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 June  30, 2006

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

_______________

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

06-1385548

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

_______________

12900 Snow Road

Parma, Ohio

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

44130

(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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer [ X ]

Accelerated Filer [   ]

Non-Accelerated Filer [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Yes [   ]     No [ X ]

As of July 31, 2006, 101,026,885 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

Item 1.       Financial Statements:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

Page 3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 (unaudited)

Page 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 (unaudited)

Page 5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Page 6

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

Page 32

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

Page 37

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Page 52

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Page 53

PART II.       OTHER INFORMATION:

 

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

Page 55

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

Page 55

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Page 55

Item 6.   Exhibits

Page 56

SIGNATURE

Page 57

EXHIBIT INDEX

Page 58

 

 

 

 

 

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,
2005

 

At June 30,
2006

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,968

$

6,433

Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,132 at December 31, 2005 and $4,146 at June 30, 2006

 

184,580

 

160,286

Inventories

 

255,038

 

283,161

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14,101

 

17,998

Total current assets

 

459,687

 

467,878

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

1,086,393

 

1,081,716

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

724,196

 

724,323

Net property, plant and equipment

 

362,197

 

357,393

Deferred income taxes

 

12,103

 

12,169

Goodwill

 

20,319

 

20,099

Other assets

 

32,514

 

33,750

Assets held for sale

 

 

8,802

Total assets

$

886,820

$

900,091

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

92,192

$

88,509

Short-term debt

 

405

 

958

Accrued income and other taxes

 

24,826

 

25,964

Other accrued liabilities

 

96,990

 

102,002

Total current liabilities

 

214,413

 

217,433

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

Principal value

 

694,893

 

700,447

Fair value adjustments for hedge instruments

 

7,404

 

6,922

Unamortized bond premium

 

1,446

 

1,358

Total long-term debt

 

703,743

 

708,727

Other long-term obligations

 

107,704

 

93,150

Deferred income taxes

 

43,669

 

46,622

Minority stockholders’ equity in consolidated entities

 

26,868

 

28,686

(see Contingencies – Note 13)

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ deficit:

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 100,821,434 shares
issued at December 31, 2005, 100,998,643 shares issued at June 30, 2006

 

1,023

 

1,022

Additional paid-in capital

 

944,581

 

947,161

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(311,429)

 

(303,439)

Accumulated deficit

 

(751,487)

 

(747,218)

Less: cost of common stock held in treasury, 2,455,466 shares at December 31, 2005, 2,501,201 shares at June 30, 2006

 

(85,621)

 

(85,621)

Less: common stock held in employee benefit and compensation trusts, 518,301 shares at December 31, 2005, 472,566 shares at June 30, 2006

 

(6,644)

 

(6,432)

Total stockholders’ deficit

 

(209,577)

 

(194,527)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

$

886,820

$

900,091

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

For the
Three Months Ended
June 30,

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,

2005
2006
2005
2006
 
Net sales     $ 220,148   $ 254,767   $ 431,242   $ 463,355  
Cost of sales    162,886    188,531    325,326    341,188  




 
       Gross profit    57,262    66,236    105,916    122,167  
Research and development    2,416    3,384    4,773    6,477  
Selling and administrative    24,527    26,362    50,710    54,403  
Other (income) expense, net    6,341    (163 )  12,205    402  
Restructuring charges    88    2,877    451    5,823  
Impairment loss on long-lived assets        637        8,788  
Antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and claims        2,513        2,513  
Interest expense    12,815    14,531    24,793    28,760  
Interest income    (166 )  (139 )  (386 )  (278 )




     46,021    50,002    92,546    106,888  
Income before provision for income taxes and minority
        stockholders’ share of subsidiaries’ income
    11,241    16,234    13,370    15,279  
Provision for income taxes    5,817    7,548    6,622    11,034  
Minority stockholders’ share of subsidiaries’ income    (264 )  (225 )  (445 )  (20 )




       Net income   $ 5,688   $ 8,911   $ 7,193   $ 4,265  




Basic earnings per common share:  
       Net income per share   $ 0.06   $ 0.09   $ 0.07   $ 0.04  




       Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands)    97,644    97,981    97,605    97,841  




Diluted earnings per common share:  
       Net income per share   $ 0.06   $ 0.09   $ 0.07   $ 0.04  




       Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands)    97,849    112,177    97,946    98,416  




 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the
Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

2005

 

