Item 1.
Business
Introduction
Our vision is to enable customer leadership, better and faster than our competition, through the creation, innovation and manufacture of graphite and carbon material science-based solutions. We have over 125 years of experience in the research and development of graphite and carbon-based solutions and our intellectual property portfolio is extensive. Our business was founded in 1886 by the National Carbon Company.
We are a leading manufacturer of a broad range of high quality graphite electrodes, products essential to the production of electric arc furnace (“EAF”) steel and various other ferrous and nonferrous metals. We also produce needle coke products, which are the primary raw material needed in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. We also manufacture carbon, graphite, and semi-graphite refractory products, which protect the walls of blast furnaces and submerged arc furnaces. We are one of the largest manufacturers of high quality natural graphite products, enabling thermal management solutions for the electronics industry and fuel cell solutions for the transportation and power generation industries. We are one of the largest manufacturers and providers of advanced graphite and carbon materials used in the transportation, solar and oil and gas exploration industries.
We currently manufacture our products in 20 manufacturing facilities strategically located on four continents. We believe our Industrial Materials network has the largest manufacturing capacity and the lowest manufacturing cost structure of all of our major competitors and delivers the highest-level quality products. We currently have the operating capability, depending on product mix, to manufacture approximately 255,000 metric tons of graphite electrodes. We believe that our global manufacturing network provides us with competitive advantages in product quality, proximity to customers, timely and reliable product delivery, and product costs. Given our global network, we are well positioned to serve the growing number of consolidated, global, multi-plant steel customers as well as certain smaller, regional customers and segments.
We have over 125 years of experience in the research and development of graphite and carbon based solutions and our intellectual property portfolio is extensive. We hold approximately 733 issued and pending patent applications and have been the recipient of seven R&D 100 Awards in the past 10 years. Our technological capabilities include developing products with superior thermal, electrical and physical characteristics that provide a differentiated advantage.
Products. We have seven major product categories: graphite electrodes, refractory products, needle coke products, advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials, advanced electronics technologies (formerly referred to as natural graphite products), and advanced materials.
Reportable Segments. Our businesses are reported in the following reportable segments: Industrial Materials, which include graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products; and Engineered Solutions, which includes advanced electronics technologies, advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials, and advanced materials.
Industrial Materials. Our Industrial Materials segment manufactures and delivers high quality graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products.
We are a leading manufacturer of the a broad range of high quality graphite electrodes, refractory products, and needle coke products. Electrodes are key components of the conductive power systems used to produce steel and other non-ferrous metals. Approximately 70% of our graphite electrodes sold is consumed in the EAF steel melting process, the steel making technology used by all “mini-mills,” typically at a rate of one graphite electrode every eight to ten operating hours. We believe that mini-mills constitute the higher long-term growth sector of the steel industry and that there is currently no commercially viable substitute for graphite electrodes in EAF steel making. The remaining approximately 30% of our graphite electrodes sold is primarily used in various other ferrous and non-ferrous melting applications, including steel refining (ladle furnace operations for both EAF and basic oxygen furnace steel production), fused materials, chemical processing, and alloy metals.
Additionally, we are a producer of petroleum needle coke. Needle coke is the key raw material in the manufacture of the graphite electrodes used in melting operations. Petroleum needle coke, a crystalline form of carbon derived from decant oil, is used in the production of graphite electrodes. As a result of our acquisition of Seadrift on November 30, 2010, our graphite electrode production is vertically integrated. We believe that Seadrift is the world's second largest petroleum-based needle coke producer and assuming normal annual maintenance, a product mix of only normal premium petroleum needle coke production and related by-products, the annual capacity is approximately 140,000 metric tons. Seadrift currently provides a substantial portion of our needle coke requirements.
GrafTech is also a leading global supplier of carbon, semi-graphitic and graphite refractory hearth linings for blast and submerged arc furnaces used to produce iron and ferro alloys. Carbon and graphite refractory products are used to protect the walls and bottoms of these furnaces due to their ability to withstand extreme conditions, thermally and mechanically. Among the major refractory product suppliers, GrafTech has one of the most complete offerings, including a full range of brick, block, ramming paste, cement and grout products.
Engineered Solutions. The Engineered Solutions segment includes advanced electronics technologies, advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials and advanced materials. Advanced electronics technology products consist of electronic thermal management solutions, fuel cell components, and sealing materials. Advanced graphite materials are highly engineered synthetic graphite products used in many areas due to their unique properties and the ability to tailor them to specific solutions. These products are used in transportation, alternative energy, metallurgical, chemical, oil and gas exploration and various other industries. Advanced composite materials are highly engineered carbon products that are woven into various shapes to primarily support the aerospace and defense industries. Advanced materials use carbon and graphite powders as components or additives in a variety of industries, including metallurgical processing, battery and fuel cell components, and polymer additives.
Industrial Materials Segment
Our Industrial Materials segment, which had net sales of $833.9 million in 2010, $1,132 million in 2011 and $1,026 million in 2012, manufactures and delivers high quality graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products, as well as provides customer technical services. Industrial Materials sales represented approximately 83%, 86% and 82% of consolidated net sales for 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. We estimate that the worldwide demand for our industrial materials products was approximately $6.8 billion in 2011 and approximately $7.0 billion in 2012. Customers for these products are located in all major geographic regions.
Graphite Electrode Products. Graphite electrodes are consumed primarily in EAF steel production, the steel making technology used by all “mini-mills.” Graphite electrodes are also consumed in the refining of steel in ladle furnaces and in other smelting processes such as production of titanium dioxide.
Electrodes act as conductors of electricity in the furnace, generating sufficient heat to melt scrap metal, iron ore or other raw materials used to produce steel or other metals. The electrodes are consumed in the course of that production.
Electric arc furnaces operate using either alternating electric current or direct electric current. The vast majority of electric arc furnaces use alternating current. Each of these alternating current furnaces typically uses nine electrodes (in three columns of three electrodes each) at one time. The other electric arc furnaces, which use direct current, typically use one column of three electrodes. The size of the electrodes varies depending on the size of the furnace, the size of the furnace’s electric transformer and the planned productivity of the furnace. In a typical furnace using alternating current and operating at a typical number of production cycles per day, one of the nine electrodes is fully consumed (requiring the addition of a new electrode), on average, every eight to ten operating hours. The actual rate of consumption and addition of electrodes for a particular furnace depends primarily on the efficiency and productivity of the furnace. Therefore, demand for graphite electrodes is directly related to the amount and efficiency of electric arc furnace steel production.
Electric arc furnace steel production requires significant heat (as high as 5,000° F) to melt the raw materials in the furnace, primarily scrap metal. Heat is generated as electricity (as much as 150,000 amps) passes through the electrodes and creates an electric arc between the electrodes and the raw materials.
Graphite electrodes are currently the only known commercially available products that have the high levels of electrical conductivity and the capability of sustaining the high levels of heat generated in an electric arc furnace producing steel. Therefore, graphite electrodes are essential to the production of steel in electric arc furnaces. We believe there is currently no commercially viable substitute for graphite electrodes in electric arc furnace steel making. We estimate that, on average, the cost of graphite electrodes represents about 2% of the cost of producing steel in a typical electric arc furnace.
Electric arc furnace steel production was estimated to be approximately 442 million metric tons in 2012, representing approximately 29% of the world’s steel production. The World Steel Association's utilization rate for the total steel market in 2012 was 78% in 2012 compared to 80% in 2011 and EAF utilization rates typically follow the trends of the overall steel industry.
Relationship Between Graphite Electrode Demand and EAF Steel Production. The improved efficiency of electric arc furnaces has resulted in a decrease in the average rate of consumption of graphite electrodes per metric
ton of steel produced in electric arc furnaces (called “specific consumption”). We estimate that the average EAF melter specific consumption is approximately 1.7 kilograms of graphite electrodes per metric ton produced.
Over the long term, specific consumption will continue to decrease at a gradual pace, as the EAF steel makers investment cost (relative to the benefits) increases to achieve further efficiencies in specific consumption. Another contributing factor is the ongoing electrode quality improvements of graphite electrode manufacturers.
We further believe that the rate of decline in the future will be impacted by the addition of modern EAF steel making capacity which tends to have lower specific consumption than the average. To the extent that this new capacity replaces old capacity, it has the effect of accelerating the reduction in industry wide specific consumption due to the efficiency of new electric arc furnaces relative to the old. However, to the extent that this new capacity increases industry wide EAF steel production capacity and that capacity is utilized, it creates additional demand for graphite electrodes.
Increases in EAF steel production, offset by declines in specific consumption, resulted in corresponding changes in demand for graphite electrodes. Due to expected low growth of EAF production, we are projecting similar growth for graphite electrode demand in 2013.
Over the long term, graphite electrode demand is estimated to grow at an average annual net growth rate of approximately 2%, based on the anticipated growth of EAF steel production (average historical growth rate of 3%), partially offset by the decline in future specific consumption.
Production Capacity. We believe that the worldwide total graphite electrode manufacturing capacity was approximately 1.75 million metric tons for 2010, 1.79 million metric tons 2011 and approximately 1.89 million metric tons for 2012. We believe that the graphite electrode industry manufacturing capacity utilization rate worldwide was approximately 83% for 2011 and 73% for 2012. We routinely update our estimates as more information, which can vary, becomes available, as stated capacities in some cases are not effective capacity adjusted for production yields.
We have the capability, depending on product demand and mix, to manufacture approximately 255,000 metric tons of graphite electrodes annually from our existing assets. As a result of our acquisition of Seadrift in November 2010, our graphite electrode production is vertically integrated. Seadrift currently provides a substantial portion of our needle coke requirements.
Refractory Products. We manufacture carbon and semi-graphite, HotPressed™ refractory bricks, as well as other graphite and carbon refractory blocks, all of which are used primarily for their durability in very demanding high temperature melting environments. Common applications are in blast furnaces and submerged arc furnaces for ferroalloy production include cooling courses in the hearth bottoms for heat distribution and removal, backup linings in hearth walls for improved heat transfer and lintels over copper coding plates where a single brick cannot span the cooling plate. Our refractories are especially suitable for the lower part of these furnaces, where refractory performance is the most critical to ensure high productivity and long campaign lives.
In manufacturing the HotPressed™ bricks, GrafTech uses a proprietary carbon making process. The raw material is heated in brick sized molds and high pressure is applied simultaneously. This results in bricks with very competitive properties for these melting applications produced in only minutes compared to the month required in the traditional block process. We believe that Graftech refractory solutions offer reliability and a safer working environment for iron and ferroalloy makers all around the world.
Petroleum Needle Coke and Coke Products. We are currently producing petroleum needle coke. Needle coke is the key raw material in the manufacture of graphite electrodes which are consumed in EAF steel production. Petroleum needle coke, a crystalline form of carbon derived from decant oil is used primarily in the production of graphite electrodes. Graphite electrode producers combine petroleum or pitch needle coke with pitch adhesives and other ingredients to form graphite electrodes. In 2012, we commenced commercial production and sale of a super-premium grade of our needle coke, which we believe will enable our needle coke customers to produce higher quality large diameter graphite electrodes. While this grade of needle coke requires slightly longer processing cycles (and, therefore, to a certain extent, reduces available capacity), we believe that this impact will be more than offset by higher margins on this grade. These sales did not materially impact our 2012 results.
Petroleum needle and pitch needle coke, relative to other varieties of coke, is distinguished by its needle-like structure and its quality, which is measured by the presence of impurities, principally sulfur, nitrogen and ash. The needle-like structure of petroleum needle and pitch needle coke encourages expansion along the length of the electrode, rather than the width, which reduces the likelihood of fractures. Impurities reduce quality because they increase the coefficient of thermal expansion and electrical resistivity of the graphite electrode, which can lead to uneven expansion and a build-up of heat and cause the graphite electrode to oxidize rapidly and break. Petroleum needle and pitch needle coke is typically low in these impurities. In order to minimize fractures caused by disproportionate expansion
over the width of an electrode, and minimize the effect of impurities, large-diameter graphite electrodes (18 inches to 32 inches) employed in high-intensity electric arc furnace applications are comprised almost exclusively of petroleum needle and pitch needle coke.
Engineered Solutions Segment
Our Engineered Solutions segment had sales of $173.1 million in 2010, $188.0 million in 2011 and $222.7 million in 2012. Engineered Solutions represented approximately 17% of consolidated net sales for 2010, approximately 14% for 2011 and approximately 18% for 2012. We estimate that our addressable worldwide demand for engineered solutions was $1,100 million in 2010, $1,400 million in 2011 and $2,800 million in 2012. Our addressable market has increased due to industry growth and the inclusion of markets served by our recent acquisitions and capital investment in new products that allow us to penetrate new markets. We routinely update our estimates as more information becomes available.
Advanced Electronics Technology (formerly, Natural Graphite Products). We manufacture natural and synthetic graphite products convertible to flexible graphite. Applications include thermal management and sealing solutions used in advanced consumer electronics, automotive sealing and the petrochemical and alternative energy industries. We are one of the world's largest manufacturers of natural and synthetic graphite products for these uses and applications.
Advanced Graphite Materials. We manufacture extruded, molded and isomolded graphite blocks weighing up to ten metric tons and machined graphite parts used in many applications including metallurgy, high-temperature industrial, and alternative energy applications. In addition, we produce a line of high temperature (> 1200C) insulation for induction furnaces, high temperature vacuum furnaces, direct solidification furnaces and other high temperature furnace applications.
Advanced Composite Materials. We design, manufacture and test advanced composites used in many applications including ultra-light-weight thermal protection, high-strength heat shields and various other components. Markets include automotive, petrochemical and aerospace/defense. Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI) (acquired in 2011), is recognized as an industry leader producing high-temperature materials and advanced composite products for extremely demanding applications.
Advanced Materials. We manufacture primary synthetic graphite powders, natural flake graphite powders, coke powders, and various other carbon/graphite powder derivatives. Markets include industrial lubricants, hot metal forming lubricants, conductive polymer fillers and energy storage requirements.
Business Strategies
We believe that, by growing our revenues and operating income, successfully implementing LEAN initiatives, and maximizing our cash flows, we will deliver enhanced financial performance and return on shareholder value. We believe this strategy will position us to capitalize on growth opportunities that may arise. We have transformed our operations, building competitive advantages to enable us to compete successfully in our major product lines, to realize enhanced performance as economic conditions improve and to exploit growth opportunities from our intellectual property portfolio. Our business strategies are designed to expand upon our competitive advantages by:
Leveraging Our Unique Global Manufacturing Network. We believe that our global manufacturing network provides us with competitive advantages in product quality, product costs, timely and reliable delivery, and operational flexibility to adjust product mix to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of segments and customers.
We continue to leverage our network to seek to achieve significant increases in throughput generated from our existing assets, through productivity improvements, capital expenditures, and other efficiency initiatives. We believe we can further exploit our network by focusing our technical and customer service capabilities on:
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the increasing number of large global customers created by the consolidation trend within the steel industry, to whom we believe we are well positioned to offer products that meet their volume, product quality, product mix, delivery reliability and service needs at competitive prices; and
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customers in targeted segments where we have competitive advantages to meet identified customer needs due to the range and quality of our products, the utilization of our capacity, the value of our customer technical service and our low cost supplier advantage.
We sell our products in every major geographic region. Sales of our products to buyers outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 80% of net sales in 2010, approximately 73% of net sales in 2011 and approximately 70% of net sales in 2012. No single customer or group of affiliated customers accounted for more than 10% of our total net sales in 2010, 2011 or 2012.
Driving Continuous Improvement with LEAN and Six Sigma. We believe a consistent focus on our customers and diligence towards aligning our processes to satisfy these customers is essential in today’s global market. We have undertaken a comprehensive launch of LEAN and Six Sigma with dedicated resources at all of our key manufacturing plants intended to create a common language and tool set centering around LEAN and Six Sigma.
Our focus on waste reduction using a team approach creates knowledge at all levels of the organization. Concentrating on creating flow within processes enables us to capitalize on lower inventories while still maintaining a high percentage of on-time-delivery. At year end 2011 and continuing through 2012, we experienced increases in inventory levels resulting from lower sales volumes driven by reduced demand for our products as well as from contractually obligated raw material purchases. During 2012, we reduced operating rates at certain of our manufacturing facilities to better align with customer demand. We expect to reduce inventory levels over the next 12 months. Our metric driven behavior and process of deploying corrective actions to anomalies drives us towards customer centric solutions.
We believe we will be able to continue to leverage our stream-lined processes as a sustainable competitive advantage with shorter lead times, lower costs, higher quality products, and exceptional service. We are applying these methodologies and tools to not only our manufacturing processes; but also to our transactional and business processes such as accounts receivable, new product introduction, and cash forecasting in order to develop a high-performing value stream.
Accelerating Commercialization of Advantaged Technologies. We believe that our technological capabilities for developing products with superior thermal, electrical and physical characteristics provide us with a potential growth opportunity as well as a competitive advantage. We exploit these capabilities and our intellectual property portfolio to accelerate development and commercialization of these technologies across all of our businesses, to improve existing products, and to develop and commercialize new products for higher growth rate areas such as electronic thermal management technologies. We have received R&D Magazine’s prestigious R&D 100 Award in seven of the past ten years. The R&D 100 Award honors the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace each year. We received this award in 2003 and 2004 for our achievements in electronic thermal management products, in 2005 for our large-diameter pinless graphite electrodes, in 2006 for GRAFOAM® carbon foam, a unique high strength, light weight carbon foam, in 2007 for GrafCell® flow field plates, a key component to the commercialization of fuel cells, in 2009 for our GRAFIHXtm Flexible Heat Exchangers, a graphite solution uniquely suited for radiant floor heating systems, and in 2011, for the eGRAF® Spreadershield SS1500™.
Delivering Exceptional and Consistent Quality. We believe that our products are among the highest quality products available in our industry. We have been recognized as a preferred or certified supplier by many major steel companies and have received numerous technological innovation and other awards by industry groups, customers and others. Using our technological capabilities, we continually seek to improve the consistent overall quality of our products and services, including the performance characteristics of each product, the uniformity of the same product manufactured at different facilities and the expansion of the range of our products. We believe that improvements in overall quality create significant efficiencies and opportunities for us, provide us the opportunity to increase sales volumes and potential demand share, and create production efficiencies for our customers.
Providing Superior Technical Service. We believe that we are recognized as one of the industry leaders in providing value added technical services to customers for our major product lines. We have a large customer technical service organization, with supporting engineering and scientific groups with more than 250 engineers and specialists around the world, and we believe that we are recognized as one of the industry leaders in providing value added technical services to customers for our major product lines. A portion of these employees assist key steel and other metals customers in furnace applications, operations and upgrades to reduce energy consumption, improve raw material costs and increase output.
Maintaining Liquidity and Building Stockholder Value. We believe that our business strategies support our goal of growing revenues and operating income and maximizing the cash generated from operations. Maintaining liquidity remains a priority for us. As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Facility of $74.5 million, $300.0 million of Senior Notes, $164.2 million carrying value outstanding related to Senior Subordinated Notes, and cash and cash equivalents of $17.3 million. As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Facility of $232.0 million, $153.4 million carrying value outstanding related to Senior Subordinated Notes, and cash and cash equivalents of $12.4 million.
We continually review our assets, product lines and businesses to seek out opportunities to maximize value, through re-deployment, merger, acquisition, divestiture or other means, which could include taking on more debt or issuing more equity. We may at any time buy or sell assets, product lines or businesses.
Production Planning
We plan and source production of our products globally. We have evaluated virtually every aspect of our global supply chain, and we have redesigned and implemented changes to our global manufacturing, marketing and sales processes to leverage the strengths of our repositioned manufacturing network. Among other things, we have reduced manufacturing bottlenecks, improved product and service quality and delivery reliability, expanded our range of products, and improved our global sourcing for our customers.
We deploy synchronous work processes at most of our manufacturing facilities. We have also installed and continue to install and upgrade proprietary process technologies at our manufacturing facilities, and use statistical process controls in our manufacturing processes for all products, and employ LEAN processing improvement techniques.
Our global manufacturing network also helps us to minimize risks associated with dependence on any single economic region.
Manufacturing
Graphite Electrode Products. The manufacture of a graphite electrode takes, on average, about two months. We manufacture graphite electrodes ranging in size up to 30 inches in diameter and over 11 feet in length, and weighing as much as 5,900 pounds (2.6 metric tons). The manufacture of graphite electrodes includes six main processes: forming the electrode, baking the electrode, impregnating the electrode with a special pitch that improves the strength, rebaking the electrode, graphitizing the electrode using electric resistance furnaces, and machining.
We manufacture graphite electrodes in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, France and Spain. We have an electrode machining center in Russia.
Refractory Products. Refractory bricks are manufactured in the United States, using a proprietary process. We have two primary grades of refractory products. The manufacture of a refractory block begins with the mixing and blending of the raw materials. The raw materials are fed into molds and pressed into shape. Intense heat and pressure are then applied. The bricks are cooled and then cut into the desired shapes. Our bricks are generally
smaller than our competitors’ products. We believe our smaller brick size creates an easier installation process compared to larger bricks. We manufacture refractory bricks into sizes up to 18 inches, although we can manufacture bricks into a multitude of sizes and shapes to meet the needs of our customers.
Petroleum Needle Coke and Coke Products. Petroleum needle coke is produced through a manufacturing process very similar to a refinery. The production process converts decant oil into petroleum needle coke shaped in a needle-like structure. Pitch needle coke is produced using coal-tar pitch. We produce petroleum needle coke at one manufacturing facility in the U.S.
Advanced Electronics Technology (formerly known as Natural Graphite Products). We use a proprietary process to convert mined natural graphite flake into expandable graphite, an intermediate product. We manufacture flexible graphite by subjecting expandable graphite to additional proprietary processing. Our Advanced Electronics Technology business operates two manufacturing facilities in the U.S. We believe that we operate one of the world’s most technologically sophisticated advanced natural graphite production lines.
Advanced Graphite Materials. Advanced graphite materials are manufactured using processes and technologies similar to those of graphite electrodes. Manufacturing lead times range between four to twelve months for most products and depend on the specific material properties that are needed to be imparted in the final billet. After the forming, baking, impregnation, rebaking and graphitization steps, the billets are either dressed and sold as raw stock or are machined into custom parts against proprietary specifications supplied by our customers. We produce advanced graphite materials in the United States, South Africa, Brazil, France and Italy.
Advanced Composite Materials. Advanced composite materials are primarily manufactured using a 2 or 3-dimensional carbon-fiber-composite weaving process. The 2-dimensional weaving process uses two sets of yarn woven into an X-Y plane. The fibers are placed (uni-directional materials) or interwoven (fabrics) to create a single thickness using conventional weaving equipment. This results in a sheet-like fabric which is then stacked upon itself
to the desired thickness. The 3-dimensional weaving process uses two sets of yarn woven in the fabric-width and length directions (X-Y) and a third yarn woven into the fabric thickness (Axial or Z direction) using specialty weaving equipment. This process results in a volumetric solid with yarns reinforcing both the planar and axial (Z) directions. Advanced composite materials are manufactured in three U.S. facilities.
