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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the transition period from              to             

 

 

Commission file number: 1-13888

 

 

LOGO

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   06-1385548

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

 

 

12900 Snow Road

Parma, OH

  44130
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (216) 676-2000

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨    Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of April 19, 2010, 124,474,769 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.         FINANCIAL INFORMATION:   
Item 1.   Financial Statements:   

             Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 (unaudited)

   Page 3

             Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010 (unaudited)

   Page 4

             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010 (unaudited)

   Page 5

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   Page 6
Introduction to Part I, Item 2, and Part II, Item 1    Page 19
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    Page 25
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    Page 37
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures    Page 39
PART II.         OTHER INFORMATION:   
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings    Page 40
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds    Page 40
Item 5.   Other Information    Page 40
Item 6.   Exhibits    Page 45
SIGNATURE    Page 46
EXHIBIT INDEX    Page 47

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

      At December 31,
2009
    At March 31,
2010
 
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 50,181      $ 88,532   

Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,545 at December 31, 2009 and $4,482 at March 31, 2010

     117,620        123,066   

Inventories

     245,511        258,779   

Loan to non-consolidated affiliate

     6,000        —     

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     9,586        9,536   
                

Total current assets

     428,898        479,913   
                

Property, plant and equipment

     982,173        970,989   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     610,182        607,008   
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     371,991        363,981   

Deferred income taxes

     11,437        23,813   

Goodwill

     9,037        9,047   

Other assets

     7,298        7,480   

Investment in non-consolidated affiliate

     63,315        62,541   

Restricted cash

     632        555   
                

Total assets

   $ 892,608      $ 947,330   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 33,928      $ 36,269   

Short-term debt

     1,113        —     

Accrued income and other taxes

     38,977        46,126   

Supply chain financing liability

     14,404        39,073   

Other accrued liabilities

     91,907        94,413   
                

Total current liabilities

     180,329        215,881   
                

Long-term debt

     1,467        1,327   

Other long-term obligations

     108,267        106,535   

Deferred income taxes

     25,486        26,605   

Contingencies – Note 14

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

     —          —     

Common stock, par value $.01, 225,000,000 shares authorized, 124,027,399 shares issued at December 31, 2009 and 124,426,634 shares issued at March 31, 2010

     1,240        1,244   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,300,051        1,303,180   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (305,644     (321,247

Accumulated deficit

     (305,202     (271,674

Less: cost of common stock held in treasury, 3,974,345 shares at December 31, 2009 and 4,065,473 at March 31, 2010

     (112,511     (113,649

Less: common stock held in employee benefit and compensation trusts, 71,493 shares at December 31, 2009 and 68,958 shares at March 31, 2010

     (875     (872
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     577,059        596,982   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 892,608      $ 947,330   
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3


Table of Contents

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  

Net sales

   $ 134,026      $ 215,664   

Cost of sales

     101,900        147,561   
                

Gross profit

     32,126        68,103   

Research and development

     2,068        2,535   

Selling and administrative expenses

     21,635        22,511   
                

Operating income

     8,423        43,057   

Equity in (earnings) losses of non-consolidated affiliate

     (1,212     774   

Other (income), net

     (5,534     (3,259

Interest expense

     1,647        906   

Interest income

     (117     (561
                

Income before provision for income taxes

     13,639        45,197   

Provision for income taxes

     5,170        11,669   
                

Net income

   $ 8,469      $ 33,528   
                

Basic income per common share:

    

Net income per share

   $ 0.07      $ 0.28   
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     118,956        120,231   

Diluted income per common share:

    

Net income per share

   $ 0.07      $ 0.28   
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     119,245        120,957   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4


Table of Contents

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  

Cash flow from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 8,469      $ 33,528   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     8,028        10,084   

Deferred income tax provision

     1,686        (8,241

Equity in (earnings) losses of non-consolidated affiliate

     (1,212     774   

Post-retirement and pension plan changes

     1,415        2,452   

Currency (gains)

     (9,161     (5,617

Stock-based compensation

     517        1,779   

Interest expense

     329        326   

Other charges, net

     5,514        489   

Dividends from non-consolidated affiliate

     122        —     

Decrease (increase) in working capital*

     1,608        (13,347

(Increase) in long-term assets and liabilities

     (2,991     (1,785
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     14,324        20,442   

Cash flow from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (12,637     (10,764

Proceeds from repayments of loan to non-consolidated affiliate

     —          6,000   

(Payments) proceeds from derivative instruments

     (419     35   

Net change in restricted cash

     60        77   

Other

     17        109   
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (12,979     (4,543

Cash flow from financing activities:

    

Short-term debt borrowings (reductions), net

     3,597        (1,076

Revolving Facility borrowings

     62,975        —     

Revolving Facility reductions

     (48,000     —     

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (129     (56

Supply chain financing

     (24,696     24,669   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     54        175   

Purchase of treasury shares

     (14     (1,138

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     10        669   

Long-term financing obligations

     (275     (281
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (6,478     22,962   

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (5,133     38,861   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (418     (510

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     11,664        50,181   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 6,113      $ 88,532   
                

* Net change in working capital due to the following components:

    

Decrease (increase) in current assets:

    

Accounts and notes receivable, net

   $ 69,092      $ (7,593

Effect of factoring of accounts receivable

     (15,869     (1,115

Inventories

     4,049        (21,039

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     409        (1,133

Restructuring payments

     (6     (256

(Decrease) increase in accounts payables and accruals

     (55,584     17,790   

(Decrease) in interest payable

     (483     (1
                

Decrease (increase) in working capital

   $ 1,608      $ (13,347
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5


Table of Contents

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(1) Interim Financial Presentation

These interim Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted or condensed. These interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying Notes, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (the “Annual Report”).

The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are of a normal, recurring nature) which management considers necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.

(2) New Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Consolidation

In June 2009, the FASB amended the consolidation accounting guidance. We are required to qualitatively assess the determination of our being the primary beneficiary (“consolidator”) of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) on whether we (1) have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE, and (2) have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. It also requires an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary and amends events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE. The new model is applicable to all new and existing VIE’s. The prospective adoption of this new guidance on January 1, 2010, had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

Transfers of Financial Assets

In June 2009 the FASB amended the accounting guidance for determining whether a transfer of a financial asset qualifies for sale accounting. The amended guidance also provided four broad disclosure objectives designed to provide users of the financial statements with an understanding of:

 

  1. The transferor’s continuing involvement with the transferred assets.

 

  2. The nature of any restrictions on the transferor’s assets that relate to a transferred financial asset, including the carrying amount of those assets.

 

  3. How servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported by the transferor.

 

  4. How a transfer of financial assets affects the company’s balance sheet, earnings, and cash flows.

The prospective adoption of this guidance to our accounts receivable factoring arrangement beginning January 1, 2010 had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(3) Stock-Based Compensation

For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, we recognized stock-based compensation expense totaling $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively. A majority of the expense, $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, was recorded as selling and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with the remaining expenses incurred as cost of sales and research and development.

At March 31, 2010, the total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock, performance shares and stock options not yet recognized was $12.4 million, which will be recognized over the weighted average life of 1.5 years.

Restricted Stock and Performance Shares

Restricted stock and performance share awards activity under the plans for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Outstanding unvested at January 1, 2010

   1,146,256      $ 12.07

Granted

   104,873        13.58

Vested

   (348,037     7.07

Forfeited

   (5,619     10.19
            

Outstanding at March 31, 2010

   897,473      $ 14.19
        

Stock Options

Stock option activity under the plans for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

   1,512,538      $ 9.80

Granted

   10,400        14.49

Exercised

   (14,050     12.43

Forfeited

   (27,451     15.81
            

Outstanding at March 31, 2010

   1,481,437      $ 9.70
        

 

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Table of Contents

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(4) Earnings Per Share

The following table shows the information used in the calculation of our share counts for basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2009    2010

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic calculation

   118,955,516    120,230,559

Add: Effect of stock options and restricted stock

   289,057    726,645
         

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted calculation

   119,244,573    120,957,204
         

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 calculation excludes consideration of stock options covering 1,190,703 and 227,000 shares at March 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively, because the exercise prices were greater than the weighted average market price of our common stock for each of those periods.

(5) Segment Reporting

Our businesses are reported in the following reportable segments:

Industrial Materials. Our Industrial Materials segment manufactures and delivers high quality graphite electrodes and refractory 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.

Engineered Solutions. Engineered Solutions include advanced graphite materials products for the transportation, solar, and oil and gas exploration industries, as well as natural graphite products.

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 net sales.

