International Steel Group Announces Second-Quarter Results

International Steel Group Announces Second-Quarter Results
- Second-quarter net income rises to $94.1 million or $0.92 per share



RICHFIELD, Ohio, July 29  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 

  Results Summary
  (dollars in millions, except per share data)

                              First
                             Quarter    Second Quarter        First Half
                              2004      2004      2003      2004      2003

  Shipments (000 tons)        3,862     3,814     2,662     7,676     3,989
  Net sales                $1,770.3  $2,083.8  $1,005.1  $3,854.1  $1,466.8
  Average net sales per
   ton shipped                 $458      $546      $378      $502      $368
  Operating income (loss)      86.5     129.5     (32.6)    216.0     (34.6)
  Net income (loss)            70.9      94.1     (27.5)    165.0     (29.8)
  Diluted EPS                 $0.68     $0.92    $(0.37)    $1.62    $(0.41)




International Steel Group Inc. (NYSE:ISG) today reported second quarter 2004
net income of $94.1 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, and net income of
$165.0 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, for the first half 2004.   Cost of
sales for the first quarter and first half 2004 includes substantial LIFO
provisions principally attributable to significant increases in the cost and
the quantities of purchased coke that we expect to consume in the second half
of 2004.  The Company reported a net loss of $27.5 million for the second
quarter 2003 and a net loss of $29.8 million for the first half 2003. However,
comparisons to 2003 are not meaningful because the acquisition of Bethlehem
Steel Corporation's assets in May 2003 more than doubled the size of ISG and
significantly improved its product and customer mix.

Second quarter 2004 net income of $94.1 million was 33% higher than the $70.9
million in the first quarter 2004.

Net sales were $2,083.8 million in the second quarter, an increase of $313.5
million, or 18%, from the first quarter 2004.  The average selling price per
ton shipped increased to $546 in the second quarter 2004 from $458 in the first
quarter as strong global demand for steel continues.  Shipments were about the
same and Weirton, which was acquired during May 2004, accounted for about 5% of
second quarter shipments.

Operating income improved by about 50% from $86.5 million in the first quarter
2004 to $129.5 million in the second quarter 2004.

The tables below show shipments by product and certain other data for the
periods shown.  Pro forma information reflects the acquisitions of the
Bethlehem and Weirton assets as if they had occurred on January 1, 2003.

                                          Actual
                       First Quarter  Second Quarter         First half
                            2004      2004      2003       2004      2003
  Shipments
    Hot Rolled               42%       41%       49%        41%       53%
    Cold Rolled              20        19        17         20        20
    Coated                   22        22        19         22        17
    Plate                    10        10         8         10         5
    Tin Plate                 3         5         3          4         2
    Rail and other            3         3         4          3         3
                            100%      100%      100%       100%      100%

  Net sales (dollars
   in millions)        $1,770.3  $2,083.8  $1,005.1   $3,854.1  $1,466.8
  Average net sales
   per ton shipped         $458      $546      $378       $502      $368
  Shipments
   (tons in thousands)    3,862     3,814     2,662      7,676     3,989
  Raw steel production
   (tons in thousands)    4,048     4,333     2,590      8,381     3,942
  Net income (loss)
   (dollars in millions)  $70.9     $94.1   $(27.5)     $165.0   $(29.8)
  Diluted income (loss)
   per common share       $0.68     $0.92   $(0.37)      $1.62   $(0.41)


                                         Pro forma
                       First Quarter  Second Quarter         First half
                            2004      2004      2003       2004      2003

  Shipments
    Hot Rolled               43%       43%       43%        43%       41%
    Cold Rolled              18        18        16         18        18
    Coated                   21        21        21         21        21
    Plate                     8         9         8          9         8
    Tin Plate                 7         6         8          6         9
    Rail and other            3         3         4          3         3
                            100%      100%      100%       100%      100%