Advanced Materials. We manufacture primary synthetic graphite powders, natural flake graphite powders, coke powders, and various other carbon/graphite powder derivatives. We manufacture advanced materials in both Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions locations in the United States, South Africa, Brazil, France, Mexico, and Italy, with some final processing done in the United States.
Quality Standards and Maintenance. Most of our global manufacturing facilities are certified and registered to ISO 9001-2008 international quality standards and some are certified to QS 9001-2008. Advanced electronics technology has a quality assurance system designed to meet the most stringent requirements of its customers and is ISO TS 16949:2009 certified. Maintenance at our facilities is conducted on an ongoing basis.
Raw Materials and Suppliers. The primary raw materials for electrodes are engineered by-products and residues of the petroleum and coal industries. We use these raw materials because of their high carbon content. The primary raw materials for graphite electrodes are calcined needle coke and pitch. We purchase raw materials from a variety of sources and believe that the quality and cost of our raw materials on the whole is competitive with those available to our competitors.
We are parties to contracts with ConocoPhillips through December 2013 for the supply of petroleum needle coke, our primary raw material used in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. The agreements provide for quantities of needle coke which we believe, together with needle coke that we source from Seadrift and other sources, are sufficient for our requirements as currently forecast. These supply agreements also contain customary terms and conditions including annual price negotiations, dispute resolution and termination provisions.
We have firm price contracts for substantially all of our 2013 needle coke requirements. Seadrift currently provides a substantial portion of our needle coke requirements.
Raw materials for refractory products are primarily sourced internally and from a variety of third parties. The primary raw material used in refractory products is crushed graphite.
The primary raw material used by Seadrift to make petroleum needle coke is decant oil, a by-product of the gasoline refining process. Seadrift is not dependent on any single refinery for decant oil. While Seadrift has purchased a substantial majority of its raw material inventory from a limited number of suppliers in recent years, we believe that there is an abundant supply of suitable decant oil in the United States available from a variety of sources.
We purchase energy from a variety of sources. Electric power used in manufacturing processes is purchased from local suppliers under contracts with pricing based on rate schedules or price indices. Our electric costs can vary significantly depending on these rates and usage. Natural gas used in manufacturing processes is purchased from local suppliers primarily under annual volume contracts with pricing based on various natural gas price indices.
Distribution
We deploy various demand management and inventory management techniques to seek to ensure we can meet our customers’ delivery requirements while still maximizing the utilization of our production capacity. We can experience significant variation in our customers’ delivery requirements as their specific needs vary and change through the year. We generally seek to maintain appropriate inventory levels, taking into account these factors as well as the significant differences in manufacturing cycle times for graphite electrode products and our customers’ products.
Finished products are usually stored at our manufacturing facilities. Limited quantities of some finished products are also stored at local warehouses around the world to meet customer needs.
Sales and Customer Service
We believe our product quality, our global manufacturing network and our low cost structure allow us to deliver a broad range of product offerings across various segments. We differentiate and sell the value of our product offerings, depending on the segment or specific product application, primarily based on product quality and performance, delivery reliability, price, and customer technical service.
We price our products based on the value that we believe we deliver to our customers. Pricing may vary within any given industry, depending on the segment within that industry and the value of the offer to a specific customer. We believe that we can achieve increased competitiveness, customer demand, and profitability through our value added offerings to customers. In certain segments where the product is less differentiated, these value added offerings have less impact on our competitiveness.
We have a large customer technical service organization, with supporting application engineering and scientific groups and more than 250 engineers and specialists around the world, and we believe that we are recognized as one of the industry leaders in providing value added technical services to customers for our major product lines.
We deploy these selling methods and our customer technical service to address the specific needs of all products. Our direct sales force operates from 15 sales offices located around the world.
Industrial Materials. We sell our Industrial Materials segment products primarily through our direct sales force, independent sales representatives and distributors, all of whom are trained and experienced with our products.
Historically, our graphite electrode customers generally seek to negotiate to secure the reliable supply of their anticipated volume requirements on an annual basis, sometimes called the “graphite electrode book building process”. These orders are subject to renegotiation or adjustment to meet changing conditions. The remainder of our graphite electrode customers purchase their electrodes as needed at then current market prices.
We have customer technical service personnel based around the world to assist customers to maximize their production and minimize their costs. We employ about 140 engineers and technicians in our Industrial Materials segment, a portion of who provide technical service and advice to key steel and other metals customers. These services relate to furnace applications and operation, as well as furnace upgrades to reduce energy consumption, improve raw material costs and increase output.
Engineered Solutions. We sell our Engineered Solutions segment products using direct employees and independent sales representatives and distributors in all major geographic regions of the world including North and South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The majority of our products are custom built to customer specifications after an iterative review process between the customer's engineers and our sales and technical service employees. Our sales personnel are trained and experienced with the products they sell. We provide technical service to our customers through dedicated technical service engineers who operate out of our North American facilities, European facilities and Asian offices. We believe that our technical service differentiates us from our competition and take pride in our ability to support the technical requirements of our customers.
Technology
We believe that we are an industry leader in graphite and carbon materials science and high temperature processing know-how and that we operate premier research, development and testing facilities for our industry. We have over 125 years of experience in the research and development of graphite and carbon technologies. Over the past several years, we have analyzed our intellectual property portfolio to identify new product opportunities with high growth potential for us, redirected research to enhance and exploit our portfolio and accelerated development of such products.
Research and Development. We conduct our research and development both independently and in conjunction with our strategic suppliers, customers and others. We have a dedicated technology center located at our corporate headquarters in Ohio, which focuses on all products. We also have a pilot plant that has the capability to produce small or trial quantities of new or improved graphite products, to accelerate scale-up and market entry. In addition, we have a state-of-the-art testing facility located at our headquarters capable of conducting physical and analytical testing for those products. The activities at these centers and facilities are integrated with the efforts of our engineers at our manufacturing facilities who are focused on improving manufacturing processes.
Research and development expenses amounted to $12.2 million, $14.0 million and $13.8 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
We believe that our technological and manufacturing strengths and capabilities provide us with a significant growth opportunity as well as a competitive advantage and are important factors in the selection of us by industry leaders and others as a strategic partner. Our technological capabilities include developing products with superior thermal, electrical and physical characteristics that provide a differentiating advantage. We seek to exploit these
strengths and capabilities across all of our businesses, to improve existing products and to develop and commercialize new products with high growth potential.
A significant portion of our research and development is focused on new product development, particularly engineered solutions for advanced energy applications such as solar silicon manufacturing, electronic thermal management, energy storage and generation. Other significant work focuses on advancements in electrode technology and raw material optimization.
Intellectual Property. We believe that our intellectual property, consisting primarily of patents and proprietary know-how, provides us with competitive advantages and is important to our growth opportunities. Our intellectual property portfolio is extensive, with approximately 733 U.S. and foreign patents and published patent applications which are carbon and graphite related, which we believe is more than any of our major competitors (in the business segments in which we operate). Among our competitors, we hold one of the largest number of patents for flexible graphite, as well as the largest number of patents relating to the use of natural graphite for certain fuel cell applications. These patents expire at various times over the next two decades.
We own, and have obtained licenses to, various trade names and trademarks used in our businesses. For example, the trade name and trademark UCAR are owned by Union Carbide Corporation (which has been acquired by Dow Chemical Company) and are licensed to us on a worldwide, exclusive and royalty-free basis until 2025. This particular license automatically renews for successive ten-year periods. It permits non-renewal by Union Carbide in 2025 or at the end of any renewal period upon five years’ notice of non-renewal.
We rely on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws as well as appropriate agreements to protect our intellectual property. Among other things, we seek to protect our proprietary know-how and information, through the requirement that employees, consultants, strategic partners and others, who have access to such proprietary information and know-how, enter into confidentiality or restricted use agreements.
Competition
Industrial Materials. Competition in the Industrial Materials segment is intense and is based primarily on product differentiation and quality, delivery reliability, price, and customer service, depending on the segment or specific product application.
In the most demanding product applications (that is, graphite electrodes that can operate in the largest, most productive and demanding EAF steel mills in the world), we compete primarily on product quality, delivery reliability, and customer technical service. We believe these are prerequisite capabilities that not all producers of graphite electrodes possess or can demonstrate consistently. In this segment, we primarily compete with higher quality graphite electrode producers, although this segment of the graphite electrode demand has become increasingly competitive in recent years as graphite electrode producers have improved the quality of their offerings and become qualified suppliers to some of the largest and most sophisticated EAF customers.
In other product applications, including ladle furnaces requiring less demanding performance and certain other ferrous and non-ferrous segments, we compete based on product differentiation, product quality and price. We believe our product quality, global manufacturing network, proximity to regional and local customers and the related lower cost structure allows us to deliver a broad range of product offerings across these various segments.
We believe that there are no current commercially viable substitutes for graphite electrodes in EAF steel production.
Our refractory products business competes based on product quality, useful life, and technology. We believe our proprietary hot press process and the smaller shape of our refractory bricks provides a more diverse product that is easier to install than larger refractory bricks.
We believe that there are certain cost and technology barriers to entry into our industry, including the need for extensive product and process know-how and other intellectual property and a high initial capital investment. It also requires high quality raw material sources and a developed energy supply infrastructure. However, competing manufacturers, particularly Chinese manufacturers, have been able to expand their sales and manufacturing geographically.
There are a number of international graphite electrode producers, including SGL Carbon A.G. (Germany), Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. (Japan), Showa Denko Carbon K.K. (Japan), Graphite India Limited (India), HEG Limited (India), SEC Corporation Limited (Japan), Nippon Carbon Co., Ltd. (Japan), Energoprom Group (Russia), Beijing FangDa Carbon Tech Co. Ltd. (China) and Sinosteel Corporation (China), as well as a number of others which are in China.
All graphite electrode manufacturers, even those without multinational manufacturing operations, are capable of, and many in fact are, supplying their products globally, and are experiencing increased competition from Indian, Russian and Chinese graphite electrode manufacturers. The Chinese government has strongly supported and invested heavily in industrial expansion in recent years and continues to do so. As a part of this expansion, Chinese production of graphite electrodes has increased and the quality of the electrodes produced in China has improved. The Chinese policy of maintaining a fixed rate of exchange of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar may provide Chinese producers with a competitive advantage with respect to exports of graphite electrodes.
Coke represents a significant portion of the cost to produce a graphite electrode. Competition in the needle coke industry is based primarily on price, reliability and product specifications. Our Seadrift facility competes primarily on the specifications and price of its needle coke. In 2012, our Seadrift production team collaborated with scientists from our Engineered Solutions segment to develop a super-premium grade of needle coke that we have successfully commercialized and which Seadrift has begun selling to third parties.
We believe there are currently approximately ten other firms producing needle coke. These competitors include Phillips 66, Petrocokes Japan Limited (Japan), Mitsubishi Chemical Company, Baosteel Group (China), C-Chem Co., Ltd. (Japan), Indian Oil Company Limited, Hongte Chemical Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. (China), JX Holdings Inc. (Japan), Petrochina International Jinzhou Co., Ltd. (China) and Sinosteel Anshan Research Institute of Thermo-Energy Co. Ltd. (China).
Engineered Solutions. Competitors of our Engineered Solutions segment compete on product differentiation and innovation, quality, price, delivery reliability and customer service depending on the specific demands or product applications.
We believe we are the technology leader within the segments we participate in, and we differentiate ourselves based on our ability to provide customers with a solution that gives them one of the lowest total operational costs in meeting their product manufacturing needs. We achieve this by using our extensive product, process and application knowledge.
We believe there are certain barriers to entry into this industry, including the need for extensive product and process know-how, intellectual property and a high initial capital investment.
We compete with other major specialty graphite competitors who manufacture and sell on a global basis. These competitors include SGL Carbon A.G. (Germany), Mersen S.A. (France), Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. (Japan), Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd. (Japan), SEC Carbon Ltd. (Japan), Nippon Carbon Co. Ltd (Japan) and Graphite India Ltd. (India) and several other competitors, a number of which are in China and Japan. We also compete with Panasonic Corporation (Japan), and Kaneka Corporation (Japan) in certain thermal management markets.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to a wide variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations that govern our properties, neighboring properties, and our current and former operations worldwide. These laws and regulations relate to the presence, use, storage, handling, generation, treatment, emission, release, discharge and disposal of wastes and other substances, including the packaging, labeling and transportation of products that are defined as hazardous or toxic or otherwise believed to have potential to harm the environment or human health. These laws and regulations (and the enforcement thereof) are periodically changed and are becoming increasingly stringent. We have incurred costs in the past, and will continue to incur additional costs in the future, to comply with these legal requirements.
The principal U.S. laws to which our properties and operations are subject include:
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the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and similar state and local laws which regulate air emissions, water discharges and hazardous waste generation, treatment, storage, handling, transportation and disposal;
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the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002, and similar state laws that provide for the reporting of, responses to and liability for, releases of hazardous substances into the environment; and
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the Toxic Substances Control Act and related laws that are designed to track and control chemicals that are produced or imported into the United States and assess the risk to health and to the environment of new products at early developmental stages.
Further, laws and regulations adopted or proposed in various states impose or may impose, as the case may be, environmental monitoring, reporting and/or remediation requirements if operations cease or property is transferred or sold.
We believe that we are currently in material compliance with the federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject. We have experienced some level of regulatory scrutiny at most of our current and former facilities and, in some cases, have been required to take corrective or remedial actions and incur related costs in the past, and may experience further regulatory scrutiny, and may be required to take further corrective or remedial actions and incur additional costs, in the future. Although it has not been the case in the past, these costs could have a material adverse effect on us in the future.
We have received and may in the future receive notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) or state environmental protection agencies, as well as claims from other parties, alleging that we are a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under Superfund and similar state laws for past and future remediation costs at waste disposal sites and other contaminated properties. Although Superfund liability is joint and several, in general, final allocation of responsibility at sites where there are multiple PRPs is made based on each PRP's relative contribution of hazardous substances to the site. Based on information currently available to us, we believe that any potential liability we may have as a PRP will not have a material adverse effect on us.
As a result of amendments to the Clean Air Act enacted in 1990, certain of our U.S. facilities have been or will be required to comply with new reporting requirements and standards for air emissions that have been or may be adopted by the U.S. EPA and state environmental protection agencies pursuant to new and revised regulations that have been or could be promulgated, including the possible promulgation of future maximum achievable control technology standards that apply specifically to our manufacturing sector(s), or more generally to our operation(s) or equipment. Achieving compliance with the regulations that have been promulgated to date has resulted in the need for additional administrative and engineered controls, changes to certain manufacturing processes, and increased monitoring and reporting obligations. Similar foreign laws and regulations have been or may also be adopted to establish new standards for air emissions, which may also require additional controls on our manufacturing operations outside the U.S. Based on information currently available to us, we believe that compliance with these regulations will not have a material adverse effect on us.
As mentioned, our manufacturing operations located outside of the U.S. are also subject to their national and local laws and regulations related to environmental protection and product safety. Under the European Union's (“EU”) regulations concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (commonly referred to as “REACH”), enacted in 2007, manufacturers within the EU and importers into the EU of certain chemical substances are required to register and evaluate the potential impacts of those substances on human health and the environment. Under REACH, the continued importation into the EU, manufacture and/or use of certain chemical substances may be restricted, and manufacturers and importers of certain chemicals will be required to undertake evaluations of those substances. The requirements of REACH are being phased in over a period of years, and compliance is requiring and will continue to require expenditures and resource commitments. Based on information currently available to us, we believe that compliance with these regulations will not have a material adverse effect on us.
International accords, foreign laws and regulations, and U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations are increasingly being enacted to address concerns about the effects that carbon dioxide emissions and other identified greenhouse gases (“GHG”) may have on the environment and climate worldwide. These effects are widely referred to as Climate Change. Some members of the international community have taken actions in the past to address Climate Change issues on a global basis. The 1997 international Kyoto Protocol set binding GHG emission reduction targets for the participating industrialized countries. Members of the international community have been meeting since 2007 to negotiate a future treaty to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which was scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. In December 2012, at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, an agreement was reached to extend the Protocol to 2020 and to set a date of 2015 for the development of a successor document, to be implemented from 2020.
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (“EU ETS”) enacted under the provisions of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol requires certain listed energy-intensive industries to participate in an international “cap and trade” system of GHG emission allowances. A third phase of the EU ETS started in January 2013 under Directive 2009/29/EC, which instituted a number of program changes. EU Member States brought into force the necessary laws, regulations and administrative provisions to comply with this EU Directive. Carbon and graphite manufacturing is still not a covered industry sector in the revised Annex 1 of this Directive. However, one or more of our European manufacturing operations may be required to comply with these provisions under a more general fuel combustion category, if their combustion units
meet the applicability levels. If subject to these provisions, one or more of our operations may be eligible to receive free carbon dioxide emission allowances under the member state allocation program.
In 2012, the U.S., as well as Japan, Russia, Canada and New Zealand, indicated they would not join a second Kyoto Treaty commitment period. However, it is possible that the U.S. would sign an international Climate Change treaty or enact national Climate Change legislation in the future to reduce the quantity of national GHG emissions in accordance with established goals and deadlines. One or more of our U.S. facilities could be covered by such new legislation and we could incur additional compliance obligations and related expenses.
In 2009, a Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule was issued by the U.S. EPA, which requires facilities with specified GHG sources that emit over the annual threshold quantities to monitor and report their GHG emissions annually. In addition, corporations that are large suppliers of petroleum products (including, by definition, importers and exporters that exceed the annual GHG threshold quantities) must also submit an annual activity report to the U.S. EPA. Some of our operations are covered under this Rule, and we believe that we have the necessary administrative systems in place to comply with the requirements. Under various other foreign and U.S. state regulations, we are currently required to report certain GHG emissions to the pertinent authorities. Furthermore, in December 2009, the U.S. EPA issued an “endangerment and cause or contribute finding” for GHG, under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, allowing it to issue new rules that directly regulate GHG emissions under the existing federal New Source Review, Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit programs. In May 2010, the U.S. EPA set GHG emissions thresholds to define when permits under these programs are required for new and existing industrial facilities. Under these programs, new or significantly modified facilities must also use best available control technologies to minimize GHG emissions. Therefore, we may incur future expenses to modify our air permits, implement additional administrative and engineered controls, invest in capital improvements, and/or make changes in certain manufacturing processes at our U.S. facilities to achieve compliance with these regulations or to expand our operations.
Based on information currently available to us, we believe that compliance with international accords, U.S. and foreign laws and regulations concerning Climate Change which have been promulgated, or that could be promulgated in the future, will not have a material adverse effect on us.
We have sold or closed a number of facilities that had operated solid waste management units on-site. In most cases where we divested the properties, we have retained ownership of on-site landfills. When our landfills were or are to be sold, we obtained or seek to obtain financial assurance we believe to be adequate to protect us from any potential future liability associated with these landfills. When we have closed landfills, we believe that we have done so in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations. We continue to monitor and these landfills and observe any reporting obligations we may have with respect to them pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. To date, the costs associated with the retained landfills have not been, and we do not anticipate that future costs will be, material to us.
Estimates of future costs for compliance with U.S. and foreign environmental protection laws and regulations, and for environmental liabilities, are necessarily imprecise due to numerous uncertainties, including the impact of potential new laws and regulations, the availability and application of new and diverse technologies, the extent of insurance coverage, the potential discovery of contaminated properties, or the identification of new hazardous substance disposal sites at which we may be a PRP and, in the case of sites subject to Superfund and similar state and foreign laws, the final determination of remedial requirements and the ultimate allocation of costs among the PRPs. Subject to the inherent imprecision in estimating such future costs, but taking into consideration our experience to date regarding environmental matters of a similar nature and facts currently known, we estimate that our costs and capital expenditures (in each case, before adjustment for inflation) for environmental protection regulatory compliance programs and for remedial response actions will not increase materially over the next several years.
Furthermore, we establish accruals for environmental liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been or will be incurred, and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. We adjust the accrual as new remedial actions or other commitments are made, and when new information becomes available that changes the prior estimates previously made.
Insurance
We maintain insurance against civil liabilities relating to personal injuries to third parties, for loss of or damage to property, for business interruptions and for environmental matters, that provides coverage, subject to the applicable coverage limits, deductibles and retentions, and exclusions, that we believe are appropriate upon terms and conditions
and for premiums that we consider fair and reasonable in the circumstances. We cannot assure you, however, that we will not incur losses beyond the limits of or outside the coverage of our insurance.
Employees
As of December 31, 2012, we had 2,990 employees (excluding contractors), a decrease of 293 employees from December 31, 2011. A total of 535 employees were in Europe (including Russia), 823 were in Mexico and Brazil, 387 were in South Africa, 1 was in Canada, 1,223 were in the U.S. and 21 were in the Asia Pacific region. As of December 31, 2012, 1,716 of our employees were hourly employees.
As of December 31, 2012, approximately 47% of our worldwide employees were covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements, which expire at various times in each of the next several years. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 1,057 employees, or 35% of our employees, were covered by agreements which expire, or are subject to renegotiation, at various times through December 31, 2013. We believe that, in general, our relationships with our unions are satisfactory and that we will be able to renew or extend our collective bargaining or similar agreements on reasonable terms as they expire. We cannot assure, however, that renewed or extended agreements will be reached without a work stoppage or strike or will be reached on terms satisfactory to us.
We have not had any material work stoppages or strikes during the past decade.
Item 1A.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
An investment in our securities involves significant risks. You should carefully read all of the information included in this report and carefully consider, among other matters, the following risk factors, as well as any discussed under Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.” If any of the conditions or events described in the following risk factors were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or growth prospects could be affected materially and adversely. In that case, the market price of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, individually or in the aggregate, may also impair our business operations.
RISKS RELATING TO US
A downturn in global economic conditions may materially adversely affect our business.
While the global recovery continues, the pace of recovery remains sluggish and uneven geographically. Downside risks remain, including high unemployment, reduced consumer spending, high deficit spending by governments, turbulent financial markets (particularly in the euro area), tighter monetary policies (particularly in emerging markets) and continuing uncertainty over U.S. fiscal policy, commonly referred to as the “fiscal cliff.” Although the U.S. Congress recently took action to avert certain of the immediate tax concerns associated with the fiscal cliff, it only delayed potential U.S. government spending cuts known as sequestration. Continued uncertainty concerning U.S. fiscal policy is likely to continue to adversely affect global economic activity which may adversely affect demand for our products.
As more fully described under “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we are currently facing a challenging environment for our products, particularly our Industrial Materials products, as a result of global economic conditions.