 

8


Table of Contents

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables summarize financial information concerning our reportable segments:

 

     For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net sales to external customers:

    

Industrial Materials

   $ 104,521      $ 182,423   

Engineered Solutions

     29,505        33,241   
                

Total net sales

   $ 134,026      $ 215,664   
                

Segment operating income:

    

Industrial Materials

   $ 6,788      $ 41,834   

Engineered Solutions

     1,635        1,223   
                

Total segment operating income

     8,423        43,057   
                

Reconciliation of segment operating income to income before provision for income taxes

    

Equity in earnings of and write-down in non-consolidated affiliate

     (1,212     774   

Other (income), net

     (5,534     (3,259

Interest expense

     1,647        906   

Interest income

     (117     (561
                

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 13,639      $ 45,197   
                

(6) Investment in and Loan to Non-Consolidated Affiliate

Acquisition

On June 30, 2008, we acquired 100% of the common stock of Falcon-Seadrift Holding Corp., now named GrafTech Seadrift Holding Corp. (“GTSD”). The principal asset of GTSD is limited partnership units constituting approximately 18.9% of the equity interests of Seadrift Coke L.P. (“Seadrift”), a privately-held producer of needle coke, the primary raw material used in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. Seadrift is one of the four main producers of needle coke. Needle coke is a critical raw material, without substitutes, required to produce a graphite electrode and represents approximately 40% of our total cost to produce. At the time of the acquisition, industry sales of graphite electrodes were at an all-time high and needle coke production was at or near full capacity. The availability and rising cost of needle coke was creating a compelling threat to the profitability and growth of our business model. In order to partially hedge the impact of rising needle coke cost and, more importantly, to potentially position ourselves to gain a controlling interest, we purchased our 18.9% ownership interest in Seadrift.

The substance of the transaction was the acquisition of an asset, the limited partnership units. The cost of our acquisition was $136.5 million (net of $0.4 million cash received) of which $135.0 million cash was paid to the prior sole shareholder of GTSD.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

In addition to the limited partnership units of Seadrift, we obtained certain rights associated with these interests. These include: the right to one of five seats on Seadrift’s board of directors (or, at our election, board observation rights in lieu thereof); the right of approval with respect to certain mergers and other transactions; and the right to veto Seadrift’s repurchase of its own equity (other than from former employees). There are also customary rights permitting or requiring us to sell our interests on the same terms and conditions if the majority owners sell their interests. Beginning May 1, 2011, we have the right to require Seadrift to purchase our interests (a “put” to Seadrift) at the then fair market value (determined by a third-party assuming a sale of Seadrift as a going concern and without applying a discount for lack of liquidity, marketability, or lack of control).

We accounted for the acquisition of GTSD as the acquisition of an asset – limited partnership units in Seadrift – rather than as a business combination. Because the amount we paid for the limited partnerships units exceeded their tax basis accounting required us to recognize a deferred tax liability for this difference. We increased the purchase price by $41.8 million to recognize the deferred tax liability applicable to the difference between the amount we paid and the tax basis of the Seadrift limited partnership units. At the time of the acquisition we had a deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The accounting for the acquisition of Seadrift resulted in a taxable temporary difference that is expected to reverse during the same period that our deferred tax assets are expected to reverse. Accounting guidance required us to reduce our preexisting valuation allowance and decrease the purchase price of Seadrift by $22.4 million. The net result was an increase in the initial carrying amount for the investment in Seadrift of $19.4 million.

Equity in (Earnings) Losses and Summarized Financial Information

Seadrift is a pass-through entity. We account for our investment in Seadrift using the equity method of accounting. Our equity in (earnings) losses is based on Seadrift’s results of operations with a one-month lag because its accounting close and financial statement preparation cycle occurs subsequent to our reporting deadline for our corresponding cycle. We include material intervening events and an estimate for the effect of Seadrift’s LIFO inventory accounting on interim periods. The equity (earnings) in losses reflected in our statements of operation includes the amortization of the difference between our cost of the investment and the net assets of Seadrift assigned to the long-lived assets ($1.3 million and $0.5 million expense in the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively).

The following table shows summarized financial information for Seadrift, including adjustments for material intervening events, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010 (dollars in thousands):

 

     For the
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009    2010  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 42,915    $ 22,789   

Gross profit

     18,386      2,931   

Net income (loss)

     13,466      (875

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Write-down of Investment to Its Fair Value

We perform an assessment of our investment in Seadrift for impairment whenever changes in the facts and circumstances indicate that a loss in value has occurred, which is other than temporary. Because Seadrift is privately-held, we determine the fair value using an income approach (based upon the present value of expected future cash flows, using discount rates commensurate with the risks of the investment), a “Level 3” value in accordance with the definition in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Our valuation method uses a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. We used the constant growth method to determine the terminal value.

At December 31, 2008, we determined that the fair value of the investment was less than our carrying value and that the loss in value was other than temporary. We recorded a $34.5 million noncash impairment to recognize this other than temporary loss in value. Because the impairment reduced the difference between the cost of our investment and its tax basis, we reduced the deferred tax liability recognized at the acquisition by $12.1 million. The reduction of the valuation allowance at the acquisition was not affected by the impairment.

At June 30, 2009, we determined that the fair value of the investment was less than our carrying value and that the loss in value was other than temporary. We recorded a $52.8 million noncash impairment to recognize this other than temporary loss in value. Because the impairment reduced the difference between the carrying amount of our investment and its tax basis, we recorded a net tax benefit of $7.4 million representing the net change of the deferred tax liability and the restoration of the valuation allowance recognized at the acquisition.

Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on steel producers and their suppliers, including Seadrift, there can be no assurances that our estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of Seadrift will prove to be accurate. If the assumptions regarding forecasted revenue, growth rates, and expected profitability are not achieved, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in future periods.

Loan to Seadrift

In late June and early July 2009, Seadrift entered into agreements to borrow up to $17.0 million from certain of its shareholders, which includes GrafTech. We agreed to loan up to $8.5 million and on July 2, 2009, we loaned Seadrift $6.0 million. We recorded the loan at its face amount, which reasonably approximated the present value of the note.

On March 31, 2010 Seadrift fully repaid the $6.0 million Demand Notes to us and the obligation to make any further loans or advances had ceased and terminated.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(7) Other (Income) Expense, Net

The following table presents an analysis of other expense (income), net:

 

     For the Three
Months  Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Currency (gains)

   $ (6,351   $ (3,718

Bank and other financing fees

     505        465   

Discount on sale of accounts receivable

     78        2   

Other

     234        (8
                

Total other (income) expense, net

   $ (5,534   $ (3,259
                

(8) Benefit Plans

The components of our consolidated net pension cost are set forth in the following table:

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 157      $ 151   

Interest cost

     2,619        2,486   

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,909     (2,623

Amortization of transition obligation

     2        —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     11        14   

Amortization of unrecognized loss

     319        1,271   

Settlements/curtailments

     41        (15
                

Net Cost

   $ 240      $ 1,284   
                

 

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GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

The components of our consolidated net postretirement cost are set forth in the following table:

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 93      $ 47   

Interest cost

     554        504   

Amortization of prior service (benefit)

     (319     (48

Amortization of unrecognized loss

     967        562   
                

Net Cost

   $ 1,295      $ 1,065   
                

(9) Long-Term Debt and Liquidity

The following table presents our long-term debt:

 

     At December 31,
2009
   At March 31,
2010
     (Dollars in thousands)

Other European debt

   $ 1,467    $ 1,327
             

We have a $215 million Revolving Facility that expires on July 15, 2010 of which we have no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2010. We have completed the refinancing of our senior secured revolving credit facility effective April 29, 2010, see footnote 17, “Subsequent Events” on page 18 for a further discussion.

