0 of the Company's outstanding equity securities. The following table is a summary of the purchases under that plan:
Number Year of shares* Amount Per Share* ---------- --------------- ----------- -------------- (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Common Stock......... 1997 1,409,050 $ 26.7 18.96 1998 2,121,500 38.4 18.12 Preferred Stock...... 1996 625,195 12.8 20.50 1997 163,799 3.1 19.12 --------------- ----------- Total Program........ 4,319,544 $ 81.0 =============== ===========
- -------- * On a post-split basis. Stockholder Rights Plan: On January 23, 1996, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan pursuant to which it has issued one Preferred Share Purchase Right (collectively, the "Rights") for each share of Common Stock outstanding. The Rights are generally not exercisable unless, and no sooner than 10 business days after, any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company's voting stock or announces a tender offer that could result in the acquisition of 30% or more of such voting stock. In addition, as adjusted to reflect the two-for-one Common Stock split, each Right entitles the holder, upon occurrence of certain specified events, to purchase 1/200th of a share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock ("Junior Preferred Stock") at an exercise price of $65 per share. Each share of Junior Preferred Stock, if and when issued, will entitle the holder to 200 votes in respect of all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Common Stock. Upon the occurrence of certain events, holders of the Rights would be entitled to purchase either shares of the Company or an acquiring entity at half of market value. The Rights are redeemable, under certain circumstances, at any time prior to their expiration on January 23, 2006. Common Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards: AK Steel Holding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (the "SIP") permits the granting of nonqualified stock options and restricted stock awards to directors, officers and key management employees of the Company. 22 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) These nonqualified option and restricted stock awards may be granted with respect to an aggregate maximum of 11.0 million shares through the period ending December 31, 2007. The exercise price of each option may not be less than the market price of the Company's Common Stock on the date of the grant. Stock options have a maximum term of 10 years and may not be exercised earlier than six months following the date of grant (or such other term as may be specified in the award agreement). Generally, 25% of the shares covered by a restricted stock award vest two years after the date of the award and an additional 25% vest on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of the award. The nonqualified stock options vest at the rate of 33% per year over three years. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations in accounting for the SIP. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for the restricted stock awards issued under the SIP was $3.2, $2.7 and $3.0 for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The Company adopted the pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", in 1996. Had compensation cost for the Company's SIP been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plan consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share ("EPS") for 1996, 1997 and 1998 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
1996 1997 1998 ------ ------ ------ Net income................................. As reported $145.9 $150.9 $114.5 Pro forma 144.1 149.5 113.0 Basic earnings per share................... As reported 2.57 2.59 1.93 Pro forma 2.54 2.57 1.91 Diluted earnings per share................. As reported 2.35 2.43 1.92 Pro forma 2.32 2.41 1.90
The reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:
1996 1997 1998 ------ ------ ------ Net Income for Diluted EPS............................. $145.9 $150.9 $114.5 Preferred Dividends.................................. 11.1 7.7 -- ------ ------ ------ Net Income for Basic EPS............................... $134.8 $143.2 $114.5 ====== ====== ====== Shares for Basic EPS................................... 52.4 55.2 59.3 Dilutive Effect of Stock Options..................... 0.8 0.4 0.3 Dilutive Effect of Preferred Stock................... 8.9 6.4 -- ------ ------ ------ Shares for Diluted EPS................................. $ 62.1 $ 62.0 $ 59.6 ====== ====== ====== Basic EPS.............................................. $ 2.57 $ 2.59 $ 1.93 Diluted EPS............................................ $ 2.35 $ 2.43 $ 1.92
The fair value of the options is estimated on the grant date using a Black- Scholes option pricing model considering the appropriate dividend rates along with the following weighted average assumptions:
1997 1998 -------- -------- Expected volatility........................................ 21.0% 20.1% Risk free interest rates................................... 6.40% 5.67% Expected lives............................................. 5.0 yrs. 5.0 yrs.
23 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) A summary of the status of stock options and restricted stock awards under the SIP as of December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 and changes during each of those years is presented below:
1996 1997 1998 ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Stock Options Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price - ------------------------ --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Outstanding at beginning of year................ 2,877,984 $12.58 2,210,654 $15.34 2,214,320 $16.78 Granted................. 718,000 19.86 554,000 19.70 392,500 18.96 Exercised............... 1,385,330 11.96 490,334 14.21 118,332 14.42 Forfeited............... -- -- 60,000 11.75 84,000 18.37 --------- --------- Outstanding at end of year................... 2,210,654 15.34 2,214,320 16.78 2,404,488 17.19 ========= ========= ========= Options exercisable at year end............... 796,012 13.97 1,187,024 14.98 1,514,702 15.91 Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year................... 718,000 5.37 554,000 5.01 392,500 4.23 Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Restricted Stock Awards Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price - ----------------------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Granted during year..... 323,244 $19.95 332,884 $19.55 310,149 $18.68
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1998:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable -------------------------------- -------------------- Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Range of Remaining Average Average Exercise Contractual Exercise Exercise Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price -------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- -------- $11.45 to $13.74...... 355,994 5.2 yrs. $11.95 355,994 $11.95 $13.75 to $16.03...... 560,662 4.7 yrs. 14.19 560,662 14.19 $16.04 to $18.32...... 126,332 8.2 yrs. 17.44 40,666 17.50 $18.33 to $20.62...... 1,220,500 7.6 yrs. 19.55 490,022 19.82 $20.63 to $22.91...... 141,000 8.1 yrs. 21.72 67,358 21.68
24 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 3. Income Taxes The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal tax return. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1997 and 1998 are as follows:
1997 1998 ------- ------- Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and tax credit carryovers............ $ 30.0 $ 42.7 Postretirement reserves................................. 206.0 217.4 Other reserves.......................................... 39.4 54.1 Valuation reserve....................................... (13.2) (10.7) ------- ------- Total deferred assets................................. 262.2 303.5 ------- ------- Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciable assets...................................... (223.1) (277.1) Inventories............................................. (33.2) (44.2) Pension assets.......................................... (65.9) (74.1) ------- ------- Total deferred liabilities............................ (322.2) (395.4) ------- ------- Net liability......................................... $ (60.0) $ (91.9) ======= =======
Temporary differences represent the cumulative taxable or deductible amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements in different years than recognized in the tax returns. The postretirement benefit difference includes amounts expensed in the consolidated financial statements for health care, life insurance and other postretirement benefits which become deductible in the tax return upon payment or funding in qualified trusts. Other temporary differences represent principally various expenses accrued for financial reporting purposes which are not deductible for tax reporting purposes until paid. The depreciable assets temporary difference generally represents tax depreciation in excess of financial statement depreciation. The inventory difference relates primarily to differences in the LIFO reserve, reduced by tax overhead capitalized in excess of book amounts. At December 31, 1997, the Company had a regular tax net operating loss carryforward of $37.4. At December 31, 1998 the Company had a regular tax net operating loss carryover of $37.1 which will expire in the years 2006 through 2008 unless previously utilized. In addition, at December 31, 1998, the Company had unused Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credit carryovers of $29.7, which may be used to offset future regular income tax liabilities. At December 31, 1997, the AMT credit carryovers were $16.5. These credits can be carried forward indefinitely. Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- Current: Federal.................................................. $ 3.8 $45.1 $28.5 State.................................................... -- 1.2 2.7 Deferred: Federal.................................................. 77.9 35.7 24.9 State.................................................... 9.4 8.6 5.6 ----- ----- ----- Total tax provision.................................... $91.1 $90.6 $61.7 ===== ===== =====
25 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income tax expense is as follows:
1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- Income at statutory rate................................ $83.0 $84.5 $61.6 State tax provision..................................... 9.4 9.8 8.3 Reduction in deferred tax asset valuation reserve....... (2.2) -- (2.5) Tax exempt state/local interest income.................. (0.7) (4.6) (2.8) Other permanent differences............................. 1.6 0.9 (2.9) ----- ----- ----- Tax provision......................................... $91.1 $90.6 $61.7 ===== ===== =====
4. Long-Term Debt and Other Financing On December 17, 1996, the Company completed arrangements for $800.0 of debt financing for the construction of its Rockport Works. The Company issued $550.0 of 9 1/8% Notes and entered into definitive agreements for the issuance beginning in June of 1997 of an aggregate of $250.0 of Senior Secured Notes Due 2004 ("Secured Notes"), which will be collateralized by the hot dip galvanizing and galvannealing line and the continuous cold mill. Pending completion of the mortgage on these facilities, the Company is prohibited from granting liens on its inventories. On June 17, 1997, the Company made its initial issuance of an aggregate of $92.5 of the Secured Notes, of which $80.0 bear interest at 8.98% per annum and $12.5 bear interest at 9.05% per annum. On September 16, 1997, the Company made its second issuance of $20.0 which bear interest at 8.98% per annum. The remaining $137.5 of Secured Notes were issued on January 7, 1998, of which $130.0 bear interest at 8.48% per annum and $7.5 bear interest at 8.98% per annum. On February 10, 1998, the City of Rockport, Indiana, issued $10.0 in Variable Rate Demand Revenue Bonds with a 30-year term maturing December 1, 2028, priced at an initial rate of 3.20% which are secured by the Company's letter of credit. Interest is at a variable rate which is reset weekly and paid monthly. On December 1, 1994, the Company entered into a Receivables Purchase Agreement with AK Steel Receivables Ltd. ("AKR Ltd."). On the same date, AKR Ltd. entered into a Receivables Purchase and Servicing Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with a group of six banks. Under the Purchase Agreement, the total commitment of the banks at December 31, 1998 was $125.0. The Company sold substantially all of its accounts receivable to AKR Ltd. and sells additional receivables to AKR Ltd. as they are generated. AKR Ltd. funds its purchase of receivables from cash collections on the purchased receivables and proceeds from selling interests in the receivables to the participating banks. The Company acts as servicer of the receivables sold and will make billings and collections in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 1998, no amounts were outstanding under the Purchase Agreement, although $25.7 in letters of credit had been issued. At December 31, 1998, AKR Ltd. had a sufficient pool of eligible receivables that could be sold to utilize the available capacity of the participating banks' commitments. In January, 1999, the Company's Purchase Agreement was increased from $125.0 to $200.0 and the expiration extended to December 31, 2003. 26 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the Company's long-term debt, less current maturities, was as follows:
1997 1998 ------ -------- Senior Notes Due 2004....................................... $325.0 $ 325.0 Senior Notes Due 2006....................................... 550.0 550.0 Senior Secured Notes Due 2004............................... 112.5 250.0 Tax Exempt Financing Due 2027............................... 10.0 10.0 Tax Exempt Financing Due 2028............................... -- 10.0 ------ -------- Total..................................................... $997.5 $1,145.0 ====== ========
At December 31, 1998, the maturities of long-term debt are as follows: 1999................................................................ $ -- 2000................................................................ -- 2001................................................................ 62.5 2002................................................................ 62.5 2003................................................................ 62.5 2004 and thereafter................................................. 957.5 -------- Total............................................................. $1,145.0 ========
The Company has not purchased and is not holding any derivative financial instruments. The Company capitalized interest on projects under construction of $1.7, $20.9 and $59.3 during 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. 5. Operating Leases Rental expense was $12.6, $13.3 and $14.6 for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. At December 31, 1998, obligations to make future minimum lease payments were as follows: 1999................................................................... $0.6 2000................................................................... 0.4 2001................................................................... 0.1 2002................................................................... -- 2003................................................................... -- ---- Total lease obligations.............................................. $1.1 ====
27 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 6. Employee and Retiree Benefit Plans
Pension Benefits Other Benefits ------------------ ---------------- 1997 1998 1997 1998 -------- -------- ------- ------- Change in benefits obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year................................. $1,210.9 $1,271.9 $ 629.8 $ 664.1 Service cost.......................... 13.6 16.4 4.8 5.4 Interest cost......................... 93.1 91.8 48.8 48.2 Plan participants' contributions...... -- -- 0.5 0.5 Amendments............................ 1.8 -- -- -- Actuarial loss/(gain)................. 49.5 100.6 23.4 30.3 Benefits paid......................... (98.3) (107.9) (43.2) (44.8) Settlements........................... 1.3 -- -- -- -------- -------- ------- ------- Benefit obligations at end of year.. $1,271.9 $1,372.8 $ 664.1 $ 703.7 ======== ======== ======= ======= Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.............................. $1,255.7 $1,422.4 $ 136.9 $ 187.0 Actual return on plan assets.......... 262.8 88.1 26.8 14.0 Employer contributions................ 2.2 0.8 66.0 16.2 Plan participants' contributions...... -- -- 0.5 0.5 Benefits paid......................... (98.3) (107.9) (43.2) (44.8) -------- -------- ------- ------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year............................... $1,422.4 $1,403.4 $ 187.0 $ 172.9 ======== ======== ======= ======= Funded status........................... $ 150.5 $ 30.6 $(477.1) $(530.8) Unrecognized net actuarial loss/(gain).. (48.1) 89.6 (51.9) (20.6) Unrecognized prior service cost......... 56.7 50.0 (25.1) (21.2) -------- -------- ------- ------- Net amount recognized................. $ 159.1 $ 170.2 $(554.1) $(572.6) ======== ======== ======= ======= Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Prepaid benefit cost.................. $ 167.1 $ 184.5 $ -- $ -- Accrued benefit liability............. (8.0) (14.3) (554.1) (572.6) Intangible asset...................... -- -- -- -- Accumulated other comprehensive income............................... -- -- -- -- -------- -------- ------- ------- Net amount recognized............... $ 159.1 $ 170.2 $(554.1) $(572.6) ======== ======== ======= =======
Pension Benefits Other Benefits ----------------- ----------------- 1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Weighted average assumptions at year end: Discount rate............................ 8.00% 7.50% 7.00% 8.00% 7.50% 7.00% Expected return on plan assets........... 9.75% 9.25% 8.75% 9.75% 9.25% 8.75% Rate of compensation increase............ 4.00% 4.03% 4.04% 4.00% 4.00% 4.00%
For measurement purposes, health care costs are assumed to increase 4.50% in 1999 and 4.0% per annum for all future years for pre-65 benefits and 4.0% in 1999 and all future years for post-65 benefits. 28 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Pension Benefits Other Benefits ------------------------- --------------------- 1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998 ------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ------ Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost............... $ 16.2 $ 13.6 $ 16.4 $ 5.1 $ 4.8 $ 5.4 Interest cost.............. 90.1 93.1 91.8 44.8 48.8 48.2 Expected return on plan assets.................... (107.4) (117.8) (127.2) (6.5) (11.0) (14.9) Amortization of prior service cost.............. 6.6 6.6 6.8 (3.9) (3.9) (3.9) Recognized net actuarial loss/(gain)............... 6.7 0.5 2.0 -- -- -- Settlement loss/(gain)..... -- 0.4 -- -- -- -- Amortization of unrecognized net obligation................ 0.9 -- -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ------ Net periodic benefit cost.................... $ 13.1 $ (3.6) $ (10.2) $39.5 $ 38.7 $ 34.8 ======= ======= ======= ===== ====== ======
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $1,355.6, $1,293.6 and $1,403.4 respectively, for 1998 and $1,258.7, $1,205.4 and $1,422.4, respectively, for 1997. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
One-Percentage-Point --------------------- Increase Decrease ---------- ---------- Effect on total service cost and interest cost components........................................ $ 6.0 $ (5.3) Effect on postretirement benefit obligation........ 73.3 (64.7)
7. Related Party Transactions The Company, in the ordinary course of business, sells steel to and purchases scrap from National Material Limited Partnership, of which a director of the Company is President and Chief Executive Officer. During 1996, 1997 and 1998 sales amounted to $21.8, $21.5 and $6.5 and purchases amounted to $0.6, $1.1 and $2.3, respectively. 8. Commitments The principal raw materials and commodities required in the Company's manufacturing operations are coal, iron ore, electricity, natural gas, oxygen, scrap metal, zinc, limestone and other commodity materials, all of which are purchased at competitive or prevailing market prices. Adequate sources of supply exist for all of the Company's raw material requirements. At December 31, 1998, commitments for future capital investments, including Rockport Works and those made to assure environmental compliance, totalled approximately $104.8, all of which will be funded in 1999. 9. Legal, Environmental Matters and Contingencies Domestic steel producers, including the Company, are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and the environment. 29 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) The Company has expended the following for environmental related capital investments and environmental compliance:
1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- Environmental related capital investments................. $ 6.1 $ 4.3 $18.8 Environmental compliance costs............................ 53.6 52.9 65.2
In addition to the items discussed below, the Company is also involved in routine litigation, environmental proceedings, and claims pending with respect to matters arising out of the normal conduct of the business. In management's opinion, the ultimate liability resulting from all claims, individually or in the aggregate, will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Under the authority of CERCLA, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection conducted a comprehensive review of the waste management control systems and handling practices at the Ashland Works coke department and steelmaking facility in July, August and September 1991. As a result of this inspection, the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet instituted an administrative proceeding against the Company in November 1993, alleging certain regulatory violations. The Company has entered into non-binding mediation with the Kentucky Cabinet for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. Federal regulations promulgated pursuant to the Clean Water Act impose categorical pretreatment limits on the concentrations of various constituents in coke plant wastewaters prior to discharge into publicly owned treatment works ("POTW"). Due to concentrations of ammonia and phenol in excess of these limits at the Middletown Works, the Company, through the Middletown POTW, petitioned the EPA for "removal credits," a type of compliance exemption, based on the Middletown POTW's satisfactory treatment of the Company's wastewater for ammonia and phenol. The EPA declined to review the Company's application on the grounds that it had not yet promulgated new sludge management rules. The Company thereupon sought and obtained from the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Ohio an injunction prohibiting the EPA from instituting enforcement action against the Company for noncompliance with the pretreatment limitations, pending the EPA's promulgation of the applicable sludge management regulations. Although the Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter, if the EPA eventually refuses to grant the Company's request for removal credits, the Company could incur additional costs to construct pretreatment facilities at the Middletown Works. In January 1996, an action was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County, Ohio on behalf of four named plaintiffs who purport to represent a class of plaintiffs consisting of all hourly employees at the Company's Middletown Works and all hourly employees of independent contractors working at the facility since June 1992. The complaint has twice been amended to add additional named plaintiffs. The plaintiffs allege negligence and intentional tort and seek compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount for alleged dangerous working conditions at the Company's Middletown Works. In March 1997, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion to certify a class. The Company's appeal of this decision to the Ohio Supreme Court was denied on July 29, 1998. The Court of Common Pleas has set a new discovery schedule and a trial date of March 2000. On November 2, 1998, the Company filed motions in the trial court for an order vacating class certification and for partial summary judgment on the grounds of federal preemption. Both motions are pending. In April 1996, an action was filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, by a number of former employees of the Company seeking certain pension and postretirement benefits which they allege were wrongly denied them when the Company outsourced their positions. On June 18, 1998, the magistrate judge issued a report and recommendation to the court granting in part and denying in part the Company's motion for summary judgment. On September 18, 1998, the court adopted the magistrate judge's report and recommendation, and referred the parties to mediation. Mediation is in progress. Trial is scheduled for March 1999. 30 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) On January 20, 1998, judgment was entered by the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Company in the amount of $6.5 following a jury trial in a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee. On January 30, 1998, the Company moved for judgment in its favor as a matter of law, reduction of the damages and a new trial. On August 7, 1998, the court temporarily stayed all post-trial motions pending mediation, which is in progress. 10. Consolidated Quarterly Sales and Earnings (Unaudited) Earnings per share for each quarter and the year are calculated individually and may not add to the total for the year. The historical per share amounts have been restated for a two-for-one Common Stock split effective November 17, 1997.