The International Monetary Fund reported GDP growth figures for 2012 at approximately 3.2%. We believe that in the graphite electrode markets the capacity utilization rate was approximately 83% in 2011 and 73% in 2012. While improved compared to 2009 levels, these lower capacity utilization rates may continue to be driven by a challenging environment for our customers which would negatively impact demand for our Industrial Materials products and may adversely affect our results of operations for 2013.
We are dependent on the global steel industry and also sell products used in the transportation, semiconductor, solar, petrochemical, electronics, and other industries which are susceptible to global and regional economic downturns.
We sell our Industrial Materials products, which accounted for about 82% of our total net sales in 2012, primarily to the EAF steel production industry. Many of our other products are sold primarily to the electronics, transportation, alternative energy, and oil and gas exploration industries. These are global basic industries, and they are experiencing various degrees of contraction, growth and consolidation. Customers in these industries are located in every major geographic region. As a result, our customers are affected by changes in global and regional economic conditions. This, in turn, affects overall demand and prices for our products sold to these industries. As a result of changes in economic conditions, demand and pricing for our products sold to these industries has fluctuated and in some cases declined significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Demand for our products sold to these industries may be adversely affected by improvements in our products as well as in the manufacturing operations of customers, which reduce the rate of consumption or use of our products. Our customers, including major steel producers, are experiencing and may continue to experience downturns or financial distress that could adversely impact our ability to collect our accounts receivable or to collect them on a timely basis.
Sales volumes and prices of our products sold to these industries are impacted by the supply/demand balance as well as overall changes in demand, excess capacity and growth of and consolidation within, the end markets for our products. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the supply/demand balance is affected by factors such as business cycles, rationalization, and increases in capacity and productivity initiatives within our industry and the end
markets for our products, and certain of such factors are affected by decisions by us. Changes in the supply/demand balance could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The steel industry, in particular, has historically been highly cyclical and is affected significantly by general economic conditions. Significant customers for the steel industry include companies in the automotive, construction, appliance, machinery, equipment and transportation industries, all of which continue to be affected by the general economic downturn and the deterioration in financial markets, including severely restricted liquidity and credit availability.
In addition, a continuation of the current difficult economic conditions may lead current or potential customers of our Engineered Solutions business to delay or reduce technology purchases or slow their adoption of new technologies. This may result in a continued reduction, or slower rate of recovery, of sales of our Engineered Solutions products and increased price competition, which could materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
Our indebtedness could limit our financial and operating activities, and adversely affect our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs.
As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $544.1 million of total indebtedness outstanding, including approximately $74.5 million of secured indebtedness outstanding under the Revolving Facility, $300.0 million of Senior Notes, and approximately $164.2 million ($200 million due at maturity in 2015) of Senior Subordinated Notes. Additionally, at December 31, 2012, we had approximately $468 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving facility (after considering financial covenants restrictions and the outstanding letters of credit of approximately $8.8 million).
. This substantial amount of indebtedness could:
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to the payment of principal and interest, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and future business opportunities;
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes, including our repurchase obligations;
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limit our ability to borrow additional money if needed for other purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes, on satisfactory terms or at all;
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limit our ability to adjust to changing economic, business and competitive conditions;
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place us at a competitive disadvantage with competitors who may have less indebtedness or greater access to financing;
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make us more vulnerable to an increase in interests rates, a downturn in our operating performance or a decline in general economic conditions; and
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make us more susceptible to changes in credit ratings, which could impact our ability to obtain financing in the future and increase the cost of such financing.
If compliance with our debt obligations under the Revolving Facility materially limits our financial or operating activities, or hinders our ability to adapt to changing industry conditions, we may lose market share, our revenue may decline and our operating results may be negatively affected.
The terms of the Revolving Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes include covenants that could restrict or limit our financial and business operations.
The Revolving Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes contain a number of restrictive covenants that, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, restrict or limit GTI's ability and the ability of GTI's subsidiaries to, among other things:
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incur, repay or refinance indebtedness;
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create liens on or sell our assets;
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engage in certain fundamental corporate changes or changes to our business activities;
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make investments or engage in mergers or acquisitions;
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engage in sale-leaseback transactions;
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pay dividends or repurchase stock;
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engage in certain affiliate transactions;
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enter into agreements or otherwise restrict GTI's subsidiaries from making distributions or paying dividends to the borrowers under the Revolving Facility; and
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repay intercompany indebtedness owed to GTI or make distributions or pay dividends to GTI.
The Revolving Facility also contains certain affirmative covenants and requires us to comply with financial coverage ratios regarding both our cash interest expense and our senior secured debt relative to our EBITDA (as defined in the Revolving Facility).
These covenants and restrictions could affect our ability to operate our business, and may limit our ability to react to market conditions or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Additionally, our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including general economic and credit conditions and industry downturns.
If we fail to comply with the covenants in the Revolving Facility and are unable to obtain a waiver, or amendment, an event of default would result, and the lenders could, among other things, declare outstanding amounts due and payable, refuse to lend additional amounts to us, require deposit of cash collateral in respect of outstanding letters of credit, or refuse to waive any restrictive covenants in the Revolving Facility, including the restriction which prohibits dividends and distributions from GTI's subsidiaries to GTI to fund payment of indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, during a default or event of default. If we were unable to repay or pay the amounts due, the lenders could, among other things, proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness, which includes substantially all of the assets of GTI and its U.S. subsidiaries and certain assets of certain of GTI's foreign subsidiaries.
Our cash flows may not be sufficient to service our indebtedness, and if we are unable to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, we may be required to seek other financing alternatives, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make timely payments of principal and interest on our debt obligations, including the Senior Notes and our obligations under the Revolving Facility, depends on our ability to generate positive cash flows from operations, which is subject to general economic conditions, competitive pressures and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to make these payments, we may be required to seek additional financing sources, reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets or operations or refinance our indebtedness. These actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to take any of these actions, and, even if successful, these actions may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance the debt under the Revolving Facility will depend on, among other things, the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. There can be no assurance that we will be able to restructure or refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and the outstanding principal and interest on our debt could be declared to be due and payable, in which case we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation or required to substantially restructure or alter our business operations or debt obligations.
Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a variable rate, which subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
All of our borrowings under the Revolving Facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on this variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same.
We may not be able to raise the funds necessary to finance a change of control repurchase.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control repurchase event under the indenture governing the Senior Notes, holders of Senior Notes may require us to purchase their Senior Notes. However, it is possible that we would not have sufficient funds at that time to make the required purchase of Senior Notes. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient financial resources, or will be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price in cash with respect to any Senior Notes tendered by holders for repurchase upon a change of control. Our failure to repurchase the Senior Notes when required would result in an event of default under the indenture governing the Senior Notes which could, in turn, constitute a default under the terms of our other indebtedness, if any.
The terms of the Revolving Facility include covenants that could restrict or limit our ability to repurchase the Senior Notes in a change of control repurchase event.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control repurchase event under the indenture governing the Senior Notes, holders of Senior Notes may require us to purchase their Senior Notes. The Revolving Facility contains a restrictive covenant on the repurchase or retirement of indebtedness, which could limit or restrict our ability to make the required repurchase of Senior Notes. If the repurchase of Senior Notes does violate covenants in the Revolving Facility and if we are unable to obtain a waiver or amendment, an event of default would occur if we repurchased the Senior Notes, and the lenders under the Revolving Facility could, among other things, declare outstanding amounts thereunder due and payable, refuse to lend additional amounts to us, and require a deposit of cash collateral in respect of outstanding letters of credit. If we were unable to repay or pay the amounts due, the lenders could, among things, proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness, which includes substantially all of the assets of GTI and GTI's U.S. subsidiaries and certain assets of certain of GTI's foreign subsidiaries.
A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Any rating assigned to our debt could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency's judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Any future lowering of our ratings likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing.
Disruptions in the capital and credit markets, which may continue indefinitely or intensify, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, or those of our customers and suppliers.
Disruptions in the capital and credit markets may adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, or those of our customers and suppliers. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to liquidity needed to conduct or expand our businesses or conduct acquisitions or make other discretionary investments, as well as our ability to effectively hedge our currency or interest rate risks and exposures. Such disruptions may also adversely impact the capital needs of our customers and suppliers, which, in turn, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We are subject to risks associated with operations in multiple countries.
A substantial majority of our net sales are derived from sales outside the U.S., and a majority of our operations and our total property, plant and equipment and other long- lived assets are located outside the U.S. As a result, we are subject to risks associated with operating in multiple countries, including:
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currency devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates, including impacts of transactions in various currencies, impact on translation of various currencies into dollars for U.S. reporting and financial covenant compliance purposes, and impacts on results of operations due to the fact that costs of our foreign subsidiaries are primarily incurred in local currencies while their products are primarily sold in dollars and euros;
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imposition of or increases in customs duties and other tariffs;
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imposition of or increases in currency exchange controls, including imposition of or increases in limitations on conversion of various currencies into dollars, euros, or other currencies, making of intercompany loans by subsidiaries or remittance of dividends, interest or principal payments or other payments by subsidiaries;
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imposition of or increases in revenue, income or earnings taxes and withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;
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imposition of or increases in investment or trade restrictions by the U.S. or by non-U.S. governments or trade sanctions adopted by the U.S.;
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inability to definitively determine or satisfy legal requirements, inability to effectively enforce contract or legal rights and inability to obtain complete financial or other information under local legal, judicial, regulatory, disclosure and other systems; and
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nationalization or expropriation of assets, and other risks which could result from a change in government or government policy, or from other political, social or economic instability.
We cannot assure you that such risks will not have a material adverse effect on us or that we would be able to mitigate such material adverse effects in the future.
In addition to the factors noted above, our results of operations and financial condition are affected by inflation, deflation and stagflation in each country in which we have a manufacturing facility. We cannot assure you that future increases in our costs will not exceed the rate of inflation or the amounts, if any, by which we may be able to increase prices for our products.
Our ability to grow and compete effectively depends on protecting our intellectual property. Failure to protect our intellectual property could adversely affect us.
We believe that our intellectual property, consisting primarily of patents and proprietary know-how and information, is important to our growth. Failure to protect our intellectual property may result in the loss of the exclusive right to use our technologies. We rely on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws and confidentiality and restricted use agreements to protect our intellectual property. Some of our intellectual property is not covered by any patent or patent application or any such agreement.
Patents are subject to complex factual and legal considerations. Accordingly, there can be uncertainty as to the validity, scope and enforceability of any particular patent. Therefore, we cannot assure you that:
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any of the U.S. or foreign patents now or hereafter owned by us, or that third parties have licensed to us or may in the future license to us, will not be circumvented, challenged or invalidated;
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any of the U.S. or foreign patents that third parties have non-exclusively licensed to us, or may non-exclusively license to us in the future, will not be licensed to others; or
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any of the patents for which we have applied or may in the future apply will be issued at all or with the breadth of claim coverage sought by us.
Moreover, patents, even if valid, only provide protection for a specified limited duration.
We cannot assure you that agreements designed to protect our proprietary know-how and information will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any such breach, or that our strategic alliance suppliers and customers, consultants, employees or others will not assert rights to intellectual property arising out of our relationships with them against us.
In addition, effective patent, trademark and trade secret protection may be limited, unavailable or not applied for in the U.S. or in any of the foreign countries in which we operate.
Further, we cannot assure you that the use of our patented technology or proprietary know-how or information does not infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
Intellectual property protection does not protect against technological obsolescence due to developments by others or changes in customer needs.
The protection of our intellectual property rights may be achieved, in part, by prosecuting claims against others whom we believe have misappropriated our technology or have infringed upon our intellectual property rights, as well as by defending against misappropriation or infringement claims brought by others against us. Our involvement in
litigation to protect or defend our rights in these areas could result in a significant expense to us, adversely affect the development of sales of the related products, and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, regardless of the outcome of such litigation.
If necessary, we may seek licenses to intellectual property of others. However, we can give no assurance to you that we will be able to obtain such licenses or that the terms of any such licenses will be acceptable to us. Our failure to obtain a license from a third party for its intellectual property that is necessary for us to make or sell any of our products could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and to suspend the manufacture or shipment of products or use of processes requiring the use of such intellectual property.
Our current and former manufacturing operations are subject to increasingly stringent health, safety and environmental requirements.
We use and generate hazardous substances in our manufacturing operations. In addition, both the properties on which we currently operate and those on which we have ceased operations are and have been used for industrial purposes. Further, our manufacturing operations involve risks of personal injury or death. We are subject to increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety laws and regulations relating to our current and former properties, neighboring properties, and our current raw materials, products, and operations. These laws and regulations provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations and sometimes require evaluation and registration or the installation of costly pollution control or safety equipment or costly changes in operations to limit pollution or decrease the likelihood of injuries. It is also possible that the impact of such regulations on our suppliers could affect the availability and cost of our raw materials. In addition, we may become subject to potential material liabilities for the investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties, for claims alleging personal injury or property damage resulting from exposure to or releases of hazardous substances, or for personal injury as a result of an unsafe workplace. Further, alleged noncompliance with or stricter enforcement of, or changes in interpretations of, existing laws and regulations, adoption of more stringent new laws and regulations, discovery of previously unknown contamination or imposition of new or increased requirements could require us to incur costs or become the basis of new or increased liabilities that could be material.
We may face risks related to greenhouse gas emission limitations and climate change.
There is growing scientific, political and public concern that emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHG”) are altering the atmosphere in ways that are affecting, and are expected to continue to affect, the global climate. Legislators, regulators and others, as well as many companies, are considering ways to reduce GHG emissions. GHG emissions are regulated in the European Union via an Emissions Trading Scheme (“ETS”), otherwise known as a “Cap and Trade” program. In the United States, environmental regulations issued in 2009 and 2010 require reporting of GHG emissions by defined industries, activities and suppliers, and regulate GHG as a pollutant covered under the New Source Review, Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) and Title V Operating Permit programs of the Clean Air Act Amendments. It is possible that some form of regulation of GHG emissions will also be forthcoming in other countries in which we operate or market our products. Regulation of GHG emissions could impose additional costs, both direct and indirect, on our business, and on the businesses of our customers and suppliers, such as increased energy and insurance rates, higher taxes, new environmental compliance program expenses, including capital improvements, environmental monitoring, and the purchase of emission credits, and other administrative costs necessary to comply with current requirements and potential future requirements or limitations that may be imposed, as well as other unforeseen or unknown costs. To the extent that similar requirements and limitations are not imposed globally, such regulation may impact our ability to compete with companies located in countries that do not have such requirements or do not impose such limitations. The company may also realize a change in competitive position relative to industry peers, changes in prices received for products sold, and changes to profit or loss arising from increased or decreased demand for products produced by the company. The impact of any future GHG regulatory requirements on our global business will be dependent upon the design of the regulatory schemes that are ultimately adopted and, as a result, we are unable to predict their significance to our operations at this point in time.
The potential physical impacts of climate change on the company's operations are uncertain and will likely be particular to the geographic circumstances. These physical impacts may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns, shortages of water or other natural resources, changing sea levels, and changing global average temperatures. For instance, our Seadrift facility and our Calais facility, are located in geographic areas less than 50 feet above sea level. As a result, any future rising sea levels could have an adverse impact on their operations and on their suppliers. Due to these uncertainties, any future physical effects of climate change may or may not adversely affect the operations at each of our production facilities, the availability of raw materials, the transportation of our products, the overall costs of conducting our business, and our financial performance.
We face certain litigation and legal proceedings risks that could harm our business.
We are involved in various product liability, occupational, environmental, and other legal claims, demands, lawsuits and other proceedings arising out of or incidental to the conduct of our business. The results of these proceedings are difficult to predict. Moreover, many of these proceedings do not specify the relief or amount of damages sought. Therefore, as to a number of the proceedings, we are unable to estimate the possible range of liability that might be incurred should these proceedings be resolved against us. Certain of these matters involve types of claims that, if resolved against us, could give rise to substantial liability, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.
We are dependent on supplies of raw materials and energy. Our results of operations could deteriorate if that supply is substantially disrupted for an extended period.
We purchase raw materials and energy from a variety of sources. In many cases, we purchase them under short term contracts or on the spot market, in each case at fluctuating prices. The availability and price of raw materials and energy may be subject to curtailment or change due to:
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limitations which may be imposed under new legislation or regulation;
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supplier's allocations to meet demand of other purchasers during periods of shortage (or, in the case of energy suppliers, extended cold weather);
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interruptions or cessations in production by suppliers, and
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market and other events and conditions.
Petroleum and coal products, including decant oil, petroleum coke and pitch, our principal raw materials, and energy, particularly natural gas, have been subject to significant price fluctuations.
We have in the past entered into, and may continue in the future to enter into, derivative contracts and short duration fixed rate purchase contracts to effectively fix a portion of our exposure to certain products.
A substantial increase in raw material or energy prices which cannot be mitigated or passed on to customers or a continued interruption in supply, particularly in the supply of decant oil, petroleum coke or energy, would have a material adverse effect on us.
Seadrift could be impacted by a reduction in the availability of low sulfur decant oil or an increase in the pricing of needle coke feedstocks.
Seadrift uses low sulfur decant oil in the manufacture of needle coke. There is no assurance that Seadrift will always be able to obtain an adequate quantity of suitable feedstocks or that capital would be available to install equipment to allow for utilization of higher sulfur decant oil, which is more readily available in the United States, in the event that suppliers of lower sulfur decant oil were to become more limited in the future. Seadrift purchases approximately 1.5 million barrels of low sulfur decant oil annually. The prices paid by Seadrift for such feedstocks are governed by the market for heavy fuel oils, which prices can fluctuate widely for various reasons including, among other things, worldwide oil shortages and cold winter weather. Seadrift's needle coke is used in the manufacture of graphite electrodes, the price of which is subject to rigorous industry competition thus restricting Seadrift's ability to pass through raw material price increases.
We engage in acquisitions and may encounter unexpected difficulties identifying, pricing or integrating these businesses.
We have pursued growth, in part, through strategic acquisitions that are intended to complement or expand our businesses, and expect to continue to do so in the future. The success of this strategy will depend on our ability to identify, price, finance and complete these transactions. Success will also depend on our ability to integrate the businesses acquired in these transactions. We may encounter unexpected difficulties in completing and integrating acquisitions with our existing operations, and in managing strategic investments. Furthermore, we may not realize the degree, or timing, of benefits we anticipated when we first entered into a transaction. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.
We have significant goodwill on our balance sheet that is sensitive to changes in the market which could result in impairment charges.
Our annual impairment test of goodwill was performed in the fourth quarter. The estimated fair values of our reporting units were based on discounted cash flow models derived from internal earnings forecasts and assumptions. The assumptions and estimates used in these valuations incorporated the current and expected economic environment. Our model was based on our internally developed forecast and based on these valuations, the fair value substantially exceeded our net asset value. In addition, to the quantitative analysis, we have qualitatively assessed our reporting units and we believe that the quantitative analysis supporting the fair value in excess of the carrying value is appropriate. However, a further deterioration in the global economic environment or in any of the input assumptions in our calculation could adversely affect the fair value of our reporting units and result in an impairment of some or all of the goodwill on the balance sheet. See Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies" for further information regarding goodwill.
Our results of operations could deteriorate if our manufacturing operations were substantially disrupted for an extended period.
Our manufacturing operations are subject to disruption due to extreme weather conditions, floods, hurricanes and tropical storms and similar events, major industrial accidents, cybersecurity attacks, strikes and lockouts, adoption of new laws or regulations, changes in interpretations of existing laws or regulations or changes in governmental enforcement policies, civil disruption, riots, terrorist attacks, war, and other events. We cannot assure you that no such events will occur. If such an event occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on us.
We have non-dollar-denominated intercompany loans and have had in the past, and may in the future have, foreign currency financial instruments and interest rate swaps and caps. The related gains and losses have in the past been, and may in the future be, significant.
As part of our cash management, we have non-dollar denominated intercompany loans between our subsidiaries. These loans are deemed to be temporary and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans are recorded as currency gains / losses in other income (expense), net, on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Additionally, we have in the past entered into, and may in the future enter into, interest rate swaps and caps to attempt to manage interest rate expense. We have also in the past entered into, and may in the future enter into, foreign currency financial instruments to attempt to hedge global currency exposures. We may purchase or sell these financial instruments, and open and close hedges or other positions, at any time. Changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates have in the past resulted, and may in the future result, in significant gains or losses with respect thereto. These instruments are marked-to-market monthly and gains and losses thereon are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
There may be volatility in our results of operations between quarters.
Sales of our products fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to such factors as changes in economic conditions, changes in competitive conditions, scheduled plant shutdowns by customers, national vacation practices, changes in customer production schedules in response to seasonal changes in energy costs, weather conditions, strikes and work stoppages at customer plants and changes in customer order patterns including those in response to the announcement of price increases or price adjustments. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, volatility with respect to demand for and prices of our industrial material products, specifically graphite electrodes, both globally and regionally. We have also experienced volatility with respect to prices of raw materials and energy, and we expect to experience volatility in such prices in the future. Accordingly, results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.
The graphite and carbon industry is highly competitive. Our market share, net sales or net income could decline due to vigorous price and other competition.
Competition in the graphite and carbon products industry (other than, generally, with respect to new products) is based primarily on price, product differentiation and quality, delivery reliability, and customer service. Electrodes, in particular, are subject to rigorous price competition. In such a competitive market, changes in market conditions, including customer demand and technological development, could adversely affect our competitiveness, sales and/or profitability.
Competition with respect to new products is, and is expected to be, generally based primarily on product innovation, price, performance and cost effectiveness as well as customer service.
Competition could prevent implementation of price increases, require price reductions or require increased spending on research and development, marketing and sales that could adversely affect us.
We have significant deferred income tax assets in multiple jurisdictions, and we may not be able to realize any benefits from those assets.
At December 31, 2012 we had $136.4 million of gross deferred income tax assets, of which $26.3 million required a valuation allowance. In addition, we had $135.5 million of gross deferred income tax liabilities. Our valuation allowance means that we do not believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. Until we determine that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets, income tax benefits in each current period will be fully reserved.
Our valuation allowance, which is predominantly in the U.S. tax jurisdiction, does not affect our ability and intent to utilize the deferred income tax assets as we generate sufficient future profitability. We are executing current strategies and developing future strategies, to improve sales, reduce costs and improve our capital structure in order to improve U.S. taxable income of the appropriate character to a level sufficient to fully realize these benefits in future years.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR SECURITIES
GTI is a holding company and all of its operations are conducted through its subsidiaries.