On September 30, 2009, our Spanish subsidiary received a $1.8 million economic stimulus loan from the Ministry of Industry, Government of Spain. The loan is non-interest bearing and matures in October 2024. Repayment in 10 annual installments commences in October 2015. The loan is to be used for costs associated with a capital project. We must return a proportionate amount of the loan if we do not spend the amount budgeted for the capital project prior to June 10, 2010. Since we have spent approximately 92% of the required amount as of March 31, 2010, the remaining 8% of the cash received is reported as restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheet. Because the loan is non-interest bearing, we are required to record the loan at its present value of $1.1 million (determined using an interest rate of 4.33%). The difference between the proceeds received and the present value of debt is recorded as debt discount and deferred expense. The discount will be amortized to income using the interest method; the deferred charge will be amortized to income using the same basis and over the same period as the capital projects are depreciated. The loan balance, net of unamortized discount, was $1.1 million at March 31, 2010.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(10) Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

 

     At December 31,
2009
    At March 31,
2010
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Inventories:

    

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 89,855      $ 87,314   

Work in process

     106,606        120,046   

Finished goods

     51,568        53,580   
                
     248,029        260,940   

Reserves

     (2,518     (2,161
                
   $ 245,511      $ 258,779   
                

We recognize abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) as current period charges. We are required to allocate fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion based on normal capacity of the production facilities. The unabsorbed costs were attributable to adjustments of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion based on normal capacity versus actual levels, due to production levels at certain facilities being below normal capacity for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2010. Costs in excess of normal absorption at March 31, 2009 and 2010 were $7.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

(11) Interest Expense

The following table presents an analysis of interest expense:

 

     For the Three
Months  Ended

March 31,
     2009    2010
     (Dollars in thousands)

Interest incurred on debt

   $ 976    $ 139

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     345      326

Interest incurred on supply chain financing and other items

     326      441
             

Total interest expense

   $ 1,647    $ 906
             

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(12) Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Other comprehensive (loss) income consisted of the following:

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2009     2010  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net Income

   $ 8,469      $ 33,528   

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (17,020     (17,831

Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized gains and losses, net of tax

     (41     2,121   

Natural gas and foreign currency derivatives, net of tax

     135        107   
                

Total comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (8,457   $ 17,925   
                

(13) Supply Chain Financing

During the third quarter of 2008, we entered into a supply chain financing arrangement with a financing party. Under this arrangement, we essentially assign our rights to purchase needle coke from our supplier to the financing party. The financing party purchases the product from our 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. The amount recorded as a liability to the financing party was $14.4 million and $39.1 million at December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010, respectively. The financing party invoiced us $25.4 million and $51.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively, for purchases of inventory under this arrangement. We recognized Mark-Up of $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively as interest expense.

(14) Contingencies

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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

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 amounted to $1.2 million at December 31, 2009 and $1.4 million at March 31, 2010. The following table presents the activity in this accrual for the three months ended March 31, 2010 (dollars in thousands):

 

Balance at January 1, 2010    $ 1,239   

Product warranty charges

     270   

Payments and settlements

     (87
        
Balance at March 31, 2010    $ 1,422   
        

(15) Income Taxes

We compute an estimated annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis, considering ordinary income and related income tax expense. Ordinary income refers to income (loss) before income tax expense excluding significant, unusual, or infrequently occurring items. The tax effect of an unusual or infrequently occurring item is recorded in the interim period in which it occurs. These items may include the cumulative effect of changes in tax laws or rates, impairment charges, adjustments to prior period uncertain tax positions, or adjustments to our valuation allowance due to changes in judgment of the realizability of deferred tax assets.

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010 was a tax expense of $5.2 million on pretax income of $13.6 million, and a tax expense of $11.7 million on pretax income of $45.2 million, respectively. The effective tax rates were 37.9% and 25.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to jurisdictional shifts of income, currency fluctuations, and changes in the utilization of attributes and related valuation allowances.

Our cumulative year-to-date unrecognized tax benefits have increased by $14.9 million, primarily as a result of tax positions taken in a prior period. This has an unfavorable impact on our effective rate of $3.4 million. We are able to utilize attributes and release related valuation allowances against the remainder of this amount. As of March 31, 2010, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $35.6 million, which would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that a reduction in a range of $1.0 million to $2.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits may occur within 12 months as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitation.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. We are currently under federal audit by the Internal Revenue Service for tax year 2007. All U.S. tax years prior to 2006 are closed by statute or have been audited and settled with the U.S. tax authorities. We are also under audit in Italy for our 2006 tax year. All other jurisdictions are still open to examination beginning after 2003.

Our tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010 were primarily for taxes on our international income. We continue to adjust the tax provision rate through the establishment, or release, of non-cash valuation allowances attributable to the U.S. and certain non-U.S. taxing jurisdictions, including U.S. foreign tax credit utilization. We weigh both positive and negative evidence in determining whether a valuation allowance is required. 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. The balance of significant positive evidence does not yet outweigh the negative evidence in regards to whether or not a valuation allowance is required.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(16) 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.

Foreign currency contracts

We enter into foreign currency contracts 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, net, 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, there was no ineffectiveness on these contracts.

In 2009 and 2010, we entered into foreign forward exchange contracts where we sold currency forward as economic hedges of anticipated cash flows denominated in the Mexican peso and Brazilian real. These contracts 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 either the Mexican peso or Brazilian real. As of March 31, 2010, we had outstanding Mexican peso and Brazilian real forward exchange contracts, with aggregate notional amounts of $14.3 million. The forward exchange contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2010 have several maturity dates ranging from June to December 2010.

Commodity forward contracts

We periodically enter into commodity forward contracts to purchase natural gas and short duration fixed rate purchase contracts to effectively fix some or all of our natural gas cost exposure. These contracts were entered into to protect against the risk that eventual cash flows related to purchases of natural gas will be adversely affected by future changes in prices. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, there was no ineffectiveness on these contracts.

In 2009 and 2010, we entered into commodity forward contracts as economic hedges of exposure to variability of commodity prices for natural gas. These contracts were entered into to protect against the risk that the eventual cash flows related to purchases of natural gas will be adversely affected by future changes in prices. As of March 31, 2010, we had outstanding natural gas commodity forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $2.4 million. The commodity forward contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2010 have several maturity dates ranging from April to December 2010.

None of our derivative contracts contain provisions that would require us to provide collateral. Derivative contracts that we may enter into in the future may contain such provisions. 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, despite the current worldwide economic situation. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of the counter-parties to our instruments.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

The fair value of all derivatives is recorded as assets or liabilities on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010, the fair values of our derivatives and their respective balance sheet locations are presented in the following table:

 

     Asset Derivatives    Liability Derivatives
     Location    Fair Value    Location    Fair Value
     (Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2009

           

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

           

Foreign currency contracts

   Other current assets    $ 59    Other current liabilities    $ 124

Commodity forward contracts

   Other current assets      125      
                   

Total fair value

      $ 184       $ 124
                   

As of March 31, 2010

           

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

           

Foreign currency contracts

   Other current assets    $ 310      

Commodity forward contracts

         Other current liabilities    $ 324
                   

Total fair value

      $ 310       $ 324
                   

The location and amount of realized (gains) losses recognized in the Statement of Operations for derivatives are as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010:

 

     

Location of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from

Other Comprehensive Income (Effective

Portion)

   Amount of  (Gain)/Loss
Recognized (Effective
Portion)
 
       

Three Months ended March, 31

      2009     2010  
          (Dollars in Thousands)  

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

       

Foreign currency contracts

  

Cost of goods sold/Other

(income) expense

   $ (540   $ (64

Commodity forward contracts

   Cost of goods sold      958        29   

Certain of our foreign currency contracts and all of our commodity contracts are treated as hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging 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” in accordance with the definition in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

(17) Subsequent Events

Credit Agreement Refinancing

On April 29, 2010, we announced the successful completion of the refinancing of our senior secured revolving credit facility (“Facility”) that was due to expire on July 15, 2010. Borrowers under the Facility are GrafTech Finance Inc. (“Graftech Finance”) and GrafTech Switzerland S.A. (“Swissco”), both wholly-owned subsidiaries.

As amended and restated, the Credit Agreement provides for, among other things, an extension until April 29, 2013 of the maturity of the senior secured revolving credit facility in the initial amount of $260 million (the “Revolving Facility”), additional flexibility for investments and acquisitions and, subject to certain conditions, an “accordion feature” that permits GrafTech Finance and Swissco to establish additional credit facilities thereunder in an aggregate amount, together with the Revolving Facility, of up to $390 million.

The Revolving Facility provides for revolving loans (and for swingline loans in aggregate principal amount at any time not to exceed $25 million) to GrafTech Finance and Swissco in an aggregate principal and stated amount not to exceed $260 million at any time. The Revolving Facility also provides capacity for issuance of letters of credit for the accounts of GrafTech Finance, Swissco and other designated subsidiaries for an amount not exceeding $35 million. Revolving and swingline loans and letters of credit may be denominated in dollars, euros and certain other currencies and are available for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The Credit Agreement provides for the lenders to terminate their commitments in the event of a default (as defined in the Agreement) or if there has been a material adverse change in our consolidated assets, liabilities (including contingent liabilities), business, properties, financial condition, or results of operations.

The interest rate applicable to the Revolving Facility is, at GrafTech’s option, either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% (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 1.50% to 2.50% (depending upon such ratio or rating). The alternate base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) the federal fund effective rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the London interbank offering rate (as adjusted) for a one-month interest period plus 1.00%. GrafTech Finance and Swissco pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.750% (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 interest coverage ratio of 1.75 to 1.00 and a maximum net senior secured leverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.00, subject to adjustment for certain events. The Revolving Facility also contains a number of covenants that restrict certain corporate activities including annual capital expenditures and the payment of dividends and repurchases of our common stock.