1997 ---------------------------------------- First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- Net sales........................... $598.8 $622.6 $598.6 $620.5 $2,440.5 Gross profit........................ 117.9 121.9 116.3 119.9 476.0 Net income.......................... 34.5 39.0 37.0 40.4 150.9 Basic earnings per share............ .60 .68 .64 .67 2.59 Diluted earnings per share.......... .56 .63 .59 .66 2.43 1998 ---------------------------------------- First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- Net sales........................... $588.2 $612.0 $557.0 $636.4 $2,393.6 Gross profit........................ 104.6 109.0 80.2 136.4 430.2 Net income.......................... 28.4 33.4 9.3 43.4 114.5 Basic earnings per share............ .47 .56 .16 .74 1.93 Diluted earnings per share.......... .47 .56 .16 .73 1.92
31 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants. None. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. Information with respect to the Company's Executive Officers is set forth in Part I of this Annual Report pursuant to General Instruction G of Form 10-K. The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item with respect to Directors of the Company will be set forth under the caption "Election of Directors" in the Company's proxy statement (the "1999 Proxy Statement") to be furnished to stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Company's Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 20, 1999, and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act will be set forth under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation. The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the 1999 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption "Stock Ownership," in the 1999 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the captions "Certain Relationships and Transactions" in the 1999 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference. See also Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 10-K. (a) The list of financial statements filed as part of this report is submitted as a separate section, the index to which is located on page 14. (b) Reports on Form 8-K filed during the fourth quarter of 1998 were: Earnings Release............................................. October 9, 1998 Letters of Intent for Commercial Agreement................... October 12, 1998
(c) Exhibits: List of exhibits begins on next page. 32 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number Description ------- ----------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 20, 1993, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 27, 1998. 3.2 By-laws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration No. 33-74432). 3.3 Certificate of Designations, Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Junior Preferred Stock (included in Exhibit 10.19). 4.1 Indenture, dated as of December 17, 1996, relating to the Company's 9- 1/8% Senior Notes Due 2006 (the "1996 Indenture") (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-19781) ("Registration No. 333-19781")). 4.2 Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1994, relating to the Company's 10- 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2004 (the "1994 Indenture") (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-83792 ("Registration No. 33-83792")). 4.3 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 1994, to the 1994 Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Registration No. 33-83792). 4.4 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 11, 1996, to the 1994 Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Registration No. 333-19781). 4.5 Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1996, with respect to the Company's Senior Secured Notes Due 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Registration No. 333-19781). 10.4 Form of Executive Officer Severance Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). 10.5 Form of Executive Officer Severance Agreement--Richard M. Wardrop, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). 10.6 Form of Executive Officer Severance Agreement--James L. Wareham (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). 10.7 Annual Management Incentive Plan (filed herewith). 10.8 Stock Incentive Plan (filed herewith). 10.9 Executive Minimum and Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Registration No. 33-83792). 10.10 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 7, 1994, among the Company and certain subsidiaries of Kawasaki (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Registration No. 33-83792). 10.11 Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1994, by and between AK Steel and AK Acquisition Receivables Ltd., as successor to AK Steel Receivables, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Registration No. 33-86678). 10.12 Purchase and Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1994, among AK Acquisition Receivables Ltd., as successor to AK Steel Receivables, Inc., AK Steel, the institutions from time to time party thereto and PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Registration No. 33-86678).
33
Exhibit Number Description ------- ----------- 10.13 Amendment No. 1 to the Purchase and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 17, 1995, among AK Steel, AK Acquisition Receivables Ltd., as successor to AK Steel Receivables, Inc., the purchasers party thereto and PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11(a) to Registration No. 333-19781). 10.14 Consent, Amendment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of December 31, 1996, to the Receivables Purchase Agreement and the Purchase and Servicing Agreement, among the Company, AK Steel Receivables Inc., AK Acquisition Receivables Ltd., AKSR Investments, Inc., the purchasers party thereto and PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11(b) to Registration No. 333- 19781). 10.15 Amendment, dated July 10, 1997, to the Receivables Purchase Agreement and the Purchase and Servicing Agreement. 10.16 Letter Agreement dated July 31, 1995, between the Company and Kawasaki (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form S-3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-86678). 10.17 Deferred Compensation Plan for Management (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995). 10.18 Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995). 10.19 Rights Agreement, dated as of January 23, 1996, between the Company and The Bank of New York as predecessor to The Fifth Third Bank, as Rights Agent, with respect to the Company's Stockholder Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as filed with the Commission on February 5, 1996). 10.20 Substitution of The Fifth Third Bank as Successor Rights Agent and Amendment No. 1, dated September 15, 1997, to Rights Agreement dated as of January 23, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 15, 1997). 10.21 Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of September 15, 1997, with respect to resignation of The Bank of New York as Trustee and appointment of The Fifth Third Bank as Successor Trustee under the 1994 Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 15, 1997). 10.22 Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of September 15, 1997, with respect to resignation of The Bank of New York as Trustee and the appointment of The Fifth Third Bank as Successor Trustee under the 1996 Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 15, 1997). 10.23 Long Term Performance Plan (filed herewith). 10.25 First Amendment, dated July 17, 1997, to Executive Minimum and Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). 10.26 Second Amendment, dated September 18, 1997, to Executive Minimum and Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). 11.0 Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings. 23.1 Independent Auditors' consent. 27. Financial Data Schedule.
34 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Middletown, State of Ohio, on January 25, 1999. AK Steel Holding Corporation By: /s/ James L. Wainscott ---------------------------------- James L. Wainscott Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date /s/ Richard M. Wardrop, Jr. Chairman of the January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Board and Chief Richard M. Wardrop, Jr. Executive Officer /s/ James L. Wareham President January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- James L. Wareham /s/ James L. Wainscott Vice President, January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Treasurer and Chief James L. Wainscott Financial Officer /s/ Donald B. Korade Controller January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Donald B. Korade /s/ Allen Born Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Allen Born /s/ John A. Georges Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- John A. Georges /s/ Dr. Bonnie G. Hill Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Dr. Bonnie G. Hill /s/ Robert H. Jenkins Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Robert H. Jenkins /s/ Lawrence A. Leser Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Lawrence A. Leser /s/ Robert E. Northam Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Robert E. Northam /s/ Cyrus Tang Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Cyrus Tang /s/ Dr. James A. Thomson Director January 25, 1999 - ----------------------------------- Dr. James A. Thomson 35 EX-10.7 2 ANNUAL MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN Exhibit 10.7 AK STEEL CORPORATION ANNUAL MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN (as amended and restated as of March 19, 1998) Introduction The name of this plan is the AK Steel Corporation Annual Management Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). AK Steel Corporation (the "Company") adopted the Plan in 1994 to enhance management's focus on specific performance goals for the Company with respect to safety, quality and net income. The Plan is hereby amended and restated as set forth in this document effective as of March 19, 1998. The Plan is a payroll practice. The Plan is not intended to be an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Plan shall be interpreted, administered and enforced to the extent possible in a manner consistent with that intent. Any obligations under the Plan shall be the joint and several obligations of AK Steel Holding Corporation, the Company, and each of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. The Plan is designed to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). 1. Administration of the Plan This Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Committee shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who shall be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the discretion of, the Board. Each member of the Committee shall be an "outside director" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Human Resources Department of the Company shall maintain records of authorized participants for each period described in paragraph 4 below (the "Performance Period"). 2. Participation Certain management employees of the Company ("Plan Member" or "Plan Members") shall be eligible to participate in this Plan upon selection by the Chairman of the Board or his delegate, the Executive Management Committee (the "EMC"), subject to the approval and/or review from time to time by the Committee. The EMC shall consist of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President--Human Resources, and such other individuals as may be designated from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any covered employee as defined in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code ("Covered Employee"), shall be designated to participate in the Plan by the Committee in writing within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. 3. Bonus Opportunity Targets Each Plan Member shall be assigned a Bonus Opportunity Target Percentage ("Target Percentage") and a Bonus Opportunity Maximum Percentage ("Maximum Percentage") at the time he is selected for participation in this Plan based on his level of management in the Company and/or his overall contribution to the Company. A Plan Member's Target Percentage and/or Maximum Percentage may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the Committee or the EMC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall assign or change, in writing, the Target Percentage and Maximum Percentage for any Covered Employee for a particular Performance Period within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. A Plan Member's Target Percentage with respect to any Performance Period is the percentage of his annual base compensation (as defined below) that may be awarded to him by the Company as additional compensation if the Company achieves certain goals as determined by the Committee and approved by the Board with respect to net income, safety, and quality. A Plan Member's Maximum Percentage, which is two times his Target Percentage, is the percentage of his annual base compensation that may be awarded if the Company achieves for the Performance Period not only the established safety and quality goals, but exceeds the established net income goal by a certain level as determined by the Committee. A Plan Member's annual base compensation for purposes of this Plan shall be his actual base salary paid during the relevant Performance Period. Any amount awarded to a Plan Member under this Plan shall be referred to herein as a "Performance Award." If a Plan Member is designated to participate in the Plan after the commencement of a Performance Period, such individual's Performance Award will be prorated based on his period of participation in the Plan during such Performance Period. 