TimkenSteel
Annual Report 2018

Plain-text annual report

CLEARLY DRIVEN 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T For the third consecutive year, TimkenSteel earnings continued an upward trajectory, resulting from strategic actions we have undertaken to improve effi ciency, pricing and product mix, as well as due to more favorable market conditions. As an organization, we are clearly driven. Since launching our 100-year-old steel company as an independent entity in 2014, our journey to improve the company’s performance is on track. Steep increases in demand in 2017 carried into early 2018, bringing some challenges. March 2018 was the largest bar shipment month in our history, and the second quarter of 2018 marked our highest quarterly shipments in six years. With rising production, we brought more than 600 new employees into the company, with many more employees moving to new jobs. Safety is always a priority, but in these circumstances, we were even more vigilant. Our employees rose to the challenge and had the safest year in our operating history. In addition to the impact of sharp demand changes, unplanned maintenance events led to ineffi ciencies in operations that affected delivery and, combined with infl ation in our supply chain, impacted fi nancial performance. Our supply chain and manufacturing teams took action, working together to make changes needed to break production constraints, more strategically schedule and creatively partner with suppliers. Through their efforts, our operating performance was back on track by the fourth quarter, when we posted our highest quarter for melt tons in fi ve years. Operating performance continued to improve as we entered 2019. The fi nancial impact of these production challenges masked some of the positive, structural changes we made, which will have sustainable impact on our performance. We are winning business at higher margins and successfully shifting our mix toward higher-value products. In fact, one metric in our variable pay plan focused specifi cally on driving sales and delivery on our most differentiated products. With everyone working together toward that goal, we signifi cantly enriched our product mix in 2018 and expect continued improvement in 2019. Net sales and gross profi t continued to climb in 2018 – up by large percentages over previous years. An even better 2019 In the fi nal months of 2018, we operated through the holiday season to maximize production output and position ourselves for a strong 2019. Our markets continue to perform well, and we are monitoring global economic indicators for any change. Indicators today lead us to expect general industrial and mining to continue to grow and the North American automotive market, especially the larger vehicle market we serve, to remain strong. With stability in our core markets, our commercial team has worked diligently to enrich the mix of products we sell, gain market share and achieve healthier pricing levels. Our efforts have been aided by U.S. government actions to address the unfair trade practices in steel bar markets that have threatened both the viability of our industry and the security of our nation. Tariffs have had a positive impact on TimkenSteel and the industry as a whole. On a level playing fi eld, TimkenSteel is diffi cult to beat. We continue to produce some of the world’s cleanest steel by the most effi cient means possible. Guided by our core values, we operate responsibly and sustainably. The future in focus As we look to the future, we are clearly driven by a long- term vision that will strategically guide all our decisions. Over the last year, we solidifi ed a set of initiatives and principles that will take us down the right path in the coming years to operate effi ciently at all points of an economic cycle while we grow the business. 1. People fi rst. Our people and culture – our health and wellbeing as an organization – are essential to our future. Our competitive edge is based upon industry- leading design, quality production and technical sales and service teams. We must continue to attract top- performing, talented individuals in our industry who are engaged and committed to our vision. This begins with the safety and wellbeing of every employee and extends to creating a fl exible and fulfi lling work environment. In addition to being the safest year in our operating history, 2018 showed improved retention and employee engagement. We’ve been recognized in our region, including by the Employers Resource Council, which not only named TimkenSteel one of its NorthCoast 99 best places to work in Northeast Ohio, but also recognized our pay-for-performance compensation plans. 2. Project: Sound Center. Inspired by the “sound center” or core of our large steel bars, we have embarked on a project to further improve the core of our business. Project: Sound Center ensures that the fundamentals are in place to realize our future goals. The fi rst phase of the initiative is already producing tangible results with process and system improvements to customer service, demand forecasting and master planning, pricing and profi tability. D E A R F E L L O W S H A R E H O L D E R S 22 3 T R O P E R L A U N N A L E E T S N E K M T I 8 1 0 2 Innovate. Thrive. Win. Each day, the people of TimkenSteel adjust to every obstacle we face, from global competition and market variables to driving improvement in production and delivery targets. At the same time, we continue to defi ne and defend our place in the market by innovating around production effi ciency, product quality, customer experience and new products. In the U.S. and throughout the world, we are recognized as the company that takes on industry’s most critical and demanding applications, such as high-effi ciency power transmissions. We say, “Yes. It’s possible.” – not only for solutions to individual problems or applications, but for those that are scalable across industries. This is why TimkenSteel is synonymous with value-added products and applications. Our Endurance family of steels, for example, brings both high strength and high toughness – typically competing attributes – together in one product. For this engineering feat, TimkenSteel was the 2018 winner of the American Metal Market Steel Excellence award for best product innovation. This is an example of our long-term vision in action. Market adoption of these sorts of advanced technologies can take time, and our sales engineers are discussing the performance possibilities with customers who make products that operate in harsh environments. While technological advances will maintain our long-term competitive advantage, we’re also delivering more and more differentiated products today. An example is the heat treated steel from our new advanced quench-and-temper facility, which ramped production throughout 2018 to serve demanding customer applications like precision coupling stock for energy exploration. Another example is how we keep pace with innovation in our market, such as pursuit and award of future sales of tubing and components for battery and hybrid electric vehicles. A strong management team and board of directors lead the company, with two excellent additions this year. Marvin Riley, chief operating offi cer for EnPro, joined our board of directors in August 2018, bringing valuable manufacturing and supply chain experience. In September, Kristopher Westbrooks joined our leadership team as chief fi nancial offi cer, bringing deep experience that will help accelerate our efforts to drive greater shareholder value. Together with these leaders, I am grateful to our employees, suppliers, communities and customers for another year of improving results. We thank our investors for their belief in this company, and we are clearly driven to generate even greater shareholder value. Tim Timken Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer and President February 20, 2019 Over the last year, we solidifi ed Over the last year, we solidifi ed a set of initiatives and principles that a set of initiatives and principles that will take us down the right path in the will take us down the right path in the coming years to operate effi ciently at all coming years to operate effi ciently at all points of an economic cycle while points of an economic cycle while we grow the business. we grow the business. 3. Sustainability and growth. Building on the strategies to enrich the mix of products we sell, improve price and stabilize volume, we are driven to achieve top-line growth. Our sales team is pursuing organic growth opportunities, while our business development teams are evaluating expansion of our value-added product and service offerings, as well as supply chain partnerships that will open new opportunities. TimkenSteel is clearly driven to operate responsibly in all aspects of our business. That commitment helps ensure we create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace, look after our environmental resources and develop sustainable technologies and business practices WELLBEING OF PEOPLE Our employees’ physical, financial, emotional and social health are priorities. In 2018, we strengthened our culture by promoting inclusion, continuous improvement and overall work satisfaction. 2018 was our safest year on record! that contribute to economic growth OSHA recordable incident rate STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT Operating responsibly is as important to us as making the world’s cleanest steel. We are committed to maintaining clean air, water and land, and to conserving energy and natural resources in our operations. VALUE FOR SHAREHOLDERS We’re creating long-term value with consistent improvement in financial performance, sound business practices and governance, well-executed operations and balanced risk and prosperity. 290% reduction over last 10 years 10 8 6 4 2 0 S R U O H - N A M K 0 0 2 R E P ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 Lost-time accident rate S R U O H - N A M K 0 0 2 R E P 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 580% reduction over last 10 years ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 U.S. Primary Metals Manufacturers TimkenSteel Steel-producing industry peers U.S. Primary Metals Manufacturers’ data for 2018 available in November 2019. 90% Preventing accidents With 21,575 precaution-based safety observations in 2018, more than 90% met safety expectations, with our employees striving to improve our safety culture each day. With our Golden Glove safety awards, we’ve implemented 80+ employee-driven hand safety innovations in the past four years, decreasing hand injuries by 35%. We’re proud to be one of the best places to work in Northeast Ohio. A 2018 survey of top talent showed nearly 95% of respondents feel the work they do is meaningful and fulfilling. New time-off policies contribute to our 92% retention rate. Our employee resource groups are growing. Those groups include women, multicultural professionals, veterans, young professionals, working parents and those interested in wellness. All TimkenSteel manufacturing plants are ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certified. Our steel products are made from nearly 100% post-consumer scrap metal. Raw material is the equivalent of 1.8 million cars a year and about 133,000 used passenger car tires. Emissions footprint Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Average metric tons of CO2 emitted Average gigajoule per metric ton per metric ton of steel produced of steel produced Energy intensity 2017 2018 2017 2018 Global 1.83 N/A Global 19.85 N/A average average TimkenSteel 0.41 0.40 TimkenSteel 6.04 5.92 TimkenSteel data represent electric arc furnace footprint using World Steel Association emission factors. This organization publishes data on a one-year delay; 2018 averages are not yet available. We regularly rank in the top 15% of the lowest-emitting EAF steel plants World Steel Association analyzes for GHG. 8.4% INCREASE 17% INCREASE In overall recycling in 2018, a 4% increase over 5 years Recycled 9.7 billion gallons of water in 2018 16% INCREASE Recycled 18,870 tons of electric arc furnace dust in 2018 2.5% DECREASE In waste-to-landfill in 2018 management. Adjusted EBITDA ($ MILLIONS) $105 $69 Net sales ($ BILLIONS) $1.6 $1.3 ’17 ’18 Reconciliation ($ MILLIONS) Net loss Provision for income taxes 2017 2018 ($43.8) ($31.7) 1.5 1.8 Interest expense 14.8 Depreciation 74.9 and amortization 17.1 73.0 Executive severance costs – 1.7 21.8 43.5 Loss from remeasurement of benefit plans Adjusted EBITDA 16% 34% 10% 2018 40% ’17 ’18 $69.2 $105.4 Energy Industrial Mobile Other Product mix 27% INCREASE in base sales in our most profitable products Quench- Seamless and-temper mechanical Large bar tubing Value-added products and services $204M liquidity to support growth (an 8% increase over 2017) Figures are as of December 31, 2018. TimkenSteel is clearly driven to operate TimkenSteel is clearly driven to operate responsibly in all aspects of our business. responsibly in all aspects of our business. That commitment helps ensure we create That commitment helps ensure we create and maintain a safe and healthy and maintain a safe and healthy workplace, look after our environmental workplace, look after our environmental resources and develop sustainable resources and develop sustainable technologies and business practices technologies and business practices and prosperity. and prosperity. WELLBEING OF PEOPLE WELLBEING OF PEOPLE Our employees’ physical, financial, emotional and Our employees’ physical, financial, emotional and social health are priorities. In 2018, we strengthened social health are priorities. In 2018, we strengthened our culture by promoting inclusion, continuous our culture by promoting inclusion, continuous improvement and overall work satisfaction. improvement and overall work satisfaction. 2018 was our safest year on record! 2018 was our safest year on record! 290% reduction 290% reduction over last 10 years over last 10 years that contribute to economic growth that contribute to economic growth OSHA recordable incident rate OSHA recordable incident rate STEWARDSHIP OF STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT THE ENVIRONMENT Operating responsibly is as important to us as making Operating responsibly is as important to us as making the world’s cleanest steel. We are committed to the world’s cleanest steel. We are committed to maintaining clean air, water and land, and to conserving maintaining clean air, water and land, and to conserving energy and natural resources in our operations. energy and natural resources in our operations. All TimkenSteel manufacturing plants All TimkenSteel manufacturing plants are ISO 14001 Environmental are ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certified. Management System (EMS) certified. Our steel products are made from nearly 100% Our steel products are made from nearly 100% post-consumer scrap metal. post-consumer scrap metal. Raw material is the equivalent of Raw material is the equivalent of 1.8 million cars a year and about 1.8 million cars a year and about 133,000 used passenger car tires. 133,000 used passenger car tires. Emissions footprint Emissions footprint Greenhouse gas Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (GHG) emissions Average metric tons of CO2 emitted Average metric tons of CO2 emitted per metric ton of steel produced per metric ton of steel produced Energy intensity Energy intensity Average gigajoule per metric ton Average gigajoule per metric ton of steel produced of steel produced 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 Global 1.83 N/A Global 1.83 N/A Global 19.85 N/A Global 19.85 N/A average average average average TimkenSteel 0.41 0.40 TimkenSteel 0.41 0.40 TimkenSteel 6.04 5.92 TimkenSteel 6.04 5.92 TimkenSteel data represent electric arc furnace footprint using World Steel Association emission TimkenSteel data represent electric arc furnace footprint using World Steel Association emission factors. This organization publishes data on a one-year delay; 2018 averages are not yet available. factors. This organization publishes data on a one-year delay; 2018 averages are not yet available. We regularly rank in the top 15% We regularly rank in the top 15% of the lowest-emitting EAF steel plants of the lowest-emitting EAF steel plants World Steel Association analyzes for GHG. World Steel Association analyzes for GHG. 8.4% 8.4% INCREASE INCREASE In overall recycling In overall recycling in 2018, a 4% increase in 2018, a 4% increase over 5 years over 5 years 16% 16% INCREASE INCREASE Recycled 18,870 tons Recycled 18,870 tons of electric arc furnace dust of electric arc furnace dust in 2018 in 2018 17% 17% INCREASE INCREASE Recycled 9.7 billion Recycled 9.7 billion gallons of water gallons of water in 2018 in 2018 2.5% 2.5% DECREASE DECREASE In waste-to-landfill In waste-to-landfill in 2018 in 2018 VALUE FOR VALUE FOR SHAREHOLDERS SHAREHOLDERS We’re creating long-term value with consistent We’re creating long-term value with consistent improvement in financial performance, improvement in financial performance, sound business practices and governance, sound business practices and governance, well-executed operations and balanced risk well-executed operations and balanced risk management. management. Adjusted Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA ($ MILLIONS) ($ MILLIONS) $105 $105 $69 $69 ’17 ’17 ’18 ’18 Net sales Net sales ($ BILLIONS) ($ BILLIONS) $1.6 $1.6 $1.3 $1.3 ’17 ’17 ’18 ’18 Reconciliation Reconciliation ($ MILLIONS) ($ MILLIONS) 2017 2017 2018 2018 Net loss Net loss ($43.8) ($43.8) ($31.7) ($31.7) Provision Provision for income taxes for income taxes 1.5 1.5 1.8 1.8 Interest expense 14.8 Interest expense 14.8 Depreciation Depreciation and amortization and amortization 74.9 74.9 17.1 17.1 73.0 73.0 Executive Executive severance costs severance costs Loss from Loss from remeasurement remeasurement of benefit plans of benefit plans Adjusted Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA – – 1.7 1.7 21.8 21.8 43.5 43.5 $69.2 $105.4 $69.2 $105.4 10% 10% 16% 16% 34% 34% 2018 2018 40% 40% Energy Energy Industrial Industrial Mobile Mobile Other Other Product mix Product mix 27% 27% INCREASE in base sales in INCREASE in base sales in our most profitable products our most profitable products Quench- Quench- and-temper and-temper Seamless Seamless mechanical mechanical tubing tubing Large Large bar bar Value-added Value-added products and products and services services $204M liquidity $204M liquidity to support growth to support growth (an 8% increase over 2017) (an 8% increase over 2017) Figures are as of December 31, 2018. Figures are as of December 31, 2018. S u s t a i n a b i l i t y s u m m a r y <<< 10 10 8 8 6 6 4 4 2 2 0 0 S S R R U U O O H H - - N N A A M M K K 0 0 0 0 2 2 R R E E P P S S R R U U O O H H - - N N A A M M K K 0 0 0 0 2 2 R R E E P P 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0 0 ’05 ’05 ’06 ’06 ’07 ’07 ’08 ’08 ’09 ’09 ’10 ’10 ’11 ’11 ’12 ’12 ’13 ’13 ’14 ’14 ’15 ’15 ’16 ’16 ’17 ’17 ’18 ’18 Lost-time accident rate Lost-time accident rate 580% reduction 580% reduction over last 10 years over last 10 years ’05 ’05 ’06 ’06 ’07 ’07 ’08 ’08 ’09 ’09 ’10 ’10 ’11 ’11 ’12 ’12 ’13 ’13 ’14 ’14 ’15 ’15 ’16 ’16 ’17 ’17 ’18 ’18 U.S. Primary Metals Manufacturers U.S. Primary Metals Manufacturers TimkenSteel TimkenSteel Steel-producing industry peers Steel-producing industry peers U.S. Primary Metals Manufacturers’ data for 2018 available in November 2019. U.S. Primary Metals Manufacturers’ data for 2018 available in November 2019. 90% 90% Preventing accidents Preventing accidents With 21,575 precaution-based safety With 21,575 precaution-based safety observations in 2018, more than 90% observations in 2018, more than 90% met safety expectations, with our met safety expectations, with our employees striving to improve our employees striving to improve our safety culture each day. safety culture each day. With our Golden Glove safety awards, we’ve With our Golden Glove safety awards, we’ve implemented 80+ employee-driven hand implemented 80+ employee-driven hand safety innovations in the past four years, safety innovations in the past four years, decreasing hand injuries by 35%. decreasing hand injuries by 35%. We’re proud to be one of the best We’re proud to be one of the best places to work in Northeast Ohio. places to work in Northeast Ohio. A 2018 survey of top talent showed nearly 95% A 2018 survey of top talent showed nearly 95% of respondents feel the work they do is meaningful of respondents feel the work they do is meaningful and fulfilling. and fulfilling. New time-off policies contribute to our 92% retention rate. New time-off policies contribute to our 92% retention rate. Our employee resource groups are growing. Our employee resource groups are growing. Those groups include women, multicultural professionals, Those groups include women, multicultural professionals, veterans, young professionals, working parents and those veterans, young professionals, working parents and those interested in wellness. interested in wellness. B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S Ward J. “Tim” Timken, Jr. Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer & President Joseph Carrabba Retired Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer & President, Cliffs Natural Resources; Retired Chief Executive Offi cer & President Irati Energy Corporation and Ram River Coal Corporation Terry Dunlap Retired Executive Vice President Allegheny Technologies Inc. Ronald Rice Retired President & Chief Operating Offi cer RPM International John Reilly Lead Independent Director Retired Chairman, President & Chief Executive Offi cer Figgie International Phillip Cox President & Chief Executive Offi cer Cox Financial Corporation Randall Edwards Chief Executive Offi cer Premier Pipe Marvin Riley Chief Operating Offi cer Enpro Industries Diane Creel Retired Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer & President Ecovation Donald Misheff Retired Managing Partner, Northeast Ohio Ernst & Young Randall Wotring Chief Operating Offi cer AECOM Ward J. “Tim” Timken, Jr. Chairman, Chief Executive Offi cer & President Pictured above L E A D E R S H I P William Bryan Executive Vice President of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Frank DiPiero Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary Raymond Fryan Vice President of Technology & Quality Thomas Moline Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations Kevin Raketich Executive Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development Elaine Russell Reolfi Executive Vice President of Organizational Advancement & Corporate Relations Kristopher Westbrooks Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Offi cer 4 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 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 number: 1-36313 TIMKENSTEEL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 1835 Dueber Avenue SW, Canton, Ohio (Address of principal executive offices) 46-4024951 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 44706 (Zip Code) (330) 471-7000 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common Shares, without par value Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ‘ No È 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 the past 90 days. Yes È No ‘ to such filing requirements for Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this Chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this Chapter) 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. È Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ‘ Smaller reporting company ‘ Non-accelerated filer ‘ Accelerated filer È Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ‘ No È As of June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $658,609,457 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for that date. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Class Common Shares, without par value Outstanding at February 15, 2019 44,626,294 shares DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Document Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Parts Into Which Incorporated Part III TimkenSteel Corporation Table of Contents Part I. Item 1. Business Item 1A. Risk Factors Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments Item 2. Properties Item 3. Legal Proceedings Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant Part II. Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Item 6. Selected Financial Data Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information Part III. Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Item 11. Executive Compensation Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services Part IV. Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules Signatures Page 2 7 16 17 17 17 18 19 21 22 39 40 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 83 87 Part I. Item 1. Business Overview TimkenSteel Corporation (we, us, our, the Company or TimkenSteel) was incorporated in Ohio on October 24, 2013, and became an independent, publicly traded company as the result of a spinoff (spinoff) from The Timken Company on June 30, 2014. In the spinoff, Timken transferred to us all of the assets and generally all of the liabilities related to Timken’s steel business. TimkenSteel traces its roots back to The Timken Roller Bearing Company, which was founded in 1899 by carriage- maker/inventor Henry Timken and his two sons. By 1913, the Company launched its first formal research facility, centered on improving the quality of the raw materials used to make its bearings. Early research demonstrated the superiority of bearing steel made in electric-arc furnaces (rather than existing Bessemer and open hearth processes), and that finding, coupled with a desire to ensure a dependable supply of premium steel in the years leading into World War I, led to the decision to competitively produce steel in-house. When The Timken Roller Bearing Company’s Canton, Ohio steel plant became operational in 1917, it included one of the largest electric arc-furnace facilities in the country. We manufacture alloy steel, as well as carbon and micro-alloy steel, with an annual melt capacity of approximately 2 million tons and shipment capacity of 1.5 million tons. Our portfolio includes special bar quality (SBQ) bars, seamless mechanical tubing (tubes), value-add solutions such as precision steel components, and billets. In addition, we supply machining and thermal treatment services, and we manage raw material recycling programs, which are used as a feeder system for our melt operations. Our products and services are used in a diverse range of demanding applications in the following market sectors: oil and gas; oil country tubular goods (OCTG); automotive; industrial equipment; mining; construction; rail; aerospace and defense; heavy truck; agriculture; and power generation. Based on our knowledge of the steel industry, we believe we are the only focused SBQ steel producer in North America and have the largest SBQ steel large bar (6-inch diameter and greater) production capacity among North American steel producers. In addition, we are the only steel manufacturer able to produce rolled SBQ steel large bars up to 16-inches in diameter. SBQ steel is made to restrictive chemical compositions and high internal purity levels and is used in critical mechanical applications. We make these products from nearly 100% recycled steel, using our expertise in raw materials to create custom steel products. We focus on creating tailored products and services for our customers’ most demanding applications. Our engineers are experts in both materials and applications, so we can work closely with each customer to deliver flexible solutions related to our products as well as to their applications and supply chains. We believe our unique operating model and production assets give us a competitive advantage in our industry. The SBQ bar, tube, and billet production processes take place at our Canton, Ohio manufacturing location. This location accounts for all of the SBQ bars, seamless mechanical tubes and billets we produce and includes three manufacturing facilities: the Faircrest, Harrison, and Gambrinus facilities. Our value-add solutions production processes take place at three downstream manufacturing facilities: TimkenSteel Material Services (Houston, Texas), Tryon Peak (Columbus, North Carolina), and St. Clair (Eaton, Ohio). Many of the production processes are integrated, and the manufacturing facilities produce products that are sold in all of our market sectors. As a result, investments in our facilities and resource allocation decisions affecting our operations are designed to benefit the overall business, not any specific aspect of the business. 