Acquisitions and Reorganization

On April 29, 2010, we, and certain of our subsidiaries, entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Seadrift Coke, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Seadrift”), and certain of its partners, to acquire all of the equity interests of Seadrift that we do not already own. We currently own limited partnership units constituting approximately 18.9% of the equity interests in Seadrift. Seadrift is the world’s second largest producer of petroleum-based needle coke, the primary raw material used to manufacture graphite electrodes. At the same time, we, and certain of our subsidiaries, entered into an agreement and plan of merger with C/G Electrodes, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“C/G”), and certain of its members. C/G is the only U.S. owned and operated manufacturer of large diameter UHP graphite electrodes used in the electric arc furnace steel making process.

The consideration to be paid for Seadrift will consist of $78.5 million in cash less debt (subject to working capital adjustments), 12 million New GTI Shares (subject to adjustments for stock splits, reverse stock splits or similar transactions) and non-interest, senior subordinated promissory notes in an aggregate face amount of $100 million due in 2015. The consideration to be paid for C/G will consist of $152.5 million in cash less debt (subject to working capital adjustments), 12 million New GTI Shares and non-interest bearing, senior subordinated promissory notes in an aggregate face amount of $100 million due in 2015. Approximately $185 million of the cash consideration to be paid in connection with the transactions will be funded through borrowings under our principal revolving credit facility, as amended and restated on April 29, 2010. The balance of the cash portion of the purchase price will be paid from cash on hand. The New GTI Shares delivered to the former owners of Seadrift and C/G will not be registered under the Securities Act. The New GTI Shares will be delivered on the respective dates that the acquisitions of Seadrift and C/G are completed.

In connection with the acquisitions, GrafTech will reorganize into a new holding company structure (the “Reorganization”) pursuant to agreements and plans of merger and Section 251(g) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The new holding company will be identical to our existing holding company, GrafTech, in all material respects, including its Board of Directors, management and capital structure. At the closing of the mergers, all outstanding shares of our common stock will automatically be converted into identical common stock representing the same percentage ownership of and voting rights in the new holding company, which will also be a Delaware corporation.

To effect the Reorganization GrafTech formed the new Delaware holding company as a wholly owned subsidiary, which in turn formed a wholly owned subsidiary, GrafTech Delaware I Inc., (“Acquisition Sub”), and two other wholly owned subsidiaries which will merge with and into C/G and Seadrift, respectively. Pursuant to the agreements and plans of merger, GrafTech will then merge with and into Acquisition Sub (the “Merger”), with GrafTech being the surviving entity. In the Merger, each share of the common stock of Acquisition Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger and held by the new Delaware holding company will be converted into and exchanged for a share of GrafTech’s common stock (each, an “Old GTI Share”), Acquisition Sub’s corporate existence will cease and GrafTech will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the new holding company. Each Old GTI Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization will convert into and be exchanged for one share, par value $0.01 per share, of common stock of the new Delaware holding company (each, a “New GTI Share”), having the same rights, powers, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as the Old GTI Shares. Immediately after the Merger, the new Delaware holding company will be renamed GrafTech International Ltd. and the name of GrafTech will be changed to GrafTech Holdings Inc.

The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the new Delaware holding company will be identical to those of GrafTech, and the directors and officers of the new holding company will be identical to the directors and officers of GrafTech immediately prior to consummation of the Merger. GrafTech’s stockholders will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes upon the Reorganization. Stockholder approval is not required to effect the Reorganization. Stockholders do not and will not have dissenters’ rights or appraisal rights in connection with the Reorganization. The New GTI Shares to be issued to GrafTech’s stockholders in connection with the Reorganization will be registered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4.

The agreements and plans of merger will contain customary representations and warranties, most of which will not survive the effective time of the relevant mergers.

The acquisitions are subject to customary conditions, including expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scot-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The C/G acquisition is also subject to the consummation of the Seadrift acquisition. The owners of Seadrift and C/G receiving New GTI Shares will enter into a registration rights and stockholder agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”) as a condition of the closing that will subject them to customary standstill provisions and certain restrictions on the sale of their New GTI Shares in addition to the limitations provided by applicable securities laws. Following the consummation of both the Seadrift and C/G acquisitions, the current controlling owners of Seadrift and C/G will have the right to nominate a director for the Board of Directors of the new Delaware holding company so long as such stockholders continue to own 12 million or more New GTI Shares.

 

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(Unaudited)

 

Introduction to Part I, Item 2, and Part II, Item 1

Important Terms. We define various terms to simplify the presentation of information in this Report. These terms, which definitions are incorporated herein by reference, are defined in “Part I – Preliminary Notes – Important Terms” of the Annual Report.

Presentation of Financial, Market and Legal Data. We present our financial information on a consolidated basis.

Unless otherwise noted, when we refer to dollars, we mean U.S. dollars.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, market and market share data in this Report are our own estimates or derived from sources described in “Part I – Preliminary Notes – Presentation of Financial, Market and Legal Data” in the Annual Report, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Forward Looking Statements and Risks” in this Report and “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this market and market share data and have not independently verified it. None of the sources has consented to the disclosure or use of data in this Report.

Reference is made to the Annual Report for background information on various risks and contingencies and other matters related to circumstances affecting us and our industry.

Neither any statement made in this Report nor any charge taken by us relating to any legal proceedings constitutes an admission as to any wrongdoing.

Forward Looking Statements and Risks. 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; 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

 

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(Unaudited)

 

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:

 

   

the possibility that the challenging global economic conditions which continue to prevail may continue to depress or further depress demand for electric arc furnace (“EAF”) steel which may, in turn, result in a slower than expected increase in the demand for our graphite electrodes;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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, or may result in an increase in demand for the products we sell or supply to them;

 

   

the possibility that continued global consolidation of the world’s largest steel producers could impact our business or industry;

 

   

For products exported from the U.S. or otherwise subject to U.S. jurisdiction, we are subject to U.S. laws and regulations governing international trade and exports. A determination by the U.S. government that we failed to comply with one or more of the export controls or trade sanctions 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 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;

 

   

the possibility that price increases, adjustments or surcharges may not be realized or that price decreases may occur;

 

   

the possibility that current challenging economic conditions and economic demand reduction may continue to impact our revenues and costs;

 

   

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;

 

   

the possibility that increases in prices for our raw materials and the magnitude of such increases, global events that influence energy pricing and availability, increases in our energy needs, or other developments may adversely impact or offset our productivity and cost containment initiatives;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

the possibility that we will not be able to hire and retain key personnel or to renew or extend our collective bargaining or similar agreements on reasonable terms as they expire or to do so without a work stoppage or strike, including at our Clarksburg, West Virginia facility where its primary collective bargaining agreement is up for renewal in 2010;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

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the possibility that the investments and acquisitions that we make or 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 changes in applicable tax rates or laws, changes in the sources of our income, changes in tax planning, new or changing interpretations of applicable regulations, or changes in profitability, estimates of future ability to use foreign tax credits, and other factors;

 

   

the possibility of changes in interest or currency exchange rates, in competitive conditions, or in inflation or deflation;

 

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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 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 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 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 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 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.

 

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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.

For a more complete discussion of these and other factors, see “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Global Economic Conditions

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 or derived from published industry accounts and statistics.

Based on current International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections and other global economic forecasts, world output is projected to rise in 2010 in both advanced and emerging economies, although to varying degrees. Recovery in advanced economies is anticipated to be weak by past standards while emerging economies are poised for a quicker and stronger recovery given robust internal demand. While recovery has begun in certain regions, electric arc furnace steel end market demand is anticipated to remain below pre-crisis levels.

Global steel operating rates continued to rise in the first quarter of 2010, due to the improving global economic situation, lower steel inventories, and slowly improving demand from key steel end-markets, such as automotive, construction, and appliances.

According to published reports, global steel capacity utilization was approximately 80% for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an estimated increase of 15 percentage points compared to the same period last year. The United States steel industry operated at approximately 68% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to 43% utilization for the three months ended March 31, 2009. For the United States, this is an estimated increase of 25 percentage points.

Industrial materials demand is primarily linked with the global production of steel in an electric arc furnace and, to a lesser extent, with the total production of steel and certain other metals. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, global steel production, excluding China, increased by 33% compared to the same period last year. China’s steel production increased by 24% during the three months ended March 31, 2010, contributing to global steel production increase of 29%. Based on industry projections, the total steel production for the second quarter 2010 will be approximately 343 million metric tons, an increase of approximately 20% compared to the same period last year and slightly higher than the first quarter of 2010.

EAF steel production has followed a similar trend as overall steel production. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, estimated EAF steel production, excluding China, increased by 22% compared to the same period last year. China’s estimated EAF steel production increased by 24% during the three months ended March 31, 2010, contributing to an estimated global EAF steel production increase of 22%. EAF steel production for the second quarter of 2010 will be approximately 96 million metric tons, an estimated increase of approximately 14% compared to the same period last year and slightly higher than the first quarter of 2010.