4. Performance Periods Each Performance Period shall be the twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on the following December 31. 5. Performance Award Payment Date The Performance Award Payment Date is the date on which any Performance Awards are paid to Plan Members, which date shall not be more than 120 days following the last day of each Performance Period. Before any Performance Award is paid to a Covered Employee, the Committee shall certify in writing that the criteria for receiving a Performance Award pursuant to the terms of the Plan have been satisfied. 6. Performance Award Determination For each Performance Period, the Committee shall assign, in writing, with respect to each of the performance factors of net income, safety, and quality, a threshold goal, a target goal, and, with respect to the net income factor, the level which if exceeded will result in the maximum Performance Awards being made. If the threshold goals are not met, no Performance Awards shall be made. Achievement of performance between the threshold and target goals shall result in Performance Awards being made. The threshold and target goals, and the level of net income required to achieve the maximum Performance Awards, shall be communicated in writing by the Human Resources Department to Plan Members as soon as practicable at the beginning of each Performance Period, but with respect to Covered Employees, no later than the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. Different threshold and target goals may apply with respect to a specific plant, department, or area of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Performance Awards may be granted with respect to achievement of the threshold goal for safety even if the threshold goal for net income for the Performance Period is not achieved. The Committee may establish such other parameters and procedures for determining Performance Awards as it deems appropriate with respect to any Performance Period. The maximum Performance Award (including any special Performance Award pursuant to paragraph 7 below) that may be paid to any Covered Employee with respect to any Performance Period shall be $3 million. The Committee may delegate the calculation of Performance Awards to the Company's Chief Financial Officer, subject to the Committee's supervision. 7. Special Awards to Covered Employees Subject to the provisions of paragraph 6 above, the Committee may grant with respect to any Performance Period a special Performance Award to any Covered Employee if a specified level of net income is achieved by the Company. The level of net income required to achieve any such award and the amount of any such award shall be established by the Committee in writing within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. 2 8. Form of Payment All Performance Awards will be paid in a single lump-sum payment in cash. The Company will withhold such payroll or other taxes as it determines to be necessary or appropriate. 9. Events of Forfeiture a. No Net Income If the Company has no net income for book purposes with respect to any Performance Period, no Performance Awards will be granted with respect to that Performance Period; however, if any Performance Awards for that period would otherwise be granted, such Performance Awards may be deferred to a subsequent Performance Period in the sole discretion of the Committee. b. Death, Disability, Retirement or Involuntary Termination for Other Than Cause If during a Performance Period a Plan Member dies, becomes totally and permanently disabled, retires or is involuntarily terminated for reasons other than cause, the Plan Member (or his estate in the case of death) shall be entitled under this Plan to a prorated Performance Award, if any, based on his period of participation during such Performance Period. Any such amount shall be paid in cash and in full satisfaction of any claims the Plan Member may have under this Plan. c. Termination for Cause If a Plan Member is terminated for cause, as cause may be defined by the Committee or the EMC, no Performance Award shall be paid under this Plan. d. Voluntary Termination Subject to the above provisions of this paragraph 9, a Plan Member who voluntarily terminates employment with the Company prior to any Performance Award Payment Date shall forfeit all rights hereunder to any payment that is or may be due on or after such Performance Award Payment Date. e. Removal from the Plan A Plan Member may be removed from further participation in this Plan by the Committee or the EMC and such removal shall be effective as of the date determined by the Committee or the EMC. In such a case, the Plan Member shall be eligible to receive a prorated Performance Award, if any, based on his period of participation during the Performance Period in which his removal occurs. f. Leave of Absence If during a Performance Period, a Plan Member is absent from employment with the Company for a period of more than ninety (90) consecutive calendar days for any reason, the Plan Member's participation in the Plan will be suspended for the period of such absence exceeding ninety (90) days, and he shall be entitled under this Plan to a prorated Performance Award, if any, based on his period of participation during such Performance Period. 10. Source of Benefits The Company shall make any cash payments due under the terms of this Plan directly from its assets or from any trust that the Company may choose to establish and maintain from time to time. Nothing contained in this Plan shall give or be deemed to give any Plan Member or any other person any interest in any property of 3 any such trust or in any property of the Company, nor shall any Plan Member or any other person have any right under this Plan not expressly provided by the terms hereof, as such terms may be interpreted and applied by the Committee in its discretion. 11. Liability of Officers and Plan Members No current or former employee, officer, director or agent of AK Steel Holding Corporation or of the Company shall be personally liable to any Plan Member or other person to pay any benefit payable under any provision of this Plan or for any action taken by any such person in the administration or interpretation of this Plan. 12. Unsecured General Creditor The rights of a Plan Member (or his beneficiary in the event of his death) under this Plan shall only be the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company, and the Plan Member (or his designated beneficiary) shall not have any legal or equitable right, interest, or other claim in any property or assets of the Company by reason of the establishment of this Plan. 13. Arbitration Any dispute under this Plan shall be submitted to binding arbitration subject to the rules of the American Arbitration Association before an arbitrator selected by the Company and acceptable to the Plan Member. If the Plan Member objects to the appointment of the arbitrator selected by the Company, and the Company does not appoint an arbitrator acceptable to the Plan Member, then the Company and the Plan Member shall each select an arbitrator and those two arbitrators shall collectively appoint a third arbitrator who shall alone hear and resolve the dispute. The Company and the Plan Member shall share equally the costs of arbitration. No Company agreement of indemnity, whether under its Articles of Incorporation, the bylaws or otherwise, and no insurance by the Company, shall apply to pay or reimburse any Plan member's costs of arbitration. 14. Amendment or Termination of Plan The Board expressly reserves for itself and for the Committee the right and the power to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. In such a case, unless the Committee otherwise expressly provides at the time the action is taken, no Performance Awards shall be paid to any Plan Member on or after the date of such action. 15. Miscellaneous a. Assignability Plan Members shall not alienate, assign, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber, attach, mortgage, or otherwise hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the amounts, if any, payable hereunder. No part of the amounts payable hereunder shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance, nor shall any person have any other claim to any benefit payable under this Plan as a result of a divorce or the Plan Member's, or any other person's bankruptcy or insolvency. b. Obligations to the Company If a Plan Member becomes entitled to payment of any amounts under this Plan, and if at such time the Plan Member has any outstanding debt, obligation, or other liability representing an amount owed to the Company, then the Company may offset such amounts against the amounts otherwise payable under this Plan. Such determination shall be made by the Committee or the Board. 4 c. No Promise of Continued Employment Nothing in this Plan or in any materials describing or relating to this Plan grants, nor should it be deemed to grant, any person any employment right, nor does participation in this Plan imply that any person has been employed for any specific term or duration or that any person has any right to remain in the employ of the Company. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 9 hereof, the Company retains the right to change or terminate any condition of employment of any Plan Member without regard to any effect any such change has or may have on such person's rights hereunder. d. Captions The captions to the paragraphs of this Plan are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions. e. Pronouns Masculine pronouns and other words of masculine gender shall refer to both men and women. f. Validity In the event any provision of this Plan is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be stricken and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. g. Applicable Law To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. 5 EX-10.8 3 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN Exhibit 10.8 AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (as amended and restated as of March 19, 1998) Article 1. Amendment and Restatement, Purpose, and Duration 1.1 Amendment and Restatement of the Plan. AK Steel Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), previously established an incentive compensation plan known as the "AK Steel Holding Corporation 1994 Stock Incentive Plan" (the "Plan"). The Plan is hereby amended and restated as set forth in this document effective as of March 19, 1998. The Plan permits the grant of Nonqualified Stock Options and awards of Restricted Stock to directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company. 1.2 Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the success and enhance the value of the Company by linking the personal interests of Participants to those of the Company's shareholders, and by providing Participants with an incentive for outstanding performance. The Plan is further intended to enhance the Company's ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of Participants upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of its operation is largely dependent. 1.3 Duration of the Plan. The Plan shall remain in effect until all Shares subject to it shall have been purchased or acquired or are no longer available for Awards according to the Plan's provisions, subject to the right of the Board to terminate the Plan at any time pursuant to Article 10 herein. In no event may an Award be granted under the Plan on or after December 31, 2007. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the rights of any person under an outstanding Award Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided in such Award Agreement. Article 2. Definitions. Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized: (a) "Award" means either or both of an Option Award or a Restricted Stock Award. (b) "Award Agreement" means either or both of an Option Award Agreement or a Restricted Stock Award Agreement. A Participant is bound by the terms of an Award Agreement and this Plan by reason of accepting the benefits of the Award. (c) "Beneficial Owner" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule l3d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act. (d) "Beneficiary" means the person or persons named by a Participant to succeed to the Participant's rights under any then unexpired Award Agreements. Each such designation shall: (i) revoke all prior designations by the same Participant; (ii) be in a form acceptable to the Committee; and (iii) be effective only when delivered to the Committee by the Participant in writing and during the Participant's lifetime. No beneficiary shall be entitled to any notice of any change in a designation of beneficiary. In the absence of any such designation, the Participant's estate shall be the beneficiary. (e) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. (f) "Cause" means a willful engaging in gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, including AK Steel Corporation. "Willful" means an act or omission in bad faith and without reasonable belief that such act or omission was in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, including AK Steel Corporation. "Cause" shall be determined in good faith by the Committee. (g) "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) any person (other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan in which employees of the Company participate) becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing forty percent (40%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities; or (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, including for this purpose any new Director of the Company (other than a Director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clauses (i) or (iii) of this Subsection (g)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of a least two-thirds ( 2/3) of the Directors then still in office who either were Directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board; or (iii) the shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation (other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation) or the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets. (h) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. (i) "Committee" means the committee, as specified in Article 3, appointed by the Board to administer the Plan. (j) "Company" means AK Steel Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto, as provided in Article 13 herein. (k) "Director" means any individual who is a member of the Board and who is not an Employee. (l) "Disability" means a physical or mental condition which, in the judgment of the Committee, renders a Director unable to serve or an Employee unable to perform the duties of his position with the Company or, in the case of an Employee, the duties of another available position with the Company for which the Employee is suited by education, background and training. Any Employee found to be qualified for disability benefits under AK Steel Holding Corporation's long term disability plan or by the Federal Social Security Administration will be considered to be disabled under this Plan, but qualification for such benefits shall not be required as evidence of disability hereunder. (m) "Employee" means any common law employee of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, including AK Steel Corporation. A Director is not an Employee solely by reason of his position as a Director and, unless otherwise employed by the Company, shall not be considered to be an Employee under this Plan. (n) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor act thereto. (o) "Fair Market Value" shall mean: (i) if the Shares are traded on an established United States national stock exchange or in the United States over-the-counter market with prices reported on the NASDAQ, the average of the highest and lowest sales prices for Shares on the relevant date (or, if there were no sales of Shares on such date, the weighted average of the mean between the highest and lowest sale prices for Shares on the nearest preceding trading day on which there were sales of Shares); and 2 (ii) if the Shares are not traded as described in clause (i), the fair market value of such Shares on the relevant date, as determined in good faith by the Board. (p) "Insider" shall mean an Employee who is, on the relevant date, an executive officer or ten percent (10%) Beneficial Owner of the Company, as defined under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or a Director. (q) "Nonqualified Stock Option" or "Option" means an option to purchase Shares from the Company at a price established in an Option Award Agreement. No incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 may be granted under this Plan. (r) "Option Award" means, individually or collectively, a grant under this Plan of a Nonqualified Stock Option. (s) "Option Award Agreement" means an agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Option Award granted to a Participant under this Plan. (t) "Option Price" means the price at which a Share may be purchased by a Participant under the terms of an Option Award Agreement. (u) "Par Value" shall mean the designated par value of one Share. (v) "Participant" means any Director or Employee who possesses an unexpired Award granted under the Plan. (w) "Restricted Stock" means Shares granted to a Participant subject to certain restrictions on the Participant's right to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise alienate or hypothecate the Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Plan. (x) "Restricted Stock Award" means, individually or collectively, a grant under this Plan of Shares of Restricted Stock. (y) "Restricted Stock Award Agreement" means an agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to a Restricted Stock Award of Shares under this Plan. (z) "Retirement" shall mean termination of employment with the Company and any affiliate of the Company with eligibility to immediately commence to receive a pension under the Company's noncontributory defined benefit pension plan as in effect on the Employee's termination date. For a Participant who is not participating in such plan, Retirement shall mean any termination of employment with the Company which would have entitled such Participant to be eligible to immediately commence to receive a pension under the Company's non-contributory defined benefit pension plan had the Participant been a participant. (aa) "Shares" means the shares of voting common stock of the Company. (bb) "Window Period" means the period beginning on the third business day following the date of public release of the Company's quarterly sales and earnings information, and ending on the twelfth business day following such date. Article 3. Administration 3.1 The Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board, or by any other Committee appointed by the Board consisting of not less than two (2) Directors. The members of the Committee shall be appointed from time-to-time by, and shall serve at the sole discretion of, the Board. The Committee shall be comprised solely of Directors who (a) are eligible to administer the Plan pursuant to Rule 16b-3(c)(2) under the Exchange Act and, (b) are "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. 3 The Committee may employ such legal or other counsel, consultants and agents as it may deem desirable for the administration of the Plan and may rely upon any opinion or computation received from any such counsel, consultant or agent. Expenses incurred by the Committee in the engagement of such counsel, consultant or agent shall be paid by the Company. No member or former member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Option Award or Restricted Stock Award granted hereunder. 3.2 Authority of the Committee. The Committee shall have full power, subject to the provisions of this Plan, except as limited by law or by the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company: (i) to determine the size and types of Awards (except as to Awards to Directors which shall be limited to the size and shall be subject to the conditions expressly permitted by this Plan); (ii) to determine the terms and conditions of each Award Agreement in a manner consistent with the Plan; (iii) to construe and interpret the Plan and any agreement or instrument entered into under the Plan; (iv) to establish, amend, or waive rules and regulations for the Plan's administration; and, (v) subject to the provisions of Article 10 herein, to amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding Award Agreement to the extent such terms and conditions are within the discretion of the Committee as provided in the Plan. Further, the Committee shall make all other determinations which may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may delegate its authority hereunder to the extent permitted by law. In no event shall a Director who is a Participant vote in any matter related solely to such Director's Award under this Plan. 3.3 Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and all related orders or resolutions of the Board shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, its shareholders, Directors, Employees, Participants, and their estates, beneficiaries or assignees. In all cases, Awards to Directors shall be subject to the same terms, conditions and interpretations applicable generally to Awards to non-Director Participants. 3.4 Arbitration. Each Participant who is granted an Award hereunder agrees as a condition of the Award to submit to binding arbitration any dispute regarding the Plan or any Award made under the Plan, including by way of illustration and not limitation, any decision of the Committee or any action of the Company respecting the Plan. Such arbitration shall be held in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before an arbitrator selected by the Company and acceptable to the Participant. If the Participant objects to the appointment of the arbitrator selected by the Company, and the Company does not appoint an arbitrator acceptable to the Participant, then the Company and the Participant shall each select an arbitrator and those two arbitrators shall collectively appoint a third arbitrator who shall alone hear and resolve the dispute. The Company and the Participant shall share equally the cost of arbitration. No Company agreement of indemnity, whether under the Articles of Incorporation, the bylaws or otherwise, and no insurance purchased by the Company shall apply to pay or reimburse any Participant's costs of arbitration. Article 4. Shares Subject to Grant Under the Plan 4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in this Section and in Section 4.3, an aggregate of 11,000,000 Shares shall be available for the grant of Option Awards and Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan (hereinafter called the "Share Pool"); provided, however, that no person may be granted Awards under the Plan in any calendar year with respect to more than 600,000 Shares. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the appropriate division of the Share Pool as between Option Awards and Restricted Stock Awards. Shares issued upon exercise of any Award may be either authorized and previously unissued Shares or reacquired Shares. The following rules will apply for purposes of the determination of the number of Shares available for grant under the Plan: (a) the grant of an Award to a Participant shall reduce the Shares available in the Share Pool for grant under the Plan by the number of Shares subject to the Award; and 4 (b) to the extent that an Option is settled in cash rather than by the delivery of Shares, the Share Pool shall be reduced by the number of Shares represented by the cash settlement of the Option (subject to the limitation set forth in Section 4.2 herein). 4.2 Lapsed Awards. If any Award granted under this Plan is canceled, terminates, expires or lapses for any reason, any Shares then subject to such Award again shall be available for grant under the Plan and shall return to the Share Pool. 4.3 Adjustments in Authorized Shares. In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, split-up, Share combination, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares, an appropriate adjustment shall be made in the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under the Plan, and in the number and class of and/or price of Shares subject to any then unexercised and outstanding Awards, as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights. The number of Shares subject to any Award shall always be a whole number. 4.4 Rights as a Shareholder. No person shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to Shares subject to an Option Award until the date the Company receives full payment of the Option price, including any sum due for withholding pursuant to Section 6.6. A person who has Restricted Shares shall have the rights of an owner of Shares, except to the extent those rights are expressly limited by then applicable restrictions on transfer contained in this Plan and the Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Article 5. Eligibility and Participation 5.1 Eligibility. Directors who are not Employees, officers who are Employees, and Employees who are not officers but who are recommended by the Chairman of the Board shall be eligible to be Participants in this Plan. 5.2 Participation. A person who is eligible to be a Participant shall become a Participant upon receipt of an Award in accordance with the terms of this Plan. Article 6. Stock Options 6.1 Grant of Options. (a) Options may be granted to an eligible Employee at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by and in the sole discretion of the Committee, subject to the provisions of Section 4.1. (b) Options with respect to ten thousand (10,000) Shares shall be granted to each Director who is not employed by the Company on the date of his or her election to the Board, subject to the following terms and conditions: (i) the option price described in Section 6.3 shall be the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; (ii) the Options shall be exercisable in accordance with Section 6.4 until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of grant; (iii) the restriction on the right to exercise the Options in accordance with Section 6.5(a) shall lapse on the first anniversary of the date of the Option Award; (iv) for the purposes of this Plan, death shall be treated as death while employed under Section 6.8(a)(i); Disability or Retirement from the Board shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 6.8(b) and (c); failure to be reelected shall be an involuntary termination subject to the terms of Section 6.8(d)(i); and resignation or failure to stand for reelection shall be deemed to be a voluntary termination subject to the terms of Section 6.8(e); and 5 (v) the limited right of transferability shall be granted in accordance with Section 6.7. Except as above modified or interpreted, the provisions of this Section 6 shall apply to Directors in the same manner it applies to others. 