  Net sales (dollars
   in millions)        $2,066.9  $2,243.9 $ 1,579.3  $ 4,310.8  $3,208.5
  Average net sales
   per ton shipped         $464      $551      $404       $505      $414
  Shipments
   (tons in thousands)    4,457     4,071     3,913      8,529     7,741
  Raw steel production
   (tons in thousands)    4,435     4,557     3,968      9,091     8,163
  Net income
   (dollars in millions)  $78.8    $119.4     $28.4     $198.2     $54.4
  Diluted income
   per common share       $0.76     $1.17     $0.35      $1.94     $0.68


  Cost of Sales


Cost of sales for the second quarter were 89% of sales compared to 90% in the
first quarter 2004.  During 2004, the cost of raw materials such as coke, scrap
and iron ore have increased significantly.  Price increases in the form of raw
material cost surcharges offset these cost increases.  Employment costs also
were higher as a 3% wage increase for our employees represented by the USWA was
effective at the beginning of the second quarter and variable compensation
including profit sharing and contribution to the USWA VEBA was higher in the
second quarter.  The significant increases in raw material costs increased our
second quarter LIFO provision to $183 million from $103 million in the first
quarter 2004.  We bought significant amounts of coke in the international
markets during the second quarter that will be consumed in the second half of
2004.

Financing Expense

Second quarter interest expense was higher than in the first quarter 2004
because of higher average debt outstanding, including the $600 million 6.5%
Senior Notes due 2014 issued in April 2004.  We also wrote off $10.6 million of
deferred financing fees related to debt repaid with proceeds from the Senior
Notes.

Estimated Effective Tax Rate

Because we have previously recorded a full valuation allowance for our net
deferred tax asset, our provision for income taxes typically will reflect the
amounts we expect to pay or recover for the year plus certain allowable
deferred taxes.  Our estimated effective income tax rate for 2004 is now about
9% compared to a normally expected rate of about 40% for federal and state
income taxes.  The expected additional 2004 pretax income from Weirton caused
the effective tax rate to increase to our current estimate of about 9% from the
7% used in the first quarter 2004.  As a result, the effective tax rate for the
second quarter 2004 is about 10% in order to bring the first half 2004
effective tax rate to the 9% full year rate.

Liquidity and Cash Flow from Operations

We define liquidity as our cash position and remaining availability under our
revolving credit facility. At June 30, 2004, we had liquidity of $559.7 million
consisting of cash of $362.2 million and available borrowing capacity of $197.5
million under our $350.0 million revolving credit facility. As of December 31,
2003, we had liquidity of $432.7 million.

Cash provided by operating activities for the first half 2004 was $209.9
million.  Receivables were higher as a result of higher sales in the current
period.  Inventory quantities increased during the first half of 2004,
particularly coke purchased in international markets for use in the second half
2004, and the higher unit costs were included in cost of sales as a result of
the LIFO method of accounting for most of our inventories.  We also made cash
advances to secure certain coke in the international market, increasing our
prepaid and other current assets during the first half 2004. Higher prices for
raw materials also resulted in higher accounts payable at June 30, 2004.

Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures

In the second quarter 2004, we acquired substantially all of the assets of
Weirton Steel Corporation and Georgetown Steel Corporation for a total of $187
million.

We made capital expenditures and other investments of $86 million in the first
half 2004.  We anticipate making capital expenditures in 2004 of about $340
million of which about $110 million is for strategic purposes excluding any
future potential acquisitions and the acquisition of the hot briquetted iron
facility (see below).  Proceeds from asset sales were $12.1 million in the
first half 2004 and we expect proceeds of about $40 million in the remainder of
2004.

Financings

On April 14, 2004, ISG issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.5%
Senior Notes due 2014 that were sold at 99.096% of par resulting in an
effective yield to maturity of 6.625%.  Certain proceeds were used to repay
outstanding debt totaling $323.1 million.  The remaining funds will be used to
paydown other debt, for strategic investments and for general corporate
purposes.

We are currently in discussions with our lenders to replace our current credit
facilities with a new arrangement that provides more liquidity and fewer
covenants.  We expect to complete these discussions prior to year-end.