Generally, changes in graphite electrode demand have tracked changes in EAF steel production. Graphite electrode industry recovery is anticipated to be slow as operating rates remain subdued as compared to historical standards. Weak end market demand remains a risk to price realization as we work to complete our 2010 graphite electrode order book. We expect 2010 results to benefit from improved volumes in our graphite electrode business. However this favorable impact from increased volumes will be essentially offset by significantly higher raw material costs.

 

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Outlook

Based on IMF projections and other economic forecasts, the global recession has largely concluded in most regions and recovery is underway in advanced and emerging economies, although to varying degrees. The recovery is expected to continue however risks to global economic stability remain. Accordingly, steel producers have raised operating rates to respond to current market demand and have begun to extend their graphite electrode buying patterns.

Customers in several geographic regions largely completed destocking initiatives and began reordering in the third quarter of 2009. This more favorable environment for our Industrial Materials business segment continued into the first quarter of 2010 and we expect a similar scenario for the second quarter.

If in 2010 the IMF projections and other economic forecasts described above were to materialize, we would then expect the following results:

 

   

Operating income would be in the range of $170 million to $180 million;

 

   

Overhead expense (selling and administrative and research and development expenses) would be in the range of $105 million to $110 million;

 

   

Capital expenditures would be approximately $70 million to $75 million;

 

   

Depreciation expense would be approximately $38 million (previous guidance was $35 million);

 

   

The effective tax rate would be in the range of 24 percent to 27 percent;

 

   

Cash flow from operations would be in the range of $100 million to $110 million.

Our outlook could be significantly impacted by, among other things, factors described under “Preliminary Notes – Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors” in this Report. For a more complete discussion of these and other factors, see “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report.

 

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Results of Operations and Segment Review

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 as Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010.

The tables presented in our period-over-period comparisons summarize our consolidated statements of operations and illustrate key financial indicators used to assess the consolidated financial results. Financial information is presented for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010. Throughout our MD&A, percentage changes that are deemed to be not meaningful are designated as “NM”.

(in thousands, except per share data and % change)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
           
     2009     2010     Increase
(Decrease)
    %
Change

Net sales

   $ 134,026      $ 215,664      $ 81,638      61

Cost of sales

     101,900        147,561        45,661      45
                          

Gross profit

     32,126        68,103        35,977      112

Research and development

     2,068        2,535        467      NM

Selling and administrative expenses

     21,635        22,511        876      NM
                          

Operating income

     8,423        43,057        34,634      411

Equity in (earnings) losses of non-consolidated affiliate

     (1,212     774        (1,986   164

Other (income), net

     (5,534     (3,259     (2,275   41

Interest expense

     1,647        906        (741   NM

Interest income

     (117     (561     444      NM
                          

Income before provision for income taxes

     13,639        45,197        31,558      231

Provision for income taxes

     5,170        11,669        6,499      126
                          

Net income

   $ 8,469      $ 33,528      $ 25,059      296
                          

Basic income per common share:

   $ 0.07      $ 0.28      $ 0.21     

Diluted income per common share:

   $ 0.07      $ 0.28      $ 0.21     

Net sales. Net sales by operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010 were:

(in thousands, except per share data and % change)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
         
     2009    2010    Increase
(Decrease)
   %
Change

Industrial Materials

   $ 104,521    $ 182,423    $ 77,902    75

Engineered Solutions

     29,505      33,241      3,736    13
                       

Total net sales

   $ 134,026    $ 215,664    $ 81,638    61
                       

We experienced higher sales for both of our operating segments led by a significant increase in our Industrial Materials operating segment due to the slow economic recovery that began in the third quarter of 2009 and has continued through the first quarter of 2010 because of the completion of our customer inventory destocking. We experienced increased demand

 

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across most of our products lines, in both of our operating segments, as our customers, especially those in the Industrial Materials segment, started the reordering process and shipments began to increase in response to increasing orders and production.

Our analysis of the percentage change in net sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:

 

     Volume     Price/Mix     Currency          Net Change  

Industrial materials

   64   9   2        75

Engineered solutions

   12   (1 %)    2        13

Net sales. For the industrial materials segment increased significantly in the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009 due to higher graphite electrode sales volume. We experienced increased demand for our products as the destocking activity witnessed in 2009 came to an end and EAF steel operating rates improved significantly year-over-year. The weighted average selling price of our melter and non-melter graphite electrodes has increased by approximately 5.2% from the three months ended March 31, 2009 to in the three months ended March 31, 2010. Looking forward however, we expect lower graphite electrode market prices to negatively impact our revenue in subsequent quarters. Higher electrode sales volumes will mitigate, in part, softer electrode pricing recognized in future quarters.

Cost of sales. The two primary drivers of the increase in cost of sales period over period were increases in shipments of our products of $23.2 million and currency impacts of $17.5 million across both of our segments. The global recession led to a dramatic decline in the demand for, and corresponding production of, graphite electrodes during the three months ended March 31, 2009. Our production volume increased throughout the second half of 2009 and continued in the first quarter of 2010 as our customers ramped up production from the low levels experienced during the first quarter of 2009.

Needle coke is the primary raw material in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. We usually purchase 70% to 80% of our needle coke requirements from one supplier under contracts with one-year fixed price per metric ton schedules. For 2010 needle coke purchases, we have completed the negotiations with our largest supplier and the 2010 cost per metric ton is flat with the 2009 cost per metric ton. Our production in 2010 has begun to use the higher cost needle coke purchased in the fourth quarter of 2009, which was approximately 50% higher than the cost of needle coke used in production during the first quarter of 2009 and continuing throughout 2009. The inventory flow through of the higher cost raw material has increased our cost of goods sold in the three months ended March 31, 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. Our ability to pass this increased cost to customers depends to a large extent on the strength of the global economic recovery. Higher volumes have diluted our fixed costs in the three months ended March 31, 2010 partially offsetting the higher coke cost.

Selling and administrative expenses. Higher sales commissions as a result of increased sales contributed to the increase in selling and administrative expenses. We experienced a decrease in bad debt expense from $2.6 million for the period ended March 31, 2009 to $0.1 million for the period ended March 31, 2010.

Equity in (earnings) losses of non-consolidated affiliate. During the period ended March 31, 2009 our equity in earnings of our non-consolidated affiliate was $1.2 million as compared to equity in losses of $0.8 million in the period ended March 31, 2010. The losses were due in large part to the effect of the recession on Seadrift’s operations.

Other (income), net. Other (income), net decreased in the period ended March 31, 2010 as compared with March 31, 2009 due in large part to more stable exchange rates for the euro in the first quarter of 2010 which led to lower favorable gains on remeasurement of inter-company loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 currency gains recorded were $6.4 million as compared to $3.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 

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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 three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
     2009    2010
     (Dollars in thousands)

Industrial Materials

   $ 6,788    $ 41,834

Engineered Solutions

     1,635      1,223
             

Total segment operating income

   $ 8,423    $ 43,057
             

The percentage relationship of operating expenses, to sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:

 

     Operating Costs and Expenses
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     (Percentage of sales)  
     2009     2010     Change  

Industrial Materials

   94   77   (17 %) 

Engineered Solutions

   95   96   1

Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Industrial Materials decreased 17 percentage points to 77% in the three months ended March 31, 2010. However the total operating costs and expenses increased $42.9 million from the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was a result of volume increases of $20.7 million as well as unfavorable currency increases of $17.0 million. These increases were partially offset by a favorable decrease of overhead of $2.5 million from lower bad debt costs in Russia.

Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was a tax expense of $5.2 million on pretax income of $13.6 million as compared to tax expense of $11.7 million on pretax income of $45.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The lower effective tax rates were 37.9% and 25.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to jurisdictional shifts of income, and changes in the utilization of attributes and related changes to valuation allowances.

 

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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 the three months ended March 31, 2010, the average exchange rate for the Brazilian real, Mexican peso and the South African rand increased significantly, about 28.5%, 12.5% and 32.3%, respectively, when compared to their respective average exchange rates for 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2010 the euro and British pound increased roughly 6.0% and 8.7%, respectively, when compared to their average exchange rates for 2009.

For net sales of industrial materials, the impact of changes in the average exchange rates for the period was an increase of $2.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010. For the cost of industrial materials, the impact of these events was an increase of $17.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

As part of our cash management, we also have 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 Operations.