6.2 Option Award Agreement. Each Option shall be granted pursuant to a written Option Award Agreement, signed by the appropriate member of the Committee or its designee, and specifying the terms and conditions applicable to the Options granted including: the Option Price; the period during which the Option may be exercised; the number of Shares to which the Option pertains; the conditions under which the Option is exercisable; and such other provisions as the Committee may from time to time determine. The Option Agreement also shall specify that the Option is intended to be a Nonqualified Stock Option whose grant is intended not to fall under the provisions of Code Section 422. 6.3 Option Price. The Option Price for each Share subject to purchase shall be determined by the Committee and stated in the Option Award Agreement but in no event shall be less than the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant of the Award. 6.4 Duration of Options. Each Option shall be exercisable for such period as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant. No Option shall be exercisable later than the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of its grant. 6.5 Exercise of Options. (a) Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall in each instance approve, which need not be the same for each grant or for each Participant. No Option shall be exercisable prior to six (6) months following the date of its grant. The Committee may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Option Award Agreement, that the exercisability of an Option may be accelerated or extended under various circumstances to a date not later than the latest expiration date permitted in accordance with Section 6.4. (b) Each Option shall be exercisable only by delivery to the Committee in care of the Secretary of the Company of a written notice of exercise in such form as the Committee may require. A notice of exercise shall: specify the number of shares to be purchased, shall be signed by the Participant or holder of the Option and shall be dated the date the signature is affixed. 6.6 Payment. A written notice of exercise shall be accompanied by full payment for the Shares to be purchased. Subject to the provisions of Article 11, payment shall include any income or employment taxes required to be withheld by the Company from the employee's compensation with respect to the Shares so purchased. (a) The Option Price upon exercise of any Option shall be payable to the Company in full either: (i) in cash or its equivalent, or (ii) by tendering previously acquired Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option Price (provided that the Shares so tendered shall have been held by the Participant for at least six (6) months prior to such tender), in proper form for transfer and accompanied by all requisite stock transfer tax stamps or cash in lieu thereof, or (iii) by a combination of (i) and (ii). (b) The Committee also may allow cashless exercises as permitted under Federal Reserve Board Regulation T, subject to applicable securities law restrictions, or by any other means which the Committee determines to be consistent with the Plan's purpose and applicable law. (c) As soon as practicable after receipt of a written notice of exercise and full payment, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, in the Participant's name, Share certificates in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Shares purchased. 6 6.7 Restrictions on Transferability. Except to the extent permitted under this Section 6.7, no Option granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, all Options granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right to purchase Shares subject to an Option Award may be transferred, in whole or in part, by a Participant during a Participant's lifetime, to a Participant's spouse, child or grandchild, or to the trustee of a testamentary or other grantor trust established primarily for the benefit of a Participant's spouse, child or grandchild; provided that: (i) A transfer shall only be effective upon receipt by the Secretary of the Company, on behalf of the Committee, of written notice of transfer in such form as the Committee may require; (ii) A notice of transfer shall: (A) identify the name, address and relationship of the transferee to the Participant; (B) identify the Option Award which is the subject of the transfer, the number of Shares transferred and the consideration paid, if any, for the transfer; (C) in the case of a transfer to a trustee, include evidence satisfactory to the Committee that under the terms of the trust the transfer is for the exclusive benefit of a Participant's spouse, child or grandchild; and (D) include a copy of the authorized signature of each person who will have the right to exercise the option to purchase and all information relevant to the rights transferred; and (iii) A transferee may not transfer any rights. Upon the transferee's death, all rights shall revert to the Participant. The Committee may impose such additional restrictions on transferability as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, restrictions under applicable Federal securities laws, under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such Shares are then listed and/or traded, and under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable to such Shares. 6.8 Termination of Employment. Except as hereinafter provided, Options granted under the Plan may not be exercised by any person, including a transferee of any rights under an Option Award, unless the Participant is then in the employ of the Company and unless the Participant has remained continuously so employed since the date of grant of the Option. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and subject to the duration established in accordance with Section 6.4, Options shall be exercisable in the following circumstances: (a) in the case of a Participant's death (i) while employed by the Company, by the Beneficiary or representative during a period of 3 years following the date of the Participant's death; and in such a case may be exercised even before expiration of the 6-month or longer period established in accordance with Section 6.5(a); or (ii) after his Retirement, but before the third anniversary of his Retirement, by the Beneficiary or representative on or before the third anniversary of his Retirement; (b) in the case of the Participant's Disability, by the Participant or by the Participant's appointed representative during a period of 3 years following the date of the Participant's last day worked; (c) in the case of the Participant's Retirement, by the Participant during a period of 3 years following the date of the Participant's last day worked; (d) in the case of a Participant's involuntary termination of employment: (i) for reasons other than Cause, by the Participant during a period of 3 years following the date of the Participant's last day worked; or (ii) for Cause, by the Participant on or before his last day worked whether or not the Committee has made its final determination that there is Cause for termination as of that last day worked; and (e) in the case of a Participant's voluntary termination of employment, on or before his last day worked. 7 Article 7. Restricted Stock. 7.1 Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards may be made at any time while the Plan is in effect. Such Awards may be made to any Director or Employee whether or not prior Restricted Stock Awards have been made to said person. 7.2 Notice. The Committee shall promptly provide each Participant with written notice setting forth the number of Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Award and such other terms and conditions relevant thereto, including the purchase price, if any, to be paid for the Shares by the Recipient of the Award, as may be considered appropriate by the Compensation Committee. 7.3 Restrictions on Transfer. The purpose of these restrictions is to provide an incentive to each Participant to continue to provide services to the Company and to perform his or her assigned tasks and responsibilities in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Shares awarded pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) Stock certificates evidencing shares shall be issued in the sole name of the Participant (but may be held by the Company until the restrictions shall have lapsed in accordance herewith) and shall bear a legend which, in part, shall provide that: "The shares of common stock evidenced by this certificate are subject to the terms and restrictions of the AK Steel Holding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan. These shares are subject to forfeiture or cancellation under the terms of said Plan. These shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, encumbered or otherwise alienated or hypothecated except pursuant to the provisions of said Plan, a copy of which Plan is available from the Secretary of the Company upon request." (b) No Restricted Stock may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, encumbered or otherwise alienated or hypothecated unless, until and then only to the extent that said restrictions shall have lapsed in accordance with Section 7.4. 7.4 Lapse of Restrictions. The restrictions set forth in Section 7.3 will lapse only if, on the date restrictions are to lapse in accordance with this Section 7.4, the Participant has been continuously employed by the Company or has been a Director from the time of the Restricted Stock Award to such date of lapse. If the lapse schedule would result in the lapse of restrictions in a fractional share interest, the number of shares will be rounded down to the next lowest number of full shares for each of the first two lapse dates, with the balance to relate to the final lapse date. Unless otherwise provided by the Board: (a) with respect to a Restricted Stock Award to an Employee, the restrictions set forth in Section 7.3 shall lapse with respect to twenty- five percent (25%) of the Shares subject thereto on the second anniversary of the date of the Award; and with respect to an additional twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject thereto on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of the Award; and (b) with respect to a Restricted Stock Award to a Director, the restrictions set forth in Section 7.3 shall lapse upon completion of the full tenure for which the Director was elected to serve on the Board. 7.5 Vesting and Forfeiture. Upon the lapse of the restrictions set forth in Section 7.3 with respect to Shares covered by a Restricted Stock Award, ownership of the Shares with respect to which the restrictions have lapsed shall vest in the holder of the Award. In the event of termination of an Employee's employment, or in the event a Director fails to complete his or her full tenure on the Board, all Shares then still subject to the restrictions described in Section 7.3 shall be forfeited by the Participant and returned to the Company for cancellation, except as follows: (a) Restrictions with respect to Shares covered by an outstanding Restricted Stock Award held by a Director shall lapse upon the date of his or her mandatory retirement from the Board by reason of age. In the case of an Employee's retirement, the Committee may in its sole discretion elect to waive all or any portion of the restrictions remaining in respect of a Restricted Stock Award held by that employee. Any 8 outstanding restrictions shall lapse in case of death or Disability of the holder of a Restricted Stock Award. Evidence of Disability will be entitlement to disability income benefits under the Federal Social Security Act; and (b) The Committee may at any time in its sole discretion accelerate or waive all or any portion of restrictions remaining in respect of the Shares covered by an outstanding Restricted Stock Award (to the extent not waived pursuant to paragraph (a) above). This authority may be exercised for any or all Participants; provided that the waiver in any particular case shall not bind the Committee in any other similar case, it being the intention of the Company to grant the Committee the broadest possible discretion to act or to refuse to act in this regard. Any such action taken on behalf of a Director shall require the unanimous consent of all Directors (excluding the Director for whose benefit the action is taken) then in office. 