2 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Operating Segments We conduct our business activities and report financial results as one business segment. The presentation of financial results as one reportable segment is consistent with the way we operate our business and is consistent with the manner in which the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) evaluates performance and makes resource and operating decisions for the business as described above. Furthermore, the Company notes that monitoring financial results as one reportable segment helps the CODM manage costs on a consolidated basis, consistent with the integrated nature of our operations. Industry Segments and Geographical Financial Information Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to “Note 12—Segment Information” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Strengths and Strategy We believe our business model is unique in our industry and focuses on creating industry-leading tailored products and services for our customers’ most demanding applications and supply chains. Our customers depend on us to be the leader in solving their industries’ constantly evolving challenges. Our team, including degreed engineers and experienced manufacturing professionals in both materials and applications, works closely with customers to deliver flexible solutions related to our products as well as our customers’ applications and supply chains. We believe few others can consistently deliver that kind of customization and responsiveness. The TimkenSteel business model delivers these tailored solutions based on the following foundation: • Deep and experienced management and technical team. • Close and trusted working relationship with customers across diverse end markets. • Leadership position in niche markets with differentiated products. • Track record of innovation rooted in a deep technical knowledge of steel materials, manufacturing processes and a focus on end-user applications. Our research and development efforts focus on creating solutions for our customers’ toughest challenges. Major Customers We sell products and services that are used in a range of demanding applications around the world. We have over 500 diverse customers in the following market sectors: oil and gas; OCTG; automotive; industrial equipment; mining; construction; rail; aerospace and defense; heavy truck; agriculture; and power generation. Products We believe we produce some of the cleanest, highest performing alloy air-melted steels in the world for our customers’ most demanding applications. Most of our steel is custom-engineered. We leverage our technical knowledge, development expertise and production and engineering capabilities across all of our products and end-markets to deliver high-performance products to our customers. SBQ Steel Bar, Seamless Mechanical Steel Tubes, and Billets. Our focus is on alloy steel, although in total we manufacture more than 500 grades of high-performance carbon, micro-alloy and alloy steel, sold as ingots, bars, tubes and billets. These products are custom-made in a variety of chemistries, lengths and finishes. Our metallurgical expertise and what we believe to be unique operational capabilities drive high-value solutions for industrial, energy and mobile customers. Our specialty steels are featured in a wide variety of end products 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 3 including: oil country drill pipe; bits and collars; gears; hubs; axles; crankshafts and connecting rods; bearing races and rolling elements; bushings; fuel injectors; wind energy shafts; anti-friction bearings; and other demanding applications where mechanical power transmission is critical to the end customer. Value-add Precision Products and Services. In addition to our customized steels, we also custom-make precision components that provide us with the opportunity to further expand our market for bar and tube products and capture additional sales. These products provide customers, especially those in the automotive industry, with ready-to-finish components that simplify vendor management, streamline supply chains and often cost less than other alternatives. We also customize products and services for the energy market sector. We offer well-boring and finishing products that, when combined with our wide range of high-quality alloy steel bars and tubes and our expansive thermal treatment capabilities, can create a one-stop steel source for customers in the energy market sector. Our experts operate precision honing, pull-boring, skiving, outside diameter turning and milling equipment to deliver precision hole-finishing to meet exacting dimensional tolerances. Sales and Distribution Our sales force is made up largely of engineers that are backed by a team of metallurgists and other technical experts. While most of our products are sold directly to original equipment (OE) manufacturers, a portion of our sales are made through authorized distributors and steel service centers, representing approximately 23% of net sales during 2018. The majority of our customers are served through individually negotiated price agreements. We do not believe there is any significant loss of earnings risk with any given pricing term. Competition The steel industry, both domestically and globally, is highly competitive and is expected to remain so. Maintaining high standards of product quality and reliability, while keeping production costs competitive, is essential to our ability to compete with domestic and foreign manufacturers of mechanical components and alloy steel. For bar products less than 6-inch in diameter, principal competitors include foreign-owned domestic producers Gerdau Special Steel North America (a unit of Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau, S.A) and Republic Steel (a unit of Mexican steel producer ICH). For bar products up to 9-inch in diameter, domestic producers Steel Dynamics, Inc. and Nucor Corporation (in some cases up to 10-inch) are our principal competitors. For very large bars from 10 to 16 inches in diameter, offshore producers as well as specialty forging companies in North America such as Scot Forge and Finkl Steel—Sorel are the primary competitors. For seamless mechanical tubing, offshore producers such as Tenaris, S.A., Vallourec, S.A. and TMK Group are our primary competitors as well as the foreign-owned domestic producer ArcelorMittal Tubular Products (a unit of Luxembourg based ArcelorMittal, S.A.). We also provide unique value- added steel products and supply chain solutions to our customers in the industrial, energy and automotive sectors. Backlog The backlog of orders for our operations is estimated to have been approximately 314,000 and 410,000 tons at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Virtually our entire backlog at December 31, 2018 is scheduled for delivery in the succeeding 12 months. Actual shipments depend upon customers’ production schedules, and may not be a meaningful indicator of future sales. Accordingly, we do not believe our backlog data, or comparisons thereof as of different dates, reliably indicate future sales or shipments. Raw Materials The principal raw materials that we use to manufacture steel are recycled scrap metal, chrome, nickel, molybdenum oxide, vanadium and other alloy materials. Raw materials comprise a significant portion of the steelmaking cost 4 2018 ANNUAL REPORT structure and are subject to price and availability changes due to global demand fluctuations and local supply limitations. Proper selection and management of raw materials can have a significant impact on procurement cost, flexibility to supply changes, steelmaking energy costs and mill productivity. Because of our diverse order book and demanding steel requirements, we have developed differentiated expertise in this area and have created a raw material management system that contributes to our competitive cost position and advantage. In addition to accessing scrap and alloys through the open market, we have established a scrap return supply chain with many of our customers, and we operate a scrap processing company for improved access, reliability and cost. This part of our business solidly rests on a deep knowledge of the raw material supply industry and an extensive network of relationships that result in steady, reliable supply from our raw material sources. Research and Development Our engineers analyze customer application challenges and develop new solutions to address them. With a century of experience in materials science and steelmaking, we leverage our technical know-how to improve the performance of our customers’ products and supply chains. This expertise extends to advanced process technology in which advanced material conversion, finishing, gaging and assembly enables high quality production of our products. With resources dedicated to studying, developing and implementing new manufacturing processes and technologies, we are able to support new product growth and create value for our customers. Our research and development expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $8.1 million, $8.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively. Environmental Matters We consider compliance with environmental regulations and environmental sustainability to be our responsibility as a good corporate citizen and a key strategic focus area. We have invested in pollution control equipment and updated plant operational practices and are committed to implementing a documented environmental management system worldwide, which includes being certified under the ISO 14001 Standard. All of our domestic steel making operations, our water treatment plant, and all our value-add plants have obtained and maintain ISO 14001 certification. Our value-add facility in Houston achieved the ISO 14001 certification in 2018. We believe we have established appropriate reserves to cover our environmental expenses. We have a well- established environmental compliance audit program for our domestic units and any international facilities that process steel. This program measures performance against applicable laws as well as against internal standards that have been established for all units. It is difficult to assess the possible effect of compliance with future requirements that differ from existing ones both domestically and internationally. As previously reported, we are unsure of the future financial impact to us from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule changes related to the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), waste and other environmental rules and regulations. We and certain of our subsidiaries located in the U.S. have been identified as potentially responsible parties under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), CAA and CWA, as well as other laws. In general, certain cost allocations for investigation and remediation have been asserted by us against other entities, which are believed to be financially solvent and are expected to substantially fulfill their proportionate share of any obligations. From time to time, we may be a party to lawsuits, claims or other proceedings related to environmental matters and/ or receive notices of potential violations of environmental laws and regulations from the EPA and similar state or local authorities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded reserves for such environmental matters of 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 5 $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Accruals related to such environmental matters represent management’s best estimate of the fees and costs associated with these matters. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of such matters, management believes the ultimate disposition of these matters should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Legal Proceedings We are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of our management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Canton, Ohio U.S. EPA Notice of Violation. The EPA issued two related Notices of Violation (NOV) to TimkenSteel on August 5, 2014 and November 2, 2015. The EPA alleges violations under the Clean Air Act based on alleged violations of permitted emission limits and engineering requirements at TimkenSteel’s Faircrest and Harrison Steel Plants in Canton, Ohio. TimkenSteel disputes many of EPA’s allegations but is working cooperatively with EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve the government’s claims. Negotiations to resolve the NOVs are ongoing, but it is not anticipated that the ultimate resolution of the NOVs will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For additional information, please refer to “Note 14—Contingencies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Patents, Trademarks and Licenses While we own a number of U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks, licenses and copyrights, none are material to our products and production processes. Employment At December 31, 2018, we had approximately 3,000 employees, with about 61% of our employees covered under one of two collective bargaining agreements that expire in December 2019 and September 2021. The collective bargaining agreement that expires in December 2019 covers approximately 1% of our employees. Available Information We use our Investor Relations website at http://investors.timkensteel.com, as a channel for routine distribution of important information, including news releases, analyst presentations and financial information. We post filings (including our annual, quarterly and current reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, respectively; our proxy statements; and any amendments to those reports or statements) as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All such postings and filings are available on our website free of charge. In addition, our website allows investors and other interested persons to sign up to automatically receive e-mail alerts when we post news releases and financial information on our website. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The content on any website referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report unless expressly noted. 6 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Item 1A. Risk Factors The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The risks that are highlighted below are not the only ones we face. You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of these risks relate principally to our business and the industry in which we operate, while others relate principally to our debt, the securities markets in general, ownership of our common shares and our spinoff from The Timken Company. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected. Risks Relating to Our Industry and Our Business Competition in the steel industry, together with potential global overcapacity, could result in significant pricing pressure for our products. Competition within the steel industry, both domestically and worldwide, is intense and is expected to remain so. The steel industry has historically been characterized by periods of excess global capacity and supply. Excess global capacity and supply has negatively affected and could continue to negatively affect domestic steel prices, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. High levels of steel imports into the U.S. could exacerbate a decrease in domestic steel prices. In an effort to protect the domestic steel industry, the United States government implemented tariffs, duties and quotas for certain steel products imported from a number of countries into the United States. If these tariffs, duties and quotas expire or are repealed, it could result in substantial imports of foreign steel and create pressure on United States steel prices and the overall industry. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations. Additionally, in some applications, steel competes with other materials. Increased use of materials in substitution for steel products could have a material adverse effect on prices and demand for our steel products. Any change in the operation of our raw material surcharge mechanisms, a raw material market index or the availability or cost of raw materials and energy resources could materially affect our revenues, earnings, and cash flows. We require substantial amounts of raw materials, including scrap metal and alloys and natural gas, to operate our business. Many of our customer agreements contain surcharge pricing provisions that are designed to enable us to recover raw material cost increases. The surcharges are generally tied to a market index for that specific raw material. Recently, many raw material market indices have reflected significant fluctuations. Any change in a raw material market index could materially affect our revenues. Any change in the relationship between the market indices and our underlying costs could materially affect our earnings. Any change in our projected year-end input costs could materially affect our last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method and earnings. Moreover, future disruptions in the supply of our raw materials could impair our ability to manufacture our products for our customers or require us to pay higher prices in order to obtain these raw materials from other sources, and could thereby affect our sales, profitability, and cash flows. Any increase in the prices for such raw materials could materially affect our costs and therefore our earnings and cash flows. We rely to a substantial extent on third parties to supply certain raw materials that are critical to the manufacture of our products. Purchase prices and availability of these critical raw materials are subject to volatility. At any given time we may be unable to obtain an adequate supply of these critical raw materials on a timely basis, on acceptable price and other terms, or at all. If suppliers increase the price of critical raw materials, we may not have alternative sources of supply. In addition, to the extent we have quoted prices to customers and accepted customer orders or entered into agreements for products prior to purchasing necessary raw materials, we may be unable to raise the price of products to cover all or part of the increased cost of the raw materials. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 7 Our operating results depend in part on continued successful research, development and marketing of new and/or improved products and services, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to successfully introduce new products and services. The success of new and improved products and services depends on their initial and continued acceptance by our customers. Our business is affected, to varying degrees, by technological change and corresponding shifts in customer demand, which could result in unpredictable product transitions or shortened life cycles. We may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production, or marketing of new products and services that may prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to bring new products and services to market. New technologies in the steel industry may: (a) improve cost competitiveness; (b) increase production capabilities; or (c) improve operational efficiency compared to our current production methods. However, we may not have sufficient capital to invest in such technologies or to make certain capital improvements, and may, from time to time, incur cost over-runs and difficulties adapting and fully integrating these technologies or capital improvements into our existing operations. We may also encounter control or production restrictions, or not realize the cost benefit from such capital-intensive technology adaptations or capital improvements to our current production processes. Customers continue to demand stronger and lighter products, among other adaptations to traditional products. We may not be successful in meeting these technological challenges and there may be increased liability exposure connected with the supply of additional products and services or an adverse impact to our results of operations and profitability. Our business is capital-intensive, and if there are downturns in the industries we serve, we may be forced to significantly curtail or suspend operations with respect to those industries, which could result in our recording asset impairment charges or taking other measures that may adversely affect our results of operations and profitability. Our business operations are capital-intensive. If there are downturns in the industries we serve, we may be forced to significantly curtail or suspend our operations with respect to those industries, including laying-off employees, recording asset impairment charges and other measures. In addition, we may not realize the benefits or expected returns from announced plans, programs, initiatives and capital investments. Any of these events could adversely affect our results of operations and profitability. We are dependent on our key customers. As a result of our dependence on our key customers, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations if any of the following, among other things, were to occur: (a) a loss of any key customer, or a material amount of business from such key customer; (b) the insolvency or bankruptcy of any key customer; (c) a declining market in which customers reduce orders; or (d) a strike or work stoppage at a key customer facility, which could affect both its suppliers and customers. For the year ended December 31, 2018, sales to our 10 and 20 largest customers accounted for approximately 41% and 57% of our net sales, respectively. Weakness in global economic conditions or in any of the industries or geographic regions in which we or our customers operate, as well as the cyclical nature of our customers’ businesses generally or sustained uncertainty in financial markets, could adversely impact our revenues and profitability by reducing demand and margins. Our results of operations may be materially affected by conditions in the global economy generally and in global capital markets. There has been volatility in the capital markets and in the end markets and geographic regions in which we or our customers operate, which has negatively affected our revenues. Many of the markets in which our customers participate are also cyclical in nature and experience significant fluctuations in demand for our steel products based on economic conditions, consumer demand, raw material and energy costs, and government actions, and many of these factors are beyond our control. 8 2018 ANNUAL REPORT A decline in consumer and business confidence and spending, together with severe reductions in the availability and increased cost of credit, as well as volatility in the capital and credit markets, could adversely affect the business and economic environment in which we operate and the profitability of our business. We also are exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness of our suppliers and customers. If the availability of credit to fund or support the continuation and expansion of our customers’ business operations is curtailed or if the cost of that credit is increased, the resulting inability of our customers or of their customers to either access credit or absorb the increased cost of that credit could adversely affect our business by reducing our sales or by increasing our exposure to losses from uncollectible customer accounts. These conditions and a disruption of the credit markets could also result in financial instability of some of our suppliers and customers. The consequences of such adverse effects could include the interruption of production at the facilities of our customers, the reduction, delay or cancellation of customer orders, delays or interruptions of the supply of raw materials or other inputs we purchase, and bankruptcy of customers, suppliers or other creditors. Any of these events could adversely affect our profitability, cash flow and financial condition. Our capital resources may not be adequate to provide for all of our cash requirements, and we are exposed to risks associated with financial, credit, capital and banking markets. In the ordinary course of business, we will seek to access competitive financial, credit, capital and/or banking markets. Currently, we believe we have adequate capital available to meet our reasonably anticipated business needs based on our historic financial performance, as well as our expected financial position. However, if we need to obtain additional financing in the future, to the extent our access to competitive financial, credit, capital and/or banking markets was to be impaired, our operations, financial results and cash flows could be adversely impacted. We have significant retiree health care and pension plan costs, which may negatively affect our results of operations and cash flows. We maintain retiree health care and defined benefit pension plans covering many of our domestic employees and former employees upon their retirement. These benefit plans have significant liabilities that are not fully funded, which will require additional cash funding in future years. Minimum contributions to domestic qualified pension plans are regulated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA). The level of cash funding for our defined benefit pension plans in future years depends upon various factors, including voluntary contributions that we may make, future pension plan asset performance, actual interest rates, and the impacts of business acquisitions or divestitures, union negotiated benefit changes and future government regulations, many of which are not within our control. In addition, assets held by the trusts for our pension plan and our trust for retiree health care and life insurance benefits are subject to the risks, uncertainties and variability of the financial markets. See “Note 8—Retirement and Postretirement Plans” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of assumptions and further information associated with these benefit plans. Product liability, warranty and product quality claims could adversely affect our operating results. We produce high-performance carbon and alloy steel, sold as ingots, bars, tubes and billets in a variety of chemistries, lengths and finishes designed for our customers’ demanding applications. Failure of the materials that are included in our customers’ applications could give rise to product liability or warranty claims. There can be no assurance that our insurance coverage will be adequate or continue to be available on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to meet a customer’s specifications for its products, we may be subject to product quality costs and claims. A successful warranty or product liability claim against us could have a material adverse effect on our earnings. The cost and availability of electricity and natural gas are also subject to volatile market conditions. Steel producers like us consume large amounts of energy. We rely on third parties for the supply of energy resources we consume in our steelmaking activities. The prices for and availability of electricity, natural gas, oil and 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 9 other energy resources are also subject to volatile market conditions, often affected by weather conditions as well as political and economic factors beyond our control. As a large consumer of electricity and gas, we must have dependable delivery in order to operate. Accordingly, we are at risk in the event of an energy disruption. Prolonged black-outs or brown-outs or disruptions caused by natural disasters or governmental action would substantially disrupt our production. Moreover, many of our finished steel products are delivered by truck. Unforeseen fluctuations in the price of fuel would also have a negative impact on our costs or on the costs of many of our customers. In addition, changes in certain environmental laws and regulations, including those that may impose output limitations or higher costs associated with climate change or greenhouse gas emissions, could substantially increase the cost of manufacturing and raw materials, such as energy, to us and other U.S. steel producers. We may incur restructuring and impairment charges that could materially affect our profitability. Changes in business or economic conditions, or our business strategy, may result in actions that require us to incur restructuring or impairment charges in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings. If our internal controls are found to be ineffective, our financial results or our stock price may be adversely affected. Our most recent evaluation resulted in our conclusion that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. We believe that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place for future periods. However, if our internal control over financial reporting is found to be ineffective, investors may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which may adversely affect our stock price. We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which impose substantial costs and limitations on our operations, and environmental, health and safety compliance and liabilities may be more costly than we expect. We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety laws and regulations concerning matters such as worker health and safety, air emissions, wastewater discharges, hazardous material and solid and hazardous waste use, generation, handling, treatment and disposal and the investigation and remediation of contamination. We are subject to the risk of substantial liability and limitations on our operations due to such laws and regulations. The risks of substantial costs and liabilities related to compliance with these laws and regulations, which tend to become more stringent over time, are an inherent part of our business, and future conditions may develop, arise or be discovered that create substantial environmental compliance or remediation or other liabilities and costs. Compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements may prove to be more limiting and costly than we anticipate. To date, we have committed significant expenditures in our efforts to achieve and maintain compliance with these requirements, and we expect that we will continue to make significant expenditures related to such compliance in the future. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings brought by private parties or governmental authorities with respect to environmental matters, including matters involving alleged contamination, property damage or personal injury. New laws and regulations, including those that may relate to emissions of greenhouse gases, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements, could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. From both a medium- and long-term perspective, we are likely to see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit relatively significant amounts of greenhouse gases as a result of new and existing legal and regulatory initiatives. These initiatives will be either voluntary or mandatory and may impact our operations directly or through our suppliers or customers. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future legal and regulatory initiatives become known, we cannot predict the effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 10 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Unexpected equipment failures or other disruptions of our operations may increase our costs and reduce our sales and earnings due to production curtailments or shutdowns. Interruptions in production capabilities would likely increase our production costs and reduce sales and earnings for the affected period. In addition to equipment failures, our facilities and information technology systems are also subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, explosions or violent weather conditions. Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of equipment for which there may be only limited or no production alternatives, such as furnaces, continuous casters and rolling equipment, as well as electrical equipment, such as transformers, and this equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated failures. In the future, we may experience material plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of these types of equipment failures, which could cause us to lose or prevent us from taking advantage of various business opportunities or prevent us from responding to competitive pressures. A significant portion of our manufacturing facilities are located in Stark County, Ohio, which increases the risk of a significant disruption to our business as a result of unforeseeable developments in this geographic area. It is possible that we could experience prolonged periods of reduced production due to unforeseen catastrophic events occurring in or around our manufacturing facilities in Stark County, Ohio. As a result, we may be unable to shift manufacturing capabilities to alternate locations, accept materials from suppliers, meet customer shipment deadlines or address other significant issues, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may be subject to risks relating to our information technology systems and cybersecurity. We rely on information technology systems to process, transmit and store electronic information and manage and operate our business. A breach in security could expose us and our customers and suppliers to risks of misuse of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data, production downtimes and operations disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, business or results of operations. While we have taken reasonable steps to protect the Company from cybersecurity risks and security breaches (including enhancing our firewall, workstation, email security and network monitoring and alerting capabilities, and training employees around phishing, malware and other cybersecurity risks), and we have policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of systems failures, interruptions, and security breaches, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur or that they will be adequately addressed if they do. Although we rely on commonly used security and processing systems to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect our systems from all potential compromises or breaches of security. Work stoppages or similar difficulties could significantly disrupt our operations, reduce our revenues and materially affect our earnings. A work stoppage at one or more of our facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 61% of our employees were covered under two collective bargaining agreements. The agreement that expires in December 2019 covers approximately 1% of our employees and the agreement that expires in September 2021 covers approximately 60% of our employees. Any failure to negotiate and conclude new collective bargaining agreements with the unions when the existing agreements expire could cause work interruptions or stoppages. Also, if one or more of our customers were to experience a work stoppage, that customer may halt or limit purchases of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are subject to a wide variety of domestic and foreign laws and regulations that could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition. We are subject to a wide variety of domestic and foreign laws and regulations, and legal compliance risks, including securities laws, tax laws, employment and pension-related laws, competition laws, U.S. and foreign export and 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 11 trading laws, and laws governing improper business practices. We are affected by new laws and regulations, and changes to existing laws and regulations, including interpretations by courts and regulators. With respect to tax laws, with the finalization of specific actions (Actions) contained within the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation’s (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit study, many OECD countries have acknowledged their intent to implement the Actions and update their local tax regulations. The extent (if any) to which countries in which we operate adopt and implement the Actions could affect our effective tax rate and our future results from non-U.S. operations. Compliance with the laws and regulations described above or with other applicable foreign, federal, state, and local laws and regulations currently in effect or that may be adopted in the future could materially adversely affect our competitive position, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. If we are unable to attract and retain key personnel, our business could be materially adversely affected. Our business substantially depends on the continued service of key members of our management. The loss of the services of a significant number of members of our management could have a material adverse effect on our business. Modern steel-making uses specialized techniques and advanced equipment that requires experienced engineers and skilled laborers. Our future success will depend on our ability to attract and retain such highly skilled personnel, as well as finance, marketing and senior management professionals. Competition for these employees is intense, and we could experience difficulty from time to time in hiring and retaining the personnel necessary to support our business. If we do not succeed in retaining our current employees and attracting new high-quality employees, our business could be materially adversely affected. We may not realize the improved operating results that we anticipate from past and future acquisitions and we may experience difficulties in integrating acquired businesses. We may seek to grow, in part, through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, which are intended to complement or expand our businesses. These acquisitions could involve challenges and risks. In the event that we do not successfully integrate these acquisitions into our existing operations so as to realize the expected return on our investment, our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition could be adversely affected. Our ability to use our net operating loss, interest, and credit carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations. As of December 31, 2018, we have loss carryforwards totaling $347.6 million (of which $300.4 million relates to the U.S. and $47.2 million relates to various non-U.S. jurisdictions), having various expiration dates, as well as certain credit carryforwards. The majority of the non-U.S. loss carryforwards represent local country net operating losses for entities treated as branches of TimkenSteel under U.S. tax law. As of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel had a gross deferred tax asset for disallowed business interest in the U.S. of $13.6 million, which carries forward indefinitely. Operating losses generated in the U.S. resulted in a decrease in the carrying value of our U.S. deferred tax liability to the point of a net U.S. deferred tax asset at December 31, 2016. At that time, we assessed, based upon operating performance in the U.S. and industry conditions that it was more likely than not we would not realize a portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets. The Company recorded a valuation allowance in 2016 and remained in a valuation allowance position in 2018. Going forward, the need to maintain valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in the U.S. and other affected countries will cause variability in our effective tax rate. We will maintain a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in the U.S. and applicable foreign countries until sufficient positive evidence exists to eliminate them. Our ability to utilize our net operating loss, interest, and credit carryforwards is dependent upon our ability to generate taxable income in future periods and may be limited due to restrictions imposed on utilization of net operating loss, interest, and credit carryforwards under federal and state laws upon a change in ownership. Refer to “Note 13—Income Tax Provision” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. 12 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Section 382 and Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), provide an annual limitation on our ability to utilize our U.S. net operating loss and credit carryforwards against future U.S. taxable income in the event of a change in ownership, as defined in the Code, which could result from one or more transactions involving our shares, including transactions that are outside of our control, as well as the issuance of shares upon conversion of our 6.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (Convertible Notes). Accordingly, such transactions could adversely impact our ability to offset future tax liabilities and, therefore, adversely affect our financial condition, net income and cash flow. Refer to “Note 6—Financing Arrangements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Risks Related to Our Debt Our substantial debt could adversely affect our financial health and we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our debt. We have substantial debt and, as a result, we have significant debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding debt of approximately $189.1 million. Our debt may: • make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations under our indebtedness and our contractual and commercial commitments and increase the risk that we may default on our debt obligations; • require us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay interest and principal on our debt, which would reduce the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes; • limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other investments, or general corporate purposes, which may limit the ability to execute our business strategy and affect the market price of our common shares; • heighten our vulnerability to downturns in our business, our industry or in the general economy and restrict us from exploiting business opportunities or making acquisitions; • place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to those of our competitors that may have less debt; • limit management’s discretion in operating our business; • limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate or the general economy; and • result in higher interest expense if interest rates increase and we have outstanding floating rate borrowings. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our debt. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. Further, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our other indebtedness may restrict our ability to operate our business, which may affect the market price of our common shares. On January 26, 2018, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Amended Credit Agreement), which amended and restated the Company’s previous Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 13 Agreement contains covenants that limit or restrict our ability to, among other things, incur or suffer to exist certain liens, make investments, incur or guaranty additional indebtedness, enter into consolidations, mergers, acquisitions, sale-leaseback transactions and sales of assets, make distributions and other restricted payments, change the nature of its business, engage in transactions with affiliates and enter into restrictive agreements, including agreements that restrict the ability to incur liens or make distributions. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default, which could allow the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding under the applicable debt immediately due and payable and which may affect the market price of our common shares. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of business opportunities that arise because of the limitations imposed on us by the restrictive covenants under our indebtedness. Refer to “Note 6—Financing Arrangements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail on the Amended Credit Agreement. The conditional conversion feature of the Convertible Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. In the event the conditional conversion feature of the Convertible Notes (refer to “Note 6—Financing Arrangements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) is triggered, holders of Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert the Convertible Notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their Convertible Notes, unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely our common shares (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we would be required to settle a portion or all of our conversion obligation through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, even if holders do not elect to convert their Convertible Notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction of our net working capital. Risks Related to Our Common Shares The price of our common shares may fluctuate significantly. The market price of our common shares may fluctuate significantly in response to many factors, including: • actual or anticipated changes in operating results or business prospects; • changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; • an inability to meet or exceed securities analysts’ estimates or expectations; • conditions or trends in our industry or sector; • the performance of other companies in our industry or sector and related market valuations; • announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives; • general financial, economic or political instability; • hedging or arbitrage trading activity in our common shares; • changes in interest rates; • capital commitments; • additions or departures of key personnel; and • future sales of our common shares or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, our common shares. Many of the factors listed above are beyond our control. These factors may cause the market price of our common shares to decline, regardless of our financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects. 14 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Provisions in our corporate documents and Ohio law could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, even if that change may be considered beneficial by some of our shareholders, which could reduce the market price of our common shares. The existence of some provisions of our articles of incorporation and regulations and Ohio law could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us that a shareholder may consider favorable. These provisions include: • providing that our board of directors fixes the number of members of the board; • providing for the division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered terms; • establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings; and • authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred shares, which could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding securities of ours with voting rights and thwart a takeover attempt. As an Ohio corporation, we are subject to Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code. Chapter 1704 prohibits certain corporations from engaging in a “Chapter 1704 transaction” (described below) with an “interested shareholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless, among other things, prior to the interested shareholder’s share acquisition date, the directors of the corporation have approved the transaction or the purchase of shares on the share acquisition date. After the three-year moratorium period, the corporation may not consummate a Chapter 1704 transaction unless, among other things, it is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power in the election of directors and the holders of a majority of the voting shares, excluding all shares beneficially owned by an interested shareholder or an affiliate or associate of an interested shareholder, or the shareholders receive certain minimum consideration for their shares. A Chapter 1704 transaction includes certain mergers, sales of assets, consolidations, combinations and majority share acquisitions involving an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder is defined to include, with limited exceptions, any person who, together with affiliates and associates, is the beneficial owner of a sufficient number of shares of the corporation to entitle the person, directly or indirectly, alone or with others, to exercise or direct the exercise of 10% or more of the voting power in the election of directors after taking into account all of the person’s beneficially owned shares that are not then outstanding. We are also subject to Section 1701.831 of the Ohio Revised Code, which requires the prior authorization of the shareholders of certain corporations in order for any person to acquire, either directly or indirectly, shares of that corporation that would entitle the acquiring person to exercise or direct the exercise of 20% or more of the voting power of that corporation in the election of directors or to exceed specified other percentages of voting power. The acquiring person may complete the proposed acquisition only if the acquisition is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors represented at the meeting, excluding the voting power of all “interested shares.” Interested shares include any shares held by the acquiring person and those held by officers and directors of the corporation. We believe these provisions protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirors to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal, and are not intended to make our Company immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay, defer or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders, which under certain circumstances could reduce the market price of our common shares. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 15 We may issue preferred shares with terms that could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common shares. Our articles of incorporation authorize us to issue, without the approval of our shareholders, one or more classes or series of preferred shares having such designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over our common shares respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred shares could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common shares. For example, we could grant holders of preferred shares the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we could assign to holders of preferred shares could affect the residual value of the common shares. Risks Relating to the Spinoff We remain subject to continuing contingent liabilities of The Timken Company following the spinoff. There are several significant areas where the liabilities of The Timken Company may yet become our obligations. The separation and distribution agreement and employee matters agreement generally provide that we are responsible for substantially all liabilities that relate to our steel business activities, whether incurred prior to or after the spinoff, as well as those liabilities of The Timken Company specifically assumed by us. In addition, under the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and the related rules and regulations, each corporation that was a member of The Timken Company consolidated tax reporting group during any taxable period or portion of any taxable period ending on or before the completion of the spinoff is jointly and severally liable for the federal income tax liability of the entire The Timken Company consolidated tax reporting group for that taxable period. In connection with the spinoff, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with The Timken Company that allocated the responsibility for prior period taxes of The Timken Company consolidated tax reporting group between us and The Timken Company. However, if The Timken Company is unable to pay any prior period taxes for which it is responsible, we could be required to pay the entire amount of such taxes. Other provisions of federal law establish similar liability for other matters, including laws governing tax-qualified pension plans as well as other contingent liabilities. Potential liabilities associated with certain assumed obligations under the tax sharing agreement cannot be precisely quantified at this time. Under the tax sharing agreement with The Timken Company, we are responsible generally for all taxes paid after the spinoff attributable to us or any of our subsidiaries, whether accruing before, on or after the spinoff. We also have agreed to be responsible for, and to indemnify The Timken Company with respect to, all taxes arising as a result of the spinoff (or certain internal restructuring transactions) failing to qualify as transactions under Sections 368(a) and 355 of the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes (which could result, for example, from a merger or other transaction involving an acquisition of our shares) to the extent such tax liability arises as a result of any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other obligation by us or certain affiliates made in connection with the issuance of the tax opinion relating to the spinoff or in the tax sharing agreement. As described above, such tax liability would be calculated as though The Timken Company (or its affiliate) had sold its common shares of our Company in a taxable sale for their fair market value, and The Timken Company (or its affiliate) would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares over its tax basis in such shares. That tax liability could have a material adverse effect on our Company. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None. 16 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Item 2. Properties We are headquartered in Canton, Ohio, at a facility we own in fee. We have facilities in five countries: U.S., China, U.K., Mexico and Poland. We lease sales offices in all of these countries. We have manufacturing facilities at multiple locations in the U.S. These manufacturing facilities are located in Akron, Canton and Eaton, Ohio; Houston, Texas; and Columbus, North Carolina. In addition to these manufacturing facilities, we own or lease warehouses and distribution facilities in the U.S., Mexico and China. The aggregate floor area of these facilities is 3.8 million square feet, of which approximately 257,000 square feet is leased and the rest is owned in fee. The buildings occupied by us are principally made of brick, steel, reinforced concrete and concrete block construction. Our facilities vary in age and condition, and each of them has an active maintenance program to ensure a safe operating environment and to keep the facilities in good condition. We believe our facilities are in satisfactory operating condition and are suitable and adequate to conduct our business and support future growth. Please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion of our melt capacity utilization. Item 3. Legal Proceedings We are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of our management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Canton, Ohio U.S. EPA Notice of Violation. The EPA issued two related Notices of Violation (NOV) to TimkenSteel on August 5, 2014 and November 2, 2015. The EPA alleges violations under the Clean Air Act based on alleged violations of permitted emission limits and engineering requirements at TimkenSteel’s Faircrest and Harrison Steel Plants in Canton, Ohio. TimkenSteel disputes many of EPA’s allegations but is working cooperatively with EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve the government’s claims. Negotiations to resolve the NOVs are ongoing, but it is not anticipated that the ultimate resolution of the NOVs will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For additional information, please refer to “Note 14—Contingencies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 17 Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant The executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors normally for a term of one year and until the election of their successors. All of the following officers have been with the Company for at least five years in some capacity, except Frank A. DiPiero and Kristopher Westbrooks, who joined the Company in 2014 and 2018, respectively. The executive officers of our Company as of February 20, 2019, are as follows: Name Age Current Position Ward J. Timken, Jr. 51 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Kristopher R. Westbrooks 40 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Frank A. DiPiero Thomas D. Moline William P. Bryan 62 56 59 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Information Technology Ward J. Timken, Jr. is Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. Prior to the spinoff, Mr. Timken served as a director of The Timken Company beginning in 2002 (a position which he still holds) and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Timken Company from 2005 until 2014. Mr. Timken was President of The Timken Company’s steel business from 2004 to 2005, Corporate Vice President from 2000 to 2003, and he held key leadership positions in The Timken Company’s European and Latin American businesses from 1992 to 2000. Prior to joining The Timken Company, Mr. Timken opened and managed the Washington, D.C. office of McGough & Associates, a Columbus, Ohio-based government affairs consulting firm. Kristopher R. Westbrooks is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Mr. Westbrooks served from April 2015 until August 2018 as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at A. Schulman, Inc., a global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders. From 2011 until appointment as Chief Accounting Officer in 2015, Mr. Westbrooks held various fiance roles within finance of increasing responsibility. He earned his bachelor’s of science degree in business and master’s degree in accountancy from Miami University in Ohio and is a certified public accountant. Frank A. DiPiero is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. DiPiero joined The Timken Company in 2014. Previously, Mr. DiPiero was Associate General Counsel, UTC Aerospace Systems of United Technologies Corporation, a provider of technology products and services to the global aerospace and building systems industries; Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Segment Counsel, Electronic Systems of Goodrich Corporation; and Segment Counsel, Actuation and Landing Systems of Goodrich Corporation. Mr. DiPiero earned his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a J.D. from The University of Toledo College of Law. Thomas D. Moline is Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. Prior to assuming his current role in 2017, Mr. Moline served as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, where he led steel plant operations and a five-year capital investment project that positioned the Company for significant growth. Since joining The Timken Company in 1984, Mr. Moline held a variety of leadership positions, including as an engineer on the team that built the Faircrest Steel Plant. He earned his bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering from Miami University in Ohio. William P. Bryan is Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Information Technology. Mr. Bryan also leads the TSB Metal Recycling and the TimkenSteel Material Services subsidiaries. In 2017, he assumed responsibility for manufacturing operations in addition to his existing role as Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Information Technology. Since joining The Timken Company in 1977, Mr. Bryan served in various positions related to supply chain, economics and information technology in both the U.S. and Europe. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Kent State University. Mr. Bryan also completed the Executive Development for Global Excellence (EDGE) program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. 18 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Part II. Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Quarterly Common Stock Prices and Cash Dividends Per Share: Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “TMST.” The estimated number of record holders of our common shares at December 31, 2018 was 3,714. Our Amended Credit Agreement places certain limitations on the payment of cash dividends. Please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional discussion. Issuer Purchases of Common Shares: Our Amended Credit Agreement places certain limitations on our ability to purchase our common shares. Please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional discussion. Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans: The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2018, regarding the only equity compensation plan maintained by us on that date, the TimkenSteel Corporation Amended and Restated 2014 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the Equity Plan). (a) (b) (c) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights(1) Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights(2) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity reflected in column (a)(3) compensation plans (excluding securities) Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(4) 3,373,446 $ 21.33 4,166,609 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total – 3,373,446 – $21.33 – 4,166,609 (1) The amount shown in column (a) includes the following: nonqualified stock options—2,532,669; deferred shares— 128,810; performance-based restricted stock units—69,279; and time-based restricted stock units—642,688 which includes 365,823 cliff-vested restricted stock units). (2) The weighted average exercise price in column (b) includes nonqualified stock options only. (3) The amount shown in column (c) represents common shares remaining available under the Equity Plan, under which the Compensation Committee is authorized to make awards of option rights, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, deferred shares, performance shares, performance units and cash incentive awards. Awards may be credited with dividend equivalents payable in the form of common shares. Under the Equity Plan, 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 19 for any award that is not an option right or a stock appreciation right, 2.46 common shares for awards granted before April 28, 2016 and 2.50 common shares for awards granted on or after April 28, 2016, are subtracted from the maximum number of common shares available under the plan for every common share issued under the award. For awards of option rights and stock appreciation rights; however, only one common share is subtracted from the maximum number of common shares available under the plan for every common share granted. (4) The Company also maintains the Director Deferred Compensation Plan pursuant to which non-employee Directors may defer receipt of common shares authorized for issuance under the Equity Plan. The table does not include separate information about this plan because it merely provides for the deferral, rather than the issuance, of common shares. Performance Graph: The following graph compares the cumulative total return of our common shares with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) MidCap 400 Index and S&P Steel Group Index, assuming $100 was invested and that cash dividends were reinvested for the period from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2018. COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN $160 $140 $120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 $0 4 1 0 J u ly 1 , 2 4 1 0 1 , 2 e r 3 b m e c e D 5 1 0 1 , 2 e r 3 b m e c e D 6 1 0 1 , 2 e r 3 b m e c e D 7 1 0 1 , 2 e r 3 b m e c e D 8 1 0 1 , 2 e r 3 b m e c e D TimkenSteel Corporation S&P MidCap 400 Index S&P 500 Steel Index Date July 1, 2014 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2018 TimkenSteel Corporation S&P MidCap 400 Index S&P 500 Steel Index $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $ 96.71 $102.11 $ 95.49 $ 22.29 $ 99.89 $ 80.49 $ 41.18 $120.61 $122.43 $ 37.59 $131.51 $135.49 $ 21.63 $115.08 $127.04 This performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. 