We had a net total currency gain of $6.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to a net total currency gain of $3.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, mainly 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 3–Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Global capital markets have been, and continue to be, disrupted and volatile. The cost and availability of funding has been and may continue to be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets. We believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet all of our present needs subject to our need to refinance

 

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our Revolving Facility prior to its scheduled expiration on July 15, 2010 based on our anticipated business needs (see footnote 17, “Subsequent Events” on page 18 for a further discussion of our completion of the refinancing of our senior secured revolving credit facility). Continued turbulence in the U.S. and international financial markets, however, could adversely affect the cost and availability of financing to us in the future.

Our financing obligations are as follows:

 

     At December 31,
2009
   At March 31,
2010
     (Dollars in thousands)

Short-term debt

   $ 1,113    $ —  

Supply chain financing liability

     14,404      39,073
             

Total current financing liabilities

     15,517      39,073
             

Long-term debt

     1,467      1,327
             

Total financing liabilities

   $ 16,984    $ 40,400
             

At March 31, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of $88.5 million, long-term debt of $1.3 million and stockholders’ equity of $600.4 million. We also have approximately $35.9 million of working capital liquidity available to us through our factoring and supply chain financing arrangements and $209.5 million available through our Revolving Facility currently in place as described below. As part of our cash management activities, we manage accounts receivable credit risk, collections, and accounts payable vendor terms to maximize our free cash at any given time and minimize accounts receivable losses.

During the quarter our sources of funds have consisted principally of cash flow from operations, debt, and supply chain financings. Our uses of those funds (other than for operations) have consisted principally of capital expenditures, purchases of treasury shares and other obligations. As of March 31, 2010, we have several future obligations accrued that will utilize a significant amount of such funds. These obligations include our employee incentive compensation payout of approximately $21.1 million, which will be paid during the second quarter of 2010. We also plan to contribute approximately $1.0 million to our pension plans during the second quarter 2010.

We have an accounts receivable factoring arrangement in place that provides additional working capital liquidity of up to $25 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 certain subsidiaries sold receivables totaling $13.8 million. All such receivables were sold without recourse, and no amount of accounts receivable sold are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We did not sell any receivables under this arrangement during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Lower sales volumes for our products and reduced credit quality of our customers may limit the amount of receivables that we sell in the future. Our current receivable sales facility provides for the sale of certain customer accounts receivable and has a limit of $25 million. The facility automatically renews for a one year period on June 30, 2010 and each year thereafter unless a termination notice is sent by either party 30 days prior to the applicable June 30.

During 2008, we entered into a supply chain financing arrangement with a financing party that provides additional working capital liquidity of up to $50 million. Under this arrangement, we essentially assigned our rights to purchase needle coke from our supplier to the financing party. The financing party purchases the product from our 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 for this needle coke will include a mark up (the “Mark-Up”). The Mark-Up is subject to quarterly reviews. In effect, we have a longer period of time to pay the financing party than by purchasing directly from the supplier which helps us maintain a balanced cash conversion cycle between inventory payments and the collection of receivables. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the financing party invoiced us $51.2 million and we repaid $24.7 million for purchases of inventory under this arrangement, including a Mark-Up of $0.4 million. This agreement is subject to termination 90 days after notice is sent by either party.

In the event that operating cash flow, the sales of receivables and the financing of needle coke purchases fail to provide sufficient liquidity to meet our business needs, including capital expenditures, any such shortfall would be made up by increased borrowings under our Revolving Facility.

We use cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, funds from receivable factoring arrangements, supply chain financing, and funds available under the Revolving Facility (subject to continued compliance with the financial covenants and representations under the Revolving Facility) as well as cash on hand as our primary sources of liquidity. The Revolving Facility is secured, and provides for maximum

 

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borrowings of up to $215.0 million and, subject to certain conditions (including a maximum senior secured leverage ratio test), an accordion feature that permits GrafTech Finance to establish additional credit facilities thereunder in an aggregate amount, together with the Revolving Facility, of up to $425 million.

The Revolving Facility matures in July 2010. See footnote 17, “Subsequent Events” on page 18 for a further discussion of our completion of the refinancing of our senior secured revolving credit facility.

At March 31, 2010, there were no borrowings drawn from the Revolving Facility, and $209.5 million was available (after consideration of outstanding letters of credit of $5.5 million). It is possible that our future ability to borrow under the Revolving Facility may effectively be less because of the impact of additional borrowings upon our compliance with the maximum net senior secured debt leverage ratio permitted or minimum interest coverage ratio required under the Revolving Facility.

At March 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained in the Revolving Facility, as applicable. These covenants include maintaining an interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.25 based on a rolling average of the prior four quarters. Based on expected operating results and expected cash flows, we expect to be in compliance with these covenants through maturity of the facility. If we were to believe that we would not continue to comply with these covenants, we would seek an appropriate waiver or amendment from the lenders thereunder. We cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain such waiver or amendment on acceptable terms or at all.

At March 31, 2010 we had outstanding letters of credit of $6.8 million under a $10 million Letter of Credit facility with another commercial bank.

At March 31, 2010, approximately 88% all of our debt outstanding consists of fixed rate obligations compared with 83% at December 31, 2009.

On January 14, 2010, S&P upgraded our corporate rating by two notches to BB+ and our senior secured debt rating to BBB. On April 14, 2010, Moody’s Investors Services moved our rating outlook to positive from stable, assigned a Ba1 rating to our new senior secured Revolving Credit Facility, and affirmed our Ba2 corporate rating. These ratings reflect the current views of these rating agencies, and no assurance can be given that these ratings will continue for any given period of time. However, we monitor our financial condition as well as market conditions that could ultimately affect our credit ratings.

Cash Flow and Plans to Manage Liquidity. Our business strategies include efforts to enhance our capital structure by further reducing our gross obligations. Our efforts include leveraging our global manufacturing network by driving higher utilization rates and more productivity from our existing assets, accelerating commercialization initiatives across all of our businesses and realizing other global efficiencies.

 

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Typically, our cash flow from operations fluctuates significantly between quarters due to various factors. These factors include customer order patterns, fluctuations in working capital requirements, and other factors.

Certain of our obligations could have a material impact on our liquidity. Cash flow from operations services payment of our obligations, including our incentive compensation program payout in the second quarter of 2010, thereby reducing funds available to us for other purposes. Although we currently have no borrowings drawn under the Revolving Facility, continued improvement, or another downturn, in the global economy may require increased borrowings under our Revolving Facility, particularly if our accounts receivable and supply chain financing arrangements are terminated. If the economy continues to improve, we should experience improved results of operations and cash flows, yet could require significant cash requirements to purchase inventories and pay other obligations as accounts receivable increase. A downturn could significantly negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows, which, coupled with increased borrowings, could negatively impact our credit ratings, our ability to comply with debt covenants, our ability to secure additional financing and the cost of such financing, if available.

As described on page 18 in footnote 17, “Subsequent Event”, we have entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Seadrift and certain of its partners to acquire all of the equity interests of Seadrift that we do not already own. At the same time, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger with C/G Electronics, LLC and certain of its members to acquire all of its outstanding equity interests. The consideration to be paid for Seadrift will consist of $78.5 million in cash (subject to working capital adjustments), 12 million new shares of our common stock, and no coupon, senior subordinated promissory notes in an aggregate face amount of $100 million due in 2015. Subject to similar adjustments, the consideration to be paid for C/G Electrodes, LLC will consist of $152.5 million in cash, 12 million new shares of our common stock, and no coupon, senior subordinated promissory notes in an aggregate face amount of $100 million due in 2015. Approximately $185 million of the cash consideration to be paid in connection with the transactions will be funded through borrowings under our principal revolving credit facility, as amended and restated on April 29, 2010. The balance of the cash purchase portion of the purchase price will be paid from cash on hand.

Based on expected operating results and expected cash flows, we expect to be in compliance with our existing financial covenants in 2010; however, we cannot predict whether additional or more restrictive covenants, if any, may result from a new credit arrangement or our ability to comply therewith.

In order to seek to minimize our credit risks, we reduce our sales of, or refuse to sell (except for cash on delivery or under letters of credit), our products to some customers and potential customers. In the current economic environment, our customers may experience liquidity shortages or difficulties in obtaining credit, including letters of credit. Our unrecovered trade receivables worldwide have not been material during the last 3 years individually or in the aggregate. We cannot assure you that we will not be materially adversely affected by accounts receivable losses in the future. In addition, we have historically factored a portion of our accounts receivable and used the proceeds to reduce debt. Our ability to factor accounts receivable in the future may be limited by reduced credit ratings of customers or by a reduction in the amount permitted to be financed under the arrangement.

In December 2007, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to 3 million shares of our common stock. Share repurchases may take place from time to time in the open market, or through privately negotiated transactions, as market conditions warrant. We intend to fund any such share repurchases from available cash and cash flows. These share repurchases may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Related Party Transactions. In late June and early July 2009, our non-consolidated affiliate, Seadrift Coke L.P. (“Seadrift”), entered into agreements to borrow up to $17.0 million from certain of its shareholders, which include GrafTech. We agreed to loan up to $8.5 million and on July 2, 2009, we loaned Seadrift $6.0 million.