Acquisition in Trinidad

On July 23, 2004, we acquired a hot briquetted iron facility in Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago for about $18 million cash, including payment at closing of
certain assumed liabilities.  We expect the facility to begin production in the
fourth quarter 2004.

Outlook for the Third Quarter 2004

With the acquisition of Weirton completed in the second quarter, we expect
shipments to increase about 300,000 tons in the third quarter.  Average selling
prices are expected to increase about $50 per ton as announced increases in
base prices and raw material surcharges take effect.  Production costs are
expected to increase as scrap and other metallic cost increases are expected to
be greater than the decline in coke costs.  The markets for steel remain strong
and we expect income from operations to increase about 50% in the third
quarter.

Conference Call on the Web

A live Internet broadcast of ISG's conference call on second-quarter results
can be accessed at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, July 29, 2004, on the
Company's website, http://www.intlsteel.com/ .  An archived replay of the call
will be available on the website.

About International Steel Group Inc.

International Steel Group Inc. is one of the largest steel producers in North
America.  It produces a variety of steel products including hot-rolled,
cold-rolled and coated sheets, tin mill products, carbon and alloy plates, wire
rod and rail products and semi-finished shapes to serve the automotive,
construction, pipe and tube, appliance, container and machinery markets.  For
additional information on ISG, visit http://www.intlsteel.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release that are not historical facts, including statements
accompanied by words such as "will," "believe," "expect," "estimate," or
similar terms, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward- looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.  These
statements contain time-sensitive information that reflects management's best
analysis only as of the date of this release.  ISG does not undertake any
ongoing obligation, other than that imposed by law, to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or
circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Factors that may cause
actual results and performance to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, negative overall
economic conditions or conditions in the markets served; competition within the
steel industry; changes in U.S. or foreign trade policy affecting steel imports
or exports; changes in foreign currencies affecting the strength of the U.S.
dollar; actions by domestic and foreign competitors; the inability to achieve
the Company's anticipated growth objectives; changes in availability or cost of
raw materials, energy or other supplies; labor issues affecting the Company's
workforce or the steel industry generally; and the inability to implement the
Company's operating culture and philosophy at acquired facilities.  Further
information concerning issues that could materially affect financial
performance related to forward-looking statements can be found in ISG's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  International Steel Group Inc.
  Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
  (dollars in millions, except per share and per ton data)

                             First
                            Quarter    Second Quarter        First Half
                             2004      2004      2003      2004      2003
  Net sales                $1,770.3  $2,083.8  $1,005.1  $3,854.1  $1,466.8
  Costs and expenses:
     Cost of sales          1,600.0   1,860.7     982.4   3,460.7   1,433.9
     Marketing,
      administrative and
      other expenses           55.0      61.1      39.4     116.1      43.8
     Depreciation and
      amortization             28.8      32.5      15.9      61.3      23.7
  Total costs and expenses  1,683.8   1,954.3   1,037.7   3,638.1   1,501.4

  Operating income (loss)      86.5     129.5     (32.6)    216.0     (34.6)
  Interest and other
   financing expense, net      10.4      24.5      13.1      34.9      15.0
  Income before taxes on
   income                      76.1     105.0     (45.7)    181.1     (49.6)
  Provision (benefit) for
   income taxes                 5.2      10.9     (18.2)     16.1     (19.8)
  Net income (loss)           $70.9     $94.1    $(27.5)   $165.0    $(29.8)

  Income (loss) per share
     Basic                    $0.73     $0.96    $(0.37)    $1.69    $(0.41)
     Diluted                  $0.68     $0.92    $(0.37)    $1.62    $(0.41)

  Other information:
     Shipments (tons in
      thousands)              3,862     3,814     2,662     7,676     3,989
     Raw steel production
      (tons in thousands)     4,048     4,333     2,590     8,381     3,942
     Operating income
      (loss) per ton shipped    $22       $34      $(12)      $28       $(9)
     Average sales per ton
      shipped                  $458      $546      $378      $502      $368