7.6 Rights as Stockholder. Upon issuance of the stock certificates evidencing the Restricted Stock Award and subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7.3 hereof, the Participant shall have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Shares of Restricted Stock represented by that Restricted Stock Award, including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect thereto. 7.7 Awards to Directors. The Board may, during any calendar year, determine by majority vote to pay all or a portion of a Director's fees to be earned in such calendar year by means of an Award of Restricted Stock; provided that at least fifty (50%) of the Director's fees shall be paid in the form of a Restricted Stock Award, such Award to be made effective as of December 31 to Directors then serving. Any Director who leaves the Board during the year shall be paid in cash for services rendered. Article 8. Rights of Employees. 8.1 Employment. Nothing in the Plan shall: (i) interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate any Participant's employment at any time; (ii) confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Company or its subsidiaries; or (iii) be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that the Company will employ any Participant in any particular position at a particular rate of compensation or for any particular period of time. 8.2 Participation. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to give any person any right to be granted any Award other than at the sole discretion of the Committee or as giving any person any rights whatsoever with respect to Shares except as specifically provided in the Plan. No Participant shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under this Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award. Article 9. Change in Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by the terms of this Article 9: (a) any and all outstanding Options previously granted hereunder, if not then exercisable, shall become immediately exercisable and any restrictions on the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse and expire effective as of the date of the Change in Control; (b) subject to Article 10 herein, the Committee shall have the authority to make any modifications to any Option Award determined by the Committee to be appropriate before the effective date of the Change in Control; and (c) if the Shares are no longer traded over a national public securities exchange following a Change in Control: (i) Participants holding Options shall have the right to require the Company to make a cash payment to them in exchange for their Options. Such cash payment shall be contingent upon the 9 Participant's surrendering the Option. The amount of the cash payment shall be determined by adding the total "spread" on all outstanding Options. For this purpose, the total "spread" shall equal the difference between: (1) the higher of (i) the highest price per Share paid or offered in any transaction related to a Change in Control of the Company; or (ii) the highest Fair Market Value per Share at any time during the ninety (90) calendar day period preceding a Change in Control; and (2) the Option Price applicable to each Share held under Option; and (ii) Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock shall have the right to require the Company to make a cash payment to them in exchange for their Restricted Stock. Such cash payment shall be contingent upon the Participant's surrendering the Restricted Stock. The amount of the cash payment shall be not less than the higher of (1) the highest price per Share paid or offered in any transaction related to a Change in Control of the Company; or (2) the highest Fair Market Value per Share at any time during the ninety (90) calendar day period preceding a Change in Control. Article 10. Amendment, Modification, and Termination. 10.1 Amendment, Modification, and Termination. The Board may at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, suspend or terminate this Plan in whole or in part; provided, that no amendment that (i) requires shareholder approval in order for this Plan to continue to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, including any successor to such Rule, or (ii) would modify the provisions of Section 3.1 or the first paragraph of Section 4.1 of this Plan, shall be effective unless such amendment shall be approved by the requisite vote of shareholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon. 10.2 Awards Previously Granted. No termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under the Plan without the written consent of the Participant holding such Award. If consent is not given, the Award shall continue in force in accordance with its terms without modification. Article 11. Withholding. 11.1 Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy Federal, state, and local taxes, (including the Participant's FICA obligation, if any) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising or as a result of this Plan. Failure to cooperate with the Company in paying any such withholding shall cause the cancellation of the Shares subject to the taxable transaction without liability for such cancellation. 11.2 Share Withholding. With respect to withholding required upon the exercise of Options or the vesting of Shares under a Restricted Stock Award, Participants may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum statutory total tax which could be imposed on the transaction. All elections shall be irrevocable, made in writing, signed by the Participant. In addition to the foregoing requirements, an Insider may elect Share withholding only if such election is made in compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Article 12. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee, or of the Board, against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs of suit, that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by the member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which the member may be a party defendant or in which the member may be involved as a defendant by reason of any action taken or any failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid in Settlement thereof or paid in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against the member, provided that the member shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before the member undertakes to handle and defend it or agrees to any settlement of the claim. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to, 10 and not exclusive of, any other rights of indemnification to which the member may be entitled under the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise. This right shall not extend to any action by a Director as a claimant of rights under the Plan, whether on the Director's behalf or on behalf of a class of persons which would include the Director, unless filed in the form of a declaratory judgment seeking relief for the Company or the Plan. Article 13. Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to Awards granted hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company. Article 14. Listing of Shares and Related Matters. If at any time the Committee shall determine that the listing, registration or qualification of the Shares subject to any Award on any securities exchange or under any applicable law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of an Option or the issuance of Shares thereunder or the granting of a Restricted Stock Award, no Option that is the subject of such Award may be exercised in whole or in part and no certificates may be issued or reissued in respect of any Restricted Stock that is the subject of such Award unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee. Article 15. Deferral Elections. The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to defer his or her receipt of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant by virtue of the exercise of an Option, or due to the lapse of restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock, awarded under the Plan. If any such election is permitted, the Committee shall establish rules and procedures for such deferrals, including, but not limited to: (i) the payment or crediting, with respect to deferred amounts credited in cash, of reasonable interest or other investment return determined with reference to any investment performance measurement selected by the Committee from time to time, (ii) the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents in respect of deferrals credited in Share units, and (iii) the Participant's rights with respect to the Options and/or Restricted Stock subject to such deferral election during the period between the Participant's deferral election and the exercise of the Options or the lapse of restrictions with respect to the Restricted Stock. Article 16. Legal Construction. 16.1 Gender and Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural. 16.2 Severability. If any provision of the Plan shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included. Unless otherwise specifically provided in a final order by a court of competent jurisdiction, no such judicial determination shall deprive a Participant of the economic advantage, if any, of unexpired Options under any Option Award Agreement or of Shares of Restricted Stock then subject to restrictions under the terms of the Plan or the Restricted Stock Award Agreement. If any such judicial determination does or would have an adverse impact then the Company shall assure the Participant of the right to receive cash in an amount equal to the value of any Award under the Plan prior to the determination of its invalidity in the same manner as if such Award was lawful and the benefit granted thereunder could be enjoyed in accordance with the terms of the Award. 16.3 Requirements of Law. The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. 11 16.4 Securities Law Compliance. With respect to Insiders, transactions under this Plan are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule l6b-13 or its successors under the Exchange Act. To the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Committee fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Committee. The obligations of the Company to issue or transfer Restricted Shares awarded pursuant to the Plan or Option Shares upon exercise of an Option shall be subject to: compliance with all applicable governmental rules and regulations, and administrative action; the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company; and the condition that listing requirements (or authority for listing upon official notice of issuance) for each stock exchange on which outstanding shares of the same class may then be listed shall have been satisfied. 16.5 Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Plan and all agreements hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. 12 EX-10.23 4 LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE PLAN Exhibit 10.23 AK STEEL CORPORATION LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE PLAN (as amended and restated as of March 19, 1998) Introduction The name of this plan is the AK Steel Corporation Long-Term Performance Plan (the "Plan"). AK Steel Corporation (the "Company") adopted the Plan in 1995 to increase management's focus on the Company's long-term performance relative to that of its principal competitors in the carbon flat rolled steel industry (the "Peer Group") and to reward certain employees for enhancing the profitability of the Company over extended periods of time. The Plan is hereby amended and restated as set forth in this document. The Plan is a payroll practice. The Plan is not intended to be an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended , and the Plan shall be interpreted, administered and enforced to the extent possible in a manner consistent with that intent. Any obligations under the Plan shall be the joint and several obligations of AK Steel Holding Corporation, the Company, and each of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. The Plan is designed to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). 1. Administration of the Plan This Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Committee shall consist of not less than two members of the Board who shall be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the discretion of, the Board. Each member of the Committee shall be an "outside director" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. The Human Resources Department of the Company shall maintain records of authorized participants for each period described in paragraph 4 below (the "Performance Period"). 2. Participation Each elected officer of the Company shall be eligible to participate in this Plan, and certain other management employees of the Company ("Plan Member" or "Plan Members") shall be eligible to participate in this Plan upon selection by the Chairman of the Board or his delegate, the Executive Management Committee ( the "EMC"), subject to the approval and/or review from time to time by the Committee. The EMC shall consist of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President, Human Resources, and such other individuals as may be designated from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any covered employee, as defined in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code ("Covered Employee"), shall be designated to participate in the Plan by the Committee in writing within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. 