GTI is a holding company and derives substantially all of its cash flow from its subsidiaries. Since GTI's operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, its cash flow and its consequent ability to service its indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, is dependent upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to GTI or upon the payments of funds by those subsidiaries to GTI or the repayment of intercompany indebtedness owed to GTI. GTI's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities with trade payables and other liabilities. In addition to any statutory restrictions, the payment of dividends and the making of distributions and the making of loans and advances to GTI by its subsidiaries are subject to contractual restrictions provided in the Revolving Facility. In addition, any right GTI may have to receive assets of any of its subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the holders of the Senior Notes to participate in those assets) is effectively subordinated to the claims of such subsidiary's creditors, including trade creditors.
The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of GTI's subsidiaries that are not, or do not become, guarantors of the Senior Notes.
The Senior Notes are not guaranteed by all of GTI's subsidiaries or any of GTI's foreign subsidiaries. The Senior Notes are therefore structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of any non-guarantor subsidiary such that, in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of any such subsidiary, all of such subsidiary's creditors (including trade creditors and preferred stockholders, if any) would be entitled to payment in full out of such subsidiary's assets before the holders of the Senior Notes would be entitled to any payment.
As of December 31, 2012, GTI's subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Senior Notes had total liabilities, including trade payables (but excluding intercompany liabilities), of approximately $250.7 million or 26% of our total liabilities, and total assets (excluding intercompany receivables) of approximately $1,150.0 million, or 50% of our total assets. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2012, our subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the Senior Notes generated approximately $682.2 million, or 55%, of our consolidated revenues and approximately $117.5 million, or 75%, of our consolidated operating income.
Under certain circumstances, subsidiary guarantees may be released.
Those subsidiaries that provide guarantees of the Senior Notes will be released from such guarantees upon the occurrence of certain events, including the following:
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the unconditional release or discharge of any guarantee or indebtedness that resulted in the creation of the guarantee of the Senior Notes by such subsidiary guarantor;
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the sale or other disposition, including by way of merger or consolidation or the sale of its capital stock following which such subsidiary guarantor is no longer a subsidiary of the Company; or
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GTI's exercise of its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option as described in the indenture applicable to the Senior Notes.
If any such subsidiary guarantee is released, no holder of the Senior Notes will have a claim as a creditor against any such subsidiary and the indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables and preferred stock, if any, of such subsidiary will be effectively senior to the claim or any holders of the Senior Notes.
We may incur substantially more debt ranking senior or equal in right of payment with the Senior Notes, including secured debt, which would increase the risks described herein.
The agreements relating to our debt, including the Revolving Facility, limit but do not prohibit our ability to incur additional debt, and the amount of debt that we could incur could be substantial. Accordingly, we could incur significant additional debt in the future, including additional debt under the Revolving Facility. Much of this additional debt could constitute secured debt, to which the Senior Notes would be effectively subordinated to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt (the collateral securing the Revolving Facility consists of substantially all of the assets of GTI and its U.S. subsidiaries and certain assets of certain of GTI's foreign subsidiaries). At December 31, 2012, approximately $468 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving facility (after considering financial covenants restrictions and the outstanding letters of credit of approximately $8.8 million). In addition, if we form or acquire any subsidiaries in the future, those subsidiaries also could incur debt, which debt would be effectively senior to the Senior Notes if those subsidiaries are not required to guarantee the Senior Notes. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
In addition, certain types of liabilities are not considered “Indebtedness” under the Revolving Facility, and the Revolving Facility does not impose any limitation on the amount of liabilities incurred by the subsidiaries, if any, that might be designated as “unrestricted subsidiaries.”
Additionally, our Senior Subordinated Notes provide that they will be subordinated to certain indebtedness incurred by us so long as, on the date we incur such debt and after giving effect thereto, our leverage ratio (as defined therein) is below 4.00 to 1.00. As a result, our Senior Subordinated Notes will not be subordinated to any indebtedness if, as a result of its incurrence, our leverage ratio exceeds 4.00 to 1.00. In addition, to the extent that we grant a security interest to secure any such indebtedness, our Senior Subordinated Notes must be equally and ratably secured with such indebtedness. After giving effect to the offering of the Senior Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom our leverage ratio was below 4.00 to 1.00. As a result, the Senior Subordinated Notes are subordinated to the Senior Notes. In addition, the indenture governing the Senior Notes provides that neither we, nor any of our subsidiaries, may grant a security interest for the benefit of the holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes unless we or the applicable subsidiary equally and ratably secure the Senior Notes.
The ability of holders of Senior Notes to require us to repurchase Senior Notes as a result of a disposition of “substantially all” of our assets may be uncertain.
The definition of change of control in the indenture governing the Senior Notes includes a phrase relating to the sale of “all or substantially all” of our assets. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of such phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of Senior Notes to require us to repurchase its Senior Notes as a result of a sale or other disposition of less than all of our assets to another person or group may be uncertain.
If we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the Senior Notes.
Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under the Revolving Facility, that is not waived by the required lenders, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness, could prevent us from paying principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the Senior Notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants in the instruments governing our indebtedness (including covenants in the Revolving Facility and the indenture that governs the Senior Notes), we could
be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness, including the Revolving Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes. In the event of such default:
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the holders of such indebtedness may be able to cause all of our available cash flow to be used to pay such indebtedness and, in any event, could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest;
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the lenders under the Revolving Facility could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets; and
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we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Upon any such bankruptcy filing, we would be stayed from making any ongoing payments on the Senior Notes, and the holders of the Senior Notes would not be entitled to receive post-petition interest or applicable fees, costs or charges, or any “adequate protection” under Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). Furthermore, if a bankruptcy case were to be commenced under the Bankruptcy Code, we could be subject to claims, with respect to any payments made within 90 days prior to commencement of such a case, that we were insolvent at the time any such payments were made and that all or a portion of such payments, which could include repayments of amounts due under the Senior Notes, might be deemed to constitute a preference, under the Bankruptcy Code, and that such payments should be voided by the bankruptcy court and recovered from the recipients for the benefit of the entire bankruptcy estate. Also, in the event that we were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case seeking reorganization or other relief under the Bankruptcy Code, a delay and/or substantial reduction in payment under the Senior Notes may otherwise occur. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under the Revolving Facility to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under the Revolving Facility and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under the Revolving Facility, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Federal and state statutes could allow a court to void the Senior Notes or any of our subsidiaries' guarantees of the Senior Notes under fraudulent transfer laws and require noteholders to return payments received by us or the subsidiary guarantors to us or the subsidiary guarantors or to fund for the benefit of their respective creditors or subordinate the Senior Notes or the guarantees to other claims of us or the subsidiary guarantors.
Under the federal bankruptcy laws and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, the Senior Notes or any of the guarantees thereof could be voided, or claims with respect to the Senior Notes or any of the guarantees could be subordinated to all other debts of GTI or the subsidiary guarantors. In addition, a bankruptcy court could void (i.e., cancel) any payments by GTI or the subsidiary guarantors pursuant to their guarantees and require those payments to be returned to GTI or the subsidiary guarantors or to a fund for the benefit of us or their respective creditors, or subordinate the Senior Notes or the guarantees to other claims of GTI or the subsidiary guarantors. The bankruptcy court might take these actions if it found, among other things, that GTI or the applicable subsidiary guarantor:
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received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the issuance of the Senior Notes or the incurrence of its guarantee; and
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was (or was rendered) insolvent by such issuance or such incurrence;
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was engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which its assets constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business;
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intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, obligations beyond its ability to pay as the obligations matured; or
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was a defendant in an action for money damages, or had a judgment for money damages docketed against it and, in either case, after final judgment, the judgment was unsatisfied.
A court would likely find that GTI or a subsidiary guarantor received less than fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for the Senior Notes or its guarantee to the extent that it did not receive direct or indirect substantial benefit from the issuance of the Senior Notes or the incurrence of the guarantee. A court could also void the Senior Notes or any guarantee if it found that GTI or the subsidiary guarantor issued the Senior Notes or incurred the guarantee with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any present or future creditors. Although courts in different jurisdictions measure solvency differently, in general, an entity would be deemed insolvent if the sum of its debts, including contingent
and unliquidated debts, exceeds the fair value of its assets or if the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount that would be required to pay the expected liability on its debts, including contingent and unliquidated debts, as they become due. We cannot predict what standard a court would apply in order to determine whether any of the Issuer or a subsidiary guarantor was insolvent as of the relevant date or whether, regardless of the method of valuation, a court would determine that the subsidiary guarantor was insolvent on that date, or whether a court would determine that the payments thereunder constituted fraudulent transfers or conveyances on other grounds. If the issuance of the Senior Notes or the incurrence of the guarantee is deemed to be a fraudulent transfer, it could be voided altogether, or it could be subordinated to all other debts of GTI or the subsidiary guarantor, as applicable. In such case, any payment by GTI or the applicable subsidiary guarantor pursuant to the Senior Notes or its guarantee could be required to be returned to us or the applicable subsidiary guarantor or to a fund for the benefit of our or their respective creditors. Moreover, in such a case a court could subordinate the Senior Notes or guarantees to other claims of us or the subsidiary guarantor. If a guarantee is voided or held unenforceable for any other reason, holders of the Senior Notes would cease to have a claim against the subsidiary guarantor based on the guarantee and would be creditors only of GTI and any subsidiary guarantor whose guarantee was not similarly voided or otherwise held unenforceable.
Each guarantee will contain a provision intended to limit the subsidiary guarantor's liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without rendering the incurrence of obligations under its guarantee a fraudulent transfer. This provision may not be effective to protect the guarantees from being voided or subordinated under fraudulent transfer or conveyance law.
To the extent that outstanding options to purchase shares of our common stock are exercised or other equity awards are granted under our incentive plans, the ownership interests of our other stockholders will be diluted.
We have issued in the past, and expect to issue in the future, stock options, restricted stock units and performance share award units to directors, executive officers and other key employees under our 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan and other benefit plans. Other holders of our common stock may experience dilution upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of our common stock, or the issuance of future equity awards, granted under these equity incentive plans.
Our stock price may be volatile due to the nature of our business as well as the nature of the securities markets, which could affect the value of an investment in our common stock.
Companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been the subject of securities class action litigation which involves substantial costs and a diversion of those companies' management's attention and resources. Many factors may cause the market price for our common stock to decline or fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including:
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failure of net sales, results of operations or cash flows from operations to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors;
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recording of additional restructuring, impairment or other charges or costs;
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downward revisions in revenue, earnings or cash flow estimates of securities analysts;
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downward revisions or announcements that indicate possible downward revisions in the ratings on debt instruments that we may have outstanding from time to time, if any;
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speculation in the press or investor perception concerning our industry or our prospects; and
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changes in general capital market conditions.
Forward Looking Statements
This Report contains forward looking statements. In addition, we or our representatives have made or may make forward looking statements on telephone or conference calls, by webcasts or emails, in person, in presentations or written materials, or otherwise. These include statements about such matters as: expected future or targeted operational and financial performance; growth rates and future production and sales of products that incorporate or that are produced using our products; changes in production capacity in our operations and our competitors' or customers' operations and the utilization rates of that capacity; growth rates for, future prices and sales of, and demand
for our products and our customers' products; costs of materials and production, including anticipated increases or decreases therein, our ability to pass on any such increases in our product prices or surcharges thereon, or customer or market demand to reduce our prices due to such decreases; changes in customer order patterns due to changes in economic conditions; productivity, business process and operational initiatives, and their impact on us; our position in markets we serve; financing and refinancing activities; investments and acquisitions that we have made or may make in the future and the performance of the businesses underlying such acquisitions and investments; employment and contributions of key personnel; employee relations and collective bargaining agreements covering many of our operations; tax rates; capital expenditures and their impact on us; nature and timing of restructuring charges and payments; stock repurchase activities; supply chain management; customer and supplier contractual provisions and related opportunities and issues; competitive activities; strategic plans and business projects; regional and global economic and industry market conditions, the timing and magnitude of changes in such conditions and the impact thereof; interest rate management activities; currency rate management activities; deleveraging activities; rationalization, restructuring, realignment, strategic alliance, raw material and supply chain, technology development and collaboration, investment, acquisition, venture, operational, tax, financial and capital projects; legal proceedings, contingencies, and environmental compliance including any regulatory initiatives with respect to greenhouse gas emissions which may be proposed; consulting projects; potential offerings, sales and other actions regarding debt or equity securities of us or our subsidiaries; and costs, working capital, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, cost savings and reductions, margins, earnings and growth. The words “will,” “may,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “target,” “goal,” “continue to,” “positioned to” and similar expressions, or the negatives thereof, identify some of these statements.
Our expectations and targets are not predictors of actual performance and historically our performance has deviated, often significantly, from our expectations and targets. Actual future events and circumstances (including future results and trends) could differ materially, positively or negatively, from those set forth in these statements due to various factors. These factors include:
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the possibility that additions to capacity for producing EAF steel, increases in overall EAF steel production capacity, and increases or other changes in steel production may not occur or may not occur at the rates that we anticipate or may not be as geographically disbursed as we anticipate;
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the possibility that increases or decreases in graphite electrode manufacturing capacity (including growth by producers in developing countries), competitive pressures (including changes in, and the mix, distribution, and pricing of, their products), reduction in specific consumption rates, increases or decreases in customer inventory levels, or other changes in the graphite electrode markets may occur, which may impact demand for, prices or unit and dollar volume sales of graphite electrodes and growth or profitability of our graphite electrodes business;
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the possible failure of changes in EAF steel production or graphite electrode production to result in stable or increased, or offset decreases in, graphite electrode demand, prices, or sales volume;
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the possibility that a determination that we have failed to comply with one or more export controls or trade sanctions to which we are subject with respect to products or technology exported from the United States or other jurisdictions or the denial of export privileges to which our subsidiary, Fiber Materials Inc. (which we acquired in 2011), is subject could result in civil or criminal penalties, including imposition of significant fines, denial of export privileges and loss of revenues from certain customers;
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the possibility that, for all of our product lines, capital improvement and expansion in our customers' operations and increases in demand for their products may not occur or may not occur at the rates that we anticipate or the demand for their products may decline, which may affect their demand for the products we sell or supply to them;
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the possibility that continued global consolidation of the world's largest steel producers could impact our business or industry;
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the possibility that average graphite electrode revenue per metric ton in the future may be different than current spot or market prices due to changes in product mix, changes in currency exchange rates, changes in competitive market conditions or other factors;
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the possibility that price increases, adjustments or surcharges may not be realized or that price decreases may occur;
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the possibility that current challenging economic conditions and economic demand reduction may continue to impact our revenues and costs;
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the possibility that continuing uncertainty over U.S. fiscal policy may adversely affect global economic activity and demand for our products;
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the possibility that the current debt crisis in certain European countries could cause the value of the euro to deteriorate, reducing the purchasing power of European customers;
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the possibility that the European debt crisis could contribute to further instability in global credit markets and reduce demand for our products;
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the possibility that potential future cuts in defense spending by the United States government as a part of efforts to reduce federal budget deficits could reduce demand for certain of our products and revenue;
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the possibility that decreases in prices for energy and raw materials may lead to downward pressure on prices for our products and delays in customer orders for our products as customers anticipate possible future lower prices;
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the possibility that (i) increases in prices for our raw materials (and the magnitude of such increases), (ii) global events that influence energy pricing and availability and (iii) increases in our energy needs, or other developments may adversely impact or offset our productivity and cost containment initiatives;
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the possibility that current economic disruptions may result in idling or permanent closing of blast furnace capacity or delay of blast furnace capacity additions or replacements which may affect demand and prices for our refractory products;
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the possibility that economic conditions may cause customers to seek to delay or cancel orders and that we may not be able to correspondingly reduce production costs or delay or cancel raw material purchase commitments;
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the possibility that economic, political and other risks associated with operating globally, including national and international conflicts, terrorist acts, political and economic instability, civil unrest, and natural or nuclear calamities might interfere with our supply chains, customers or activities in a particular location;
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the possibility that reductions in customers' production, increases in competitors' capacity, competitive pressures, or other changes in other markets we serve may occur, which may impact demand for, prices of or unit and dollar volume sales of, our other products, or growth or profitability of our other product lines, or change our position in such markets;
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the possibility that we will not be able to hire and retain key personnel, maintain appropriate relations with unions, associations and employees or to renew or extend our collective bargaining or similar agreements on reasonable terms as they expire or do so without a work stoppage or strike;
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the possibility that an adverse determination in litigation pending in Brazil involving disputes related to the proper interpretation of certain collectively bargained wage increase provisions applicable to both us and other employers in the Bahia region might result in the filing of claims against our Brazilian subsidiary;
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the possibility of delays in or failure to achieve successful development and commercialization of new or improved engineered solutions or that such solutions could be subsequently displaced by other products or technologies;
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the possibility that we will fail to develop new customers or applications for our engineered solutions products;
•
the possibility that our manufacturing capabilities may not be sufficient or that we may experience delays in expanding or fail to expand our manufacturing capacity to meet demand for existing, new or improved products;
•
the possibility that we may propose acquisitions or divestitures in the future, that we may not complete the acquisitions or divestitures, and that investments and acquisitions that we may make in the future may not be successfully integrated into our business or provide the performance or returns expected;
•
the possibility that challenging conditions or changes in the capital markets will limit our ability to obtain financing for growth and other initiatives, on acceptable terms or at all;
•
the possibility that conditions or changes in the global equity markets may have a material impact on our future pension funding obligations and liabilities on our balance sheet;
•
the possibility that the amount or timing of our anticipated capital expenditures may be limited by our financial resources or financing arrangements or that our ability to complete capital projects may not occur timely enough to adapt to changes in market conditions or changes in regulatory requirements;
•
the possibility that the actual outcome of uncertainties associated with assumptions and estimates using judgment when applying critical accounting policies and preparing financial statements may have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position;
•
the possibility that we may be unable to protect our intellectual property or may infringe the intellectual property rights of others, resulting in damages, limitations on our ability to produce or sell products or limitations on our ability to prevent others from using that intellectual property to produce or sell products;
•
the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances or changing interpretations and enforcement agendas relating to legal proceedings or compliance programs;
•
the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances or changing interpretations and enforcement agendas relating to health, safety or environmental compliance or remediation obligations or liabilities to third parties or relating to labor relations;
•
the possibility that new or expanded regulatory initiatives with respect to greenhouse gas emissions, if implemented, could have an impact on our facilities, increase the capital intensive nature of our business, and add to our costs of production of our products;
•
the possibility that our provision for income taxes and effective income tax rate or cash tax rate may fluctuate significantly due to (i) changes in applicable tax rates or laws, (ii) changes in the sources of our income, (iii) changes in tax planning, (iv) new or changing interpretations of applicable regulations, (v) changes in profitability, (vi) changes in our estimate of our future ability to use foreign tax credits, and (vi) other factors;
•
the possibility of changes in interest or currency exchange rates, in competitive conditions, or in inflation or deflation;
•
the possibility that our outlook could be significantly impacted by, among other things, changes in United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations in response to the capital markets crisis and its impact on global economic conditions, developments in North Africa, the Middle East, North Korea, and other areas of concern, the occurrence of further terrorist acts and developments (including increases in security, insurance, data back-up, energy and transportation and other costs, transportation delays and continuing or increased economic uncertainty and weakness) resulting from terrorist acts and the war on terrorism;
•
the possibility that our outlook could be significantly impacted by changes in demand as a result of the effect on customers of the volatility in global credit and equity markets;
•
the possibility that interruption in our major raw material, energy or utility supplies due to, among other things, natural or nuclear disasters, process interruptions, actions by producers and capacity limitations, may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and supply our products or result in higher costs;
•
the possibility that our key or other raw materials become unavailable and that the magnitude of changes in the cost of key and other raw materials, including petroleum based coke, by reason of shortages, market pricing, pricing terms in applicable supply contracts, or other events may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and supply our products or result in higher costs;
•
the possibility of interruptions in production at our facilities due to, among other things, critical equipment failure, which may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and supply our products or result in higher costs;
•
the possibility that we may not achieve the earnings or other financial or operational metrics that we provide as guidance from time to time;
•
the possibility that the anticipated benefits from organizational and work process redesign, changes in our information systems, or other system changes, including operating efficiencies, production cost savings and improved operational performance, including leveraging infrastructure for greater productivity and contributions to our continued growth, may be delayed or may not occur or may result in unanticipated disruption;
•
the possibility of security breaches in the Company's information technology systems;
•
the possibility that our disclosure or internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or personnel, that the degree of compliance with our policies and procedures related to those controls may deteriorate or that those controls may not operate effectively and may not prevent or detect misstatements or errors;
•
the amount, prices and timing of purchases, if any, of shares purchased pursuant to our share repurchase program adopted in July 2012;
•
the possibility that severe economic conditions may adversely affect our liquidity or capital resources;
•
the possibility that delays may occur in the financial statement closing process due to a change in our internal control environment or personnel;
•
the possibility of changes in performance that may affect financial covenant compliance or funds available for borrowing; and
•
other risks and uncertainties, including those described elsewhere in this Report or our other SEC filings, as well as future decisions by us.
Occurrence of any of the events or circumstances described above could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the market price of our common stock.
No assurance can be given that any future transaction about which forward looking statements may be made will be completed or as to the timing or terms of any such transaction.
All subsequent written and oral forward looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports required to be filed by public companies with the SEC pursuant to the SEC's rules, we have no duty to update these statements.
Item 1B.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
•
Not applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2.
Properties
We currently operate the following facilities, which are owned or leased as indicated.
Location of Facility
Primary Use
Owned
or
Leased
U.S.
Biddeford, Maine (2 facilities)
Advanced Composite Materials Manufacturing (both)
Owned
(both)
Presque Isle, Maine
Advanced Composite Materials Manufacturing
Leased
Columbus, Ohio
Advanced Composite Materials Warehousing Facility
Owned
Parma, Ohio
Corporate Headquarters, Technology Center, Testing Facility, Pilot Plant, Advanced Flexible Graphite Manufacturing Facility and Sales Office
Owned
Lakewood, Ohio
Advanced Electronics Technology Manufacturing Facility and Sales Office
Owned
Wadsworth, Ohio
Advanced Electronics Technology Manufacturing Facility
Owned
Emporium, Pennsylvania
Advanced Graphite Materials Manufacturing
Owned
St. Marys, Pennsylvania
Graphite Electrode Manufacturing Facility
Owned
Columbia, Tennessee
Advanced Graphite Materials and Refractory Products Manufacturing, Warehousing Facility and Sales Office
Owned
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Refractory Products Manufacturing Facility
Owned
Port Lavaca, Texas
Needle Coke Manufacturing Facility
Owned
Clarksburg, West Virginia
Advanced Graphite Materials Manufacturing Facility, Machine Shop and Sales Office
Owned
Europe
Calais, France
Graphite Electrode Manufacturing Facility
Owned
Notre Dame, France
Advanced Graphite Materials Machine Shop and Sales Office
Owned
Malonno, Italy
Advanced Graphite Materials Manufacturing and Machine Shop and Sales Office
Owned
Moscow, Russia
Sales Office
Leased
Vyazma, Russia
Graphite Electrode Machine Shop
Leased
Pamplona, Spain
Graphite Electrode Manufacturing Facility and Sales Office
Owned
Bussigny, Switzerland
Sales Office
Leased
Other International
Salvador Bahia, Brazil
Graphite Electrode and Advanced Graphite Materials Manufacturing Facility
Owned
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sales Office
Leased
Beijing, China
Sales Office
Leased
Hong Kong, China
Sales Office
Leased
Shanghai, China
Sales Office
Leased
Monterrey, Mexico
Graphite Electrode Manufacturing Facility and Sales Office
Owned
Meyerton, South Africa
Graphite Electrode and Advanced Graphite Materials Manufacturing Facility and Sales Office
Owned
We believe that our facilities, which are of varying ages and types of construction, are in good condition, are suitable for our operations and generally provide sufficient capacity to meet our requirements for the foreseeable future.