20 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Item 6. Selected Financial Data The period prior to the spinoff from The Timken Company, which is only the first half of 2014, includes the historical results of operations, assets and liabilities of the legal entities that are considered to comprise TimkenSteel. The selected financial data in the table below for periods prior to the spinoff may not be indicative of what they would have been had we actually been a separate stand-alone entity during such periods, nor are they necessarily indicative of our future results of operations, financial position and cash flows. (dollars and shares in millions, except per share data) Statement of Operations Data: Net sales(3) Net (loss) income Loss (earnings) per share(1): Basic Diluted Cash dividends declared per share Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 $1,610.6 $1,329.2 $ 869.5 $1,106.2 $1,674.2 (31.7) (43.8) (105.5) (45.0) 46.1 ($ ($ $ 0.71) ($ 0.99) ($ 2.39) ($ 1.01) $ 1.01 0.71) ($ 0.99) ($ 2.39) ($ 1.01) $ 1.00 – $ – $ – $ 0.42 $ 0.28 Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 44.6 44.4 44.2 44.5 46.0 Balance Sheet Data: Total assets Long-term debt Total shareholders’ equity Other Data: Book value per share(2) $1,197.6 $1,156.6 $1,069.9 $1,142.5 $1,366.9 189.1 535.2 165.3 560.7 136.6 597.4 200.2 682.0 185.2 749.8 $ 12.00 $ 12.63 $ 13.52 $ 15.33 $ 16.30 (1) See “Note 10—Earnings Per Share” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. (2) Book value per share is calculated by dividing total shareholders’ equity (as of the period end) by the weighted average shares outstanding, diluted. (3) Reflects the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard in 2018. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 21 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (dollars in millions, except per share data) Business Overview We manufacture alloy steel, as well as carbon and micro-alloy steel, with an annual melt capacity of approximately 2 million tons and shipment capacity of 1.5 million tons. Our portfolio includes special bar quality (SBQ) bars, seamless mechanical tubing (tubes), value-add solutions such as precision steel components, and billets. In addition, we supply machining and thermal treatment services and manage raw material recycling programs, which are used as a feeder system for our melt operations. Our products and services are used in a diverse range of demanding applications in the following market sectors: oil and gas; OCTG; automotive; industrial equipment; mining; construction; rail; aerospace and defense; heavy truck; agriculture; and power generation. Based on our knowledge of the steel industry, we believe we are the only focused SBQ steel producer in North America and have the largest SBQ steel large bar (6-inch diameter and greater) production capacity among North American steel producers. In addition, we are the only steel manufacturer able to produce rolled SBQ steel large bars up to 16-inches in diameter. SBQ steel is made to restrictive chemical compositions and high internal purity levels and is used in critical mechanical applications. We make these products from nearly all recycled steel, using our expertise in raw materials to create custom steel products. We focus on creating tailored products and services for our customers’ most demanding applications. Our engineers are experts in both materials and applications, so we can work closely with each customer to deliver flexible solutions related to our products as well as to their applications and supply chains. We believe our unique operating model and production assets give us a competitive advantage in our industry. The SBQ bar, tube, and billet production processes take place at our Canton, Ohio manufacturing location. This location accounts for all of the SBQ bars, seamless mechanical tubes and billets we produce and includes three manufacturing facilities: the Faircrest, Harrison, and Gambrinus facilities. Our value-add solutions production processes take place at three downstream manufacturing facilities: TimkenSteel Material Services (Houston, Texas), Tryon Peak (Columbus, North Carolina), and St. Clair (Eaton, Ohio). Many of the production processes are integrated, and the manufacturing facilities produce products that are sold in all of our market sectors. As a result, investments in our facilities and resource allocation decisions affecting our operations are designed to benefit the overall business, not any specific aspect of the business. We conduct our business activities and report financial results as one business segment. The presentation of financial results as one reportable segment is consistent with the way we operate our business and is consistent with the manner in which the CODM evaluates performance and makes resource and operating decisions for the business as described above. Furthermore, the Company notes that monitoring financial results as one reportable segment helps the CODM manage costs on a consolidated basis, consistent with the integrated nature of our operations. Markets We Serve We sell products and services that are used in a diverse range of demanding applications around the world. No one customer accounted for 10% or more of net sales in 2018. Key indicators for our market include the U.S. light vehicle production Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate, oil and gas rig count activity and U.S. footage drilled, and industrial production for agriculture and construction markets, distribution, and mining and oil field machinery products. In addition, we closely monitor the Purchasing Managers’ Index, which is a leading indicator for our overall business. 22 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Impact of Raw Material Prices and LIFO In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to the volatility of the costs of our raw materials. Whenever possible, we manage our exposure to commodity risks primarily through the use of supplier pricing agreements that enable us to establish the purchase prices for certain inputs that are used in our manufacturing process. We utilize a raw material surcharge mechanism when pricing products to our customers which is designed to mitigate the impact of increases or decreases in raw material costs, although generally with a lag effect. This timing effect can result in raw material spread whereby costs can be over- or under-recovered in certain periods. While the surcharge generally protects gross profit, it has the effect of diluting gross margin as a percent of sales. We value a majority of our inventory utilizing the LIFO inventory valuation method. Changes in the cost of raw materials and production activities are recognized in cost of products sold in the current period even though these materials and other costs may have been incurred in different periods at significantly different values due to the length of time of our production cycle. In periods of rising inventories and deflating raw material prices, the likely result will be a positive impact to net income. Conversely, in periods of rising inventories and increasing raw materials prices, the likely result will be a negative impact to net income. Results of Operations Net Sales The charts below present net sales and shipments for the years 2018, 2017, and 2016. Net Sales Shipments (tons) $2,000 $1,610.6 $1,500 $1,329.2 s n o i l l i M n i $ $1,000 $500 $0 $869.5 s d n a s u o h t n i s n o T 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 1,199.4 1,150.2 746.7 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $1,610.6 million, an increase of $281.4 million or 21.2% compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Excluding surcharges, net sales increased $167.4 million, or 16.1%. The increase was due to favorable price/mix of approximately $107 million and higher volumes of approximately $61 million, as we focused efforts to sell our higher margin products. This resulted in net sales per ton increasing 16.2% from 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2018, ship tons increased by 49 thousand tons, or 4.3%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to higher demand in industrial and energy end markets, partially offset by a reduction in billet shipments. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $1,329.2 million, an increase of $459.7 or 52.9% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Excluding surcharges, net sales increased $262.1 million, or 33.8%. The increase was due to higher volumes of $441.0 million, offset by price/mix of approximately $179 million. For the 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 23 year ended December 31, 2017, ship tons increased by 403 thousand tons or 54.0% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, due primarily to market penetration, end-market demand recovery and sales initiatives, including 211 thousand tons of new billet business to the tube manufacturers supplying the OCTG market. Gross Profit Gross Profit Year Ended December 31, 2018 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017 $77.4 ($0.6) ($3.0) ($8.9) $104.9 ($23.2) ($4.6) $160 $140 $120 $100 $80 $67.8 s n o i l l i M n i $ $60 $40 $20 $0 2017 Gross profit Price / Mix Volume Raw material spread LIFO Manufacturing Other 2018 Gross profit Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased $37.1 million, or 54.7%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was driven primarily by favorable price/mix due to higher demand in our end markets, and our focus on selling higher margin products. The favorable price/mix was partially offset by increased manufacturing costs. Higher manufacturing costs in 2018 were driven primarily by consumables inflation and higher maintenance costs, partially offset by improved fixed-cost leverage and the benefit of continuous improvement activities. The favorable impact of higher volume was more than offset by an increase in freight expense. Melt utilization for the year ended December 31, 2018 was 74% compared to 73% as of year ended December 31, 2017. 24 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Gross Profit Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016 $70.2 $56.8 ($17.2) $4.7 $67.8 $27.9 $38.7 ($113.3) $120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 $0 -$20 -$40 s n o i l l i M n i $ 2016 Gross profit Volume Price / Mix Raw material spread Manufacturing LIFO One time supplier refund 2017 Gross profit Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $39.9 million, or 143.0%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was driven primarily by higher volumes as a result of the new billet business, increased market penetration and end-market demand recovery, offset by a shift in product mix and price pressure. Higher volumes also improved both melt utilization and operating cost leverage, which contributed to favorable year-over-year manufacturing efficiencies. For the year ended December 31, 2017, melt utilization was 73%, compared to 46% for the same period in 2016. The favorable raw material spread was driven largely by improved No.1 Busheling Index and higher shipments. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 25 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses SG&A Expense $98.2 $90.5 $90.2 2018 2017 2016 $120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 $0 s n o i l l i M n i $ Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $7.7 million, or 8.5%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to an increase in variable compensation of $1.5 million and executive severance costs of $1.7 million. SG&A expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was similar to the year ended December 31, 2016. Interest Expense Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $17.1 million, an increase of $2.3 million from 2017. The increase is due to the write-off of deferred financing costs of $0.7 million associated with amending the previous Credit Agreement and redeeming the Revenue Refunding Bonds, both of which occurred in the first quarter of 2018. Additionally, we had higher average borrowings on the Amended Credit Agreement to support working capital needs during the year ended December 31, 2018. This was partially offset by lower average interest rates in 2018. Refer to “Note 6—Financing Arrangements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Cash interest paid Accrued interest Amortization of deferred financing fees and debt discount Total Interest Expense Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 $ Change $11.8 $10.1 $ 1.7 (0.2) 5.5 0.7 4.0 (0.9) 1.5 $17.1 $14.8 $ 2.3 Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $14.8 million, an increase of $3.4 million from 2016, due primarily to twelve months of interest expense in 2017, compared to seven months of interest expense in 2016, associated with the issuance of the Convertible Notes in May 2016. 26 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Cash interest paid Accrued interest Amortization of convertible notes discount and deferred financing Total Interest Expense Other Expense, net Pension and postretirement non-service benefit income Loss from remeasurement of benefit plans Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss Miscellaneous expense Total other expense, net Pension and postretirement non-service benefit income Loss from remeasurement of benefit plans Disposal of fixed assets Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss Miscellaneous (income) expense Total other expense, net Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 $ Change $10.1 $ 7.9 $2.2 0.7 4.0 0.6 2.9 0.1 1.1 $14.8 $11.4 $3.4 Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 $ Change ($25.2) ($17.5) ($ 7.7) 43.5 21.8 21.7 0.2 0.1 (0.3) 0.1 0.5 – $18.6 $ 4.1 $14.5 Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 $ Change ($17.5) ($13.4) ($ 4.1) 21.8 79.7 (57.9) – (0.3) 1.1 0.8 0.1 (0.2) (1.1) (1.1) 0.3 $ 4.1 $68.0 ($ 63.9) Other expense, net was $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to expense of $4.1 million and $68.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The variance is primarily due to the change in the loss from remeasurement of benefit plans. See “Note 8—Retirement and Postretirement Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Provision for income taxes Effective tax rate Years Ended December 31, 2017 $ Change % Change 2018 $ 1.8 $ 1.5 (5.9)% (3.7)% $ 0.3 NM (20.0)% (220)bps 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 27 Provision (benefit) for income taxes Effective tax rate Years Ended December 31, 2017 $ 1.5 2016 $ Change % Change ($36.5) $38.0 104.1% (3.7)% 25.7% NM (2,940)bps Operating losses generated in the U.S. resulted in a decrease in the carrying value of our U.S. deferred tax liability to the point of a net U.S. deferred tax asset at December 31, 2016. At that time, we assessed, based upon operating performance in the U.S. and industry conditions that it was more likely than not we would not realize a portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets. The Company recorded a valuation allowance in 2016 and as a result of current year activity, the Company remained in a full valuation allowance position through 2018. Going forward, the need to maintain valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in the U.S. and other affected countries will cause variability in the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company will maintain a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the U.S. and applicable foreign countries until sufficient positive evidence exists to eliminate them. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 is due primarily to a valuation allowance recorded in 2018 against our deferred tax assets. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 is due primarily to a discrete charge of approximately $1 million recorded in 2017. Refer to “Note 13—Income Tax Provision” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law, which resulted in significant changes to U.S. tax and related laws. Some of the provisions of the Act affecting corporations include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, expensing the cost of acquired qualified property, the elimination of alternative minimum tax, a modification of the net operating loss deduction, and the creation of global intangible low-taxed income. Further, several changes and limitations to deductions were encompassed in the new law and were effective for us in 2018, including, interest expense, performance-based compensation, meals and entertainment expenses, transportation fringe benefits, and elimination of the domestic production activities deduction. We have evaluated the impact of the new tax law on TimkenSteel’s financial condition and results of operations. We did not experience a significant reduction in our effective income tax rate or our net deferred federal income tax assets as a result of the income tax rate reduction or changes to U.S. tax law, as we remained in a valuation allowance position in 2018. 28 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Non-GAAP Financial Measures Net Sales, Excluding Surcharges The table below presents net sales by end market sector, adjusted to exclude raw material surcharges, which represents a financial measure that has not been determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). We believe presenting net sales by end market sector adjusted to exclude raw material surcharges provides additional insight into key drivers of net sales such as base price and product mix. Net Sales Adjusted to Exclude Surcharges (dollars in millions, tons in thousands) Tons Net Sales Less: Surcharges Base Sales Net Sales / Ton Base Sales / Ton Tons Net Sales Less: Surcharges Base Sales Net Sales / Ton Base Sales / Ton Tons Net Sales Less: Surcharges Base Sales Net Sales / Ton Base Sales / Ton 2018 Mobile Industrial Energy Other Total 428.3 462.7 152.8 155.6 1,199.4 $553.9 $637.5 $265.6 $153.6 $1,610.6 134.4 161.5 61.2 48.3 405.4 $419.5 $476.0 $204.4 $105.3 $1,205.2 $1,293 $1,378 $1,738 $ 987 $ 1,343 $ 979 $1,029 $1,338 $ 677 $ 1,005 2017 Mobile Industrial Energy Other Total 428.1 413.4 97.0 211.7 1,150.2 $528.6 $486.4 $141.7 $172.5 $1,329.2 105.1 106.6 23.5 56.1 291.3 $423.5 $379.8 $118.2 $116.4 $1,037.9 $1,235 $1,177 $1,461 $ 815 $ 1,156 $ 989 $ 919 $1,219 $ 550 $ 902 2016 Mobile Industrial Energy Other Total 413.0 284.3 23.5 25.9 746.7 $475.4 $323.7 $ 35.7 $ 34.7 $869.5 50.3 35.9 3.2 4.3 93.7 $425.1 $287.8 $ 32.5 $ 30.4 $775.8 $1,151 $1,139 $1,519 $1,340 $1,164 $1,029 $1,012 $1,383 $1,174 $1,039 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 29 Liquidity and Capital Resources Convertible Notes In May 2016, we issued $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes, plus an additional $11.3 million principal amount to cover over-allotments. The Convertible Notes bear cash interest at a rate of 6.0% per year, payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1, beginning on December 1, 2016. The Convertible Notes will mature on June 1, 2021, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The net proceeds received from the offering were $83.2 million, after deducting the initial underwriters’ discount and fees and paying the offering expenses. We used the net proceeds to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under our Credit Agreement. Credit Agreement On February 26, 2016, the Company, as borrower, and certain domestic subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors, entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provided for a $265 million asset based revolving credit facility. Amended Credit Agreement On January 26, 2018, we as borrower, and certain domestic subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors, entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Amended Credit Agreement), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which amended and restated the Company’s existing Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a $300 million asset-based revolving credit facility, including a $15 million sublimit for the issuance of commercial and standby letters of credit and a $30 million sublimit for swingline loans. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, we are entitled, on up to two occasions and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to request increases in the commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of up to $50 million, to the extent that existing or new lenders agree to provide such additional commitments. The availability of borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement is subject to a borrowing base calculation based upon a valuation of the eligible accounts receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment of us and our subsidiary guarantors, each multiplied by an applicable advance rate. The availability of borrowings may be further modified by reserves established from time to time by the administrative agent in its permitted discretion. The interest rate per annum applicable to loans under the Amended Credit Agreement will be, at our option, equal to either (i) the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin or (ii) the relevant adjusted LIBO rate for an interest period of one, two, three or six months (as selected by the Company) plus the applicable margin. The base rate will be a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate of the administrative agent, (ii) the effective Federal Reserve Bank of New York rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the adjusted LIBO rate for a one-month interest period on the applicable date, plus 1.00%. The adjusted LIBO rate will be equal to the applicable London interbank offered rate for the selected interest period, as adjusted for statutory reserve requirements for eurocurrency liabilities. The applicable margin will be determined by a pricing grid based on our average quarterly availability. In addition, we will pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused amount of the credit facility in a percentage determined by our average daily availability for the most recently completed calendar month. The interest rate under the Amended Credit Agreement was 4.4% as of December 31, 2018. The amount available under the Amended Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2018 was approximately $182.4 million. The Amended Credit Agreement matures on January 26, 2023. Prior to the maturity date, amounts outstanding are required to be repaid (without reduction of the commitments thereunder) from mandatory prepayment events from the proceeds of certain asset sales, equity or debt issuances or casualty events. 30 2018 ANNUAL REPORT The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain customary covenants, including covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur or suffer to exist certain liens, (ii) make investments, (iii) incur or guaranty additional indebtedness, (iv) enter into consolidations, mergers, acquisitions, sale- leaseback transactions and sales of assets, (v) make distributions and other restricted payments, (vi) change the nature of its business, (vii) engage in transactions with affiliates and (viii) enter into restrictive agreements, including agreements that restrict the ability to incur liens or make distributions. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement requires us to (i) unless certain conditions are met, maintain certain minimum liquidity as specified in the Amended Credit Agreement during the period commencing on March 1, 2021 and ending on June 1, 2021 and (ii) maintain a minimum specified fixed charge coverage ratio on a springing basis if minimum availability requirements as specified in the Amended Credit Agreement are not maintained. The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain customary events of default. If any event of default occurs and is continuing, the Lenders would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Amended Credit Agreement, and exercise other rights and remedies. As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with the covenants of the Amended Credit Agreement. We expect to remain in compliance with our debt covenants for at least the next twelve months. If at any time we expect that we will be unable to meet the covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement, we would seek to further amend the Amended Credit Agreement to be in compliance and avoid a default or pursue other alternatives, such as additional financing. If, contrary to our expectations, we were unable to amend the terms of our Amended Credit Agreement to remain in compliance or refinance the debt under the Amended Credit Agreement, we would experience an event of default and all outstanding debt under the revolving credit facility would be subject to acceleration and may become immediately due and payable. For additional discussion regarding risk factors related to our business and our debt, see Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Revenue Refunding Bonds In connection with entering into the Amended Credit Agreement, on January 23, 2018, we redeemed in full $12.2 million of Ohio Water Development Revenue Refunding Bonds (originally due on November 1, 2025), $9.5 million of Ohio Air Quality Development Revenue Refunding Bonds (originally due on November 1, 2025) and $8.5 million of Ohio Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (originally due on June 1, 2033). Additional Liquidity Considerations The following represents a summary of key liquidity measures under the Amended Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2018 and the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2017: Cash and cash equivalents Credit Agreement: Maximum availability Amount borrowed Letter of credit obligations Availability not borrowed Availability block Net availability Total liquidity December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 $ 21.6 $ 24.5 $300.0 115.0 2.6 182.4 – $182.4 $204.0 $265.0 65.0 2.6 197.4 33.1 $164.3 $188.8 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 31 Our principal sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations and available borrowing capacity under our Amended Credit Agreement. We currently expect that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, expected cash flows from operations and borrowings available under the Amended Credit Agreement will be sufficient to meet liquidity needs; however, these plans rely on certain underlying assumptions and estimates that may differ from actual results. Such assumptions include growing market demand, lower operating costs and continued working capital management. As of December 31, 2018, taking into account the foregoing, as well as our view of industrial, energy, and automotive market demands for our products, our 2019 operating plan and our long-range plan, we believe that our cash balance as of December 31, 2018 of $21.6 million, projected cash generated from operations, and borrowings available under the Amended Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations, including servicing our debt obligations, for at least the next twelve months and through January 26, 2023, the maturity date of our Amended Credit Agreement. To the extent our liquidity needs prove to be greater than expected or cash generated from operations is less than anticipated, and cash on hand or credit availability is insufficient, we would seek additional financing to provide additional liquidity. We regularly evaluate our potential access to the equity and debt capital markets as sources of liquidity and we believe additional financing would likely be available if necessary, although we can make no assurance as to the form or terms of any such financing. We would also consider additional cost reductions and further reductions of capital expenditures. Regardless, we will continue to evaluate additional financing or may seek to refinance outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement to provide us with additional flexibility and liquidity. Any additional financing beyond that incurred to refinance existing debt would increase our overall debt and could increase interest expense. For additional discussion regarding risk factors related to our business and our debt, see Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For additional details regarding the Credit Agreement, the Amended Credit Agreement and the Convertible Notes, please refer to “Note 6—Financing Arrangements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash Flows The following table reflects the major categories of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 For additional details, please see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Cash Flows Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used by investing activities Net cash provided (used) by financing activities Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents Operating Activities Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $ 18.5 $ 8.1 $ 74.4 (39.0) (33.0) (42.7) 17.6 23.8 (48.5) ($ 2.9) ($ 1.1) ($ 16.8) Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $18.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively. The improvement in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in gross profit of $37.1 million partially offset by benefit payments for our domestic pension plans and an increased use of cash for working capital to support increased customer demand. 