2006

Cash flow from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

7,193

$

4,265

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,113

 

20,492

Deferred income taxes

 

12,412

 

1,248

Restructuring charges

 

451

 

5,823

Impairment loss on long-lived assets

 

 

8,788

Other (credits) charges, net

 

10,359

 

3,124

Increase in working capital*

 

(43,130)

 

(9,193)

Post retirement obligation changes

 

(8,351)

 

(6,682)

Long-term assets and liabilities

 

(4,021)

 

(7,733)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(6,974)

 

20,132

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(24,482)

 

(24,034)

Sale (purchase) of derivative instruments

 

1,796

 

(266)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

701

 

336

Payments for patents costs

 

 

(427)

Termination of interest rate swaps

 

(8,691)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(30,676)

 

(24,391)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt borrowings (reductions)

 

2,643

 

Revolving Facility borrowings

 

48,024

 

320,854

Revolving Facility reductions

 

(19,521)

 

(316,688)

Financing costs

 

(4,913)

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

26,233

 

4,166

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(11,417)

 

(93)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,873)

 

558

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

23,484

 

5,968

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

10,194

$

6,433

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable

$

27,504

$

24,448

 

Effect of factoring on accounts receivable

 

 

6,250

 

Inventories

 

(34,005)

 

(17,088)

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(1,746)

 

(2,683)

 

Payments for antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and claims

 

(7,900)

 

(9,955)

 

Restructuring payments

 

(3,889)

 

(4,083)

 

Decrease in accounts payable and accruals

 

(23,094)

 

(6,082)

 

Increase in working capital

$

(43,130)

$

(9,193)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

 

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 adopted by the SEC and 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 periods presented. 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, 2005 (the “Annual Report”). The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have revised our consolidated statements of cash flows to attribute payments made in connection with sales of interest rate swap derivatives as cash flows from investing activities. Previously, we reported these cash flows as part of cash flows from financing activities.

(2)

New Accounting Standards

On November 24, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of APB No. 43,” Chapter 4, which is the result of its efforts to converge U.S. accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards. SFAS No. 151 requires abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) to be recognized as current-period charges. It also requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

On November 10, 2005, the FASB Staff issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. SFAS 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” This FSP provides a practical transition election related to accounting for the tax effects of share-based payment awards to employees. SFAS No. 123(R), paragraph 81, indicates that, for purposes of calculating the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) (an “APIC pool”), an entity shall include the net excess tax benefits that would have qualified as such had the entity adopted SFAS No. 123 for recognition purposes. This FSP provides an elective alternative transition method. An entity may follow either the transition guidance for the APIC pool in paragraph 81 of SFAS No. 123(R) or the alternative transition method described in this FSP. We may take up to one year from the initial adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) to evaluate our available transition alternatives and make our one time election.

 

6

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

In May 2005, FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3,” which changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. This Statement defines retrospective application as the application of a different accounting principle to prior accounting periods as if that principle had always been used or as the adjustment of previously issued financial statements to reflect a change in the reporting entity. This Statement also redefines restatement as the revising of previously issued financial statements to reflect the correction of an error. This Statement is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We adopted this Statement effective January 1, 2006. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments—an amendment of FASB Statements Nos. 133 and 140.” This Statement (1) permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, (2) clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 133 (3) establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and (4) clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of our first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The fair value election of SFAS No. 155 may also be applied upon adoption of SFAS No. 155 for hybrid financial instruments that had been bifurcated under paragraph 12 of SFAS No. 133, prior to the adoption of this Statement. We will be required to adopt SFAS No. 155 in the first quarter of 2007. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 155 on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

 

7

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

(3)

Stock-Based Compensation

We have historically maintained several stock incentive plans. The plans permitted options, restricted stock and other awards to be granted to employees and, in certain cases, also to non-employee directors. At December 31, 2005, the aggregate number of shares authorized under the plans since their initial adoption was 19,300,000.

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), which establishes accounting for stock-based awards exchanged for employee services, using the modified prospective application transition method. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the fair market value of the award, over the requisite service period. Also, in accordance with the modified prospective application transition method, our condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods prior to the first quarter of 2006 have not been restated to reflect this adoption.