  International Steel Group Inc.
  Consolidated Balance Sheets
  (dollars in millions)

                                                June 30,        December 31,
               Assets                             2004              2003
  Current assets:                              (unaudited)
     Cash and cash equivalents                   $362.2            $193.6
     Receivables, less allowances of
      $51.9 and $36.6                             786.2             553.9
     Inventories                                  987.5             866.8
     Assets held for sale                          58.1              68.6
     Prepaid and other current assets              89.0              24.5
        Total current assets                    2,283.0           1,707.4

  Property, plant and equipment, at cost        1,117.0             948.3
  Less: accumulated depreciation and
   amortization                                  (147.4)            (86.4)
     Property, plant and equipment, net           969.6             861.9
  Investments in joint ventures                    34.7              27.0
  Other assets                                     78.3              38.7
           Total assets                        $3,365.6          $2,635.0

   Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  Current liabilities:
     Current portion of debt and capital leases   $58.2             $46.8
     Accounts payable                             612.1             427.9
     Accrued compensation and benefits            244.9             212.9
     Other current liabilities                    210.8             143.9
        Total current liabilities               1,126.0             831.5

  Long term liabilities:
     Debt                                         637.6             362.8
     Capital leases                               180.1             212.7
     Accrued environmental                        181.0             161.2
     Pensions and other retiree benefits          119.4             101.0
     Other obligations                             13.7              16.6
        Total liabilities                       2,257.8           1,685.8

  Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred stock                                -                 -
     Common stock                                   1.0               1.0
     Additional paid-in-capital                   973.9             972.2
     Retained earnings (deficit)                  136.0             (29.0)
     Accumulated other comprehensive
      (loss) income                                (3.1)              5.0
        Total stockholders' equity              1,107.8             949.2
        Total liabilities and
         stockholders' equity                  $3,365.6          $2,635.0


  International Steel Group Inc.
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
  (dollars in millions)

                                                          First Half
                                                    2004              2003
  Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income (loss)                             $165.0            $(29.8)
     Adjustments for items not affecting
      cash from operating activities
        Depreciation and amortization                61.3              23.7
        Deferred income taxes                       (18.8)              -
        Other                                        14.6              (1.1)
     Changes in working capital and other items:
        Receivables                                (147.0)             35.4
        Inventories                                 (35.9)            119.3
        Prepaids and other current assets           (62.1)             (0.6)
        Accounts payable                            150.9             (40.9)
        Income taxes                                 76.4             (49.0)
        Accrued compensation and benefits            (1.6)             50.2
        Other                                         7.1              72.6
           Net cash provided by
            operating activities                    209.9             179.8

  Cash flows from investing activities:
     Capital expenditures and investments           (86.0)            (33.3)
     Acquisitions, net of cash received            (187.0)           (742.2)
     Proceeds from asset sales                       12.1              13.6
           Net cash used in investing activities   (260.9)           (761.9)

  Cash flows from financing activities:
     Borrowings under revolving credit facility       -               864.6
     Payments under revolving credit facility         -              (925.3)
     Proceeds from debt                             594.6             650.0
     Payments on debt                              (347.8)            (18.8)
     Payments on capital leases                     (17.8)            (10.3)
     Issuance of common stock, net                    1.8             156.7
     Deferred financing fees                        (11.2)            (18.1)
           Net cash provided by
            financing activities                    219.6             698.8
           Increase in cash and cash equivalents    168.6             116.7
  Cash and cash equivalents - beginning
   of period                                        193.6               9.8
  Cash and cash equivalents - end of period         362.2             126.5

  Other information:
     Interest paid                                  $14.7              $4.8
     Interest capitalized                             0.2               0.1
     Income taxes (received) paid                   (39.6)             29.3
     Capital lease obligation incurred                3.9               -


DATASOURCE: International Steel Group



CONTACT:  Leonard M. Anthony, Chief Financial Officer of International

Steel Group Inc., [phone]



Web site:  http://www.intlsteel.com/ 

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