The Demand Notes were repaid in full with interest on March 31, 2010 and the obligation to make any further loans or advances had ceased and terminated.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

We have not engaged in or been a party to any other material transactions with affiliates or related parties except for transactions with our current or former subsidiaries and compensatory transactions with directors and officers (including employee benefits, stock option and restricted stock grants, compensation deferral, executive employee loans and stock purchases).

Cash Flows.

The following is a discussion of our cash flow activities:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2009     2010  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Cash flow provided by (used in):

    

Operating activities

   $ 14.3      $ 20.4   

Investing activities

     (13.0     (4.5

Financing activities

     (6.5     23.0   

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operating activities represents cash receipts and cash disbursements related to all our activities other than to investing and financing activities. Operating cash flow is derived by adjusting net income for:

 

   

Non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization; post retirement obligation, severance and pension plan changes; stock-based compensation charges; equity in losses of our non-consolidated affiliate

 

   

Gains and losses attributed to investing and financing activities such as gains and losses on the sale of assets and currency (gains)

 

   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities which reflect timing differences between the receipt and payment of cash associated with transactions and when they are recognized in results of operations

The net impact of the changes in working capital (operating assets and liabilities), which are discussed in more detail below, include the impact of changes in: receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, interest payable, and payments of other current liabilities.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

We continue to maximize our operating cash flows by continuing to improve those working capital items that are most directly affected by changes in sales volume, such as accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, changes in working capital resulted in a net source of funds of $1.6 million which was impacted by:

 

   

cash inflows from a $69.1 million decrease in accounts receivable, net of factoring of $(15.9) million, which are primarily attributable to decreased sales, credit risk policies, and cash collection efforts;

 

   

cash inflows from a $4.0 million decrease in inventory on hand; and

 

   

cash outflows of $55.6 million for accounts payable and accruals due to the decrease in inventory purchases and the timing of payments.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, changes in working capital resulted in a net use of funds of $26.5 million which was impacted by:

 

   

cash outflows of $7.6 million from the increase in accounts receivable, net of the cash inflows of factoring of $1.1 million, which are due primarily to increased sales for the period and the limited use of factoring;

 

   

cash outflows for inventories of $21.0 million primarily due to the increased sales volume; and

 

   

net cash inflows of $4.6 million from an increase in accounts payable and accruals through normal operations and inventory purchases.

Other items that affected our cash balance during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 included a Federal income tax payment in the United States of $4.1 million and a $5.2 million income tax payment in Switzerland, a franchise tax refund of $0.5 and a cash interest savings of $0.5 million, due to our reduced debt levels.

Investing Activities.

Net cash used in investing activities was $13.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009 which was mainly attributable to capital expenditures of $12.6 million.

Net cash used in investing activities was $4.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and included capital expenditures of $10.8 million, which was offset by proceeds received on our loan to our non-consolidated affiliate of $6.0 million.

Financing Activities.

Net cash flow used in financing activities was $6.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and included net repayments under our supply chain financing arrangement of $24.7 million, offset by net borrowings under our Revolver Facility of $15.0 million and other short-term debt arrangements of $3.6 million.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

Net cash flow provided by financing activities was $23.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and included net borrowings under our supply chain financing arrangement of $24.7 million, offset by purchases of treasury shares of $1.1 million and other short-term debt arrangements of $1.1 million.

Restrictions on Dividends and Stock Repurchases

A description of the restriction on our ability to pay dividends and our ability to repurchase common stock is set forth under “Item 5 – Dividend Policies and Restrictions” in the Annual Report and such description is incorporated herein by reference. Such description contains all of the information required with respect thereto.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We discuss recently adopted accounting standards on page 6 in Note 2, “New Accounting Standards” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Description of Our Financing Structure

We discuss our financing structure in more detail on page 13 in Note 9, “Long-Term Debt and Liquidity” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates 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, if any, 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, despite the current worldwide economic situation. 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 costs results primarily from the purchase of natural gas and electricity for use in our manufacturing operations.

Currency Rate Management. We enter into foreign currency instruments 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, net, 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. Forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options are carried at market value. The outstanding contracts at December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 represented a net unrealized loss of $0.1 million and a net unrealized gain of $0.3 million, respectively.

Commercial Energy Rate Management. We periodically enter into natural gas derivative contracts and short duration fixed rate purchase contracts to effectively fix some or all of our natural gas cost exposure. The outstanding contracts at December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 represented a net unrealized gain of $0.1 million and a net unrealized loss of $0.3 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 currently do not have any such contracts outstanding.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

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.

Sensitivity Analysis. We used a sensitivity analysis to assess the potential effect of changes in currency exchange rates on gross margin and changes in interest rates on interest expense. Based on this analysis, a hypothetical 10% weakening or strengthening in the dollar across all other currencies would have changed our reported gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2010 by about $2.2 million. Due to our reduced levels of outstanding debt, a hypothetical increase in interest rates of 1,000 basis points (10%) would have a nominal impact of less than $0.1 million on our interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 

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PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures at the reasonable assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a reporting company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2010. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2010.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2010 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The information required by this Item is set forth on page 15 in Note 14, “Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In December 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to 3 million shares of our common stock. Purchases may take place from time to time in the open market, or through privately negotiated transactions, as market conditions warrant. In addition to the repurchase program, we occasionally purchase or withhold vested restricted stock shares from employees as payment for the withholding taxes due upon the vesting or payment of stock awards.

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

January 1 through January 31, 2010

   —      $ —      —      2,051,905

February 1 through February 28, 2010

   91,128      12.49    —      2,051,905

March 1 through March 31, 2010

   —        —      —      2,051,905

Item 5. Other Information

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On April 29, 2010, we, and certain of our subsidiaries, entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Seadrift Coke, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Seadrift”), and certain of its partners, to acquire all of the equity interests of Seadrift that we do not already own. We currently own limited partnership units constituting approximately 18.9% of the equity interests in Seadrift. Seadrift is the world’s second largest producer of petroleum-based needle coke, the primary raw material used to manufacture graphite electrodes. At the same time, we, and certain of our subsidiaries, entered into an agreement and plan of merger with C/G Electrodes, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“C/G”), and certain of its members. C/G is the only U.S. owned and operated manufacturer of large diameter UHP graphite electrodes used in the electric arc furnace steel making process.

The consideration to be paid for Seadrift will consist of $78.5 million in cash less debt (subject to working capital adjustments), 12 million New GTI Shares (subject to adjustments for stock splits, reverse stock splits or similar transactions) and non-interest, senior subordinated promissory notes in an aggregate face amount of $100 million due in 2015. The consideration to be paid for C/G will consist of $152.5 million in cash less debt (subject to working capital adjustments), 12 million New GTI Shares and non-interest bearing, senior subordinated promissory notes in an aggregate face amount of $100 million due in 2015. Approximately $185 million of the cash consideration to be paid in connection with the transactions will be funded through borrowings under our principal revolving credit facility, as amended and restated on April 29, 2010. The balance of the cash portion of the purchase price will be paid from cash on hand. The New GTI Shares delivered to the former owners of Seadrift and C/G will not be registered under the Securities Act. The New GTI Shares will be delivered on the respective dates that the acquisitions of Seadrift and C/G are completed.

In connection with the acquisitions, GrafTech will reorganize into a new holding company structure (the “Reorganization”) pursuant to agreements and plans of merger and Section 251(g) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The new holding company will be identical to our existing holding company, GrafTech, in all material respects, including its Board of Directors, management and capital structure. At the closing of the mergers, all outstanding shares of our common stock will automatically be converted into identical common stock representing the same percentage ownership of and voting rights in the new holding company, which will also be a Delaware corporation.

To effect the Reorganization GrafTech formed the new Delaware holding company as a wholly owned subsidiary, which in turn formed a wholly owned subsidiary, GrafTech Delaware I Inc., (“Acquisition Sub”), and two other wholly owned subsidiaries which will merge with and into C/G and Seadrift, respectively. Pursuant to the agreements and plans of merger, GrafTech will then merge with and into Acquisition Sub (the “Merger”), with GrafTech being the surviving entity. In the Merger, each share of the common stock of Acquisition Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger and held by the new Delaware holding company will be converted into and exchanged for a share of GrafTech’s common stock (each, an “Old GTI Share”), Acquisition Sub’s corporate existence will cease and GrafTech will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the new holding company. Each Old GTI Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization will convert into and be exchanged for one share, par value $0.01 per share, of common stock of the new Delaware holding company (each, a “New GTI Share”), having the same rights, powers, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as the Old GTI Shares. Immediately after the Merger, the new Delaware holding company will be renamed GrafTech International Ltd. and the name of GrafTech will be changed to GrafTech Holdings Inc.