Stock-based compensation expense included in our Consolidated Results of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 included stock-based awards granted prior to, but not fully vested as of, January 1, 2006 and stock-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006. Based on our current stock-based compensation plans and our awards issued and outstanding, our expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 for stock-based compensation was $0.7 and $1.8 million, respectively, of which $0.6 and $1.6 million, respectively, relates to unvested restricted stock grants and $0.1 and $0.2 million, respectively, to unvested stock options, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation under SFAS 123(R)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, we recognized $0.7 and $1.8 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense. A majority of the expense, $0.5 and $1.5 million, respectively, was recorded as selling and administrative in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with the remaining expense included in as cost of sales and research and development.

As of June 30, 2006, the total compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and stock options not yet recognized was $4.0 million which will be recognized over the weighted average life of 2.75 years.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Restricted Stock. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the trading price of our common stock on the date of grant, less required adjustments to reflect dividends paid and expected forfeitures or cancellations of awards throughout the vesting period, which ranges between one and three years. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock granted was approximately $3.80 and $7.00 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and $4.14 and $6.82 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

8

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Restricted stock activity under the plans for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
      Shares

 

Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

    1,315,229

 

$5.29

Granted

      190,000

 

6.82

Vested

      (51,667)

 

7.67

Forfeited

      (195,345)

 

5.67

Outstanding at June 30, 2006

      1,258,217

 

$5.36

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2006, we granted 190,000 shares of restricted stock to certain directors, officers and employees at prices ranging from $4.71 to $7.82. Of these shares, 35,000 shares vest one year from the date of grant and 155,000 shares vest over a three-year period, with one-third of the shares vesting on the anniversary date of the grant in each of the next three years. 

 

Stock Options. Our stock option compensation expense calculated under the fair value method is recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 6.6 years. The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $3.91 and $7.34 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and $4.33 and $7.34 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The fair values of options granted are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We did not issue stock option awards in the first six months of 2006. The weighted average assumptions used in our Black-Scholes option-pricing model for awards issued during the six months ended June 30, 2005 are as follows:

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

 

Dividend yield

0.0%

Expected volatility

72.0%

Risk-free interest rate

4.0%

Expected term in years

7.5 years

 

Dividend Yield. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, we use an expected dividend yield of zero.

Expected Volatility. We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The volatility factor we use is based on our historical stock prices over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of the award.

 

9

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate. We base the risk-free interest rate used on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.

Expected Term In Years. The expected life of awards granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. We determine the expected life based on historical experience with similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and pre-vesting and post-vesting forfeitures.

Stock options outstanding under our plans at June 30, 2006 are as follows:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

Range of
Exercise Prices

Number

Outstanding

 

Weighted-
Average

Remaining

Contractual Life

 

Weighted-
Average

Exercise Prices

 

Number Exercisable

 

Weighted-
Average

Exercise Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time vesting options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$2.83 to $11.10

6,107

3 years

 

$  7.53

 

5,984

 

$  7.39

$11.60 to $19.06

2,233

2 years

 

16.62

 

2,224

 

16.66

$22.81 to $29.22

93

2 years

 

24.77

 

93

 

24.77

$30.59 to $40.44

784

1 year

 

33.48

 

784

 

33.48

 

9,217

 

 

12.12

 

9,085

 

12.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance vesting options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$7.60

242

1 year

 

$ 7.60

 

242

 

$ 7.60

 

 

10

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Options granted, exercised, canceled and expired under our plans are summarized as follows:

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Prices

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

 

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

(Shares in thousands)

Time vesting options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

10,583

 

$13.28

 

 

$

 

Granted at market price

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/canceled

(592)

 

34.82

 

 

 

 

Expired

(774)

 

10.45

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2006

9,217

 

12.12

 

2.75 years

$

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercisable at June 30, 2006

9,085

 

$12.19

 

2.77 years

 

121

Weighted-average fair value of

options granted during six months

ended June 30, 2006 at market

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance vesting options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

242

$

$7.60

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/canceled

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2006

242

 

7.60

 

1 year

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2006

242

 

7.60

 

1 year

 

 

Pro Forma Information

Previously, we applied APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123. Compensation expense associated with our restricted stock and stock options granted to non-employees was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the stockholders’ deficit section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the fair market value. However, no compensation expense was recognized for our time vesting options granted. If compensation expense for each of our stock-based compensation plans was determined by the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, our net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

11

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended June 30, 2005

For the Six Months
Ended June 30, 2005

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net income as reported       5,688     7,193  
 