3. Bonus Opportunity Targets Each Plan Member shall be assigned a Bonus Opportunity Target Percentage ("Target Percentage") at the time the Plan Member is selected for participation in this Plan. A Plan Member's Target Percentage may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the Committee or, in the case of Plan Members who are not elected officers, by the EMC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall assign or change, in writing, the Target Percentage for any Covered Employee for a particular Performance Period within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. A Plan Member's Target Percentage is the maximum percentage of his annual base salary (as defined below) that can be achieved with respect to any Performance Period for which he is selected for participation. A Plan Member's Target Percentage is multiplied by his annual base salary for the final year of the Performance 1 Period for which the calculation of a Performance Award is made in order to arrive at his Bonus Opportunity Target Amount ("Target Amount"). A Plan Member's annual base salary for purposes of this Plan shall be determined by multiplying his monthly rate of base salary for the last month of the relevant Performance Period by twelve (12). Any amount awarded to a Plan Member under this Plan shall be referred to herein as a "Performance Award." If a Plan Member is designated to participate in the Plan after the commencement of a Performance Period, his Performance Award, if any, will be prorated based on his period of participation in the Plan during such Performance Period. 4. Performance Periods Each Performance Period shall consist of a period of three consecutive calendar years, with the first such three-year period commencing on January 1, 1995, and ending on December 31, 1997. 5. Performance Award Payment Date The Performance Award Payment Date is the date on which any Performance Awards are paid to Plan Members, which date shall not be more than 120 days following the last day of the final year of each Performance Period. Before any Performance Award is paid to a Covered Employee, the Committee shall certify in writing that the criteria for receiving a Performance Award pursuant to the terms of this Plan have been satisfied. 6. Peer Group The Peer Group shall consist of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Inland Steel Company, LTV Corporation, National Steel Corporation, Nucor Corporation, and U.S. Steel Group. The Peer Group may be modified from time to time at the discretion of the Committee; however, to the extent any modification of the Peer Group impacts the Performance Award to be received by a Covered Employee, such modification will be made within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. 7. Performance Award Determination Any Performance Award to be paid to a Plan Member with respect to a Performance Period shall be the amount determined by multiplying his Target Amount under paragraph 3 above by the sum of the applicable percentages for the completed Performance Period and for the final year of the completed Performance Period as set forth in the chart below. The chart is based upon the Company's operating profit per ton shipped (excluding special and unusual items) as compared to operating profit per ton shipped (excluding special and unusual items) of the Peer Group. The maximum Performance Award that may be paid to any Covered Employee with respect to any Performance Period shall be $3 million. The Committee may delegate the calculation of Performance Awards to the Company's Chief Financial Officer, subject to the Committee's supervision. The percentages to be applied to a Plan Member's Target Amount in determining any Performance Award with respect to a Performance Period shall be based upon the following chart:
Percentages of Target Amount Operating Profit Per Based Upon Relative Ton Shipped Performance Ranking -------------------- ---------------------------- Percentage for Final Ranking of Company Percentage for Completed Year of Completed Versus Peer Group Performance Period Performance Period 1 100% 100% 2 50% 50% 3 25% 25% 4 15% 15% 5-7 0% 0%
2 8. Form of Payment All Performance Awards with respect to a Performance Period will be paid in a single lump-sum payment either in cash or in a combination of cash and whole shares of Restricted Stock as determined by the Committee; however, no more than fifty percent (50%) of any Performance Award shall be paid in Restricted Stock. The Company shall withhold such payroll or other taxes as it determines to be necessary or appropriate. If any portion of Performance Awards with respect to a Performance Period are to be paid in whole shares of Restricted Stock, such shares shall be issued pursuant to grants of Restricted Stock under the AK Steel Holding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated as of March 19, 1998) (the "SIP"); however, notwithstanding any provision in the SIP to the contrary, the restrictions on such shares granted under the SIP pursuant to this Plan shall lapse as to 20% of those shares on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the Performance Award Payment Date on which such Restricted Stock was issued. Restricted Stock issued pursuant to this Plan shall be valued at the average of the high price and the low price of shares traded on the date the Committee approves issuance of such Restricted Stock. 9. Events of Forfeiture a. No Net Income If the Company has no net income for book purposes for the last calendar year of any Performance Period, no Performance Award will be paid with respect to the Performance Period ending with that calendar year. The Performance Award for that period, if any is due, will either be forfeited or the payment of the Performance Award will be deferred in the sole discretion of the Committee. b. Death, Disability, Retirement or Involuntary Termination for Other Than Cause If during a calendar year a Plan Member dies, becomes totally and permanently disabled, retires, or is involuntarily terminated for reasons other than cause, the Plan Member (or his estate in the case of death) shall be entitled under this Plan to an amount equal to twice the amount paid or to be paid to the Plan Member on the Performance Award Payment Date occurring within that calendar year, less any amount actually paid to the Plan Member on such Performance Award Payment Date. Any amount payable under this paragraph 9b shall be paid on the next to occur of the Performance Award Payment Date falling within that calendar year or within 60 days following such Plan Member's death or other termination of employment. Any such amount shall be paid in cash and in full satisfaction of any claims the Plan Member may have under this Plan. c. Termination for Cause If a Plan Member is terminated for cause, as cause may be defined by the Committee or the EMC, no Performance Award shall be paid under this Plan. d. Voluntary Termination Subject to the provisions of paragraph 9b, a Plan Member who voluntarily terminates employment with the Company prior to any Performance Award Payment Date shall forfeit all rights hereunder to any payment that is or may be due on or after such Performance Award Payment Date. e. Removal from the Plan A Plan Member may be removed from further participation in this Plan by the Committee or the EMC and such removal shall be effective as of the date determined by the Committee or the EMC. In such a case, the Plan Member shall be eligible to receive a prorated Performance Award, if any, based on his period of participation during the Performance Period ending in the year in which his removal occurs. 3 10. Source of Benefits The Company shall make any cash payments due under the terms of this Plan directly from its assets or from any trust that the Company may choose to establish and maintain from time to time. Nothing contained in this Plan shall give or be deemed to give any Plan Member or any other person any interest in any property of any such trust or in any property of the Company, nor shall any Plan Member or any other person have any right under this Plan not expressly provided by the terms hereof, as such terms may be interpreted and applied by the Committee in its discretion. 11. Liability of Officers and Plan Members No current or former employee, officer, director or agent of AK Steel Holding Corporation or of the Company shall be personally liable to any Plan Member or other person with respect to any benefit under this Plan or for any action taken by any such person in the administration or interpretation of this Plan. 12. Unsecured General Creditor The rights of a Plan Member (or his designated beneficiary in the event of his death) under this Plan shall only be the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company, and the Plan Member (or his designated beneficiary) shall not have any legal or equitable right, interest, or other claim in any property or assets of the Company by reason of the establishment of this Plan. 13. Arbitration Any dispute under this Plan shall be submitted to binding arbitration subject to the rules of the American Arbitration Association before an arbitrator selected by the Company and acceptable to the Plan Member. If the Plan Member objects to the appointment of the arbitrator selected by the Company, and the Company does not appoint an arbitrator acceptable to the Plan Member, then the Company and the Plan Member shall each select an arbitrator and those two arbitrators shall collectively appoint a third arbitrator who shall alone hear and resolve the dispute. The Company and the Plan Member shall share equally the costs of arbitration. No Company agreement of indemnity, whether under its Articles of Incorporation, the bylaws or otherwise, and no insurance by the Company, shall apply to pay or reimburse any Plan Member's costs of arbitration. 14. Amendment or Termination of Plan The Board expressly reserves for itself and for the Committee the right and the power to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. In such a case, unless the Committee otherwise expressly provides at the time the action is taken, no Performance Awards shall be paid to any Plan Member on or after the date of such action. 15. Miscellaneous a. Assignability Plan Members shall not alienate, assign, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber, attach, mortgage, or otherwise hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the amounts, if any, payable hereunder. No part of the amounts payable hereunder shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance, nor shall any person have any other claim to any benefit payable under this Plan as a result of a divorce or the Plan Member's, or any other person's bankruptcy or insolvency. b. Obligations to the Company If a Plan Member becomes entitled to payment of any amounts under this Plan, and if at such time the Plan Member has any outstanding debt, obligation, or other liability representing an amount owed to the Company, then the Company may offset such amounts against the amounts otherwise payable under this Plan. Such determination shall be made by the Committee or the Board. 4 c. No Promise of Continued Employment Nothing in this Plan or in any materials describing or relating to this Plan grants, nor should it be deemed to grant, any person any employment right, nor does participation in this Plan imply that any person has been employed for any specific term or duration or that any person has any right to remain in the employ of the Company. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 9 hereof, the Company retains the right to change or terminate any condition of employment of any Plan Member without regard to any effect any such change has or may have on such person's rights hereunder. d. Captions The captions to the paragraphs of this Plan are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions. e. Pronouns Masculine pronouns and other words of masculine gender shall refer to both men and women. f. Validity In the event any provision of this Plan is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be stricken and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. g. Applicable Law To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of Delaware. 5 EX-11.0 5 STATEMENT RE:COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS EXHIBIT 11.0 STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS See Notes 2 and 10 of the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. EX-23.1 6 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-60151, Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333- 04505 and Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No. 33- 84578 of AK Steel Holding Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated January 20, 1999, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of AK Steel Holding Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Cincinnati, Ohio January 22, 1999 EX-27 7 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AK STEEL HOLDING CORPORATION'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000,000 YEAR DEC-31-1998 JAN-01-1998 DEC-31-1998 83 0 287 0 432 808 2,933 682 3,306 531 1,145 1 0 0 929 3,306 2,394 2,394 1,963 2,180 0 0 56 176 62 115 0 0 0 115 1.93 1.92
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----