Item 3.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various investigations, lawsuits, claims, demands, environmental compliance programs, labor disputes and other legal proceedings arising out of or incidental to the conduct of our business. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each of these matters and proceedings, we do not believe that their ultimate disposition will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
There is litigation pending in Brazil involving disputes arising out of the interpretation of certain collectively bargained wage increase provisions applicable in 1989 and 1990 to employers (including our subsidiary in Brazil) in the Bahia region of Brazil. We are not currently party to any of the litigation involving the interpretation of the wage increase provisions at issue; however, companies in Brazil have recently settled claims arising out of these provisions. While the most recent ruling on the subject by the Supreme Court of Brazil has held that such provisions are not enforceable, and thus employers are not liable for the wage increases claimed on behalf of employees, further proceedings are pending seeking to reverse that ruling and there have been changes in the composition of the Supreme Court in the interim. While we cannot predict the outcome of the pending proceedings, if the Supreme Court reverses its prior decision and declares the wage increase provisions enforceable, claims could be filed against our Brazilian subsidiary which could become substantial.
Item 4.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
•
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “GTI.” Our common stock is included in the Russell 1000 Index. The closing sale price of our common stock was $9.39 on December 31, 2012, the last trading day of our most recent fiscal year. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales price per share for our common stock as reported by the NYSE.
As of December 31, 2012, there were 192 holders of record of our common stock and, we estimate, 19,972 beneficial owners.
Dividend Policies and Restrictions
It is the current policy of our Board of Directors to retain earnings to finance strategic and other plans and programs, conduct business operations, fund acquisitions, meet obligations and repay debt. Any declaration and payment of cash dividends or repurchases of common stock will be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements and future prospects, the limitations contained in the Revolving Facility and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. We did not pay any cash dividends in 2011 or 2012. We periodically review our dividend policy. At the present time, there are no plans for paying cash dividends in the near future.
GTI is a holding company that derives substantially all of its cash flow from issuances of its securities and the cash flows of its subsidiaries. Accordingly, GTI’s ability to pay dividends or repurchase common stock from cash flow from sources other than issuance of its securities is dependent upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries and the advance or distribution of those cash flows to GTI.
Under the Revolving Facility, in general, GTI is permitted to pay dividends and repurchase our common stock in an aggregate amount (cumulative from October 2011) up to $75 million (or $500 million, if certain leverage ratio requirements are satisfied), plus, each year, an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the consolidated net income in the prior year.
Repurchases
On December 13, 2011 our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to ten million shares of our common stock. All shares authorized under this program were repurchased in the open market during 2012. On July 24, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program for up to an additional ten million shares to replace the recently completed program. Purchases under the new program may take place from time to time in the open market, or through privately negotiated transactions, as market, industry and economic conditions warrant.
Upon the vesting or payment of stock awards, an employee may elect receipt of the full share amount and either pay the resulting taxes or sell shares in the open market to cover the tax obligation. We sometimes elect to purchase these shares rather than allow them to be sold in the open market. These repurchases are in addition to the programs authorized by our Board of Directors described above.
During 2012, we repurchased approximately 10.1 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of $103.5 million, which resulted in a weighted average cost of $10.19 per share. During 2011, we repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares under previous share repurchase programs at a total cost of $32.1 million, which resulted in a weighted average cost of $14.70 per share.
The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of us or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of shares of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2012:
(1)
Purchases of vested restricted stock shares from employees to fund the payment of withholding taxes due upon the vesting or payment of stock awards.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the 5-year total return provided to shareholders of our common stock to the cumulative total return of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Russell 1000 Index. An investment of $100 is assumed to have been made in our common stock and in each of the indexes on December 31, 2007 and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2012.
Item 6.
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Part I. Preliminary Notes-Important Terms”, “Item 7.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide information that is supplemental to, and should be read together with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Information in this Item is intended to assist the reader in obtaining an understanding of our Consolidated Financial Statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from year-to-year, the primary factors that accounted for those changes, any known trends or uncertainties that we are aware of that may have a material effect on our future performance, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, this Item provides information about our business segments and how the results of those segments impact our financial condition and results of operation as a whole.
Executive Summary
On November 30, 2010, we acquired Seadrift and C/G. As a result of these acquisitions, our results of operations and MD&A analysis for 2010 include one month of activity of Seadrift and C/G, compared to a full year of operations for 2011. In February 2011 and October 2011, we acquired Micron Research and FMI, respectively. They are included in our results of operations and MD&A analysis for 2011 from their respective acquisition dates, compared to a full year of operations for 2012.
While there was cautious optimism for the world economy coming into 2012, the global outlook began to deteriorate during the end of the first quarter, with subsequent reductions to global GDP estimates by the IMF throughout 2012, as a result of the slower than expected economic recovery and continued uncertainty in the European markets. According to the World Steel Association and other published reports, global steel production, excluding China, declined 0.4 percent in 2012. Steel production in the European Union decreased 4.6 percent during the same period. As a result, our Industrial Materials segment saw a decline in sales of 9%, despite increased pricing for graphite electrodes and needle coke products. Our Engineered Solutions segment saw a continuation of the decline in the solar markets that began in 2011. This decline was more than offset, however, by growth in our advanced consumer electronics products line which, along with the incremental revenue from the Micron Research and FMI acquisitions made in 2011, helped propel this segment to achieve record annual sales.
We have seven major product categories: graphite electrodes, refractory products, needle coke products, advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials, advanced electronics technology and advanced materials.
Reportable Segments. Our businesses are reported in the following segments:
•
Industrial materials, which consists of graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products.
•
Engineered Solutions, which includes advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials, advanced electronics technology, and advanced materials.
Reference is made to the information under “Part I” for background information on our businesses, industry and related matters.
Global Economic Conditions and Outlook
2013 Outlook. We are impacted in varying degrees, both positively and negatively, as global, regional or country conditions fluctuate. Our discussions about market data and global economic conditions below are based on published industry accounts and statistics. Based on current International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, the estimate for global GDP growth in 2013 is 3.5%, a slight downward revision from IMF's last projection in October 2012. The IMF notes that although global economies are expected to recover at a gradual pace, downside risks remain significant. The IMF highlights that recessionary conditions in Europe persist and that the Euro region continues to pose the largest downside risk to the global outlook. Emerging markets and developing economies are forecast to grow at a 5.5% rate in 2013, a gradual improvement from 2012.
According to the World Steel Association and other published reports, global steel production is expected to increase 3.2 percent in 2013. However, steel customer confidence and profitability remains low due to the continued economic uncertainty, particularly in Europe. Overall, we expect higher volumes in our Industrial Materials segment
in 2013 due to a restocking of inventory and an improvement in steel production levels across our global customer base.
The graphite electrode market has become increasingly competitive with the addition of approximately 100,000 metric tons of capacity coming on line over the past year, of which approximately 65,000 metric tons are located in China. An estimated 130,000 metric tons of additional graphite electrode capacity expansions have also been announced, of which approximately 100,000 metric tons are located in China, and are projected to be operational in 2013/2014, although several of these announced projects may be postponed. These new additions have further exacerbated a challenging global graphite electrode industry, which already had excess capacity.
In the needle coke market, additional supply has come on line with the restart of a major Asian producer whose operations had been suspended for several months in 2012. This producer appears to be currently fully operational, resulting in additional available capacity in 2013
The graphite electrode and needle coke capacity additions described above are compounded further by a still recovering global economy and challenging steel market, in which many steel producers continue to struggle to achieve acceptable profitability levels. The modest improvement in the global economies and our steel end market, while encouraging, is not substantial enough to offset the negative impact of the graphite electrode and needle coke capacity additions. As a result, these factors are contributing to downward pricing pressure on both graphite electrodes and needle coke for 2013.
Looking forward, we believe that the excess graphite electrode capacity will be partially absorbed over time by growth in EAF steel production. Based on CRU International (an independent market research firm) and other estimates, it is anticipated that approximately 100 million metrics tons of new EAF capacity will come on line over the next five years.
In light of current economic conditions, we are further reducing overhead expense by means of additional rightsizing initiatives, hiring restrictions, suspension of 2013 salary merit increases and reductions in travel and other discretionary expenses. We have also reduced targeted capital expenditures from 2012 levels given the difficult operating environment. In our Industrial Materials segment, at the mid-point of our guidance range, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $60 million, $5 million of which will be invested in product innovation to grow our competitive advantages. In our Engineered Solutions segment, we plan to invest approximately $45 million, of which $35 million will be growth capital to support increasing demand for products used in the advanced consumer electronics (OLED/LED/LCD displays, tablets, smartphones, eReaders) and energy (lithium ion batteries, LEDs, oil and gas) industries. These investments position our Company for future growth and support our target of double-digit revenue growth and operating income margin expansion for the segment in 2013. On a stand alone basis (excluding shared corporate allocations, interest and taxes), we expect the Engineered Solutions business will generate sufficient cash to fund its capital and other business investments in 2013.
The diversification that our Engineered Solutions business provides is expected to partially mitigate the challenging cyclical steel environment that we face. We anticipate solid top line growth and an improved margin profile in this segment as our Engineered Solutions product portfolio shifts to higher margin businesses. The first quarter of 2013 however will be negatively impacted by seasonally slower advanced consumer electronics sales and start up costs associated with investments to support future growth. As a result, operating income for the segment is anticipated to be comparable to the first quarter of 2012. For this segment, we expect double-digit revenue growth for the full year and operating income margins to be in the range of 13 percent to 15 percent in the second half of 2013.
We are targeting full year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other (income) expense to be in the range of $175 million to $205 million. We expect that the first quarter will be our weakest, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other (income) expense targeted to be in the range of $30 million to $40 million. The first quarter of 2013 will be negatively impacted by seasonally lower graphite electrode volumes and higher cost inventory due to the carryover of third party needle coke acquired in 2012 and higher fixed cost absorption associated with lower graphite electrode utilization rates in the fourth quarter of 2012.
In the second half of 2013, we expect improved profitability due to higher sales in both business segments and lower costs in our Industrial Materials segment as we work off higher cost inventory and reflect lower fixed cost per unit of production as operating rates improve. We expect to exit the year with fourth quarter 2013 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other (income) expense targeted to be in the range of $60 million to $70 million.
We are targeting cash flow from operations to be in the range of $150 million to $180 million in 2013, as we reduce inventory levels related to the third party wind-down agreement and further optimize our Seadrift facility.
Finally, we are targeting the effective tax rate to be in the range of 33 percent to 36 percent in 2013 as the tax benefit inherent in our operating model is reduced due to a less favorable mix of jurisdictional profitability. It is important to note, however, that our cash tax rate is estimated to be approximately 10 percentage points lower, or 23 percent to 26 percent, as we effectively utilize foreign tax credits.
In summary, our expectations for 2013 are as follows:
•
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and other (income) expense targeted in the range of $175 million to $205 million;
•
Overhead expense (selling and administrative, and research and development expenses) of approximately $140 million;
•
Interest expense in the range of $35 million to $40 million;
•
Capital expenditures of approximately $90 million to $120 million;
•
Depreciation expense of approximately $90 million to $95 million;
•
An effective tax rate in the range of 33 percent to 36 percent;
•
Cash flow from operations in the range of $150 million to $180 million; and
•
Fully diluted share count of approximately 136 million shares.
Our outlook could be significantly affected by, among other things, factors described under "Item 1A - Risk Factors" and "Item 1A - Forward Looking Statements" in this report.
Financing Transactions
On November 20, 2012, GrafTech International Ltd. (the “Company”) entered into an indenture dated November 20, 2012 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Company issued $300 million principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020. These Senior Notes are the Company's senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu with all of the Company's existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Company's existing and future subsidiaries that guarantee certain other indebtedness of the Company or another guarantor.
The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.375% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2013. Interest will accrue from November 20, 2012. The Senior Notes mature on November 15, 2020.
The Company is entitled to redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at any time on or after November 15, 2016, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. In addition, prior to November 15, 2016, the Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make whole” premium determined as set forth in the Indenture. The Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes before November 15, 2015 with the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.375% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
If, prior to maturity, a change in control (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company occurs and thereafter certain downgrades of the ratings of the Senior Notes as specified in the Indenture occur, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase any or all of the Senior Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
The Indenture also contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to: (i) create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; (ii) engage in certain sale/leaseback transactions; and (iii) merge, consolidate or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of their assets.
The Indenture also contains customary events of default, including (i) failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes when due and payable, (ii) failure to comply with covenants or agreements in the Indenture or the Senior Notes which failures are not cured or waived as provided in the Indenture, (iii) failure to pay indebtedness of
the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or Significant Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) within any applicable grace period after maturity or acceleration and the total amount of such indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $50.0 million, (iv) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization, (v) failure to pay any judgment or decree for an amount in excess of $50.0 million against the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary that is not discharged, waived or stayed as provided in the Indenture, (vi) cessation of any subsidiary guarantee to be in full force and effect or denial or disaffirmance by any Subsidiary Guarantor of its obligations under its subsidiary guarantee, and (vii) a default under the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes. In the case of an event of default, the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest may be accelerated.
The offering of the Senior Notes was not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any state securities laws or blue sky laws, but the Company has agreed to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the exchange of the Senior Notes for new registered notes of the Company having terms substantially identical to the Senior Notes. Under certain circumstances, the Company may also be required to file a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act to register the resale of the Notes by certain holders thereof. If the Company fails to comply with certain of these obligations, the Company will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of the Senior Notes until it does comply.
On October 7, 2011, we successfully completed the refinancing of our principal revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). Borrowers under the Revolving Facility were GrafTech Finance Inc. (“GrafTech Finance”) and GrafTech Switzerland S.A. (“Swissco”), both wholly-owned subsidiaries. On April 20, 2012, as permitted by Section 9.19 of the October 7, 2011 Credit Agreement, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement pursuant to which, on August 28, 2012, GrafTech Luxembourg II S.à.r.l. (“Luxembourg Holdco”) replaced Swissco as a Borrower. Swissco is no longer entitled to borrow Loans under the Revolving Facility although it is entitled to request letters of credit thereunder only for its own use.
The interest rate applicable to the Revolving Facility is, at GrafTech’s option, either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% (depending on our total net leverage ratio and/or senior unsecured rating) or, in the case of dollar denominated loans, the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% (depending upon such ratio or rating). The alternate base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) the federal fund effective rate plus one-half of 1.0% and (iii) the London interbank offering rate (as adjusted) for a one-month period plus 1.0%. The borrowers pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% (depending on such ratio or rating) on the undrawn portion of the commitments under the Revolving Facility.
The financial covenants require us to maintain a minimum cash interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.00, subject to adjustment for certain events. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained in the Revolving Facility, as applicable.
Under the Revolving Facility we have additional flexibility for investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions and restricted payments and we can issue letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility in an amount not to exceed $50 million. We are permitted to pay dividends and repurchase our common stock in an aggregate amount (cumulative from October 2011) up to $75 million (or $500 million, if certain leverage ratio requirements are satisfied), plus, each year, an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the consolidated net income in the prior year.
As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings of $74.5 million and outstanding letters of credit of $8.8 million under this Revolving Facility.
On November 30, 2010, in connection with the acquisitions of Seadrift and C/G, we issued Senior Subordinated Notes for an aggregate total face amount of $200 million. These Senior Subordinated Notes are non-interest bearing and mature in 2015. Because the Senior Subordinated Notes are non-interest bearing, we were required to record them at their present value (determined using an interest rate of 7%). The difference between the face amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes and their present value is recorded as debt discount. The debt discount will be amortized to income using the interest method, over the life of the Senior Subordinated Notes. The loan balance, net of unamortized discount, was $164.2 million at December 31, 2012 and will be $200.0 million at maturity in 2005.
During 2008, we entered into a supply chain financing arrangement, as discussed in more detail under “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” below. Our purchases of inventory under this arrangement were $169.1 million in 2011 and $189.5 million in 2012.
On occasion we sell accounts receivable without recourse to a third party. We did not sell any receivables during 2011 or 2012. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for further discussion.
Realizability of Net Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances
At December 31, 2012 we had $136.4 million of gross deferred income tax assets, of which $26.3 million required a valuation allowance. In addition, we had $135.5 million of gross deferred income tax liabilities. Our valuation allowance means that we do not believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. Until we determine that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets, income tax benefits in each current period will be fully reserved.
Our valuation allowance, which is predominately in the U.S. tax jurisdiction, does not affect our ability and intent to utilize the deferred income tax assets as we generate sufficient future profitability. We are executing current strategies and developing future strategies, to improve sales, reduce costs and improve our capital structure in order to improve U.S. taxable income of the appropriate character to a level sufficient to fully realize these benefits in future years.
Customer Base
We are a global company and sell our products in every major geographic market. Sales of these products to buyers outside the U.S. accounted for about 80% in 2010, 73% in 2011, and 70% in 2012. In 2012, three of our ten largest customers were based in the United States, three in Europe, and one each in Korea, China, Africa, and India, however, all are multi-national operations.
In 2012, eight of our ten largest customers were purchasers of our Industrial Materials products. No single customer or group of affiliated customers accounted for more than 10% of our net sales in 2012.
Results of Operations and Segment Review
2012. While there was cautious optimism for the world economy coming into 2012, the global outlook began to deteriorate during the first quarter, with subsequent reductions to global GDP estimates by the IMF throughout 2012, as a result of the slower than expected economic recovery and continued uncertainty in the European markets. According to the World Steel Association and other published reports, global steel production, excluding China, declined 0.4 percent in 2012. Steel production in the European Union decreased 4.6 percent during the same period. As a result, our Industrial Materials segment saw a decline in sales of 9%, despite increased pricing for graphite electrodes and needle coke products. Our Engineered Solutions segment saw a continuation of the decline in the solar markets that began in 2011. This decline was more than offset, however, by growth in our advanced consumer electronics products line which, along with the incremental revenue from the Micron Research and FMI acquisitions made in 2011, helped propel this segment to achieve the highest net sales in our Company's history.
2011. Total steel production in 2011 peaked mid-year while the latter half of the year saw significant slowdowns. The World Steel Association reported fourth quarter 2011 total world steel production declined approximately 5 percent versus the third quarter of 2011, with Europe accounting for much of this slowdown. Beginning in the third quarter of 2011, there was a significant drop off in solar production which negatively impacted our Engineered Solutions segment.
2010. For most of 2010, companies across the world demonstrated, to varying degrees, a gradual recovery from the reduced production levels experienced during the 2009 global economic downturn. In 2010 we achieved our second highest net sales in our Engineered Solutions segment in our Company’s history as demand for our products increased. The graphite electrode restocking initiative, which began in the second half of 2009 continued throughout much of the year in our Industrial Materials segment. Further, EAF capacity utilization rates increased in 2010.
On November 30, 2010, we consummated the acquisitions of Seadrift, a needle coke manufacturer, and C/G, a producer of graphite electrodes and related products, pursuant to the April 28, 2010 agreements and plans of merger, as described further in Note 2, “Acquisitions” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The consideration paid to the former owners of Seadrift and C/G aggregated $936.7 million and consisted of cash, shares of our common stock and Senior Subordinated Notes. These businesses are now incorporated into our existing Industrial Materials segment. With the acquisition of Seadrift we added another major product category, needle coke products, to the Industrial Materials segment. The analysis below includes the results of operations for Seadrift and C/G for the month of December 2010.
Pursuant to the Seadrift acquisition, we acquired from the equity holders of Seadrift the 81.1% of the equity interests in Seadrift that we did not already own. Seadrift is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of petroleum-based needle coke and owns the world’s only known stand-alone petroleum-based needle coke plant, located in Port Lavaca, Texas. In addition to calcined needle coke, the plant produces naphtha, gas oil and electricity as by-products.
For further discussion on the acquisitions see Note 2, “Acquisitions” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The tables presented in our year-over-year comparisons summarize our consolidated statements of income and illustrate key financial indicators used to assess the consolidated financial results. Financial information is presented for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Results of Operations for 2012 as Compared to 2011
The tables presented in our period-over-period comparisons summarize our consolidated statements of income and illustrate key financial indicators used to assess the consolidated financial results. Financial information is presented for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. Throughout our MD&A, changes that are less than 5% or less than $1.0 million, may be deemed not meaningful and excluded from the discussion.
Net sales, by operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 were:
An analysis of the components of change in net sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:
Net sales. Net sales for our Industrial Materials segment decreased to $1,025.6 million in 2012 compared to net sales of $1,132.2 million in 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of lower sales volumes for both graphite electrodes and needle coke in the face of a difficult economic environment, particularly in European markets. These volume decreases were partially offset by higher realized prices in 2012 compared to 2011. The weighted average selling price, excluding currency impacts, of our melter and non-melter electrodes for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased approximately 10% as compared to the average price in 2011. We continue to focus on maximizing
the profitability of our global production platform; however we are experiencing downward pricing pressure on both graphite electrodes and needle coke for 2013.
Net sales for our Engineered Solutions segment increased to $222.7 million in 2012, compared to net sales of $188.0 million in 2011. This increase was primarily driven by continued growth in sales of our advanced consumer electronics products and a more favorable product mix, as we continue to penetrate high-growth end markets with attractive margin profiles. This increase was partially offset by the decline in sales of our advanced graphite material products to the solar market.
Cost of sales. During 2012, we experienced decreases in cost of sales of $63.2 million as a result of lower sales volumes in our Industrial Materials segment, primarily related to graphite electrodes. Further decreasing cost of sales in 2012 was the favorable impact of foreign currency compared to 2011 and a reduction in the year-over-year MTM Adjustment of $6.3 million ($11.0 million in 2011; $6.3 million in 2012). The MTM adjustment in both 2011 and 2012 was driven by a decline in discount rates used in the valuation of net pension and post-retirement obligations. Costs of sales in 2012 also benefited from the consumption during the first half for 2012 of inventories on hand at 2011 year-end. That inventory carried lower raw material costs and overhead absorption rates. The impact of this benefit was partially offset by the flow through of inventory carrying higher raw material costs and absorption rates in the third and fourth quarters of 2012. We anticipate that the impact of higher raw material costs and overhead absorption rates will continue to negatively impact our costs into 2013. These net decreases in cost of sales for our Industrial Materials segment were partially offset by higher costs associated with volume increases in our Engineered Solutions segment.
Selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses remained relatively flat (a $1.0 million increase) in 2012 compared to 2011. Increases in incentive compensation expense and selling and administrative costs resulting from acquisitions was largely offset by the reduction in pension mark-to-market charges in 2012 compared to 2011. The MTM adjustment in both 2011 and 2012 was driven by a decline in discount rates used in the valuation of net pension and post-retirement obligations.
Other expense (income), net. During 2012, we received $4.0 million of insurance reimbursements for claims made related to flood damages incurred at our Clarksburg, West Virginia facility during 2011. Additionally, as a result of the remeasurement of intercompany loans and the effect of transaction gains and losses on intercompany activities, there was a $0.6 million gain during 2012, compared to a $2.6 million loss during 2011.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $4.9 million in 2012 as a result of higher debt levels compared to 2011. The higher debt levels were incurred to principally support the share repurchase program, capital expenditures and working capital increases. We expect interest expense in 2013 to be approximately $12.0 - $17.0 million higher than 2012 primarily as a result of the issuance of the Senior Notes during the fourth quarter of 2012.
Segment operating income. Corporate expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment’s percentage of consolidated sales. The following table represents our operating income by segment for 2011 and 2012:
The percentage relationship of cost of operations to sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:
Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Industrial Materials remained flat at 86% in 2012. Favorable foreign currency impacts decreased operating expenses in 2012 compared to 2011, although these decreases were largely offset by the flow through, principally during the second half of 2012, of higher raw material costs and overhead absorption rates in 2012 compared to 2011. We expect operating expenses in 2013 to continue to be negatively impacted by the flow through of higher raw material costs and lower overhead absorption rates as we consume higher cost raw materials inventories remaining on hand.
Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Engineered Solutions decreased from 96% in 2011 to 94% in 2012. Operating expenses decreased as a percentage of sales due primarily to a favorable change in product mix, as advanced composite materials and advanced electronics technologies contributed a larger percentage of overall Engineered Solutions sales.
Provision for income taxes. The following table summarizes the expense for income taxes in 2011 and 2012:
Our net unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $8.1 million during 2012, primarily related to the resolution of uncertain tax positions from prior years, which had a favorable impact on our effective tax rate. We also recorded tax credits relating to prior years in support of our research and development efforts of high-tech Engineered Solutions products, which positively impacted the tax rate for the year. In addition, the year to date effective tax rate differs from the U.S statutory rate of 35% due to jurisdictional mix of income.
Based on forecasted 2013 results, we expect an increased effective tax rate in the range of 33% to 36% in 2013 as a direct result of the decreased profitability and the resulting jurisdictional mix.
Results of Operations for 2011 as Compared to 2010
Net sales. Net sales by operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 were:
(in thousands, except per share data and % change)
We experienced higher sales for both of our operating segments in 2011. Our Industrial Materials operating segment had increased sales primarily due to the inclusion of Seadrift and C/G for the full year in 2011, which contributed approximately $198.0 million of sales in 2011. Our Engineered Solutions segment had sales increases, primarily due to increased volumes of Electronic Thermal Management (“ETM”) products.
Our analysis of the percentage change in net sales from 2010 to 2011 for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:
Net sales. Sales for the Industrial Materials segment increased significantly in 2011 when compared to 2010 due to higher graphite electrode sales volume, as well as the inclusion of needle coke products for all of 2011, compared to only one month in 2010. Partially offsetting this increased demand, the weighted average selling price of our melter and non-melter graphite electrodes decreased by approximately 2%, exclusive of currency impacts, in 2011 when compared to 2010. Our Engineered Solutions segment also saw an increase in volumes, in 2011, coupled with a favorable product mix due to increased ETM sales.
Due to rising costs, we announced price increases to customers for normal premium grade needle coke and graphite electrodes during 2011. These price increases did not have a material impact to 2011 results as the majority of our 2011 business was booked prior to the announced price increases. However, these increases should better position us to manage margins and rising costs in 2012.
Cost of sales. The primary drivers of the increase in cost of sales were increases in shipments of our products of $187.7 million and in production costs of $51.1 million and an unfavorable foreign currency impact of $18.9 million, across both of our segments during 2011 when compared to 2010. The year-over-year difference in the MTM Adjustment had an unfavorable impact of $6.1 million ($11.0 million expense in 2011; $4.9 million expense in 2010). The 2011 cost of sales also included amortization expense related to the technology intangible assets of $6.5 million, compared to $0.5 million in 2010. This increase was a result of a full year of amortization in 2011 compared to only one month in 2010.
We are parties to contracts with ConocoPhillips through December 2013 for the supply of petroleum needle coke, our primary raw material used in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. The agreements provide for quantities of needle coke which we believe, together with needle coke that we source from Seadrift and other sources, are sufficient for our requirements as currently forecast. These supply agreements also contain customary terms and conditions including annual price negotiations, dispute resolution and termination provisions. In July 2011, ConocoPhillips announced that its board approved separating its refining and marketing and exploration and production businesses by spinning off the refining and marketing segment to shareholders. We do not believe that such separation will have an adverse impact on these needle coke supply agreements.
Research and development. Research and development expense year-over-year increased $1.8 million, driven by the difference in the MTM Adjustment impact ($2.1 million expense in 2011; $0.3 million in 2010).
Selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased as a result of a higher MTM adjustment in 2011 compared to 2010. The 2011 MTM charge was $7.0 million more than the 2010 amount ($9.2 million in 2011; $2.2 million in 2010). The amortization of intangibles increased selling and administrative expense by $15.3 million year-over-year, due to a full year of amortization in 2011 compared to only one month in 2010. We also experienced higher overhead expense due to increases in sales and marketing coverage to support internal growth initiatives during 2011 when compared to 2010. These increases in selling and administrative costs were offset by a decline in acquisition costs (i.e., advisory, legal, valuation, other professional fees, etc.). These acquisition costs represented $0.7 million of expense in 2011, compared to $15.2 million in 2010.
Equity in losses (earnings) of, write-down of investment in and gain recorded on acquisition of non-consolidated affiliate. We acquired an 18.9% interest in Seadrift on June 30, 2008, and subsequently acquired the remaining 81.1% of the equity interests in Seadrift on November 30, 2010. As a result of the acquisition of the remaining 81.1% of the equity interests in Seadrift, accounting guidance requires us to re-measure the book value of our previously held 18.9% equity interest at the acquisition date to fair value and recognize the resulting gain in our 2010 earnings. We recorded a $9.6 million non-cash gain in our 2010 earnings. Our equity in Seadrift earnings for 2010 was $4.9 million.
Other (income) expense. Other (income) expense was expense of $4.8 million in 2011, compared to income of $4.8 million in 2010, due in large part to currency losses of $2.6 million in 2011, compared to currency gains of $6.2 million in 2010.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $13.2 million in 2011 compared to 2010, driven primarily by the amortization of the discount recorded with the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes. This amortization totaled $10.0 million in 2011, compared to $0.8 million in 2010. Interest incurred on the Revolving Facility increased $4.8 in million in 2011 as a result of higher debt balances throughout the year.
Segment operating income. Corporate expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment’s percentage of consolidated sales. The following table represents our operating income by segment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011:
The percentage relationship of operating expenses to sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:
Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Industrial Materials increased three percentage points, which resulted from an increase of $280.0 million in total operating costs and expenses year over year. The increase was primarily a result of volume increases (including the effect of the additional volume from the acquisitions) of $182.5 million, higher production costs of $55.6 million, and unfavorable currency exchange of $17.4 million. The amortization of intangibles from the 2010 acquisitions of Seadrift and St. Marys caused $20.6 million of additional expense in 2011 compared to 2010. Further, the MTM adjustment related to our Industrial Materials segment, including the allocation of the corporate MTM, increased $6.4 million in 2011 compared to 2010.
Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Engineered Solutions increased six percentage point to 96% in 2011 when compared to 2010. Total operating costs and expenses, increased $25.3 million year over year. The increase was primarily a result of increases in volume of $5.1 million, including the acquisitions of Emporium and FMI, as well as $10.9 million in additional costs related to a shift in product mix, driven by increased ETM sales. Further, the MTM adjustment related to our Engineered Solutions segment, including the allocation of the corporate MTM, increased $8.5 million in 2011 compared to 2010.
Provision for income taxes.
The following table summarizes the (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011:
The current year effective tax rate differs from the U.S statutory rate of 35% due to jurisdictional mix of income and changes in the utilization of attributes and related valuation allowances associated with current year income. We realized an additional income tax benefit of $26.5 million, primarily attributable to the release of valuation allowance for foreign tax credits carryforwards which are expected to be utilized in future years.
In 2010, as a result of our November 2010 acquisitions, we were in an overall net deferred tax liability position and released $30.3 million of valuation allowance which reduced our 2010 provision for income taxes.
Effects of Inflation
We incur costs in the U.S. and each of the seven non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility. In general, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition are affected by the effects of inflation on our costs incurred in each of these countries.
Currency Translation and Transactions
We translate the assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries into U.S. dollars for consolidation and reporting purposes in accordance with FASB ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally recorded as part of stockholders’ equity and identified as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until such time as their operations are sold or substantially or completely liquidated.
We account for our Russian, Swiss and Mexican subsidiaries using the dollar as the functional currency, as sales and purchases are predominantly dollar-denominated. Our remaining subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency.
We also record foreign currency transaction gains and losses from non-permanent intercompany balances as part of other (income) expense, net.
Significant changes in currency exchange rates impacting us are described under “Effects of Changes in Currency Exchange Rates” and “Results of Operations.”
Effects of Changes in Currency Exchange Rates
When the currencies of non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility decline (or increase) in value relative to the U.S. dollar, this has the effect of reducing (or increasing) the U.S. dollar equivalent cost of sales and other expenses with respect to those facilities. In certain countries where we have manufacturing facilities, and in certain instances where we price our products for sale in export markets, we sell in currencies other than the dollar. Accordingly, when these currencies increase (or decline) in value relative to the dollar, this has the effect of increasing (or reducing) net sales. The result of these effects is to increase (or decrease) operating profit and net income.
Many of the non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility have been subject to significant economic and political changes, which have significantly impacted currency exchange rates. We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates in the future or whether those changes will have net positive or negative impacts on our net sales, cost of sales or net income.
During 2011, the average exchange rate of the Brazilian real, the euro, the South African rand and the Japanese yen to the U.S. dollar increased by 5%, 5%, 1%, and 10%, respectively. During 2012, the average exchange rate of the Brazilian real, the euro, the South African rand and the Japanese yen to the U.S. dollar decreased by 14%, 7%, 12%, and 1%, respectively.
For net sales of industrial materials, the impact of these events was a decrease of $20.4 million in 2010, an increase of $16.1 million in 2011, and a decrease of $15.2 million in 2012. For the cost of industrial materials, the
impact of these events was an increase of $9.3 million in 2010, an increase of $17.4 million in 2011 and a decrease of $28.5 million in 2012.
As part of our cash management, we have intercompany loans between some of our subsidiaries. These loans are deemed to be temporary and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans are recorded as currency gains / losses in other income (expense), net, on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
We had a net total currency gain of $6.2 million in 2010, and a net total currency loss of $2.6 million in 2011 and a net currency gain of $0.6 million in 2012 due to the remeasurement of intercompany loans and the effect of transaction gains and losses on intercompany activities.
We have in the past and may in the future use various financial instruments to manage certain exposures to specific financial market risks caused by changes in currency exchange rates, as described under “Item 7A
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, energy commodity prices and commercial energy rates. We, from time to time, routinely enter into various transactions that have been authorized according to documented policies and procedures to manage these well-defined risks. These transactions relate primarily to financial instruments described below. Since the counterparties to these financial instruments are large commercial banks and similar financial institutions, we do not believe that we are exposed to material counterparty credit risk. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes.
Our exposure to changes in interest rates results primarily from floating rate long-term debt tied to LIBOR or Euro LIBOR. Our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates results primarily from:
•
sales made by our subsidiaries in currencies other than local currencies;
•
raw material purchases made by our foreign subsidiaries in currencies other than local currencies; and
•
investments in and intercompany loans to our foreign subsidiaries and our share of the earnings of those subsidiaries, to the extent denominated in currencies other than the dollar.
Our exposure to changes in energy commodity prices and commercial energy rates results primarily from the purchase or sale of refined oil products and the purchase of natural gas and electricity for use in our manufacturing operations.
Currency Rate Management. We enter into foreign currency derivatives from time to time to attempt to manage exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. These foreign currency derivatives, which include, but are not limited to, forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, attempt to hedge global currency exposures. Forward exchange contracts are agreements to exchange different currencies at a specified future date and at a specified rate. Purchased foreign currency options are instruments which give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to exchange different currencies at a specified rate at a specified date or over a range of specified dates. Forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options are carried at market value.
The outstanding foreign currency derivatives as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 represented a net unrealized gain of $2.6 million and a net unrealized loss of $1.3 million, respectively.
Energy Commodity Management. We periodically enter into commodity derivative contracts and short duration fixed rate purchase contracts to effectively fix some or all of our natural gas and refined oil product exposure. The outstanding contracts as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 represented net unrealized losses of $0.5 million and $0.03 million, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk Management. We periodically implement interest rate management initiatives to seek to minimize our interest expense and the risk in our portfolio of fixed and variable interest rate obligations.
We periodically enter into agreements with financial institutions that are intended to limit, or cap, our exposure to incurrence of additional interest expense due to increases in variable interest rates. These instruments effectively cap our interest rate exposure. We currently do not have any such instruments outstanding.
Sensitivity Analysis. We use sensitivity analysis to quantify potential impacts that market rate changes may have on the fair values of our foreign currency derivatives and our commodity derivatives. The sensitivity analysis represents the hypothetical changes in value of the hedge position and does not reflect the related gain or loss on the forecasted underlying transaction. As of December 31, 2012, a 10% appreciation or depreciation in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies from the prevailing market rates would result in a corresponding increase of $12.2 million or a corresponding decrease of $11.3 million, respectively, in the fair value of the foreign currency hedge portfolio. A 10% increase or decrease in the value of the underlying commodity prices that we hedge would result in a corresponding increase or decrease of $2.4 million as of December 31, 2012 in the fair value of the commodity hedge portfolio. Because of the high correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure, fluctuations in the value of the instruments are generally offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying exposure.
We had no interest rate derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2012. A hypothetical increase in interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would have increased our interest expense by $3.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012.
Item 8.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
(Unless otherwise noted, all dollars are presented in thousands)
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
See the Table of Contents located at the beginning of this Report for more detailed page references to information contained in this Item.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process, designed by, or under the supervision of, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel of a company, 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, and includes those policies and procedures that:
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets of the company;
•
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 the board of directors; and
•
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets of the company that could have a material effect on its financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations which 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 because the level of compliance with related policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Date: February 26, 2013
/S/ CRAIG S. SHULAR
Craig S. Shular,
Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chairman of the Board
/S/ LINDON G. ROBERTSON
Lindon G. Robertson,
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of GrafTech International Ltd.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GrafTech International Ltd. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, 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 Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.
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/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 26, 2013
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
(1)
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Discussion of Business and Structure
GrafTech International Ltd. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite and carbon based products. References herein to “GTI,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer collectively to GrafTech International Ltd. and its subsidiaries. We have seven major product categories: graphite electrodes, refractory products, needle coke products, advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials, advanced electronics technology, and advanced materials, which are reported in the following segments:
•
Industrial Materials includes graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products, and primarily serves the steel industry.
•
Engineered Solutions includes advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials, advanced electronics technology, and advanced materials and provides primary and specialty products to the advanced electronics, industrial, energy, transportation and defense markets.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of GrafTech International Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of certificates of deposit, money market funds and commercial paper.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from sales of our commercial products is recognized when they meet four basic criteria (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred, (3) the amount is determinable and (4) collection is reasonably assured. Sales are recognized when both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer or services have been rendered and fees have been earned in accordance with the contract.
Revenue from sales of non-commercial products manufactured to customer specifications are recognized using the units-of-delivery measure under the percentage-of-completion accounting method as units are delivered and accepted by the customer. Sales using this measure of progress are recognized at the contractually agreed upon unit price.
Volume discounts and rebates are recorded as a reduction of revenue in conjunction with the sale of the related products. Changes to estimates are recorded when they become probable. Shipping and handling revenues billed to our customers are included in net sales and the related shipping and handling costs are included as an increase to cost of sales.
Earnings per Share
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of our common shares outstanding during the applicable period. We use the two-class method of computing earnings per share for our instruments granted in share-based payment transactions that are determined to be participating securities prior to vesting.
Diluted earnings per share recognizes the dilution that would occur if outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards were exercised or converted into common shares. We use the treasury stock method to compute the dilutive effect of our stock options and restricted stock awards (using the average market price for the period).
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is principally determined using the “first-in first-out” (“FIFO”) and average cost, which approximates FIFO, methods. Elements of cost in inventory include raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for replacements and betterments are capitalized and the replaced assets are retired. Gains and losses from the sale of property are included in cost of goods sold or other (income) expense, net. We depreciate our assets using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The ranges of estimated useful lives are as follows:
The carrying value of fixed assets is assessed when events and circumstances indicating impairment are present. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Depreciation expense was $40.1 million for 2010, $58.3 million for 2011, and $59.6 million for 2012.
Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable primarily arise from sales of goods to customers and distributors in the normal course of business.
Sales of trade accounts receivable
We have in the past sold certain trade accounts receivable to a bank under a factoring arrangement. The receivables were sold at a discount on a nonrecourse basis and we did not retain interests in the receivables sold. We also acted as a servicer of the sold receivables for a fee. The servicing duties included collecting payments on receivables and remitting them to the bank. While servicing the receivables, we applied the same servicing policies and procedures that are applied to our owned accounts receivable.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Considerable judgment is required in assessing the realizability of receivables, including the current creditworthiness of each customer, related aging of the past due balances and the facts and circumstances surrounding any non-payment. We evaluate specific accounts when we become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations. The reserve requirements are based on the best facts available to us and are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received. Receivables are charged off when amounts are determined to be uncollectible.
Capitalized Bank Fees
We capitalize bank fees upon the incurrence of debt. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012, capitalized bank fees amounted to $6.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively. We amortize such amounts over the life of the respective debt instrument using the effective interest method. The estimated life may be adjusted upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Amortization of capitalized bank fees amounted to $1.8 million in 2010, $1.4 million in 2011, and $1.7 million in 2012, respectively, and is included in interest expense.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Derivative Financial Instruments
We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. They are used to manage well-defined commercial risks associated with commodity contracts and currency exchange rate risks.
Foreign Currency Derivatives
We enter into foreign currency derivatives from time to time to manage exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. These instruments, which include, but are not limited to, forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, attempt to hedge global currency exposures, relating to non-dollar denominated debt and identifiable foreign currency receivables, payables and commitments held by our foreign and domestic subsidiaries. Forward exchange contracts are agreements to exchange different currencies at a specified future date and at a specified rate. Purchased foreign currency options are instruments which give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to exchange different currencies at a specified rate at a specified date or over a range of specified dates. The result is the creation of a range in which a best and worst price is defined, while minimizing option cost. Forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options are carried at fair value. These contracts are treated as hedges to the extent they are effective. Changes in fair values related to these contracts are recognized in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until settlement. At the time of settlement, realized gains and losses are recognized in revenue or cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For derivatives that are not designated as a hedge, any gain or loss is immediately recognized in Cost of Goods Sold or Other (Income) Expense on the the Consolidated Statements of Income. Derivatives used in this manner relate to risks resulting from assets or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency.
Commodity Derivative Contracts
We periodically enter into derivative contracts for natural gas and certain refined oil products. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that eventual cash flows related to these products will be adversely affected by future changes in prices. All commodity contracts are carried at fair value and are treated as hedges to the extent they are effective. Changes in their fair values are included in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until settlement. At the time of settlement of these hedge contracts, realized gains and losses are recognized as part of cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Investments in Non-Consolidated Affiliates
We use the equity method to account for investments in entities that we do not control, but where we have the ability to exercise significant influence. Equity method investments are recorded at original cost and adjusted periodically to recognize (1) our proportionate share of the investees’ net income or losses after the date of investment, (2) additional contributions made and dividends or distributions received, and (3) impairment losses resulting from adjustments to net realizable value.
We assess the potential impairment of our equity method investments when indicators such as a history of operating losses, a negative earnings and cash flow outlook, and the financial condition and prospects for the investee’s business segment might indicate a loss in value. We determine fair value based on valuation methodologies, as appropriate, including the present value of our estimated future cash flows. If the fair value is less than our carrying amount, the investment is determined to be impaired. If the decline in value is other than temporary, we record an appropriate write-down.
Research and Development
Expenditures relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements to existing products, are expensed as incurred.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income Taxes
We file a consolidated United States (“U.S.”) federal income tax return for GTI and its eligible domestic subsidiaries. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries file income tax returns in their respective local jurisdictions. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax benefit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at the end of each period are determined using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is established or maintained, when, based on currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Under the guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, we recognize the benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, and accounting in interim periods.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
We have various plans that provide for the granting of stock-based compensation to employees and, in certain instances, to non-employee directors, which are described more fully in Note 13, “Management Compensation and Incentive Plans.” Shares are issued upon vesting or option exercise from authorized, unissued shares.
We account for those plans under the applicable standards on accounting for share-based payment. For transactions in which we obtain employee services in exchange for an award of equity instruments, we measure the cost of the services based on the grant date fair value of the award. We recognize the cost over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award, known as the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). Costs related to plans with graded vesting are generally recognized using a straight-line method. Cash flows resulting from tax benefits for deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized are included in financing cash flows.
Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits
We use actuarial methods and assumptions to account for our defined benefit pension plans and our postretirement benefits. We immediately recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each year (MTM Adjustment) and whenever a plan is remeasured (e.g. due to a significant curtailment, settlement, etc.). Pension and postretirement benefits expense includes the MTM adjustment, actuarially computed cost of benefits earned during the current service period, the interest cost on accrued obligations, the expected return on plan assets based on fair market values, and adjustments due to plan settlements and curtailments. Contributions to the qualified U.S. retirement plan are made in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Postretirement benefits and benefits under the non-qualified retirement plan have been accrued, but not funded. The estimated cost of future postretirement life insurance benefits is determined by the Company with assistance from independent actuarial firms using the “projected unit credit” actuarial cost method. Such costs are recognized as employees render the service necessary to earn the postretirement benefits. We record our balance sheet position based on the funded status of the plan.