    Add:       Total stock-based employee compensation
                    expense, net of related tax effects included in
                    the determination of net income as reported
    151    225  
    Deduct:  Total stock-based employee compensation
                    expense determined under fair value based
                    Method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (478 )  (976 )


Pro forma net income   $ 5,361   $ 6,442  


Earnings per share:  
    Basic – as reported   $ 0.06   $ 0.07  
    Basic – pro forma    0.05    0.06  
    Diluted – as reported    0.06    0.07  
    Diluted – pro forma    0.06    0.07  

(4)

Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted EPS are calculated based upon the provisions of SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” and EITF No. 04-08, “Accounting Issues Related to Certain Features of Contingently Convertible Debt and the Effects on Diluted Earnings Per Share,” using the following data:

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
June 30,

 

For the Six
Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except option data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported

$

5,688

$

8,911

$

7,193

$

4,265

Interest on Debentures, net of tax benefit

 

 

595

 

 

Amortization of Debentures issuance costs,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of tax benefit

 

 

174

 

 

Net income as adjusted

$

5,688

$

9,680

$

7,193

$

4,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares
        outstanding for basic calculation

 

97,644,024

 

97,980,835

 

97,605,425

 

97,841,775

Add: Effect of stock options and restricted stock

 

205,136

 

625,644

 

340,976

 

573,840

Add: Effect of Debentures

 

 

13,570,560

 

 

Weighted average common shares
        outstanding for diluted calculation

 

97,849,160

 

112,177,039

 

97,946,401

 

98,415,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share are calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the sum of the weighted

 

12

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

average number of common shares outstanding plus the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive securities, including those underlying the Debentures, had been issued.

The calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding for the diluted calculation excludes consideration of stock options covering 10,979,779 and 9,081,629 shares in the 2005 and 2006 second quarter, respectively, and 8,892,782 and 9,451,763 shares in the first six months of 2005 and 2006, respectively, because the exercise of these options would not have been dilutive for those periods due to the fact that the exercise prices were greater than the weighted average market price of our common stock for each of those periods.

The calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding for the diluted calculation also excludes the 13,570,560 shares underlying the Debentures for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

(5)

Segment Reporting

Our businesses are reported in the following reportable segments: synthetic graphite, which consists of graphite electrodes, cathodes and advanced graphite materials and related services, and other, which consists of natural graphite, carbon electrodes and refractories and related services.

We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit. Intersegment sales and transfers are not material. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those for our Consolidated Financial Statements as a whole.

The following tables summarize financial information concerning our reportable segments.

 

 

For the
Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net sales to external customers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synthetic graphite

$

193,143

$

229,732

$

378,199

$

417,977

Other

 

27,005

 

25,035

 

53,043

 

45,378

Net sales

$

220,148

$

254,767

$

431,242

$

463,355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synthetic graphite

$

51,153

$

67,064

$

94,963

$

120,724

Other

 

6,109

 

(828)

 

10,953

 

1,443

Gross profit

$

57,262

$

66,236

$

105,916

$

122,167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

For the
Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Reconciliation of gross profit to income before provision for income taxes and minority stockholders’ share of income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$

57,262

$

66,236

$

105,916

$

122,167

Research and development

 

2,416

 

3,384

 

4,773

 

6,477

Selling and administrative

 

24,527

 

26,362

 

50,710

 

54,403

Other (income) expense, net

 

6,341

 

(163)

 

12,205

 

402

Restructuring charges

 

88

 

2,877

 

451

 

5,823

Impairment loss on long-lived assets

 

 

637

 

 

8,788

Antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and claims

 

 

2,513

 

 

2,513

Interest expense

 

12,815

 

14,531

 

24,793

 

28,760

Interest income

 

(166)

 

(139)

 

(386)

 

(278)

Income before provision for income taxes and minority stockholders’ share of subsidiaries income

$

11,241

$

16,234

$

13,370

$

15,279

 

(6)

Restructuring Charges and Impairment Losses

At June 30, 2006, the outstanding balance of our restructuring reserve was $14.2 million. The components of this balance at June 30, 2006 consisted primarily of:

Synthetic Graphite Segment

 

$6.9 million related to the rationalization of our synthetic graphite facilities, including those in Brazil and France, and the closure of our facility in Russia.

$4.3 million related to the closure of our graphite electrode manufacturing operations in Caserta, Italy.