The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the new Delaware holding company will be identical to those of GrafTech, and the directors and officers of the new holding company will be identical to the directors and officers of GrafTech immediately prior to consummation of the Merger. GrafTech’s stockholders will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes upon the Reorganization. Stockholder approval is not required to effect the Reorganization. Stockholders do not and will not have dissenters’ rights or appraisal rights in connection with the Reorganization. The New GTI Shares to be issued to GrafTech’s stockholders in connection with the Reorganization will be registered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4.

The agreements and plans of merger will contain customary representations and warranties, most of which will not survive the effective time of the relevant mergers.

 

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The acquisitions are subject to customary conditions, including expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scot-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The C/G acquisition is also subject to the consummation of the Seadrift acquisition. The owners of Seadrift and C/G receiving New GTI Shares will enter into a registration rights and stockholder agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”) as a condition of the closing that will subject them to customary standstill provisions and certain restrictions on the sale of their New GTI Shares in addition to the limitations provided by applicable securities laws. Following the consummation of both the Seadrift and C/G acquisitions, the current controlling owners of Seadrift and C/G will have the right to nominate a director for the Board of Directors of the new Delaware holding company so long as such stockholders continue to own 12 million or more New GTI Shares.

 

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The new Delaware holding company will be the successor issuer of GrafTech for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the filings made by GrafTech thereunder. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the new Delaware holding company will be the successor issuer of GrafTech with respect to Old GTI Shares, which were registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. Pursuant to such rule, the New GTI Shares will be deemed to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.

The senior subordinated promissory notes will be issued by the new Delaware holding company on the date that the acquisitions are effective and will mature on the fifth anniversary of the closing. We may redeem or prepay the senior subordinated promissory notes at any time for the principal amount of such senior subordinated promissory notes. The aggregate face amount of senior subordinated promissory notes that may be issued to the former owners of Seadrift and C/G is $200 million. The senior subordinated promissory notes will not have coupon payment and all amounts due under such senior subordinated promissory notes will be due at their maturity date.

The holders of the senior subordinated promissory notes may accelerate the due date if (i) a petition under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, receivership or similar law is filed against or by the new Delaware holding company or any of its significant subsidiaries, (ii) the new Delaware holding company or any of its significant subsidiaries is wound up, liquidated or dissolved, (iii) failure to pay any amounts due under the senior subordinated promissory notes, (iv) there is a change in control of the new Delaware holding company as a result of a merger, consolidation, combination or sale of substantially all of its assets or (v) the acceleration by the holders of the senior indebtedness or the new Delaware holding company or any of its significant subsidiaries in excess of $50,000,000.

The senior subordinated promissory notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, and will not be transferable absent an exemption from the Securities Act.

The senior subordinated promissory notes will be subordinated and junior to all of our senior indebtedness, and senior to all of our subordinated indebtedness. Senior indebtedness excludes intercompany indebtedness and any modifications to, or refinancing of, senior indebtedness or guarantees thereof, if, on the date of incurrence of such modification or refinancing, and after giving effect thereto, the ratio of GrafTech’s consolidated indebtedness less consolidated cash and cash equivalents divided by its “Consolidated EBITDA” as defined under GrafTech’s amended and restated revolving credit facility is greater than 4:00 to 1.00.

The senior subordinated promissory notes will be guaranteed on a subordinated basis by C/G and Seadrift and by GrafTech International Holdings Inc., our principal domestic operating company.

 

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Reference also is made to the notes on forward-looking statements contained after the captions “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by law.

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement and Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

On April 29, 2010, GrafTech, GrafTech Global Enterprises Inc. (“GrafTech Global”), GrafTech Finance Inc. (“GrafTech Finance”) and GrafTech Switzerland S.A. (“Swissco”) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 29, 2010, among GrafTech, GrafTech Global, GrafTech Finance, Swissco and the LC Subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and Issuing Bank (the “Credit Agreement”).

As amended and restated, the Credit Agreement provides for, among other things, an extension until April 29, 2013 of the maturity of the senior secured revolving credit facility in the initial amount of $260 million (the “Revolving Facility”), additional flexibility for investments and acquisitions and, subject to certain conditions, an “accordion feature” that permits GrafTech Finance and Swissco to establish additional credit facilities thereunder in an aggregate amount, together with the Revolving Facility, of up to $390 million.

The Revolving Facility provides for revolving loans (and for swingline loans in aggregate principal amount at any time not to exceed $25 million) to GrafTech Finance and Swissco in an aggregate principal and stated amount not to exceed $260 million at any time. The Revolving Facility also provides capacity for issuance of letters of credit for the accounts of GrafTech Finance, Swissco and other designated subsidiaries for an amount not exceeding $35 million. Revolving and swingline loans and letters of credit may be denominated in dollars, euros and certain other currencies and are available for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The interest rate applicable to the Revolving Facility is, at GrafTech’s option, either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% (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 1.50% to 2.50% (depending upon such ratio or rating). The alternate base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) the federal fund effective rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the London interbank offering rate (as adjusted) for a one-month interest period plus 1.00%. GrafTech Finance and Swissco pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.750% (depending on such ratio or rating) on the undrawn portion of the commitments under the Revolving Facility.

The Revolving Facility permits voluntary prepayments (without reducing availability for future revolving borrowings) and voluntary commitment reductions at any time, in each case without premium or penalty.

 

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Proceeds of revolving loans to be used by any foreign subsidiary will be borrowed by Swissco and the proceeds of borrowings by GrafTech Finance will only be used in the business of GrafTech and its domestic subsidiaries conducted in the United States.

The obligations of GrafTech Finance under the Revolving Facility are secured (with certain exceptions) by first priority security interests in all of the assets of GrafTech Finance. The obligations of Swissco under the Revolving Facility are secured (with certain exceptions) by first priority security interests in certain assets of Swissco and a pledge of stock in most of GrafTech’s foreign subsidiaries.

The obligations of GrafTech Finance and Swissco under the Revolving Facility are guaranteed by GrafTech and each of GrafTech’s other domestic subsidiaries. These guarantees are secured by first priority security interests in all of GrafTech’s assets and that of its domestic subsidiaries including all of the outstanding capital stock of GrafTech Global and GrafTech Finance, 65% of the capital stock of Swissco and 100% of the capital stock of Swissco’s foreign subsidiaries.

Each guarantee of the Revolving Facility is full, unconditional and, joint and several. Payment under the guarantees could be required immediately upon the occurrence of an event of default in respect of the guaranteed obligations.

The Revolving Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, significantly restrict GrafTech’s ability to sell assets, incur additional debt, repay or refinance other debt or amend other debt instruments, create liens on assets, enter into sale and lease back transactions, make investments or acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidations, make capital expenditures, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends to stockholders of GrafTech or make other restricted payments, and other corporate activities. The covenants include financial covenants relating to specified minimum interest coverage and maximum net senior secured debt leverage ratios (which is the ratio of GrafTech’s net senior secured debt to EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

Under the Revolving Facility, GrafTech is permitted to pay dividends and repurchase common stock in an aggregate amount (cumulative from April 2010) equal up to $75 million (or $300 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.

In addition to the failure to pay principal, interest and fees when due, events of default under the Revolving Facility include: failure to comply with applicable covenants; failure to pay when due, or other defaults permitting acceleration of, other indebtedness exceeding $17.5 million or, to the extent effected with lenders under the Revolving Facility, cash management arrangements or interest rate, exchange rate or commodity price derivatives; failure to comply with guarantee and collateral requirements; judgment defaults in excess of $17.5 million to the extent not covered by insurance; certain events of bankruptcy; and certain changes in control.

GrafTech paid the lenders a customary fee for entering into the Credit Agreement.

Also, in connection with the execution of the Credit Agreement, we have entered into an amended and restated Security Agreement; Guarantee Agreement; Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement; Domestic Pledge Agreement; and Intellectual Property Security Agreement, in each case, dated as of the date hereof, whereby GrafTech and each of its existing and future domestic subsidiaries (with certain exceptions) guaranteed and secured the obligations under the Credit Agreement with all of their assets (with certain exceptions).

 

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PART II (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits listed in the following table have been filed as part of this Report.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Exhibit

  31.1    Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board.
  31.2    Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Mark R. Widmar, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
  32.1    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board.
  32.2    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Mark R. Widmar, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURE

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.
Date: April 29, 2010   By:  

/s/ Mark R. Widmar

    Mark R. Widmar
   

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Exhibit

  31.1    Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board.
  31.2    Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Mark R. Widmar, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
  32.1    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board.
  32.2    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Mark R. Widmar, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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