We exclude the inactive participant portion of our pension and other postretirement benefit costs as a component of inventoriable costs. Additional information with respect to benefits plans is set forth in Note 12, “Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits.”
Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
Our operations are governed by laws addressing protection of the environment and worker safety and health. These laws provide for civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where hazardous substances have been released into the environment.
We have been in the past, and may become in the future, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with these laws or the remediation of company-related substances
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
released into the environment. Historically, such matters have been resolved by negotiation with regulatory authorities resulting in commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither the commitments undertaken nor the penalties imposed on us have been material.
Environmental considerations are part of all significant capital expenditure decisions. Environmental remediation, compliance and management expenses were approximately $12.5 million in 2010, $15.7 million in 2011, and $15.8 million in 2012. The accrued liability relating to environmental remediation was $8.2 million as of December 31, 2011 and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2012. A charge to income is recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When payments are fixed or determinable, the liability is discounted using a rate at which the payments could be effectively settled.
Our environmental liabilities do not take into consideration possible recoveries of insurance proceeds. Because of the uncertainties associated with environmental remediation activities at sites where we may be potentially liable, future expenses to remediate sites could be considerably higher than the accrued liability.
Foreign Currency Translation
We translate the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, whose local currency is their functional currency, to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and weighted average exchange rates for each period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Differences arising from exchange rate changes are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until such time as the operations of such non-U.S. subsidiaries are sold or substantially or completely liquidated.
For our Mexican, Swiss and Russian subsidiaries, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar, we remeasure non-monetary balance sheet accounts and the related income statement accounts at historical exchange rates. Resulting gains and losses arising from the fluctuations in currency for monetary accounts are recognized in other (income) expense, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains and losses arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in earnings as incurred.
We have had non-dollar denominated intercompany loans between some of our foreign subsidiaries. These loans are subject to remeasurement gains and losses due to changes in currency exchange rates. Certain of these loans had been deemed to be essentially permanent prior to settlement and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans were recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining loans are deemed to be temporary and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans are recorded as currency (gains/losses) in other (income) expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Software Development Costs
In connection with our development and implementation of global enterprise resource planning systems with advanced manufacturing, planning and scheduling software, we capitalize certain computer software costs after technological feasibility is established. These costs are capitalized within property, plant and equipment and are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over the economic lives of the related products. Total costs capitalized as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 amounted to $16.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively. Amortization expense was $1.6 million for 2010 and 2011, and $1.4 million for 2012.
Restructuring
We recognize an accrual for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when the liability is incurred.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. We do not recognize deferred income taxes for the difference between the assigned value and the tax basis related to nondeductible goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized; however, impairment testing is performed annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We perform the goodwill impairment test annually at December 31.
The impairment test for goodwill uses a two-step approach, which is performed at the reporting unit level. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit (using a discounted cash flow method) to its carrying value. The fair value for each reporting unit with goodwill is determined in accordance with accounting guidance on determining
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
fair value, which requires consideration of the income, market, and cost approaches as applicable. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to implied fair value (i.e., fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, an impairment is recognized.
Other amortizable intangible assets, which consist primarily of patents, trademarks and trade names, customer-related intangibles, and technological know-how, are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight line or sum-of-the-years digits method. The estimated useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets are:
Additional information about goodwill and other intangibles is set forth in Note 5 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”
Major Maintenance and Repair Costs
We perform scheduled major maintenance of the storage and processing units at our Seadrift plant (referred to as “overhaul”). Time periods between overhauls vary by unit. We also perform an annual scheduled significant maintenance and repair shutdown of the plant (referred to as “turnaround”).
Costs of overhauls and turnarounds include plant personnel, contract services, materials, and rental equipment. We defer these costs when incurred and use the straight-line method to amortize them over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next scheduled overhaul of the applicable storage or processing unit or over one year for our turnaround. Under this policy in 2011, costs deferred were $6.4 million and costs amortized were $3.4 million. Costs deferred in 2012 were $9.3 million and costs amortized were $7.4 million.
Our turnaround, normally scheduled during the spring or early summer of each year, was completed during the three months ended June 30, 2012.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but are not limited to, pension and other post-retirement benefits, allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals and valuation allowances, asset impairment, and environmental-related accruals. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Subsequent Events
We evaluate events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued to determine if a material event requires our amending the financial statements or disclosing the event.
Reclassification
Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Testing of Goodwill for Impairment
As of January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance on the testing of goodwill impairment that allows the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the two step goodwill impairment assessment is necessary. Under the option, the calculation of the reporting unit’s fair value is not required to be performed unless, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the unit’s carrying
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
amount. The adoption of this guidance impacts testing steps only. We test goodwill annually as of December 31, and when triggering events occur.
Presentation of Other Comprehensive Income
As of January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The guidance allows an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. While the guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. We elected to adopt the two separate but consecutive statements presentation, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements
As of January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance regarding disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance requires new disclosures related to activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance requires purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements to be presented separately in the rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our disclosures.
Offsetting (Netting) Financial Instruments and Derivative Instruments
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”) which requires disclosure of the effect or potential effect of netting, known as offsetting, our derivative assets and liabilities in the balance sheet if permitted by the arrangements.
ASU 2011-11 becomes effective for annual and interim financial statements beginning after December 31, 2012. The new guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively. We do not anticipate a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There are no new accounting standards that we anticipate will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
(2)
Acquisitions
Seadrift and C/G
On November 30, 2010, we acquired from the equity holders of Seadrift Coke L.P. (“Seadrift”) the 81.1% of the equity interests of Seadrift that we did not already own and from the equity holders of C/G Electrodes LLC (“C/G”) 100% of the equity interests of C/G. Because Seadrift and C/G meet the SEC definition of common control, we have treated the transactions as the acquisition of one business and they are referred to collectively as the “Acquisitions.” Seadrift and C/G are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning as of December 1, 2010.
Seadrift is one of the largest producers of petroleum-based needle coke in the world and owns the world's only known stand-alone petroleum-based needle coke plant. Needle coke is the key raw material used to make graphite electrodes, including premium UHP graphite electrodes, which are critical consumables in electric arc furnace (“EAF”) steel production. The acquisition of Seadrift helps to assure us of a stable supply for a majority of the primary raw material in the production of graphite electrodes and should allow us to reduce the relative cost of a significant portion of our supply of needle coke.
C/G is a U.S.-based producer of large diameter premium UHP graphite electrodes used in the EAF steel making process. C/G also sells various other graphite-related products, including specialty graphite blocks, granular graphite and partially processed electrodes. The acquisition of C/G provides us with a large diameter graphite electrode manufacturing facility in the U.S. which will allow us to respond to customer orders more quickly and reduce freight cost and transit time for North American shipments.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consideration transferred: The consideration paid to the equity holders of Seadrift consisted of $90.0 million in cash (including working capital adjustments), approximately 12 million shares of GTI common stock and $100 million in aggregate face amount of Senior Subordinated Notes of GTI due in 2015. The consideration paid to the equity holders of C/G consisted of $159.5 million in cash (including working capital adjustments), approximately 12 million shares of GTI common stock and $100 million in aggregate face amount of Senior Subordinated Notes of GTI due in 2015.
The computation of the fair value of the total consideration at the date of acquisition follows (in thousands, except share price):
The volume weighted average price of a share of GTI common stock on November 30, 2010 was used to determine the fair value of the stock issued as consideration in connection with the Acquisitions. The fair value of the non-interest bearing senior subordinated notes was determined using an interest rate of 7%.
Recording of assets acquired and liabilities assumed: The Acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Under the acquisition method the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are assigned a new basis of accounting reflecting their estimated fair values. The information included herein has been prepared based on the allocation of purchase price using estimates of the fair values and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the best available information determined with the assistance of independent valuations, quoted market prices and management estimates.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
Intangible assets: The following table is a summary of the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
and their estimated useful lives (dollars in thousands):
Goodwill: Goodwill of approximately $489.2 million was recognized for the Acquisitions and is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Acquisitions includes:
•
the expected synergies and other benefits that we believe will result from combining the operations of Seadrift and C/G with the operations of GrafTech;
•
any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition such as the assembled workforce; and
•
the value of the going-concern element of Seadrift's and C/G's existing businesses (the higher rate of return on the assembled collection of net assets versus acquiring all of the net assets separately).
We have assigned the goodwill to our Industrial Materials segment. Approximately $168.2 million of the goodwill is deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Debt: We repaid $80.6 million of debt and interest rate swaps and assumed an additional $1.2 million of debt. The recorded amount of the debt assumed approximated its fair value. The following is a summary of the third-party debt assumed and not repaid in connection with the close of the Acquisitions (dollars in thousands):
Pro-forma impact of the Acquisitions: The unaudited pro-forma results presented below include the effects of the Acquisitions as if they had been consummated as of January 1, 2009. The pro forma results include the amortization associated with the acquired intangible assets and interest expense associated with debt used to fund the Acquisitions, as well as fair value adjustments for property, plant and equipment and the elimination of related party transactions. To better reflect the combined operating results, material non-recurring charges directly attributable to the Acquisitions have been excluded. In addition, the pro forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits of the Acquisitions. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information below is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the Acquisitions been consummated as of January 1, 2009 (dollars in thousands, except per share):
Material non-recurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the Acquisitions include: reversal of LIFO impact, $1.9 million expense in 2009 and $21.0 million benefit in 2010; reversal of equity in (income) losses of non-consolidated affiliate, $55.5 million expense in 2009 and $14.5 million income in 2010; and $25.9 million of transaction expenses in 2010.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Previously held 18.9% equity interest in Seadrift: On June 30, 2008, we acquired 100% of Falcon-Seadrift Holding Corp., now named GrafTech Seadrift Holding Corp. (“GTSD”), which held approximately 18.9% of the equity interests in Seadrift. The substance of the transaction was the acquisition of an asset, the limited partnership units, rather than a business combination. Because the amount we paid for the limited partnerships interests exceeded their tax basis accounting guidance required us to recognize a deferred tax liability for this difference and increase our purchase price. We also had a deferred tax asset valuation allowance at the time we acquired the limited partnership units. Accounting guidance required us to reduce the valuation allowance and decrease the purchase price because the deferred tax liability recorded for the purchase was expected to reverse during the same period that our deferred tax assets were expected to reverse.
We accounted for our investment in Seadrift using the equity method of accounting because we had the ability to exercise significant influence, but not exercise control. In 2009 we determined that the fair value of our investment was less than our carrying amount and that the losses in value were other than temporary. We recorded a non-cash impairment of $52.8 million in 2009 to recognize this other than temporary loss in value.
The following table summarizes the carrying amount (book value) of our investment in Seadrift from January 1, 2010 to November 30, 2010, the date we acquired the remaining 81.1% equity interests (dollars in thousands):
ASC 805 required us to remeasure the book value of our previously held 18.9% equity interest in Seadrift at November 30, 2010 to its fair value and recognize the resulting gain in our 2010 earnings.
Loan to Seadrift: In July 2009, Seadrift entered into agreements to borrow $12.0 million from certain of its shareholders, which included up to $6.0 million from us. Each loan was evidenced by a demand note with an interest rate of 10.0%. We recorded our $6.0 million loan at its face amount, which reasonably approximated its present value. Seadrift repaid the total borrowing of $12.0 million on March 31, 2010.
Micron Research Corporation
On February 9, 2011, we purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed certain trade liabilities of Micron Research Corporation (“Micron Research”), a subsidiary of E. Holdings, Inc., for $6.5 million of cash. Micron Research manufactures super fine grain graphite materials and primarily services Electrical Discharge Machining customers. We intend to utilize their technology and capability to service other applications including solar, electronics and medical. The substance of the transaction is the acquisition of a business and we accounted for the transaction following the guidance in ASC 805. Tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values of $5.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The estimated fair values of finite-lived intangible assets acquired of $1.3 million related to technology and know-how and customer relationships are being amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 15 years. Goodwill of $0.4 million represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets acquired and has been assigned to our Engineered Solutions segment. These values have been prepared based on the allocation of purchase price using estimates of the fair values and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on best available information determined with the assistance of independent valuations, quoted market prices and management estimates.
Fiber Materials, Inc.
On October 31, 2011, we purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed certain trade liabilities of Fiber Materials, Inc. (“FMI”) for $14.0 million of cash. FMI is manufacturer of highly engineered advanced carbon composite materials serving the aerospace and defense industries and high temperature insulation for use in industrial applications. FMI has been assigned to our Engineered Solutions (“ES”) business segment. The substance of the transaction was the acquisition of a business and we accounted for the transaction following the guidance in ASC 805.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values of $13.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The fair value of finite-lived intangible assets acquired of $2.5 million relating to customer relationships is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 5 years. These values have been prepared based on the allocation of purchase price using estimates of the fair values and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on best available information determined with the assistance of independent valuations, quoted market prices and management estimates.
(3)
Segment Reporting
We operate in two reportable segments: Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions.
Industrial Materials. Our industrial materials segment manufactures and delivers high quality graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products. Electrodes are key components of the conductive power systems used to produce steel and other non-ferrous metals. Refractory products are used in blast furnaces and submerged arc furnaces due to their high thermal conductivity and the ease with which they can be machined to large or complex shapes. Needle coke, a crystalline form of carbon derived from decant oil, is the key ingredient in, and is used primarily in, the production of graphite electrodes.
Engineered Solutions. The Engineered Solutions segment includes advanced electronics technologies, advanced graphite materials, advanced composite materials and advanced materials. Advanced electronics technology products consist of electronic thermal management solutions, fuel cell components, and sealing materials. Advanced graphite materials are highly engineered synthetic graphite products used in many areas due to their unique properties and the ability to tailor them to specific solutions. These products are used in transportation, alternative energy, metallurgical, chemical, oil and gas exploration and various other industries. Advanced composite materials are highly engineered carbon products that are woven into various shapes to primarily support the aerospace and defense industries. Advanced materials use carbon and graphite powders as components or additives in a variety of industries, including metallurgical processing, battery and fuel cell components, and polymer additives.
We continue to evaluate the performance of our segments based on segment operating income. Intersegment sales and transfers are not material and the accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those for our Consolidated Financial Statements as a whole. Corporate expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment’s percentage of consolidated sales.
The following tables summarize financial information concerning our reportable segments:
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Assets are managed based on geographic location because certain reportable segments share certain facilities. Assets by reportable segment are estimated based on the value of long-lived assets at each location and the sales mix to third party customers at that location.
The following tables summarize information as to our operations in different geographic areas.
(a)
Long-lived assets represent fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation.
(4)
Supply Chain Financing
We have a supply chain financing arrangement with a financing party. Under this arrangement, we essentially assign our rights to purchase needle coke from a supplier to the financing party. The financing party purchases the product from a supplier under the standard payment terms and then immediately resells it to us under longer payment terms. The financing party pays the supplier the purchase price for the product and then we pay the financing party. Our payment to the financing party for this needle coke includes a mark-up (the “Mark-Up”). The Mark-Up is a premium expressed as a percentage of the purchase price. The Mark-Up is subject to quarterly reviews. This arrangement helps us to maintain a balanced cash conversion cycle between inventory payments and the collection of receivables. Based
on the terms of the arrangement, the total amount that we owe to the financing party may not exceed $49.3 million at any point in time.
We record the inventory once title and risk of loss transfers from the supplier to the financing party. We record our liability to the financing party as an accrued liability. Our purchases of inventory under this arrangement were $169.1 million in 2011 and $189.5 million in 2012. We recognized Mark-Up of $1.0 million in 2011 and $0.6 million in 2012 as interest expense.
(5)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company is required to review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment. Goodwill impairment is tested at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
Our annual impairment test of goodwill was performed as of December 31, 2012. The estimated fair values of our reporting units were based on discounted cash flow models derived from internal earnings forecasts and assumptions. The assumptions and estimates used in these valuations incorporated the current and expected economic environment. Our model was based on our internally developed forecast and based on these valuations, the fair value substantially exceeded our net asset value. In addition, to the quantitative analysis, we have qualitatively assessed our reporting units and we believe that the quantitative analysis supporting the fair value in excess of the carrying value is appropriate. However, a further deterioration in the global economic environment or in any of the input assumptions in our calculation could adversely affect the fair value of our reporting units and result in an impairment of some or all of the goodwill on the balance sheet.
The changes in the Company’s carrying value of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:
The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2011 and 2012:
Amortization expense of intangible assets in 2010, 2011 and 2012 was $2.1 million, $23.0 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for the next five years will approximate $22.0 million in 2013, $20.5 million in 2014, $18.8 million in 2015, $14.7 million in 2016 and $15.9 million in 2017.
(6)
Long-Term Debt and Liquidity
The following table presents our long-term debt:
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revolving Facility
On October 7, 2011, we successfully completed the refinancing of our principal revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). Borrowers under the Revolving Facility were GrafTech Finance Inc. (“GrafTech Finance”) and GrafTech Switzerland S.A. (“Swissco”), both wholly-owned subsidiaries. On April 20, 2012, as permitted by Section 9.19 of the October 7, 2011 Credit Agreement, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement pursuant to which, on August 28, 2012, GrafTech Luxembourg II S.à.r.l. (“Luxembourg Holdco”) replaced Swissco as a Borrower. Swissco is no longer entitled to borrow Loans under the Revolving Facility although it is entitled to request letters of credit thereunder only for its own use.
The interest rate applicable to the Revolving Facility is, at GrafTech’s option, either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.25% (depending on our total net leverage ratio and/or senior unsecured rating) or, in the case of dollar denominated loans, the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% (depending upon such ratio or rating). The alternate base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) the federal fund effective rate plus one-half of 1.0% and (iii) the London interbank offering rate (as adjusted) for a one-month period plus 1.0%. The borrowers pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% (depending on such ratio or rating) on the undrawn portion of the commitments under the Revolving Facility.
The financial covenants require us to maintain a minimum cash interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.00, subject to adjustment for certain events. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained in the Revolving Facility, as applicable.
Senior Notes
On November 20, 2012, GrafTech International Ltd. entered into an indenture dated November 20, 2012 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Company issued $300 million principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020. These Senior Notes are the Company's senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu with all of the Company's existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Company's existing and future subsidiaries that guarantee certain other indebtedness of the Company or another guarantor.
The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.375% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2013. Interest will accrue from November 20, 2012. The Senior Notes mature on November 15, 2020.
The Company is entitled to redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at any time on or after November 15, 2016, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. In addition, prior to November 15, 2016, the Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make whole” premium determined as set forth in the Indenture. The Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35%of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes before November 15, 2015 with the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.375% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
If, prior to maturity, a change in control (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company occurs and thereafter certain downgrades of the ratings of the Senior Notes as specified in the Indenture occur, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase any or all of the Senior Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Indenture also contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to: (i) create liens or use assets as security in other transactions; (ii) engage in certain sale/leaseback transactions; and (iii) merge, consolidate or sell, transfer, lease or dispose of substantially all of their assets.
The Indenture also contains customary events of default, including (i) failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes when due and payable, (ii) failure to comply with covenants or agreements in the Indenture or the Senior Notes which failures are not cured or waived as provided in the Indenture, (iii) failure to pay indebtedness of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or Significant Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) within any applicable grace period after maturity or acceleration and the total amount of such indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $50.0 million, (iv) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization, (v) failure to pay any judgment or decree for an amount in excess of $50.0 million against the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary that is not discharged, waived or stayed as provided in the Indenture, (vi) cessation of any subsidiary guarantee to be in full force and effect or denial or disaffirmance by any Subsidiary Guarantor of its obligations under its subsidiary guarantee, and (vii) a default under the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes. In the case of an event of default, the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest may be accelerated.
The offering of the Notes was not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any state securities laws or blue sky laws but the Company has agreed to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the exchange of the Notes for new registered notes of the Company having terms substantially identical to the Senior Notes. Under certain circumstances, the Company may also be required to file a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act to register the resale of the Senior Notes by certain holders thereof. If the Company fails to comply with certain of their obligations, the Company will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of the Senior Notes until it does comply.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On November 30, 2010, in connection with the Acquisitions, we issued Senior Subordinated Notes for an aggregate total face amount of $200 million. These Senior Subordinated Notes are non-interest bearing and mature in 2015, see Note 2 “Acquisitions”. Because the promissory notes are non-interest bearing, we were required to record them at their present value (determined using an interest rate of 7%). The difference between the face amount of the promissory notes and their present value is recorded as debt discount. The debt discount will be amortized to income using the interest method, over the life of the promissory notes. The loan balance, net of unamortized discount, was $164.2 million at December 31, 2012.
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Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments
Fair Market Value Measurements
Depending on the inputs, we classify each fair value measurement as follows:
•
Level 1 - based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets,
•
Level 2 - based upon quoted prices for similar instruments, prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations of all of whose significant inputs are observable, and
•
Level 3 - based upon one or more significant unobservable inputs.
The following section describes key inputs and assumptions used in valuation methodologies of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term notes and accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current payables - The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Long-term debt - Fair value of long-term debt, which was determined using Level 2 inputs, as of December 31, 2011 was $387.6 million and approximated fair value. As of December 31, 2012 the fair value was $546.3 million, versus a book value of $535.7 million.
Foreign currency derivatives - Foreign currency derivatives are carried at market value using Level 2 inputs. The outstanding contracts at December 31, 2011 and 2012 represented unrealized gains of $2.4 million and unrealized losses of $1.3 million, respectively.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Commodity derivative contracts - Commodity derivative contracts are carried at fair value. We determine the fair value using observable, quoted natural gas and refined oil product prices that are determined by active markets and therefore classify the commodity derivative contracts as Level 2. The outstanding commodity derivative contracts as of December 31, 2011 represented unrealized losses of $0.5 million and no gain or loss as of December 31, 2012.
Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments as part of our overall foreign currency and commodity risk management strategies to manage the risk of exchange rate movements that would reduce the value of our foreign cash flows and to minimize commodity price volatility. Foreign currency exchange rate movements create a degree of risk by affecting the value of sales made and costs incurred in currencies other than the US Dollar.
Certain of our derivative contracts contain provisions that require us to provide collateral. Since the counterparties to these financial instruments are large commercial banks and similar financial institutions, we do not believe that we are exposed to material counterparty credit risk. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of the counter-parties to our instruments.
Foreign currency derivatives
We enter into foreign currency derivatives from time to time to attempt to manage exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. These foreign currency instruments, which include, but are not limited to, forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, attempt to hedge global currency exposures such as foreign currency denominated debt, sales, receivables, payables, and purchases. Forward exchange contracts are agreements to exchange different currencies at a specified future date and at a specified rate. There was no ineffectiveness on these contracts during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 or 2012.