32 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $8.1 million and $74.4 million, respectively. The $66.3 million decrease was driven primarily by an increase in working capital to support increased sales volume and manufacturing operations. Investing Activities Net cash used by investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $39.0 million and $33.0 million, respectively. Cash used for investing activities primarily relates to capital investments in our manufacturing facilities. Capital spending in 2018 increased $7.0 million from 2017 due to an increase in strategic spending on our capital investments. Net cash used by investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $33.0 million and $42.7 million, respectively. Capital spending in 2017 decreased $6.7 million due to lower targeted capital allocations. Our business requires capital investments to maintain our plants and equipment to remain competitive and ensure we can implement strategic initiatives. Our construction in progress balance of $28.5 million as of December 31, 2018 includes: (a) $8.8 million relating to growth initiatives (e.g. new product offerings, additional capacity and new capabilities) and continuous improvement projects; and (b) $19.7 million relating primarily to routine capital costs to maintain the reliability, integrity and safety of our manufacturing equipment and facilities. In the next one to three years, we expect to incur approximately $33 million of additional costs (made up of approximately $25 million relating to additional growth initiatives and approximately $8 million related to continuous improvement) to complete existing ongoing projects. Our recent capital investments are expected to significantly strengthen our position as a leader in providing differentiated solutions for the energy, industrial and automotive market sectors, while enhancing our operational performance and customer service capabilities. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we launched our new advanced quench-and-temper heat-treat line. The approximately $40 million investment performs quench-and-temper heat-treat operations and has the capacity for up to 50,000 process-tons annually of 4-inch to 13-inch bars and tubes. This equipment is located in a separate facility on the site of our Gambrinus Steel Plant, and is one of our larger thermal treatment facilities. This new equipment allows us to meet stringent industry requirements regardless of the order size, resulting in better service for our customers. During the first year of the advanced quench-and-temper heat-treat line we produced 37 thousand tons. Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 was approximately $17.6 million compared to $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The change was mainly due to lower net borrowings on the Amended Credit Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year. Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $23.8 million compared to net cash used by financing activities of approximately $48.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The change was primarily due to net borrowings of $25.0 million on the Credit Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016 net repayments of $43.7 million. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 33 Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018: Contractual Obligations Less than 1 Year Total 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than 5 Years Convertible notes and other long-term debt $201.5 $ – $ 86.5 $115.0 $ Interest payments Operating leases Purchase commitments Retirement benefits Total 33.4 16.4 73.9 28.7 10.3 6.3 33.2 4.0 17.6 8.5 11.6 5.0 5.5 1.6 7.4 9.6 – – – 21.7 10.1 $353.9 $53.8 $129.2 $139.1 $31.8 The caption Convertible notes and other long-term debt includes the outstanding Convertible Notes principle balance of $74.1 million and the Amended Credit Agreement of $115 million. Interest payments include interest on the Convertible Notes and estimated interest payments on variable rate debt computed using the assumption that the interest rate at December 31, 2018 is in effect for the remaining term of the variable rate debt. Actual interest could vary. See Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Purchase commitments are defined as agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding. Included in purchase commitments are certain obligations related to capital commitments, service agreements and energy consumed in our production process. These purchase commitments do not represent our entire anticipated purchases in the future, but represent only those items for which we are presently contractually obligated. The majority of our products and services are purchased as needed, with no advance commitment. We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements with unconsolidated entities or other persons. Retirement benefits are paid from plan assets and our operating cash flow. The table above includes payments to meet minimum funding requirements of our defined benefit pension plans and estimated benefit payments for our unfunded pension plan. Amounts also include the estimated corporate cash outlays for expected postretirement benefit payments to be paid by the Company. Funding requirements beyond one year are not included as they cannot be reliably estimated as required contributions are significantly affected by asset returns and several other variables. These amounts are based on Company estimates and current funding laws, actual future payments may be different. Refer to “Note 8—Retirement and Postretirement Plans” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to the total pension and other postretirement benefit plans and expected benefit payments. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. We review our critical accounting policies throughout the year. New Accounting Guidance See “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 34 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue from contracts at a point in time when we have satisfied its performance obligation and the customer obtains control of the goods, at the amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive for those goods. We receive and acknowledges purchase orders from our customers, which define the quantity, pricing, payment and other applicable terms and conditions. In some cases, we receive a blanket purchase order from our customer, which includes pricing, payment and other terms and conditions, with quantities defined at the time the customer issues periodic releases from the blanket purchase order. Certain contracts contain variable consideration, which primarily consists of rebates that are accounted for in net sales and accrued based on the estimated probability of the requirements being met. Inventory Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with approximately 74% valued by the last in, first out (LIFO) method and the remaining inventories, including manufacturing supplies inventory and international (outside the U.S.) inventories, valued by the first-in, first-out, average cost or specific identification methods. An actual valuation of the inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many factors beyond management’s control, annual results may differ from interim results as the annual results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. We recognized an increase in our LIFO reserve of $21.6 million in 2018 and $12.5 million in 2017. We record reserves for product inventory that is identified to be surplus and/or obsolete based on future requirements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, our reserve for surplus and obsolete inventory was $5.1 million and $7.8 million, respectively. Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets (including tangible assets and intangible assets subject to amortization) are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances have occurred indicating the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. We test recoverability of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from the cash flows of other assets. Assets and asset groups held and used are measured for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the sum of future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of our long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. If an asset or asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment loss that would be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. To determine fair value, we use internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate interest rate, third party appraisals as appropriate, and/or market prices of similar assets, when available. As the result of the discontinued use of certain assets, we recorded impairment charges of $0.9 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There were no impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2016. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 35 Income Taxes We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions, and we account for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (ASC 740). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We record valuation allowances against deferred tax assets by tax jurisdiction when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial performance of the entity recording the net deferred tax asset is considered along with any other pertinent information. Net deferred tax assets relate primarily to net operating losses and pension and other postretirement benefit obligations in the U.S., which we believe are more likely than not to result in future tax benefits. As of December 31, 2018, we have recorded a valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets in the U.S., as we do not believe it is more likely than not that a portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets will be realized. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations regarding which the ultimate income tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with the requirements of ASC 740. We record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company made the accounting policy election to treat taxes related to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income as a current period expense when incurred. Benefit Plans We recognize an overfunded status or underfunded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligations) as either an asset or a liability for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize actuarial gains and losses immediately through net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated Statement of Operations upon the annual remeasurement at December 31, or on an interim basis as triggering events warrant remeasurement. In addition, the Company uses fair value to account for the value of plan assets As of December 31, 2018 our projected benefit obligations related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were $1,178.3 million and $194.7 million, respectively, and the underfunded status of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations were $123.9 million and $108.6 million, respectively. These benefit obligations were valued using a weighted average discount rate of 4.30% and 4.34% for pension and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. The determination of the discount rate is generally based on an index created from a hypothetical bond portfolio consisting of high-quality fixed income securities with durations that match the timing of expected benefit payments. Changes in the selected discount rate could have a material impact on our projected benefit obligations and the unfunded status of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. For the year ended December 31, 2018, net periodic pension benefit cost was $38.4 million, and net periodic other postretirement benefit income was $1.0 million. In 2018, net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs were calculated using a variety of assumptions, including a weighted average discount rate of 3.68% and 3.66%, respectively, and an expected return on plan assets of 6.45% and 5.00%, respectively. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on several factors, including adjusted historical returns, historical risk premiums for various asset classes and target asset allocations within the portfolio. Adjustments made to the historical returns are based on recent return experience in the equity and fixed income markets and the belief that deviations from historical returns are likely over the relevant investment horizon. 36 2018 ANNUAL REPORT The net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligation are affected by applicable year-end assumptions. Sensitivities to these assumptions may be asymmetric and are specific to the time periods noted. The impact of changing multiple factors simultaneously cannot be calculated by combining the individual sensitivities. The sensitivity to changes in discount rate assumptions may not be linear. A sensitivity analysis of the projected incremental effect of a 0.25% increase (decrease), holding all other assumptions constant, is as follows: Discount Rate Net periodic benefit cost, prior to annual remeasurement gains or losses Benefit obligation Return on plan assets Hypothetical Rate Increase (decrease) 0.25% (0.25)% $ 0.8 ($ 0.9) ($35.2) $36.9 Net periodic benefit cost, prior to annual remeasurement gains or losses ($ 2.5) $ 2.5 Aggregate net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for 2019 is forecasted to be $1.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively. This estimate is based on a weighted average discount rate of 4.30% for the pension benefit plans and 4.34% for the other postretirement benefit plans, as well as an expected return on assets of 6.41% for the pension benefit plans and 5.00% for the other postretirement benefit plans. Actual cost also is dependent on various other factors related to the employees covered by these plans. Adjustments to our actuarial assumptions could have a material adverse impact on our operating results. Please refer to “Note 8—Retirement and Postretirement Plans” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Other Loss Reserves We have a number of loss exposures that are incurred in the ordinary course of business, such as environmental claims, product liability claims, product warranty claims, litigation and accounts receivable reserves. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires management’s estimate and judgment with regard to risk exposure and ultimate liability or realization. These loss reserves are reviewed periodically and adjustments are made to reflect the most recent facts and circumstances. These other loss reserves have an immaterial impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including our forecasts, beliefs and expectations) that are not historical in nature are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains numerous forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. We caution readers that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us due to a variety of factors, such as: • deterioration in world economic conditions, or in economic conditions in any of the geographic regions in which we conduct business, including additional adverse effects from global economic slowdown, terrorism or 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 37 hostilities. This includes: political risks associated with the potential instability of governments and legal systems in countries in which we or our customers conduct business, and changes in currency valuations; • the effects of fluctuations in customer demand on sales, product mix and prices in the industries in which we operate. This includes: our ability to respond to rapid changes in customer demand; the effects of customer bankruptcies or liquidations; the impact of changes in industrial business cycles; and whether conditions of fair trade exist in the U.S. markets; • competitive factors, including changes in market penetration; increasing price competition by existing or new foreign and domestic competitors; the introduction of new products by existing and new competitors; and new technology that may impact the way our products are sold or distributed; • changes in operating costs, including the effect of changes in our manufacturing processes; changes in costs associated with varying levels of operations and manufacturing capacity; availability of raw materials and energy; our ability to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in raw materials and energy costs and the effectiveness of our surcharge mechanism; changes in the expected costs associated with product warranty claims; changes resulting from inventory management, cost reduction initiatives and different levels of customer demands; the effects of unplanned work stoppages; and changes in the cost of labor and benefits; • the success of our operating plans, announced programs, initiatives and capital investments; the ability to integrate acquired companies; the ability of acquired companies to achieve satisfactory operating results, including results being accretive to earnings; and our ability to maintain appropriate relations with unions that represent our associates in certain locations in order to avoid disruptions of business; • unanticipated litigation, claims or assessments, including claims or problems related to intellectual property, product liability or warranty, and environmental issues and taxes, among other matters; • the availability of financing and interest rates, which affect our cost of funds and/or ability to raise capital; our pension obligations and investment performance; and/or customer demand and the ability of customers to obtain financing to purchase our products or equipment that contain our products; and the amount of any dividend declared by our Board of Directors on our common shares; • The overall impact of the pension and postretirement mark-to-market accounting; and • Those items identified under the caption Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You are cautioned that it is not possible to predict or identify all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results, and that the above list should not be considered to be a complete list. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 38 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Interest Rate Risk Our borrowings include both fixed and variable-rate debt. The variable debt consists principally of borrowings under our Amended Credit Agreement. We are exposed to the risk of rising interest rates to the extent we fund our operations with these variable-rate borrowings. As of December 31, 2018, we have $189.1 million of aggregate debt outstanding, of which $115.0 million consists of debt with variable interest rates. Based on the amount of debt with variable-rate interest outstanding, a 1% rise in interest rates would result in an increase in interest expense of approximately $1.2 million annually. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies may impact our earnings. Geographically, our sales are primarily made to customers in the United States. Currency fluctuations could impact us to the extent they impact the currency or the price of raw materials in foreign countries in which our competitors operate or have significant sales. Commodity Price Risk In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to market risk with respect to commodity price fluctuations, primarily related to our purchases of raw materials and energy, principally scrap steel, other ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, natural gas and electricity. Whenever possible, we manage our exposure to commodity risks primarily through the use of supplier pricing agreements that enable us to establish the purchase prices for certain inputs that are used in our manufacturing business. We utilize a raw material surcharge as a component of pricing steel to pass through the cost increases of scrap, alloys and other raw materials, as well as natural gas. From time to time, we may use financial instruments to hedge a portion of our exposure to price risk related to natural gas and electricity purchases. In periods of stable demand for our products, the surcharge mechanism has worked effectively to reduce the normal time lag in passing through higher raw material costs so that we can maintain our gross margins. When demand and cost of raw materials are lower, however, the surcharge impacts sales prices to a lesser extent. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 39 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Page 41 44 45 46 47 48 49 40 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of TimkenSteel Corporation Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TimkenSteel Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule included at Item 15a (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 20, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We have served as the Company’s auditors since 2012. Cleveland, Ohio February 20, 2019 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 41 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of TimkenSteel Corporation Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited TimkenSteel Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, TimkenSteel Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of TimkenSteel Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule included at Item 15a and our report dated February 20, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 42 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland, Ohio February 20, 2019 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 43 Consolidated Statements of Operations (Dollars in millions, except per share data) Net sales Cost of products sold Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Impairment and restructuring charges Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Other expense, net Loss Before Income Taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes Net Loss Per Share Data: Basic loss per share Diluted loss per share See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $1,610.6 $1,329.2 $ 869.5 1,505.7 1,261.4 841.6 104.9 98.2 0.9 5.8 17.1 18.6 67.8 90.5 0.7 27.9 90.2 0.3 (23.4) (62.6) 14.8 4.1 11.4 68.0 (29.9) (42.3) (142.0) 1.8 1.5 (36.5) ($ 31.7) ($ 43.8) ($ 105.5) ($ ($ 0.71) 0.71) ($ ($ 0.99) ($ 2.39) 0.99) ($ 2.39) 44 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Dollars in millions) Net loss Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments Pension and postretirement liability adjustments Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Loss, net of tax See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 ($31.7) ($43.8) ($105.5) (1.4) 0.1 (1.3) 1.1 0.7 1.8 (2.0) 0.5 (1.5) ($33.0) ($42.0) ($107.0) 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 45 Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in millions) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowances (2018–$1.7 million; 2017–$1.4 million) Inventories, net Deferred charges and prepaid expenses Other current assets Total Current Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets Pension assets Intangible assets, net Other non-current assets Total Other Assets Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable Salaries, wages and benefits Accrued pension and postretirement costs Other current liabilities Total Current Liabilities Non-Current Liabilities Convertible notes, net Other long-term debt Accrued pension and postretirement costs Deferred income taxes Other non-current liabilities Total Non-Current Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity Preferred shares, without par value; authorized 10.0 million shares, none issued Common shares, without par value; authorized 200.0 million shares; issued 2018 and 2017–45.7 million shares Additional paid-in capital Retained deficit Treasury shares–2018–1.1 million; 2017–1.3 million Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total Shareholders’ Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 46 2018 ANNUAL REPORT December 31, 2018 2017 $ 21.6 $ 24.5 163.4 296.8 3.5 6.1 491.4 674.4 10.5 17.8 3.5 31.8 149.8 224.0 3.9 8.0 410.2 706.7 14.6 19.9 5.2 39.7 $1,197.6 $1,156.6 $ 160.6 $ 135.3 36.8 3.0 20.4 32.4 11.5 27.6 220.8 206.8 74.1 115.0 240.0 0.8 11.7 70.1 95.2 210.8 0.3 12.7 441.6 389.1 – – – – 846.3 843.7 (269.2) (238.0) (33.0) (37.4) (8.9) (7.6) 535.2 560.7 $1,197.6 $1,156.6 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity Total Additional Paid- in Capital (Dollars in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Net loss Pension and postretirement adjustment, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Stock-based compensation expense Issuance of treasury shares Equity component of convertible notes, net Deferred tax liability on convertible notes Cumulative adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-09 $ 682.0 (105.5) 0.5 (2.0) 6.7 – 18.7 (7.2) 4.2 $ 828.8 – – – 6.7 (1.4) 18.7 (7.2) – Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 597.4 $ 845.6 Net loss (43.8) Pension and postretirement adjustment, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Stock-based compensation expense Stock option activity Issuance of treasury shares 0.7 1.1 6.5 0.2 – Shares surrendered for taxes (1.4) – – – 6.5 0.2 (8.6) – Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 560.7 $ 843.7 Net Loss Pension and postretirement adjustment, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Adoption of new accounting standard (Note 2) Stock-based compensation expense Stock option activity Issuance of treasury shares Shares surrendered for taxes (31.7) 0.1 (1.4) 0.7 7.3 0.2 – (0.7) – – – – 7.3 0.2 (4.9) – Retained Earnings (Deficit) ($ 92.6) (105.5) – – – – – – 4.2 ($ 193.9) (43.8) – – – – (0.3) – ($ 238.0) (31.7) – – 0.7 – – (0.2) – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Treasury Shares ($ 46.3) ($ 7.9) – 0.5 (2.0) – – – – – – – – 1.4 – – – ($ 44.9) ($ 9.4) – – – – – 8.9 (1.4) – 0.7 1.1 – – – – ($ 37.4) ($ 7.6) – – – – – – 5.1 (0.7) – 0.1 (1.4) – – – – – Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 535.2 $846.3 ($ 269.2) ($33.0) ($ 8.9) See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 47 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in millions) CASH PROVIDED (USED) Operating Activities Net loss Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 ($ 31.7) ($ 43.8) ($ 105.5) Depreciation and amortization Amortization of deferred financing fees and debt discount Impairment charges and loss on sale or disposal of assets Deferred income taxes Stock-based compensation expense Pension and postretirement expense, net Pension and postretirement contributions and payments Reimbursement from postretirement plan assets Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net Inventories, net Accounts payable Other accrued expenses Deferred charges and prepaid expenses Other, net Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Investing Activities Capital expenditures Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment Net Cash Used by Investing Activities Financing Activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options Shares surrendered for employee taxes on stock compensation Revenue Refunding Bonds repayments Repayments on credit agreements Borrowings on credit agreements Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes Debt issuance costs Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 48 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 73.0 74.9 74.9 2.9 1.2 4.0 1.6 (0.3) (36.8) 6.5 24.7 (4.3) – (58.2) (59.8) 45.7 18.3 (0.5) (0.7) 8.1 6.7 83.4 (4.9) 13.3 (10.7) 9.7 37.5 (8.2) 8.3 2.6 74.4 5.5 0.9 0.8 7.3 37.4 (13.1) – (13.6) (72.8) 24.4 (3.8) 0.4 3.8 18.5 (40.0) (33.0) (42.7) 1.0 – – (39.0) (33.0) (42.7) 0.2 (0.7) (30.2) 0.2 (1.4) – – – – (105.0) (5.0) (130.0) 155.0 30.0 – (1.7) 17.6 – (2.9) 24.5 – – 23.8 – (1.1) 25.6 – 86.3 (4.8) (48.5) – (16.8) 42.4 $ 21.6 $ 24.5 $ 25.6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (dollars in millions, except per share data) Note 1 – Company and Basis of Presentation TimkenSteel Corporation (the Company or TimkenSteel) manufactures alloy steel, as well as carbon and micro-alloy steel, with an annual melt capacity of approximately 2 million tons and shipment capacity of 1.5 million tons. TimkenSteel’s portfolio includes special bar quality (SBQ) bars, seamless mechanical tubing (tubes), value-added solutions such as precision steel components, and billets. In addition, TimkenSteel supplies machining and thermal treatment services and manages raw material recycling programs, which are used as a feeder system for the Company’s melt operations. The Company’s products and services are used in a diverse range of demanding applications in the following market sectors: oil and gas; oil country tubular goods (OCTG); automotive; industrial equipment; mining; construction; rail; aerospace and defense; heavy truck; agriculture; and power generation. The SBQ bar, tube, and billet production processes take place at the Company’s Canton, Ohio manufacturing location. This location accounts for all of the SBQ bars, seamless mechanical tubes and billets the Company produces and includes three manufacturing facilities: the Faircrest, Harrison, and Gambrinus facilities. TimkenSteel’s value-added solutions production processes take place at three downstream manufacturing facilities: TimkenSteel Material Services (Houston, Texas), Tryon Peak (Columbus, North Carolina), and St. Clair (Eaton, Ohio). Many of the production processes are integrated, and the manufacturing facilities produce products that are sold in all of the Company’s market sectors. As a result, investments in the Company’s facilities and resource allocation decisions affecting the Company’s operations are designed to benefit the overall business, not any specific aspect of the business. Basis of Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the consolidated assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses related to TimkenSteel as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions within TimkenSteel have been eliminated in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Use of Estimates: The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect recent experience. Presentation: Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2018 presentation. Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition: TimkenSteel recognizes revenue from contracts at a point in time when it has satisfied its performance obligation and the customer obtains control of the goods, at the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive for those goods. The Company receives and acknowledges purchase orders from its customers, which define the quantity, pricing, payment and other applicable terms and conditions. In some cases, the Company receives a blanket purchase order from its customer, which includes pricing, payment and other terms and conditions, with quantities defined at the time the customer issues periodic releases from the blanket purchase order. Certain contracts contain variable consideration, which primarily consists of rebates that are accounted for in net sales and accrued based on the estimated probability of the requirements being met. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 49 Cash Equivalents: TimkenSteel considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: TimkenSteel maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which represents an estimate of losses expected from the accounts receivable portfolio, to reduce accounts receivable to their net realizable value. The allowance is based upon historical trends in collections and write-offs, management’s judgment of the probability of collecting accounts and management’s evaluation of business risk. TimkenSteel extends credit to customers satisfying pre-defined credit criteria. TimkenSteel believes it has limited concentration of credit risk due to the diversity of its customer base. Inventories, Net: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The majority of TimkenSteel’s domestic inventories are valued by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The remaining inventories, including manufacturing supplies inventory as well as international (outside the U.S.) inventories, are valued by the first-in, first-out (FIFO), average cost or specific identification methods. Reserves are established for product inventory that is identified to be surplus and/or obsolete based on future requirements. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net: Property, plant and equipment, net are valued at cost less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The provision for depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful lives are approximately 30 years for buildings and three to 20 years for machinery and equipment. Intangible Assets, Net: Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line method over their legal or estimated useful lives, with useful lives ranging from three to 15 years. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350-40, “Internal-Use Software,” (ASC 350-40), TimkenSteel capitalizes certain costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use. TimkenSteel capitalizes substantially all external costs and qualifying internal costs related to the purchase and implementation of software projects used for business operations. Capitalized software costs primarily include purchased software and external consulting fees. Capitalized software projects are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software. Long-lived Assets: Long-lived assets (including tangible assets and intangible assets subject to amortization) are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances have occurred indicating that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. TimkenSteel tests recoverability of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from the cash flows of other assets. Assets and asset groups held and used are measured for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the sum of future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. 50 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of TimkenSteel’s long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends and internal factors such as changes in TimkenSteel’s business strategy and internal forecasts. If an asset or asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment loss that would be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. To determine fair value, TimkenSteel uses internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate interest rate, third party appraisals, as appropriate, and/or market prices of similar assets, when available. As the result of the discontinued use of certain assets, TimkenSteel recorded an impairment charge of $0.9 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. No impairment charges were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016. Product Warranties: TimkenSteel accrues liabilities for warranties based upon specific claim incidents in accordance with accounting rules relating to contingent liabilities. Should TimkenSteel become aware of a specific potential warranty claim for which liability is probable and reasonably estimable, a specific charge is recorded and accounted for accordingly. TimkenSteel had no significant warranty claims for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Income Taxes: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. TimkenSteel accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. TimkenSteel recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent TimkenSteel believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, TimkenSteel considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If TimkenSteel determines that it would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, TimkenSteel would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. TimkenSteel records uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (ASC 740), on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) TimkenSteel determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, TimkenSteel recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. TimkenSteel recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision (benefit) for income taxes line in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company made the accounting policy election to treat taxes related to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) as a current period expense when incurred. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 51 Foreign Currency: Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The related translation adjustments are reflected as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. TimkenSteel realized foreign currency exchange losses of $0.2 million in 2018 and $0.8 million in 2016, and gains of $0.3 million in 2017. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: TimkenSteel recognizes an overfunded status or underfunded status (e.g., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligations) as either an asset or a liability for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes actuarial gains and losses immediately through net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated Statement of Operations upon the annual remeasurement at December 31, or on an interim basis as triggering events warrant remeasurement. In addition, the Company uses fair value to account for the value of plan assets. Stock-Based Compensation: TimkenSteel recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the stock-based awards over their required vesting period on a straight-line basis, whether the awards were granted with graded or cliff vesting. Stock options are issued with an exercise price equal to the opening market price of TimkenSteel common shares on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions regarding the expected volatility, the expected option life, the risk- free interest rate and the expected dividend yield. The fair value of stock-based awards that will settle in TimkenSteel common shares, other than stock options, is based on the opening market price of TimkenSteel common shares on the grant date. The fair values of stock-based awards that will settle in cash are remeasured at each reporting period until settlement of the awards. TimkenSteel early adopted Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the effect recorded as of January 1, 2016. Under ASU 2016-09, TimkenSteel recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company recorded an adjustment to beginning retained earnings in 2016 of $4.2 million for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits. The excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are considered discrete items in the reporting period they occur and are not included in the estimate of an entity’s annual effective tax rate. TimkenSteel’s additional paid in capital pool as of December 31, 2015 was not affected by ASU 2016-09, because those excess benefits have already been recognized in the financial statements, and the recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement is prospective only in the fiscal year of adoption. As a result, there was not a reclassification between additional paid in capital and retained earnings in the fiscal years before adoption. Research and Development: Expenditures for TimkenSteel research and development amounted to $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These expenditures may fluctuate from year to year depending on special projects and the needs of TimkenSteel and its customers. 52 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Adoption of New Accounting Standards The Company adopted the following ASUs in the first quarter of 2018, all of which were effective as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or the related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Standards Adopted Description ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business The standard clarifies the definition of a business when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions, or disposals of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-09, Stock Compensation, Scope of Modification Accounting The standard provides guidance intended to reduce diversity in practice when accounting for a modification to the terms and conditions of a share- based payment award. On January 1, 2018, TimkenSteel adopted the new revenue recognition standard using the modified retrospective approach as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. As a result, financial information for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, are presented in accordance with the new revenue recognition standard. Comparative financial information for reporting periods beginning prior to January 1, 2018, has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard. The cumulative effect was an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Under the new revenue standard, the Company will continue to recognize revenue at a point in time when it transfers promised goods or services to customers. Refer to Note 9— Revenue Recognition for further discussion. The following table outlines the cumulative effect of adopting the new revenue recognition standard as of January 1, 2018: Consolidated Balance Sheet Caption Inventories, net Other current liabilities Retained deficit As of December 31, 2017 $224.0 $ 27.6 ($238.0) ASU 2014-09 Adjustment As of January 1, 2018 ($3.3) ($4.0) 0.7 $220.7 $ 23.6 ($237.3) The ASU 2014-09 adoption adjustment is due to transactions in which the Company bills a customer for product but retains physical possession of the product until it is transferred to the customer at a point in time in the future. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard, TimkenSteel would recognize revenue when the product was physically transferred to the customer. Under the new revenue standard, the Company has satisfied its performance obligation and the customer obtains control when the goods are ready to be transferred to the customer and revenue is recorded at that time. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the adoption of the new revenue standard did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or the related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topics 842),” which requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and right-of-use assets on the balance sheet for not only finance (previously capital) leases but also 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 53 operating leases. The standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures, and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. As such, TimkenSteel adopted the standard using the modified retrospective transition approach as of January 1, 2019, the beginning of fiscal 2019, without adjusting comparative periods. The Company elected certain of the practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard as follows: • A package of practical expedients to not reassess: • Whether a contract is or contains a lease • Lease classification • Initial direct costs • A practical expedient to not reassess certain land easements The Company has implemented internal controls and lease accounting software to enable the quantification of the expected impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and to facilitate the calculations of the related accounting entries and disclosures going forward. Adoption of the lease standard is estimated to result in recognition of right-to-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million, as of January 1, 2019. Adoption of the lease standard will have no impact on the Company’s debt-covenant compliance under its current agreements. Also, the Company does not expect the standard will materially affect its results of operations or its liquidity. The Company has considered the recent ASUs issued by the FASB summarized below. Standard Pending Adoption Description ASU 2018-15, Intangibles— Goodwill and Other— Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) ASU 2018-14, Compensation— Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20) ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) The standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in cloud computing software arrangements with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The standard eliminates, modifies and adds disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The standard eliminates, modifies and adds disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Effective Date January 1, 2020 Anticipated Impact The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition. January 1, 2021 January 1, 2020 The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition. 54 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Standard Pending Adoption Description ASU 2018-07, Compensation— Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ASU 2018-02, Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ASU 2017-11, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity; Derivatives and Hedging ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The standard provides an expanded scope of Topic 718, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The standard permits entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax reform to retained earnings. The standard eliminates the requirement to consider “down round” features when determining whether certain equity-linked financial instruments or embedded features are indexed to an entity’s own stock. The standard changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets, including trade and other receivables and replaces the current incurred loss approach with an expected loss model. Effective Date January 1, 2019 January 1, 2019 January 1, 2019 Anticipated Impact The Company evaluated the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition and determined that the impact is immaterial. The Company evaluated the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition and determined that the impact is immaterial. The Company evaluated the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition and determined that the impact is immaterial. January 1, 2020 The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its results of operations and financial condition. Note 3 – Inventories The components of inventories, net of reserves as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Manufacturing supplies Raw materials Work in process Finished products Gross inventory Allowance for surplus and obsolete inventory LIFO reserve Total Inventories, net December 31, 2018 2017 $ 46.9 $ 36.3 35.2 155.7 142.8 380.6 31.9 137.8 82.9 288.9 (5.1) (7.8) (78.7) (57.1) $296.8 $224.0 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 55 Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with approximately 74% valued by the LIFO method, and the remaining inventories, including manufacturing supplies inventory as well as international (outside the United States) inventories, valued by FIFO, average cost or specific identification methods. TimkenSteel recognized an increase in its LIFO reserve of $21.6 million and $12.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in the LIFO reserve recognized during 2018 was due to higher scrap prices and inflation on certain consumables. The increase in the LIFO reserve recognized during 2017 was due to higher manufacturing costs and high scrap prices. Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment The components of property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Land Buildings and improvements Machinery and equipment Construction in progress Subtotal Less allowances for depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, net December 31, 2018 2017 $ 14.1 $ 13.4 424.4 420.6 1,404.2 1,387.4 28.5 30.4 1,871.2 1,851.8 (1,196.8) (1,145.1) $ 674.4 $ 706.7 Total depreciation expense was $67.5 million, $68.3 million and $68.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. TimkenSteel recorded capitalized interest related to construction projects of $0.1 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As the result of the discontinued use of certain assets, TimkenSteel recorded an impairment charge of $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. No impairment charges were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016. Note 5 – Intangible Assets The components of intangible assets, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 6.3 $ 4.6 $ 1.7 $ 6.3 $ 4.1 Technology use Capitalized software 9.0 61.6 6.5 48.0 2.5 13.6 9.0 59.1 5.9 44.5 Total Intangible Assets $76.9 $59.1 $17.8 $74.4 $54.5 $ 2.2 3.1 14.6 $19.9 56 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line method over their legal or estimated useful lives. The weighted average useful lives of the customer relationships, technology use and capitalized software are 15 years, 15 years and 6 years, respectively. The weighted average useful life of total intangible assets is 8 years. As a result of discontinued use of certain capitalized software, TimkenSteel recorded an impairment charge of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $5.5 million, $6.6 million and $6.9 million, respectively. Based upon the intangible assets subject to amortization as of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel’s estimated annual amortization for the five succeeding years is shown below (in millions): Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Note 6 – Financing Arrangements Convertible Notes Amortization Expense $4.7 $3.5 $2.6 $2.1 $1.2 In May 2016, the Company issued $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes, and an additional $11.3 million principal amount to cover over-allotments (Convertible Notes). The Indenture for the Convertible Notes dated May 31, 2016, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2016, contains a complete description of the terms of the Convertible Notes. The key terms are as follows: Maturity Date: June 1, 2021 unless repurchased or converted earlier Interest Rate: 6.0% cash interest per year Interest Payments Dates: June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2016 Initial Conversion Price: Approximately $12.58 per common share of the Company Initial Conversion Rate: 79.5165 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were $83.2 million, after deducting the initial underwriters’ discount and fees and the offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company used the net proceeds to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 57 The components of the Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Principal Less: Debt issuance costs, net of amortization Less: Debt discount, net of amortization Convertible notes, net Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 86.3 (1.2) (11.0) 2017 $ 86.3 (1.6) (14.6) $ 74.1 $ 70.1 The initial value of the principal amount recorded as a liability at the date of issuance was $66.9 million, using an effective interest rate of 12.0%. The remaining $19.4 million of principal amount was allocated to the conversion feature and recorded as a component of shareholders’ equity at the date of issuance. This amount represents a discount to the debt to be amortized through interest expense using the effective interest method through the maturity of the Convertible Notes. Transaction costs were allocated to the liability and equity components based on their relative values. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component of $2.4 million are amortized to interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes, and transaction costs attributable to the equity component of $0.7 million are included in shareholders’ equity. The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes: Contractual interest expense Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of debt discount Total Year Ended December 31, 2018 $5.2 0.4 3.6 $9.2 2017 $5.2 0.5 3.2 $8.9 The fair value of the Convertible Notes was approximately $113.0 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the Convertible Notes, which falls within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, is based on the last price traded in December 2018. Holders may convert all or any portion of their Convertible Notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding March 1, 2021 only under certain circumstances described in the Convertible Notes Indenture, based on the reported sale price of the Company’s common shares for specified trading days as a percentage of the conversion price of the Convertible Notes, and upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after March 1, 2021 until the business day preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their Convertible Notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at their option. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, common shares or a combination of cash and common shares, at its election. If the Company satisfies its conversion obligation solely in cash or through payment and delivery, as the case may be, of a combination of cash and common shares, the amount of cash and number of common shares, if any, due upon conversion will be based on a daily conversion value calculated on a proportionate basis for each trading day in a 40-trading day period. 58 2018 ANNUAL REPORT If the Company undergoes a fundamental change, subject to certain conditions, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. Upon certain events of default occurring and continuing (including failure to pay principal or interest on the Convertible Notes when due and payable), the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount may declare 100% of the principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Convertible Notes to be due and payable. In case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, involving the Company or a significant subsidiary, 100% of the principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Notes will become due and payable immediately. Other Long-Term Debt The components of other long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Variable-rate State of Ohio Water Development Revenue Refunding Bonds, maturing on November 1, 2025 (1.58% as of December 31, 2017) $ Variable-rate State of Ohio Air Quality Development Revenue Refunding Bonds, maturing on November 1, 2025 (1.60% as of December 31, 2017) Variable-rate State of Ohio Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, maturing on June 1, 2033 (1.60% as of December 31, 2017) Credit Agreement, due 2019 (LIBOR plus applicable spread) Amended Credit Agreement, due 2023 (LIBOR plus applicable spread) Total Other Long-Term Debt Credit Agreement – – – – 115.0 $115.0 $12.2 9.5 8.5 65.0 – $95.2 On February 26, 2016, the Company, as borrower, and certain domestic subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors, entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provided for a $265.0 million asset based revolving credit facility. Amended Credit Agreement On January 26, 2018, the Company as borrower, and certain domestic subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors, entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Amended Credit Agreement), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which amended and restated the Company’s Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a $300.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility, including a $15.0 million sublimit for the issuance of commercial and standby letters of credit and a $30.0 million sublimit for swingline loans. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company is entitled, on up to two occasions and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to request increases in the commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million, to the extent that existing or new lenders agree to provide such additional commitments. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 59 The availability of borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement is subject to a borrowing base calculation based upon a valuation of the eligible accounts receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, each multiplied by an applicable advance rate. The availability of borrowings may be further modified by reserves established from time to time by the administrative agent in its permitted discretion. The interest rate per annum applicable to loans under the Amended Credit Agreement will be, at the Company’s option, equal to either (i) the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin or (ii) the relevant adjusted LIBO rate for an interest period of one, two, three or six months (as selected by the Company) plus the applicable margin. The base rate will be a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate of the administrative agent, (ii) the effective Federal Reserve Bank of New York rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the adjusted LIBO rate for a one-month interest period on the applicable date, plus 1.00%. The adjusted LIBO rate will be equal to the applicable London interbank offered rate for the selected interest period, as adjusted for statutory reserve requirements for eurocurrency liabilities. The applicable margin will be determined by a pricing grid based on the Company’s average quarterly availability. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused amount of the credit facility in a percentage determined by the Company’s average daily availability for the most recently completed calendar month. The interest rate under the Amended Credit Agreement was 4.4% as of December 31, 2018. The amount available under the Amended Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2018 was $182.4 million. The proceeds of the Amended Credit Agreement will be used to finance working capital, capital expenditures, certain permitted acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. In addition, $30.2 million of the proceeds were used to redeem the revenue refunding bonds (discussed below). All of the indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries, as well as any other domestic subsidiary the Company elects to make a party to the Amended Credit Agreement, and is secured by substantially all of the personal property of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The Amended Credit Agreement matures on January 26, 2023. Prior to the maturity date, amounts outstanding are required to be repaid (without reduction of the commitments thereunder) upon the occurrence of mandatory prepayment events including proceeds of certain asset sales, equity or debt issuances or casualty events. The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain customary covenants, including covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur or suffer to exist certain liens, (ii) make investments, (iii) incur or guaranty additional indebtedness, (iv) enter into consolidations, mergers, acquisitions, sale- leaseback transactions and sales of assets, (v) make distributions and other restricted payments, (vi) change the nature of its business, (vii) engage in transactions with affiliates and (viii) enter into restrictive agreements, including agreements that restrict the ability to incur liens or make distributions. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement requires the Company to (i) unless certain conditions are met, maintain certain minimum liquidity as specified in the Amended Credit Agreement during the period commencing on March 1, 2021 and ending on June 1, 2021 and (ii) maintain a minimum specified fixed charge coverage ratio on a springing basis if minimum availability requirements as specified in the Amended Credit Agreement are not maintained. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain customary events of default. If any event of default occurs and is continuing, the Lenders would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Amended Credit Agreement, and exercise other rights and remedies. 60 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Revenue Refunding Bonds In connection with entering into the Amended Credit Agreement, on January 23, 2018, the Company redeemed in full $12.2 million of Ohio Water Development Revenue Refunding Bonds (originally due on November 1, 2025), $9.5 million of Ohio Air Quality Development Revenue Refunding Bonds (originally due on November 1, 2025) and $8.5 million of Ohio Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (originally due on June 1, 2033). All of TimkenSteel’s other long-term debt is variable-rate debt. As such, the carrying value of variable-rate debt is a reasonable estimate of fair value as interest rates on these borrowings approximate current market rates, which is considered a Level 2 fair value input as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The valuation of Level 2 is based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Leases TimkenSteel leases a variety of equipment and real property, including warehouses, distribution centers, offices spaces, and land. Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease beginning on the date we take possession of the property. At lease inception, we determine the lease term by assuming the exercise of those renewable options that are reasonably assured. The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. The lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Rent expense under operating leases amounted to $11.0 million, $9.0 million, and $8.6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases totaled $16.4 million and are payable as follows: 2019—$6.3 million; 2020—$5.2 million; 2021—$3.3 million; 2022— $1.0 million; and 2023 and after—$0.6 million. Note 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 by component are as follows: Balance at December 31, 2016 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, before income tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income tax Income tax Net current period other comprehensive income, net of income taxes Balance at December 31, 2017 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, before income tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income tax Income tax Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes Balance at December 31, 2018 1.1 – – 1.1 ($ 5.9) (1.4) – – (1.4) ($ 7.3) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Pension and Postretirement Liability Adjustments ($ 7.0) ($ 2.4) Total ($ 9.4) 1.1 1.5 (0.8) 1.8 ($ 7.6) (1.9) 0.7 (0.1) (1.3) – 1.5 (0.8) 0.7 ($ 1.7) (0.5) 0.7 (0.1) 0.1 ($ 1.6) ($ 8.9) 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 61 The amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the pension and postretirement liability adjustment was included in other expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are components of net periodic benefit cost. See “Note 8—Retirement and Postretirement Plans” for additional information. Note 8 – Retirement and Postretirement Plans Eligible TimkenSteel employees, including certain employees in foreign countries, participate in the following TimkenSteel-sponsored plans: TimkenSteel Corporation Retirement Plan; TimkenSteel Corporation Bargaining Unit Pension Plan, Supplemental Pension Plan of TimkenSteel Corporation, TimkenSteel U.K. Pension Scheme, TimkenSteel Corporation Bargaining Unit Welfare Benefit Plan for Retirees, and TimkenSteel Corporation Welfare Benefit Plan for Retirees. Pension benefits earned are generally based on years of service and compensation during active employment. TimkenSteel’s funding policy is consistent with the funding requirements of applicable laws and regulations. Asset allocations are established in a manner consistent with projected plan liabilities, benefit payments and expected rates of return for the various asset classes. The expected rate of return for the investment portfolio is based on expected rates of return for various asset classes, as well as historical asset class and fund performance. The following tables set forth the change in benefit obligation, change in plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: Change in benefit obligation: Pension Postretirement 2018 2017 2018 2017 Benefit obligation at the beginning of year $1,282.1 $1,220.3 $216.2 $214.2 Service cost Interest cost Actuarial (gains) losses Benefits paid Plan amendment Foreign currency translation adjustment 17.2 45.6 (70.4) (92.4) 0.5 (4.3) 18.2 49.1 65.4 1.6 7.6 1.6 8.4 (11.7) 13.5 (78.4) (19.0) (21.5) 0.5 7.0 – – – – Benefit obligation at the end of year $1,178.3 $1,282.1 $194.7 $216.2 Change in plan assets: Pension Postretirement 2018 2017 2018 2017 Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of year $1,186.6 $1,131.7 $104.0 $113.9 Actual return on plan assets Company contributions / payments Benefits paid Foreign currency translation adjustment (45.5) 123.6 10.6 2.1 (1.3) 2.4 9.5 2.1 (92.4) (78.4) (19.0) (21.5) (4.9) 7.6 – – Fair value of plan assets at end of year $1,054.4 $1,186.6 $ 86.1 $104.0 Funded status at end of year ($ 123.9) ($ 95.5) ($108.6) ($112.2) 62 2018 ANNUAL REPORT The TimkenSteel Corporation Retirement Plan (Salaried Plan) has a provision that permits employees to elect to receive their pension benefits in a lump sum. In the fourth quarter of 2018 and third quarter of 2017, the cumulative cost of all settlements exceeded the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost for the Salaried Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 total settlements were $26.0 million and $14.4 million, respectively. These settlement are included in benefits paid in the tables above and in the net remeasurement losses (gains) as a component of net periodic benefit cost. The Company completed a full remeasurement of its pension obligations and plan assets associated with the Salaried Plan as of September 30, 2017, due to the cumulative cost of all settlements exceeding the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost for the Salaried Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 the pension plan had expenses of $2.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. These expenses are included in benefits paid in the tables above. The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2018 exceeded the fair value of plan assets for two of the Company’s pension plans. For these plans, the benefit obligation was $881.0 million, the accumulated benefit obligation was $860.3 million and the fair value of plan assets was $749.1 million as of December 31, 2018. The total pension accumulated benefit obligation for all plans was $1,149.8 million and $1,254.1 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amounts recognized on the balance sheet at December 31, 2018 and 2017, for TimkenSteel’s pension and postretirement benefit plans include: Non-current assets Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Pension Postretirement 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ 10.5 $ 14.6 $ — $ — (0.6) (9.0) (2.4) (2.5) (133.8) (101.1) (106.2) (109.7) ($ 123.9) ($ 95.5) ($ 108.6) ($ 112.2) Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were the following before-tax amounts that had not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost: Unrecognized prior service cost Pension Postretirement 2018 2017 2018 2017 $1.6 $1.5 $0.9 $1.1 Amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in total net periodic benefit cost during the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows: Prior service cost Pension Postretirement $0.4 $0.1 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 63 The weighted average assumptions used in determining benefit obligation as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Assumptions: Discount rate Future compensation assumption Pension Postretirement 2018 2017 2018 2017 4.30% 3.68% 4.34% 3.66% 2.36% 2.37% n/a n/a The weighted average assumptions used in determining benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Assumptions: Discount rate Future compensation assumption Expected long-term return on plan assets Pension Postretirement 2018 2017 2018 2017 3.68% 4.17% 3.66% 4.09% 2.37% 3.09% n/a n/a 6.45% 6.46% 5.00% 5.00% The discount rate assumption is based on current rates of high-quality long-term corporate bonds over the same period that benefit payments will be required to be made. The expected rate of return on plan assets assumption is based on the weighted-average expected return on the various asset classes in the plans’ portfolios. The asset class return is developed using historical asset return performance as well as current market conditions such as inflation, interest rates and equity market performance. For measurement purposes, TimkenSteel assumed a weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost (health care cost trend rate) of 6.00% and 6.25% for 2018 and 2017, respectively, declining gradually to 5.00% in 2023 and thereafter for medical and prescription drug benefits, and 8.00% and 8.25% for 2018 and 2017, respectively, declining gradually to 5.00% in 2031 and thereafter for HMO benefits. A one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased the 2018 and 2017 postretirement benefit obligation by $1.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively and increased the total service and interest cost components by $0.1 million in both the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. A one percentage point decrease would have decreased the 2018 and 2017 postretirement benefit obligation by $1.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively and decreased the total service and interest cost components by $0.1 million in both the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Components of net periodic benefit cost (income): 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Pension Postretirement Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31, Service cost Interest cost $ 17.2 $ 18.2 $ 15.6 $ 1.6 $ 1.6 $ 1.5 45.6 49.1 52.4 7.6 8.4 Expected return on plan assets (74.0) (70.7) (71.1) (4.8) (5.2) Amortization of prior service cost Net remeasurement losses (gains) 0.5 49.1 0.5 12.5 0.6 73.4 0.2 (5.6) 1.0 9.3 9.4 (5.8) 1.1 6.3 Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) $ 38.4 $ 9.6 $ 70.9 ($ 1.0) $15.1 $12.5 64 2018 ANNUAL REPORT TimkenSteel recognizes its overall responsibility to ensure that the assets of its various defined benefit pension plans are managed effectively and prudently and in compliance with its policy guidelines and all applicable laws. Preservation of capital is important; however, TimkenSteel also recognizes that appropriate levels of risk are necessary to allow its investment managers to achieve satisfactory long-term results consistent with the objectives and the fiduciary character of the pension funds. Asset allocations are established in a manner consistent with projected plan liabilities, benefit payments and expected rates of return for various asset classes. The expected rate of return for the investment portfolios is based on expected rates of return for various asset classes, as well as historical asset class and fund performance. The target allocations for plan assets are 19% equity securities, 59% debt securities and 22% in all other types of investments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy: Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those investments of TimkenSteel’s pension assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 22.5 $ 0.6 $ 21.9 $– Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 U.S government and agency securities 234.2 229.1 5.1 Corporate bonds Equity securities Mutual fund–fixed income Mutual fund–real estate Total Assets in the fair value hierarchy Assets measured at net asset value (1) Total Assets 97.4 37.1 33.1 7.7 – 97.4 37.1 33.1 7.7 – – – $ 432.0 $307.6 $124.4 622.4 – – $1,054.4 $307.6 $124.4 – – – – – $– – $– (1) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Such assets include common collective trusts that invest in equity securities and fixed income securities, limited partnerships, real estate partnerships, hedge funds, and risk parity investments. As of December 31, 2018, these assets are redeemable at net asset value within 90 days. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 65 The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those investments of TimkenSteel’s pension assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents U.S government and agency securities Corporate bonds Equity securities Mutual fund–equity Mutual fund–real estate Total Assets in the fair value hierarchy Assets measured at net asset value(1) Total Assets Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 19.6 $ 4.5 $ 15.1 $– 240.7 234.6 6.1 110.0 – 110.0 50.8 35.2 16.5 50.8 35.2 16.5 – – – $ 472.8 $341.6 $131.2 713.8 – – $1,186.6 $341.6 $131.2 – – – – – $– – $– (1) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Such assets include common collective trusts that invest in equity securities and fixed income securities, limited partnerships, real estate partnerships, and risk parity investments. As of December 31, 2017, these assets were redeemable at net asset value within 90 days. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those investments of TimkenSteel’s postretirement assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Mutual fund–fixed income Total Assets in the fair value hierarchy Assets measured at net asset value(1) Total Assets Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 5.6 $ 5.6 8.9 8.9 $14.5 $14.5 71.6 – $86.1 $14.5 $– – $– – $– $– – $– – $– (1) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Such assets include common collective trusts that invest in equity securities and fixed income securities, limited partnerships, real estate partnerships, hedge funds, and risk parity investments. As of December 31, 2018, these assets are redeemable at net asset value within 90 days. 66 2018 ANNUAL REPORT The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those investments of TimkenSteel’s postretirement assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017: Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Mutual fund–fixed income Total Assets in the fair value hierarchy Assets measured at net asset value(1) Total Assets Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 2.2 $ 2.2 11.4 11.4 $ 13.6 $13.6 90.4 – $104.0 $13.6 $– – $– – $– $– – $– – $– (1) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Such assets include common collective trusts that invest in equity securities and fixed income securities, limited partnerships, real estate partnerships, and risk parity investments. As of December 31, 2017, these assets were redeemable at net asset value within 90 days. Future benefit payments are expected to be as follows: Benefit Payments: 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024-2028 Postretirement Medicare Part D Subsidy Receipts Pension Gross $ 80.9 $19.0 $0.7 79.4 78.1 81.7 75.5 366.8 18.3 17.6 16.8 15.9 67.5 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 4.7 The Company expects to make contributions to its U.K. pension plan in 2019 of approximately $1.4 million. Defined Contribution Plans The Company recorded expense primarily related to employer matching and non-discretionary contributions to these defined contribution plans of $6.3 million in 2018, $5.4 million in 2017, and $4.6 million in 2016. Note 9 – Revenue Recognition As discussed in ‘Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies,’ on January 1, 2018, TimkenSteel adopted the new revenue recognition standard. Under this new standard, TimkenSteel recognizes revenue from contracts at a point in time when it has satisfied its performance obligation and the customer obtains control of the goods, at the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive for those goods. The Company receives and acknowledges purchase orders from its customers, which define the quantity, pricing, payment and other applicable terms and conditions. In some cases, the Company receives a blanket purchase order from its customer, which includes pricing, payment and other terms and conditions, with quantities defined at the time the customer issues periodic releases from the blanket purchase order. Certain contracts contain variable consideration, which 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 67 primarily consists of rebates that are accounted for in net sales and accrued based on the estimated probability of the requirements being met. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in net sales and related costs are included in costs of products sold in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table provides the major sources of revenue by end market sector for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017: Mobile Industrial Energy Other(1) Total Net Sales Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $ 553.9 $ 528.6 $475.4 637.5 265.6 153.6 486.4 323.7 141.7 172.5 35.7 34.7 $1,610.6 $1,329.2 $869.5 (1) “Other” for sales by end market sector includes the Company’s scrap and OCTG billet sales. The following table provides the major sources of revenue by product type for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017: Bar Tube Value-add Other(2) Total Net Sales Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $1,030.7 $ 850.0 $512.9 254.7 284.3 40.9 176.9 94.9 265.3 240.4 37.0 21.3 $1,610.6 $1,329.2 $869.5 (2) “Other” for sales by product type includes the Company’s scrap sales. Note 10 – Earnings Per Share Basic loss per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common share equivalents calculated using the treasury stock method or if-converted method. For the Convertible Notes, the Company utilizes the if-converted method to calculate diluted loss per share. Under the if-converted method, the Company adjusts net earnings to add back interest expense (including amortization of debt discount) recognized on the Convertible Notes and includes the number of shares potentially issuable related to the Convertible Notes in the weighted average shares outstanding. Treasury stock is excluded from the denominator in calculating both basic and diluted loss per share. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 3.3 million, 3.1 million, and 2.8 million shares issuable for equity-based awards, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. In periods in which a net loss has occurred, as is the case for years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the dilutive effect of equity-based awards is not recognized and thus not utilized in the calculation of diluted loss per share, because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti- dilutive. The shares potentially issuable of 6.9 million, related to the Convertible Notes, were also anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 68 2018 ANNUAL REPORT The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and the denominator of basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: Numerator: Net loss Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding, basic Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted Basic loss per share Diluted loss per share Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation Description of the Plan Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 ($31.7) ($43.8) ($105.5) 44.6 44.6 44.4 44.4 44.2 44.2 ($0.71) ($0.99) ($ 2.39) ($0.71) ($0.99) ($ 2.39) On April 28, 2016, shareholders of TimkenSteel approved the TimkenSteel Corporation Amended and Restated 2014 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (TimkenSteel 2014 Plan), which authorizes the Compensation Committee of the TimkenSteel Board of Directors to grant non-qualified or incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards (including restricted shares, restricted share unit awards, performance shares, performance units, deferred shares and common shares) and cash awards to TimkenSteel employees and non-employee directors. No more than 11.05 million TimkenSteel common shares may be delivered under the TimkenSteel 2014 Plan. The TimkenSteel 2014 Plan contains fungible share counting mechanics, which generally means that awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted against the aggregate share limit as 2.50 common shares for every one common share that is actually issued or transferred under such awards. The TimkenSteel 2014 Plan authorized up to 3.0 million common shares for use in granting “replacement awards” to current holders of The Timken Company equity awards under The Timken Company’s equity compensation plans at the time of the spinoff. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 4.2 million shares of TimkenSteel common stock remained available for grants under the TimkenSteel 2014 Plan. In connection with the spinoff, stock compensation awards granted under The Timken Company Long-Term Incentive Plan (Timken LTIP Plan) and The Timken Company 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Timken 2011 Plan) were adjusted as follows: • Vested and unvested stock options were adjusted so that the grantee holds options to purchase both The Timken Company and TimkenSteel common shares. • The adjustment to The Timken Company and TimkenSteel stock options, when combined, were intended to generally preserve the intrinsic value of each original option grant and the ratio of the exercise price to the fair market value of The Timken Company common shares on June 30, 2014. • Unvested restricted stock awards were replaced with adjusted, substitute awards for restricted shares or units, as applicable, of The Timken Company and TimkenSteel common shares. The new awards of restricted stock were intended to generally preserve the intrinsic value of the original award determined as of June 30, 2014. • Vesting periods of awards were unaffected by the adjustment and substitution. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 69 Awards granted in connection with the adjustment of awards originally issued under The Timken Company LTIP Plan and the Timken 2011 Plan are referred to as replacement awards under the TimkenSteel 2014 Plan and, as noted above, reduce the maximum number of TimkenSteel common shares available for delivery under the TimkenSteel 2014 Plan. TimkenSteel records compensation expense for both TimkenSteel and The Timken Company common shares for awards held by TimkenSteel employees only. As discussed in ‘Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies,’ TimkenSteel early adopted ASU 2016-09, “Compensation— Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” effective as of January 1, 2016. Under ASU 2016-09, TimkenSteel recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as provision (benefit) for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table provides the significant assumptions used to calculate the grant date fair market values of options granted using a Black-Scholes option pricing method: Weighted-average fair value per option Risk-free interest rate Dividend yield Expected stock volatility Expected life–years 2018 2017 2016 $ 7.46 $ 7.68 $ 3.32 2.77% 2.21% 1.34% –% –% –% 41.67% 43.23% 41.71% 6 6 6 The expected life of stock option awards granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be held prior to exercise. Because of the absence of adequate stock price history of TimkenSteel common stock, expected volatility related to stock option awards granted subsequent to the spinoff is based on the historical volatility of a selected group of peer companies’ stock. Expected annual dividends per share are estimated using the most recent dividend payment per share as of the grant date. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The following summarizes TimkenSteel stock option activity from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018: Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions) Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 2,338,355 Granted Exercised Canceled, forfeited or expired Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 Options expected to vest Options exercisable 389,640 (18,242) (177,084) 2,532,669 897,771 1,634,898 $22.03 $16.53 $ 9.74 $21.16 $21.33 $14.59 $25.04 8.12 8.12 4.61 $0.7 $0.3 $0.4 70 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Stock options presented in this table represent TimkenSteel awards only, including those held by The Timken Company employees. For stock options exercised during the period of January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, the total intrinsic value was $0.1 million with cash proceeds of $0.2 million. There was a tax deduction that was less than $0.1 million associated with these stock option exercises. The following summarizes TimkenSteel stock-settled restricted share award activity from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018: Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 Granted Vested Canceled, forfeited or expired Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 714,316 356,966 (184,522) (68,876) 817,884 $14.53 $16.47 $18.28 $19.08 $14.15 Restricted share awards presented in this table represent TimkenSteel awards only, including those held by The Timken Company employees. TimkenSteel recognized stock-based compensation expense of $7.3 million ($7.3 million after tax), $6.5 million ($6.5 million after tax) and $6.7 million ($4.2 million after tax) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to stock option awards and stock-settled restricted share awards. Outstanding restricted share awards include restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units and deferred shares that will settle in common shares. Outstanding restricted shares and restricted stock units generally cliff-vest after three years or vest in 25% increments annually beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Performance-based restricted stock units vest based on achievement of specified performance objectives. As of December 31, 2018, unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards and stock-settled restricted shares and restricted stock units was $8.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. The calculations of unamortized expense and weighted-average periods include awards based on both TimkenSteel and The Timken Company stock awards held by TimkenSteel employees. Certain restricted stock units, including performance-based restricted stock units, are settled in cash and were adjusted and substituted as described above. TimkenSteel accrued $0.8 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which was included in salaries, wages and benefits, and other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. TimkenSteel paid $0.1 million and $0.5 million for cash- settled restricted stock units during 2018 and 2017, respectively. Note 12 – Segment Information We conduct our business activities and report financial results as one business segment. The presentation of financial results as one reportable segment is consistent with the way the Company operates its business and is consistent with the manner in which the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) evaluates performance and 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 71 makes resource and operating decisions for the business as described above. Furthermore, the Company notes that monitoring financial results as one reportable segment helps the CODM manage costs on a consolidated basis, consistent with the integrated nature of the operations. Geographic Information Net sales by geographic area are reported by the country in which the customer is domiciled. Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization. Long-lived assets by geographic area are reported by the location of the TimkenSteel operations to which the asset is attributed. Net Sales: United States Foreign Long-lived Assets, net: United States Foreign Note 13 – Income Tax Provision Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 $1,456.2 $1,207.7 154.4 121.5 $1,610.6 $1,329.2 December 31, 2018 2017 $692.0 $726.4 0.2 0.2 $692.2 $726.6 Income (loss) from operations before income taxes, based on geographic location of the operations to which such earnings are attributable, is provided below. United States Non-United States Loss from operations before income taxes Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 ($31.8) ($49.5) ($136.2) 1.9 7.2 (5.8) ($29.9) ($42.3) ($142.0) 72 2018 ANNUAL REPORT The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following: Current: Federal State and local Foreign Deferred: Federal State and local Foreign Provision (benefit) for incomes taxes Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $ – $ 1.1 $ – 0.3 0.7 0.1 0.6 0.1 0.2 $1.0 $ 1.8 $ 0.3 $0.4 ($ 0.4) ($ 32.9) – 0.4 0.8 – 0.1 (3.6) (0.3) (0.3) (36.8) $1.8 $ 1.5 ($ 36.5) For the year ended December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel made $0.6 million in foreign tax payments, $0.2 million in state tax payments, and no U.S. federal payments, and had no refundable overpayments of state income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2017, TimkenSteel made $0.4 million in foreign tax payments, no U.S. federal and state tax payments, and had $0.4 million of refundable overpayments of state income taxes. The Company recorded these receivables as a component of prepaid expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The reconciliation between TimkenSteel’s effective tax rate on income (loss) from continuing operations and the statutory tax rate is as follows: Tax at the U.S. federal statutory rate Adjustments: State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Foreign earnings taxed at different rates U.S. research tax credit Valuation allowance Global intangible low-taxed income Tax Reform impact—transition tax and rate change Permanent differences Other items, net Provision (benefit) for income taxes Effective tax rate Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 ($ 6.3) ($14.8) ($49.7) (0.5) 0.2 (0.2) 7.5 0.5 – 0.8 (0.2) (0.7) (0.2) (0.2) 6.3 – 10.2 0.3 0.6 (3.5) (0.1) (0.4) 15.6 – – 0.8 0.8 $ 1.8 $ 1.5 ($36.5) (5.9)% (3.7)% 25.7% 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 73 Income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes. Except as required under U.S. tax law, U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes have not been recognized on the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that is indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. This amount becomes taxable upon a repatriation of assets from the subsidiary or a sale or liquidation of the subsidiary. Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries outside of the U.S. were $5.5 million, $2.9 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 2017 cumulative earnings amounts were recognized through the transition tax calculation pursuant to the Tax and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. The Company has recognized a deferred tax liability in the amount of $0.6 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively for undistributed earnings at its TimkenSteel (Shanghai) Corporation Limited and TimkenSteel de Mexico S. de R.C. de C.V. subsidiaries, as those earnings are not permanently reinvested by the Company. The effect of temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation Inventory Convertible debt Other, net Deferred tax liabilities subtotal Deferred tax assets: Pension and postretirement benefits Other employee benefit accruals Tax loss carryforwards Foreign tax credit Intangible assets Inventory State decoupling Interest limitation Other, net Deferred tax assets subtotal Valuation allowances Deferred tax assets Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) December 31, 2018 2017 ($101.4) ($103.4) (9.9) (2.6) (0.7) (5.4) (3.5) (0.3) ($114.6) ($112.6) $ 55.2 $ 50.6 7.1 82.0 – 1.1 1.2 5.1 3.2 2.6 6.6 80.9 0.6 1.4 1.8 5.4 – 2.0 $157.5 $149.3 (43.7) (36.6) 113.8 112.7 ($ 0.8) $ 0.1 As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a deferred tax liability of $0.8 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel had loss carryforwards in the U.S. and various non-U.S. jurisdictions totaling $347.6 million (of which $300.4 relates to the U.S. and $47.2 million relates to the UK jurisdiction), having various 74 2018 ANNUAL REPORT expirations dates. TimkenSteel has provided valuation allowances of $43.7 million against these carryforwards. The majority of the non-U.S. loss carryforwards represent local country net operating losses for branches of TimkenSteel or entities treated as branches of TimkenSteel under U.S. tax law. Tax benefits have previously been recorded for these losses in the U.S. The related local country net operating loss carryforwards are offset fully by valuation allowances. As of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel had a gross deferred tax asset for disallowed business interest in the U.S. of $13.6 million, which carries forward indefinitely. During 2016, operating losses generated in the U.S. resulted in a decrease in the carrying value of the Company’s U.S. deferred tax liability to the point that would result in a net U.S. deferred tax asset at December 31, 2016. In light of TimkenSteel’s recent operating performance in the U.S. and current industry conditions, the Company assessed, based upon all available evidence, and concluded that it was more likely than not that it would not realize a portion of its U.S. deferred tax assets. The Company recorded a valuation allowance in 2016 and as a result of current year activity, the Company remained in a full valuation allowance position through 2018. Going forward, the need to maintain valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in the U.S. and other affected countries will cause variability in the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company will maintain a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the U.S. and applicable foreign countries until sufficient positive evidence exists to eliminate them. TimkenSteel records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of (benefit) provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel had no total gross unrecognized tax benefits, and no amounts which represented unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably impact TimkenSteel’s effective income tax rate in any future periods if such benefits were recognized. As of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel does not anticipate a change in its unrecognized tax positions during the next 12 months. TimkenSteel had no accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016. TimkenSteel does not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. As of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel is not subject to examination by the IRS. Pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement dated June 30, 2014 between TimkenSteel and The Timken Company, TimkenSteel may be subject to results from tax examinations for The Timken Company for federal, state and local and various foreign tax jurisdictions in various open audit periods. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Bill On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law, which resulted in significant changes to U.S. tax and related laws. Some of the provisions of the Act affecting corporations include, but are not limited to, a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, expensing the cost of acquired qualified property, the elimination of alternative minimum tax, a modification of the net operating loss deduction, and the creation of global intangible low-taxed income. Further, several changes and limitations to deductions were encompassed in the new law and were effective for TimkenSteel in 2018, including, interest expense, performance- based compensation, meals and entertainment expenses, transportation fringe benefits, and elimination of the domestic production activities deduction. We have evaluated the impact of the new tax law on TimkenSteel’s financial condition and results of operations. We did not experience a significant reduction in our effective income tax rate or our net deferred federal income tax assets as a result of the income tax rate reduction or changes to U.S. tax law, as we remained in a valuation allowance position in 2018. The Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118, which provided guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. SAB 118 provided a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date for companies to complete the applicable accounting under Topic 740. TimkenSteel has not recorded any measurement period adjustments during the current reporting period. The 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 75 company now considers its provisional accounting for the effects of the Act, which includes the remeasurement of deferred tax balances and related valuation allowances, the one-time transition tax and the repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings, as being complete and as meeting the recognition guidance under Topic 740. Note 14 – Contingencies TimkenSteel has a number of loss exposures incurred in the ordinary course of business, such as environmental claims, product warranty claims, and litigation. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires management’s estimate and judgment regarding risk exposure and ultimate liability or realization. These loss reserves are reviewed periodically and adjustments are made to reflect the most recent facts and circumstances. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, TimkenSteel had a $0.7 million and a $0.9 million contingency reserve, respectively, related to loss exposures incurred in the ordinary course of business. Environmental Matters From time to time, TimkenSteel may be a party to lawsuits, claims or other proceedings related to environmental matters and/or may receive notices of potential violations of environmental laws and regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and similar state or local authorities. TimkenSteel recorded reserves for such environmental matters as other current and non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accruals related to such environmental matters represent management’s best estimate of the fees and costs associated with these matters. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of such matters, management believes that their ultimate dispositions should not have a material adverse effect on TimkenSteel’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations. The following summarizes TimkenSteel contingency reserves and activity related to EPA matters from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018: Beginning balance, January 1, 2017 Expenses Payments Ending balance, December 31, 2017 Expenses Payments Ending balance, December 31, 2018 $ 0.6 0.2 (0.3) $ 0.5 0.5 (0.2) $ 0.8 Note 15 – Relationships with The Timken Company and Related Entities Prior to the spinoff on June 30, 2014, TimkenSteel was managed and operated in the normal course of business with other affiliates of The Timken Company. Transactions between The Timken Company and TimkenSteel, with the exception of sale and purchase transactions and reimbursements for payments made to third-party service providers by The Timken Company on TimkenSteel’s behalf, are reflected in equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as net parent investment and in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a financing activity in net transfers (to)/from The Timken Company and affiliates. 76 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Transactions with Other Timken Businesses TimkenSteel sold finished goods to The Timken Company. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, revenues from related-party sales of products totaled $43.2 million or 2.7% of net sales, $48.5 million, or 3.6% of net sales, and $32.7 million or 3.8% of net sales, respectively. TimkenSteel did not purchase material from The Timken Company during the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. In addition, certain of TimkenSteel’s third-party service providers were paid by The Timken Company on behalf of TimkenSteel. TimkenSteel would subsequently reimburse The Timken Company in cash for such payments. Material Agreements Between TimkenSteel and The Timken Company On June 30, 2014, TimkenSteel entered into a separation and distribution agreement and several other agreements with The Timken Company to affect the spinoff and to provide a framework for the relationship with The Timken Company. These agreements govern the relationship between TimkenSteel and The Timken Company subsequent to the completion of the spinoff and provide for the allocation between TimkenSteel and The Timken Company of assets, liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the spinoff. Because these agreements were entered into in the context of a related party transaction, the terms may not be comparable to terms that would be obtained in a transaction between unaffiliated parties. Separation and Distribution Agreement – The separation and distribution agreement contains the key provisions relating to the spinoff, including provisions relating to the principal intercompany transactions required to effect the spinoff, the conditions to the spinoff and provisions governing the relationships between TimkenSteel and The Timken Company after the spinoff. Tax Sharing Agreement – The tax sharing agreement generally governs TimkenSteel’s and The Timken Company’s respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the spinoff with respect to taxes for any tax period ending on or before the distribution date, as well as tax periods beginning before and ending after the distribution date. Generally, TimkenSteel is liable for all pre-distribution U.S. federal income taxes, foreign income taxes and non-income taxes attributable to TimkenSteel’s business, and all other taxes attributable to TimkenSteel, paid after the distribution. In addition, the tax sharing agreement addresses the allocation of liability for taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to effectuate the distribution. The tax sharing agreement also provides that TimkenSteel is liable for taxes incurred by The Timken Company that arise as a result of TimkenSteel’s taking or failing to take, as the case may be, certain actions that result in the distribution failing to meet the requirements of a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Employee Matters Agreement – TimkenSteel entered into an employee matters agreement with The Timken Company, which generally provides that TimkenSteel and The Timken Company each has responsibility for its own employees and compensation plans, subject to certain exceptions as described in the agreement. In general, prior to the spinoff, TimkenSteel employees participated in various retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit and compensation plans maintained by The Timken Company. Following the spinoff (or earlier, in the case of the tax-qualified defined benefit plans and retiree medical plans), pursuant to the employee matters agreement, TimkenSteel employees and former employees generally participate in similar plans and arrangements established and maintained by TimkenSteel. The employee matters agreement provides for the bifurcation of equity awards as described in Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation. Among other things, the employee matters agreement also provides for TimkenSteel’s assumption of certain employment-related contracts that its employees originally entered into with The Timken Company, the allocation of certain employee liabilities and the cooperation between TimkenSteel and The Timken Company in the sharing of employee information. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 77 Note 16 – Other Expense, net The following table provides the components of other expense, net for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: Other Expense, net Pension and postretirement non-service benefit income Loss from remeasurement of benefit plans Disposal of fixed assets Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss Miscellaneous (income) expense Total other expense, net Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 ($25.2) ($17.5) ($13.4) 43.5 21.8 79.7 – 0.2 0.1 – (0.3) 0.1 1.1 0.8 (0.2) $18.6 $ 4.1 $68.0 Non-service benefit income from all years is derived from the Company’s pension and other postretirement plans. The Company has had a favorable return on assets for its benefit plants, resulting in a benefit for all years. The loss from remeasurement of benefit plans is due to the Company performing mark-to-market accounting on its pension and postretirement assets at year end. Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) is due to exchange-rate fluctuations on the Company’s various foreign-currency denominated transactions. 78 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Supplemental Data Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (dollars in millions, except per share data) Selected quarterly operating results for each quarter of fiscal 2018 and 2017 for TimkenSteel are as follows: 2018 Net Sales Gross Profit Net Income (Loss)(2) Per Share Data:(1) Quarters Ended December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 $ 406.4 $409.9 $413.5 $ 380.8 27.1 (39.6) 24.6 1.4 32.1 8.4 $ 0.19 $ 0.19 21.1 (1.9) ($ 0.04) ($ 0.04) Basic earnings (loss) per share Diluted earnings (loss) per share ($ 0.89) ($ 0.89) $ 0.03 $ 0.03 2017 Net Sales Gross Profit Net Income (Loss)(3) Per Share Data:(1) Quarters Ended December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 $ 341.4 $ 339.1 $339.3 $ 309.4 8.5 (33.9) 18.5 (5.9) 23.8 1.3 17.0 (5.3) Basic earnings (loss) per share Diluted earnings (loss) per share ($ 0.76) ($ 0.76) ($ 0.13) ($ 0.13) $ 0.03 $ 0.03 ($ 0.12) ($ 0.12) (1) Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year. See “Note 10—Earnings Per Share” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (2) Net income (loss) for the third quarter of 2018 had executive severance cost of $1.7 million. Net income (loss) for the fourth quarter of 2018 included loss from remeasurement of benefit plans of $43.5 million. (3) Net income (loss) for the third and fourth quarter of 2017 included remeasurement loss of benefit plans of $2.3 million and $19.5 million, respectively. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 79 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The management of TimkenSteel is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. TimkenSteel’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. TimkenSteel management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment under COSO’s “Internal Control- Integrated Framework (2013 framework),” management believes that, as of December 31, 2018, TimkenSteel’s internal control over financial reporting is effective. Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on our assessment of TimkenSteel’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. Please refer to Item 8, “Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” Changes in Internal Controls There have been no changes during the Company’s fourth quarter of 2018 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Item 9B. Other Information None. 80 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Part III. Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Required information will be set forth under the captions “Proposal 1: Election of directors” and “Beneficial ownership of common stock—Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance” in the proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2018 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding the executive officers of the registrant is included in Part I hereof. Information regarding the Company’s Audit Committee and its Audit Committee Financial Expert is set forth under the caption “Board of directors information—Audit committee” in the proxy statement filed in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of its Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are available on the Company’s website at www.timkensteel.com and are available to any shareholder in print, without charge, upon request to the General Counsel. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of its employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, as well as to its directors. The Company’s code of ethics, the TimkenSteel Code of Conduct, is available on its website at www.timkensteel.com and in print, without charge, upon request to the General Counsel. The Company intends to disclose any amendment to its code of ethics or waiver from its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or any director, by posting such amendment or waiver, as applicable, on its website at www.timkensteel.com. Item 11. Executive Compensation Required information will be set forth under the captions “Compensation discussion and analysis”; “2018 Summary compensation table”; “2018 Grants of plan-based awards table”; “Outstanding equity awards at 2018 year-end table”; “2018 Option exercises and stock vested table”; “Pension benefits”; “2018 Nonqualified deferred compensation table”; “Potential payments upon termination or change in control”; “Director compensation”; “CEO pay ratio”; “Board of directors information—Compensation committee”; “Board of directors information— Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation”; and “Board of directors information—Compensation committee report” in the proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2018 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Required information, including with respect to institutional investors owning more than 5% of the Company’s common shares, will be set forth under the caption “Beneficial ownership of common stock” in the proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2018 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. Required information regarding securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans is included in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form10-K and is incorporated herein by reference. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 81 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Required information will be set forth under the captions “Corporate governance—Director independence” and “Corporate governance—Related-party transactions approval policy” in the proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2018 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services Required information regarding fees paid to and services provided by the Company’s independent auditor during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the pre-approval policies and procedures of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors will be set forth under the captions “ Proposal 2: Ratification of appointment of independent auditors—Services of independent auditor for 2018“ and “Proposal 2: Ratification of appointment of independent auditors—Audit committee pre-approval policies and procedures” in the proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2018 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. 82 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Part IV. Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules (a)(1) — Financial Statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. (a)(2) — Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is submitted as a separate section of this report. Schedules I, III, IV and V are not applicable to the Company and, therefore, have been omitted. (a)(3) Listing of Exhibits Exhibit Number 2.1† 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 10.1† 10.2† 10.3† 10.4† 10.5† 10.6 10.7 Exhibit Description Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and between TimkenSteel Corporation and The Timken Company. Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of TimkenSteel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2014, File No. 001-36313). Code of Regulations of TimkenSteel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on May 15, 2014, File No. 001-36313). Indenture, dated May 31, 2016, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2016, File No. 001-36313). First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 31, 2016, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (including Form of Note) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2016, File No. 001-36313). Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and between TimkenSteel Corporation and The Timken Company. Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and between TimkenSteel Corporation and The Timken Company. Transition Services Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and between TimkenSteel Corporation and The Timken Company. Trademark License Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and between TimkenSteel Corporation and The Timken Company. Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and between TimkenSteel Corporation and The Timken Company. TimkenSteel Corporation Amended and Restated 2014 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on October 28, 2016, Registration No. 333-214297). TimkenSteel Corporation Amended and Restated Annual Performance Award Plan, effective January 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed April 26, 2018, File No. 001-36313). 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 83 Exhibit Number 10.8 Exhibit Description Supplemental Pension Plan of TimkenSteel Corporation (Effective June 30, 2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2014, File No. 001-36313). 10.9†† Form of Director Indemnification Agreement. 10.10†† Form of Officer Indemnification Agreement. 10.11†† Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement. 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 Form of Amended and Restated Employee Excess Benefits Agreement with TimkenSteel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2014, File No. 001-36313). Form of Severance Agreement with TimkenSteel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2014, File No. 001-36313). Form of Severance Agreement between TimkenSteel and Certain Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2017, File No. 001-36313). Amended and Restated TimkenSteel Corporation 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2015, File No. 001-36313). Amended and Restated TimkenSteel Corporation Director Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2015, File No. 001-36313). Amendment and Restatement Agreement dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among TimkenSteel Corporation, the other loan parties and lenders thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (which includes the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, among TimkenSteel Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, PNC Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, the other agents and lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and PNC Capital Markets, LLC, as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2016, File No. 001-36313). Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017, File No. 001-36313). Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Cliff Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017, File No. 001-36313). Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Ratable Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017, File No. 001-36313). Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017, File No. 001-36313). Form of Deferred Shares Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2016, File No. 001-36313). 84 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Exhibit Number 10.23 10.24 Exhibit Description Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2016, among TimkenSteel Corporation, the other loan parties and lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2016, File No. 001-36313). Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2018, by and among TimkenSteel Corporation, the other loan parties and lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and BMO Harris Bank N.A. and U.S. Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2018, File No. 001-36313). 21.1* A list of subsidiaries of the Registrant. 23.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 24.1* Power of Attorney. 31.1* 31.2* Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as adopted, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as adopted, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1** Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 101.INS* XBRL Instance Document. 101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. 101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. 101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. 101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. 101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. † Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed under the corresponding Exhibit Number of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2014, File No. 001-36313. †† Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed under the corresponding Exhibit Number of Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on May 15, 2014, File No. 001-36313. * Filed herewith. ** Furnished herewith. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 85 Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Allowance for uncollectible accounts: Balance at Beginning of Period Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses(1) Deductions(2) Balance at End of Period Allowance for surplus and obsolete inventory: Balance at Beginning of Period Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses(3) Deductions(4) Balance at End of Period Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets: Balance at Beginning of Period Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses(5) Charged to Other Accounts(6) Deductions(7) Balance at End of Period 2018 2017 2016 $ 1.4 $ 2.1 $ 1.5 0.3 – 0.7 – (0.7) (0.1) $ 1.7 $ 1.4 $ 2.1 2018 2017 2016 $ 7.8 $ 8.1 $ 8.4 1.6 1.0 1.5 (4.3) (1.3) (1.8) $ 5.1 $ 7.8 $ 8.1 2018 2017 2016 $36.6 $24.4 $10.2 7.1 12.2 15.6 – – – – – (1.4) $43.7 $36.6 $24.4 (1) Provision for uncollectible accounts included in expenses. (2) Actual accounts written off against the allowance-net of recoveries. (3) Provisions for surplus and obsolete inventory included in expenses. (4) Inventory items written off against the allowance. (5) Increase in valuation allowance is recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes. (6) Includes valuation allowances recorded against other comprehensive income/loss or goodwill. (7) Amount primarily relates to foreign currency translation adjustments, the removal of losses not carried over to TimkenSteel and a decrease in U.K. tax rates. 86 2018 ANNUAL REPORT SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Date: February 20, 2019 /s/ Kristopher R. Westbrooks TIMKENSTEEL CORPORATION Kristopher R. Westbrooks Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title /s/ Ward J. Timken, Jr. Ward J. Timken, Jr. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Kristopher R. Westbrooks Kristopher R. Westbrooks Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) * Joseph A. Carrabba * Phillip R. Cox * Diane C. Creel * Terry L. Dunlap * Randall H. Edwards * Donald T. Misheff * John P. Reilly * Ronald A. Rice * Marvin A. Riley * Randall A. Wotring Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director * Signed by the undersigned as attorney-in-fact and agent for the directors indicated. /s/ Kristopher R. Westbrooks Kristopher R. Westbrooks Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Date 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2/20/2019 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 87 Exhibit 31.1 I, Ward J. Timken, Jr., certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of TimkenSteel Corporation; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 20, 2019 /s/ Ward J. Timken, Jr. Ward J. Timken, Jr. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATION I, Kristopher R. Westbrooks, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of TimkenSteel Corporation; 1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 2. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 3. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 20, 2019 /s/ Kristopher R. Westbrooks Kristopher R. Westbrooks Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) CERTIFICATION Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit 32.1 In connection with the Annual Report of TimkenSteel Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report. Date: February 20, 2019 Date: February 20, 2019 /s/ Ward J. Timken, Jr. Ward J. Timken, Jr. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Kristopher R. Westbrooks Kristopher R. Westbrooks Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) S H A R E H O L D E R I N F O R M A T I O N TimkenSteel Corporation offers an open enrollment stock purchase plan through its transfer agent, EQ Shareowner Service. This program allows current shareholders and new investors the opportunity to purchase shares of common stock without a broker. Information and enrollment materials are available online or by contacting EQ Shareowner Service. Inquiries regarding change of address or lost certificates should be directed to: EQ Shareowner Service P.O. Box 64874 St. Paul, MN 55164-0874 Telephone: 800-468-9716 Website: www.shareowneronline.com I N V E S T O R R E L A T I O N S Investors and securities analysts may contact: Mitchell Byrnes Investor Relations, GNE-12 TimkenSteel Corporation 1835 Dueber Ave. SW Canton, OH 44706-0928 email: ir@timkensteel.com C O R P O R A T E O F F I C E S TimkenSteel Corporation 1835 Dueber Ave. SW Canton, OH 44706-0932 telephone: 330-471-7000 website: timkensteel.com S T O C K L I S T I N G TimkenSteel stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TMST. N Y S E A N N U A L C E O C E R T I F I C A T I O N The annual CEO certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual was submitted without qualification by Ward J. Timken, Jr., on May 30, 2018. A N N U A L M E E T I N G O F S H A R E H O L D E R S May 7, 2019, 10 a.m. EDT TimkenSteel corporate offices I N D E P E N D E N T R E G I S T E R E D P U B L I C A C C O U N T I N G F I R M Ernst & Young LLP 950 Main Avenue Suite 1800 Cleveland, OH 44113-7214 P U B L I C A T I O N S The notice of annual meeting and proxy statement are made available to shareholders in March. Copies of the annual report, proxy statement, forms 10-K and 10-Q may be obtained from the company’s website, investors.timkensteel.com, or by written request at no charge from: TimkenSteel Corporation Shareholder Relations, GNE-15 P.O. Box 6928 Canton, OH 44706-0928 NYSE: TMST timkensteel.com Twitter: @TimkenSteel TimkenSteel® is a registered trademark. | ©2019 TimkenSteel Corporation Printed in USA 6M 03-19 

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