In 2011 and 2012, we entered into foreign forward currency derivatives as hedges of anticipated cash flows denominated in the Mexican peso, Brazilian real, South African rand, euro and Japanese yen. These derivatives were entered into to protect the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates between the US dollar and the Mexican peso, Brazilian real, South African rand, euro and Japanese yen. As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding Brazilian real, euro, and Japanese yen currency contracts, with aggregate notional amounts of $131.9 million. As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding Mexican peso, Brazilian real, South African rand, euro, and Japanese yen currency contracts, with aggregate notional amounts of $183.7 million. The foreign currency derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2012 have several maturity dates ranging from January 2013 to December 2013.
Commodity derivative contracts
We periodically enter into derivative contracts for natural gas and certain refined oil products. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that eventual cash flows related to these products will be adversely affected by future changes in prices. There was no ineffectiveness on these contracts during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 or 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding derivative swap contracts for refined oil products with aggregate notional amountsof $31.9 million. These contracts have maturity dates ranging from January 2013 to March 2013.
The fair value of all derivatives is recorded as assets or liabilities on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2011 and 2012, the fair values of our derivatives and their respective balance sheet locations are presented in the following table:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The location and amount of realized (gains) losses on derivatives are recognized in the Statements of Income when the hedged item impacts earnings and are as follows for the years ended 2011 and 2012:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our foreign currency and commodity derivatives are treated as hedges and are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. With respect to the inputs used to determine the fair value, we use observable, quoted rates that are determined by active markets and, therefore, classify the contracts as “Level 2”.
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Interest Expense
The following table presents an analysis of interest expense:
Interest rates
The Revolving Facility had an effective interest rate of 2.05% and 2.21% as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The Senior Notes carry an interest rate of 6.375%. The Senior Subordinated Notes have an implied rate of 7.00%.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Other (Income) Expense, Net
As part of our cash management, we have intercompany loans between our subsidiaries. These loans are deemed to be temporary and, as a result, remeasurement gains/losses are recorded in other (income) expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We had a net currency loss in 2011 of $2.6 million and a net currency gain of of $0.6 million in 2012, mainly due to the remeasurement of intercompany loans and the effect of transaction gains and losses on intercompany activities.
In addition, other (income) expense in 2012, includes $4.0 million of insurance reimbursements for claims made related to flood damages incurred at our Clarksburg, West Virginia facility during 2011.
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Supplementary Balance Sheet Detail
The following tables present supplementary balance sheet details:
The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Inventories
We allocate fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion based on normal capacity of the production facilities. It also requires that we recognize abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) as current period charges. As of December 31, 2011 we had no costs in excess of normal absorption. Costs in excess of normal absorption as of December 31, 2012 were $3.5 million.
The following table presents an analysis of our inventory reserves:
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Commitments
Lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases extending for one year or more will require the following future payments:
Total lease and rental expenses under non-cancelable operating leases extending one year or more approximated $2.6 million in 2010, $2.4 million in 2011 and $3.2 million in 2012.
We are parties to contracts with ConocoPhillips through December 2013 for the supply of petroleum needle coke, our primary raw material used in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. The agreements provide for quantities of needle coke which we believe, together with needle coke that we source from Seadrift and other sources, are sufficient for our requirements as currently forecast. These supply agreements also contain customary terms and conditions including annual price negotiations, dispute resolution and termination provisions.
We have supply agreements that require us to purchase electricity and natural gas from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The total obligation under these contracts is $5.4 million.
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Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits
Retirement Plans
On February 26, 1991, we formed our own retirement plan covering substantially all our U.S. employees. Under our plan, covered employees earned benefit payments based primarily on their service credits and wages subsequent to February 26, 1991.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Prior to that date, substantially all our U.S. employees were participants in the U.S. retirement plan of Union Carbide Corporation (“Union Carbide”). While service credit was frozen, covered employees continued to earn benefits under the Union Carbide plan based on their final average wages through February 26, 1991, adjusted for salary increases (not to exceed six percent per annum) through January 26, 1995, the date Union Carbide ceased to own a minimum 50% of the equity of GTI. The Union Carbide plan is responsible for paying retirement and death benefits earned as of February 26, 1991.
Effective January 1, 2002, we established a defined contribution plan for U.S. employees. Certain employees had the option to remain in our defined benefit plan for an additional period of up to five years. Employees not covered by this option had their benefits under our defined benefit plan frozen as of December 31, 2001, and began participating in the defined contribution plan.
Effective March 31, 2003, we curtailed our qualified benefit plan and the benefits were frozen as of that date for the U.S. employees who had the option to remain in our defined benefit plan. We also closed our non-qualified U.S. defined benefit plan for the participating salaried workforce. The employees began participating in the defined contribution plan as of April 1, 2003.
We make quarterly contributions equal to 1% of each employee’s total eligible pay. The expense recorded for contributions to this plan was $0.5 million in 2010, $0.8 million in 2011 and $1.0 million in 2012. All such contributions were made using company stock.
Pension coverage for employees of foreign subsidiaries is provided, to the extent deemed appropriate, through separate plans. Obligations under such plans are systematically provided for by depositing funds with trustees, under insurance policies or by book reserves.
The components of our consolidated net pension costs are set forth in the following table.
The primary driver of the mark-to-market losses in 2011 and 2012 was a decrease in the discount rate due to lower interest rates.
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income:
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our pension plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of assets, and funded status at December 31, 2011 and 2012 are:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $218.0 million and $230.1 million at December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Plan Assets
The accounting guidance on fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy based on the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques (Level 1, 2 and 3). See Note 7, “Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments,” for a discussion of the fair value hierarchy.
The following describes the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the investments:
Cash and cash equivalents - Valued at cost. Cash equivalents are valued at net asset value as provided by the administrator of the fund.
Foreign government bonds - Valued by the trustees using various pricing services of financial institutions.
Debt securities - Valued by the trustee at year-end using various pricing services of financial institutions, including Interactive Data Corporation, Standard & Poor’s and Telekurs.
Equity securities - Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the security is traded.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fixed insurance contract - Valued at the present value of the guaranteed payment streams.
Investment contracts - Valued at the total cost of annuity contracts purchased, adjusted for market differences from the date of purchase to year-end.
Collective trusts - Valued at the net asset value provided by the administrator of the fund. The net asset value is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of units outstanding.
The fair value of the plan assets by category is summarized below (dollars in thousands):
The following table presents the changes for those financial instruments classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for international plan pension assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
We annually re-evaluate assumptions and estimates used in projecting pension assets, liabilities and expenses. These assumptions and estimates may affect the carrying value of pension assets, liabilities and expenses in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Assumptions used to determine net pension costs and projected benefit obligations are:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We adjust our discount rate annually in relation to the rate at which the benefits could be effectively settled. Discount rates are set for each plan in reference to the yields available on AA-rated corporate bonds of appropriate currency and duration. The appropriate discount rate is derived by developing an AA-rated corporate bond yield curve in each currency. The discount rate for a given plan is the rate implied by the yield curve for the duration of that plan’s liabilities. In certain countries, where little public information is available on which to base discount rate assumptions, the discount rate is based on government bond yields or other indices and approximate adjustments to allow for the differences in weighted durations for the specific plans and/or allowance for assumed credit spreads between government and AA rated corporate bonds.
The expected return on assets assumption represents our best estimate of the long-term return on plan assets and generally was estimated by computing a weighted average return of the underlying long-term expected returns on the different asset classes, based on the target asset allocations. The expected return on assets assumption is a long-term assumption that is expected to remain the same from one year to the next unless there is a significant change in the target asset allocation, the fees and expenses paid by the plan or market conditions. However, we have adjusted this estimate downward as a result of the recent decline in global market conditions.
The rate of compensation increase assumption is generally based on salary increases.
Plan Assets. The following table presents our retirement plan weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2012, by asset category:
Investment Policy and Strategy. The investment policy and strategy of the U.S. plan is to invest approximately 20% in equities and approximately 80% in fixed income securities. The plan can be invested up to 100% in equities, including shares of our common stock. Rebalancing is undertaken monthly. To the extent we maintain plans in other countries, target asset allocation is 100% fixed income investments. For each plan, the investment policy is set within both asset return and local statutory requirements.
The following table presents our retirement plan weighted average target asset allocations at December 31, 2012, by asset category:
Information for our pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2011 and 2012 follows:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Information for our pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2011 and 2012 follows:
Following is our projected future pension plan cash flow by year:
Postretirement Benefit Plans
We provide life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. These benefits are provided through various insurance companies. We accrue the estimated net postretirement benefit costs during the employees’ credited service periods.
In July 2002, we amended our U.S. postretirement medical coverage. In 2003 and 2004, we discontinued the Medicare Supplement Plan (for retirees 65 years or older or those eligible for Medicare benefits). This change applied to all U.S. active employees and retirees. In June 2003, we announced the termination of
the existing early retiree medical plan for retirees under age 65, effective December 31, 2005. In addition, we limited the amount of retiree’s life insurance after December 31, 2004. These modifications are accounted for prospectively. The impact of these changes is being amortized over the average remaining period to full eligibility of the related postretirement benefits.
During 2009, we amended one of our U.S. plans to eliminate the life insurance benefit for certain non-pooled participants.
The components of our consolidated net postretirement costs are set forth in the following table.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The primary driver of the mark-to-market losses in 2011 and 2012 was a decrease in the discount rate due to lower interest rates.
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are:
We estimate that in 2013 our postretirement costs will include amortization of $0.2 million of prior service credit from stockholders’ equity.
The reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of benefit obligations under, fair value of assets of, and the funded status of, our postretirement plans is set forth in the following table:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We annually re-evaluate assumptions and estimates used in projecting the postretirement liabilities and expenses. These assumptions and estimates may affect the carrying value of postretirement plan liabilities and expenses in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Assumptions used to determine net postretirement benefit costs and postretirement projected benefit obligation are set forth in the following table:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for our postretirement benefits. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects at December 31, 2012:
Discount rates are set for each plan in reference to the yields available on AA-rated corporate bonds of appropriate currency and duration. The appropriate discount rate is derived by developing an AA-rated corporate bond yield curve in each currency. The discount rate for a given plan is the rate implied by the yield curve for the duration of that plan’s liabilities. In certain countries, where little public information is available on which to base discount rate assumptions, the discount rate is based on government bond yields or other indices and approximate adjustments to allow for the differences in weighted durations for the specific plans and/or allowance for assumed credit spreads between government and AA-rated corporate bonds.
The following table represents projected future postretirement cash flow by year:
Other Non-Qualified Benefit Plans
Since January 1, 1995, we have established various unfunded, non-qualified supplemental retirement and deferred compensation plans for certain eligible employees. We established benefits protection trusts (collectively, the “Trust”) to partially provide for the benefits of employees participating in these plans. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had assets of approximately $4.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, which are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets include 76,095 shares of common stock that we contributed to the Trust. These shares, if later sold, could be used for partial funding of our future obligations under
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
certain of our compensation and benefit plans. The shares held in Trust are not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share until they are committed to be sold or otherwise used for funding purposes.
Savings Plan
Our employee savings plan provides eligible employees the opportunity for long-term savings and investment. The plan allows employees to contribute up to 5% of pay as a basic contribution and an additional 45% of pay as supplemental contribution. For 2010, 2011, and 2012 we contributed on behalf of each participating employee, in units of a fund that invests entirely in our common stock, 100% on the first 3% contributed by the employee and 50% on the next 2% contributed by the employee. We contributed 175,530 shares in 2010, resulting in an expense of $2.7 million; 186,237 shares in 2011, resulting in an expense of $3.3 million; and 433,496 shares in 2012, resulting in an expense of $4.6 million.
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Management Compensation and Incentive Plans
Stock-Based Compensation
We have historically maintained several stock incentive plans. The plans permitted the granting of options, restricted stock and other awards. As of December 31, 2012, the aggregate number of shares authorized under the plans since their initial adoption was 23,300,000. Shares issued upon vesting of awards or exercise of options are new share issuances. Upon the vesting or payment of stock awards, an employee may elect receipt of the full share amount and either pay the resulting taxes or sell shares in the open market to cover the tax obligation. We sometimes elect to purchase these shares rather than allow them to be sold in the open market.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognized $7.4 million, $8.9 million, and $9.6 million in stock-based compensation expense in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. A majority of the expense, $6.8 million, $7.9 million, and $8.7 million, respectively, was recorded as selling and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, with the remainder recorded as cost of sales and research and development. We expect our stock-based compensation expense to approximate $11.3 million in 2013.
As of December 31, 2012, the total compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and stock options not yet recognized was $21.4 million which will be recognized over the weighted average life of 1.8 years.
In November 2012, the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2012 LTIP”) under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan was approved. Under 2012 LTIP we granted 415,400 stock options with an exercise price of $9.51; 318,100 restricted share units; and up to 1,052,200 performance shares, which represent the right to receive shares contingent upon the achievement of one or more performance measures. The options vest as to 1/3 of the grant on each of the next three grant date anniversaries and expire 10 years from the grant date. The restricted share units vest as to 1/3 of the grant on each of the next three grant date anniversaries. Performance shares are earned based on our ranking of return on average invested capital and earnings per share growth compared to a target peer group for a three year period beginning January 1, 2013. Compensation for performance shares can fluctuate based on our relative performance to the peer group as well as how we perform to the targets. Performance shares earned will vest on March 31, 2016, provided the participant is still employed by us on that date.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted Stock and Performance Shares. Compensation expense for restricted stock and performance share awards is based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, less our assumptions of dividend yield and expected forfeitures or cancellations of awards throughout the vesting period, which generally range between one and three years. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock and performance shares was approximately $16.37 and $10.08 per share at December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Restricted stock and performance share awards activity under the plans for the year ended December 31, 2012, was:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During 2012, we granted 964,906 shares of restricted stock and performance shares to certain directors, officers and employees at prices ranging from $9.51 to $16.75. Of the total shares granted, 377,670 will vest over a three year period, with one-third of the shares vesting on the anniversary date of the grant in each of the next three years. An additional 543,000 shares will vest over a 39 month period, subject to performance multipliers, based on company performance against a peer group. The remaining 44,236 shares vest over a period of one year. Unvested shares granted to each employee also vest upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined. Unvested shares are forfeited based on the terms of the award.
Stock Options. Compensation expense for stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the option on the date of the grant. We calculate the estimated fair value of the option using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. During 2010, we granted 252,900 options to certain of our directors, officers and employees. The weighted-average fair value of the options granted in 2010 was $11.57. During 2011, we granted 420,460 options to certain of our officers and employees. The weighted-average fair value of the options granted in 2011 was $10.71. During 2012, we granted 441,700 options to certain of our officers and employees.The weighted-average fair value of the options granted in 2012 was $9.82. The weighted average assumptions used in our Black-Scholes option-pricing model for options granted in 2010, 2011 and 2012 are:
Dividend Yield. A dividend assumption of 0% is used for all grants based on our history of not paying dividends.
Expected Volatility. We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The volatility factor we use is based on our historical stock prices over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of the award.
Risk-Free Interest Rate. We base the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.
Expected Term In Years. The expected life of awards granted represents the time period that the awards are expected to be outstanding. We determined the expected term of the grants using the “simplified” method as described by the SEC, since we do not have a history of stock option awards to provide a reliable basis for estimating such.
Stock option activity under the plans for the year ended December 31, 2012 was:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012, have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7.3 years, a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years, and an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.7 million. The intrinsic value of options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.1 million.
Stock options outstanding and exercisable under our plans at December 31, 2012 are:
At December 31, 2012, we have 1,301,875 options vested and expected to vest in the next year. Options exercisable at December 31, 2012, have a weighted-average contractual life of 5.6 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.7 million.
Incentive Compensation Plans
We have a global incentive program for our worldwide salaried and hourly employees, the Incentive Compensation Program (the “ICP”), which includes a shareholder-approved executive incentive compensation plan. The ICP is based primarily on earnings before income taxes and achieving cash flow targets and, to a lesser extent, strategic targets. The balance of our accrued liability for ICP was $0.5 million at December 31, 2011 and $7.1 million at December 31, 2012.
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Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various investigations, lawsuits, claims, demands, environmental compliance programs and other legal proceedings arising out of or incidental to the conduct of our business. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each of these matters, we do not believe that their ultimate disposition will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Product Warranties
We generally sell products with a limited warranty. We accrue for known warranty claims if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. We also accrue for estimated warranty claims incurred based on a historical claims charge analysis. Claims accrued but not yet paid and the related activity within the reserve for 2011 and 2012 are as follows:
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Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the U.S. and non-U.S. components of income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
Income tax expense (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before provision (benefit) for income taxes as set forth in the following table:
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2012 are set forth in the following table:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified on a net current and non-current basis within each tax jurisdiction. Net current deferred income tax assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the amount of $14.7 million at December 31, 2011 and $20.4 million at December 31, 2012. Net non-current deferred tax assets are separately stated as deferred income taxes in the amount of $7.9 million at December 31, 2011 and $6.2 million at December 31, 2012. Net current deferred tax liabilities are included in accrued income and other taxes in the amount of $6.3 million at December 31, 2011 and $10.0 million at December 31, 2012. Net non-current deferred tax liabilities are separately stated as deferred income taxes in the amount of $32.2 million at December 31, 2011 and $42.0 million at December 31, 2012.
We continue to assess the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Examples of positive evidence would include a strong earnings history, an event or events that would increase our taxable income through a continued reduction of expenses, and tax planning strategies that would indicate an ability to realize deferred tax assets. In circumstances where the significant positive evidence does not yet outweigh the negative evidence in regards to whether or not a valuation allowance is required, we have maintained valuation allowances on those deferred tax assets.
Valuation allowance activity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is as follows:
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have total foreign tax credit carryforwards of $27.7 million at December 31, 2012. Of these tax credit carryforwards, $none expire in 2013, $0.3 million expires in 2014, $3.7 million expires in 2015 and $23.7 million expires in 2016.
In addition, we have state carryforwards on a gross tax affected basis of $13.5 million, which can be carried forward from 5 to 20 years. Prior to 2011, a full valuation allowance position existed on state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward deferred tax assets. We have assessed the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, including existing level of profitability and recently available projections of future taxable income, which are comparable with current year results.
Based on this assessment, we released valuation allowances of $1.8 million in 2012, relating to the state NOL carryforwards that are expected to be utilized in future years. The remaining NOL carryforwards an our other state deferred tax assets, including tax credits, will continue to have a valuation allowance.
The amount of state net operating loss carryforwards reflected in the table above has been reduced by $0.6 million as a result of unrealized stock option deductions.
We have non-U.S. loss and tax credit carryforwards on a gross tax effected basis of $13.2 million, which can be carried forward from 10 years to indefinitely.
As of December 31, 2012, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $9.8 million, the $5.7 million of which, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate. We have elected to report interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties were $0.3 million as of December 31, 2010, $0.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2012. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
We anticipate that $6.3 million of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may be reversed within the next twelve months due to settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitation.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. All U.S. tax
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
years prior to 2010 are generally closed by statute or have been audited and settled with the domestic tax authorities. We have one issue outstanding from the 2008 federal audit, which is under appeals. We are also under audit in Switzerland for federal, cantonal, and communal taxes for the tax years ended 2006 - 2009. All other non-U.S. jurisdictions are still open to examination beginning after 2007.
We have not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on the differences between the financial reporting basis in our foreign investments, and the tax in such investments, which are considered to be permanently reinvested as of December 31, 2012 (excluding Previously Taxed Income). Any outside basis difference would be taxable upon the sale or liquidation of the foreign subsidiaries, or upon the remittance of dividends. The measurement of the unrecognized U.S. income taxes, if any, that may be associated with these outside basis differences, is not practicable.
(16)
Earnings Per Share
The following table shows the information used in the calculation of our basic and diluted earnings per share as of December 31:
Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive securities had been issued.
The weighted average common shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share calculation excludes consideration of stock options covering 453,700 shares in 2010, 226,897 shares in 2011 and 865,844 shares in 2012, as the exercise prices were greater than the weighted average market price of our common stock for that period.
During 2012, we repurchased, in the open market, ten million shares under a previously announced share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors. These share repurchases represented a financing cash outflow of $101.7 million for 2012. These share repurchases decreased the weighted average shares outstanding by 5.6 million shares for 2012.
(17)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The balance in our accumulated other comprehensive loss is set forth in the following table:
Item 9.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
The Company carries out a variety of on-going procedures, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
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.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.
Item 9B.
Item 9B.
Other Information
Not applicable.
PART III
Items 10 to 14 (inclusive).
Except as set forth below, the information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will appear in the GrafTech International Ltd. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 15, 2012, which will be filed on April 12, 2012 pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is incorporated by reference in this Report pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K (other than the portions thereof not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
The information set forth below is provided as required by Item 10
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1)Financial Statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at page 63 of this Report.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
None.
(b)
Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the following table have been filed with, or incorporated by reference into, this Report.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of GrafTech International Ltd. and GrafTech Global Enterprises Inc. on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-84850).
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form l0-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 (File No. 1-13888).
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-13888).
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 1-13888).
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 1-3888).
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-13888).
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File No. 1-13888).
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-13888).
(9)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of the registrant on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-108039).
(10)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 1-13888).
(11)
Incorporated by reference to the Current Report of the registrant on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2005 (File No. 1-13888).
(12)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 (File No. 1-13888).
(13)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 1-13888).
(14)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 1-13888).
(15)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 1-13888).
(16)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-13888).
(17)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 1-13888).
(18)
Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the registrant (File No. 1-13888).
(19)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of GrafTech International Ltd. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-13888).
(20)
Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report of GrafTech International Ltd. on Amendment No.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-13888).
(21)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of GrafTech Holdings Inc. on Form S-4 (Registration No. 167446) filed June 10, 2010.
(22)
Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of GrafTech Holdings Inc. on Form S-4 (Registration No. 167446) filed August 19, 2010.
(23)
Incorporated by reference to the Current Report of the registrant on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2010 (File No. 1-13888).
(24)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of GrafTech International Ltd. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 1-13888).
(25)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (File No. 1-13888).
(26)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (File No. 1-13888).
(27)
Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 1-13888).
(28)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 (File No. 1-13888).
(29)
Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 (File No. 1-13888).
(30)
Incorporated by reference to the Current Report of the registrant on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2012 (File No. 1-13888).
(31)
Filed herewith.
EXHIBIT INDEX
The exhibits listed in the following table have been filed with this 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.
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD.
February 26, 2013
By:
/s/ CRAIG S. SHULAR
Craig S. Shular
Title:
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board
By:
/s/ LINDON G. ROBERTSON
Lindon G. Robertson
Title:
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Craig S. Shular and Lindon G. Robertson, and each of them individually, his or her true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this Report together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all exhibits to this Report and any and all exhibits and schedules thereto, (iii) act on, sign and file any and all such certificates, notices, communications, reports, instruments, agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith and (iv) take any and all such actions which may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them individually, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, and hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, any of them or any of his, her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.