$0.7 million related to the closure of our graphite electrode machining and warehousing operations in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Other Segment and Corporate

$0.8 million related primarily to remaining lease payments and severance and related costs associated with our former corporate headquarters.

$1.5 million related to the shutdown of our carbon electrode production operations at our Columbia, Tennessee facility.

 

14

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, we recorded net restructuring charges of $2.9 and $5.8 million, respectively. A majority of the net charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 were comprised of the following:

 

$0.9 and $2.1 million, respectively, for severance and related costs related to rationalization at our synthetic graphite facility in France.

$0.5 and $1.4 million, respectively, for severance and related costs associated with our former corporate headquarters.

$1.3 and $1.5 million, respectively, for severance and costs related to the shutdown of our carbon electrode production operations at our Columbia, Tennessee facility.

The following table summarizes activity relating to the restructuring liability at June 30, 2006.

 

 

Severance and Related Costs

 

Plant Shutdown and Related Costs

 

Total

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2006

$

10,733

$

794

$

11,527

Restructuring charges

 

4,161

 

1,139

 

5,300

Change in estimates

 

523

 

 

523

Payments and settlements

 

(3,291)

 

(792)

 

(4,083)

Currency adjustments

 

894

 

9

 

903

Balance at June 30, 2006

$

13,020

$

1,150

$

14,170

 

In the first quarter of 2006, we abandoned long-lived fixed assets associated with costs capitalized for our enterprise resource planning system implementations due to an indefinite delay in the implementation of the remaining facilities. As a result, we recorded a $6.6 million loss, including the write off of capitalized interest, in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting For the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

Also, in the first quarter of 2006, we announced our intention to sell certain long-lived assets from our Etoy, Switzerland and Caserta, Italy facilities. For the second quarter of 2006, management established a plan to sell certain long-lived assets in Vyazma, Russia. As a result, we have classified these assets as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with SFAS No. 144. Also, we recorded a $1.4 million impairment loss in the 2006 first quarter to adjust the carrying value of the assets in Switzerland to the estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. As of the date of this filing, we have entered into a binding agreement, subject to local government approvals, to sell the building and the land at our Etoy, Switzerland facility for $7.0 million. We expect the closing of the sale to occur in the third quarter of 2006.

In the second quarter of 2006, we abandoned certain long-lived fixed assets associated with the accelerated closing of our carbon electrode facility in Columbia, Tennessee due to changes in our initial plan of restructuring the facility. As a result, we recorded a $0.6 million impairment loss in accordance with SFAS No. 144.

 

15

 

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 (income) expense, net:

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
June 30,

For the Six
Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Currency (gains) losses

$

4,566

$

(1,669)

$

11,187

$

(4,227)

Brazil sales tax provision

 

 

(1,465)

 

 

(1,465)

Fair value adjustment on interest rate caps

 

795

 

 

575

 

Fair value adjustment on Debenture redemption
make-whole option

 

(939)

 

 

(3,759)

 

Legal, environmental and other related costs

 

1,973

 

1,828

 

2,099

 

2,802

Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets

 

(635)

 

(190)

 

(643)

 

218

Gain on sale of foreign exchange contracts

 

(1,161)

 

 

(1,268)

 

Bank and other financing fees

 

535

 

555

 

1,129

 

1,035

Write-off of capitalized bank fees

 

 

 

1,557

 

Relocation costs

 

178

 

568

 

407

 

1,409

Loss on the sale of accounts receivable

 

 

230

 

 

405

Other

 

1,029

 

(20)

 

921

 

225

Total other (income) expense, net

$

6,341

$

(163)

$

12,205

$

402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have non-dollar-denominated intercompany loans between our GrafTech Finance, Inc. subsidiary (“Finco”) and some of our foreign subsidiaries. At December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006, the aggregate principal amount of these loans was $414.6 million and $437.1 million, respectively (based on currency exchange rates in effect at such date). These loans are subject to remeasurement gains and losses due to changes in currency exchange rates. A portion of these loans are deemed to be essentially permanent and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the stockholders’ deficit section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of these loans is 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. In the first six months of 2005, we had a net total of $11.2 million of currency losses, including $14.4 million of exchange losses due to the remeasurement of intercompany loans and translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries which use the dollar as their functional currency. In the first six months of 2006, we had a net total of $4.2 million of currency gains, including $6.0 million of exchange gains due to the remeasurement of intercompany loans and translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries which use the dollar as their functional currency.

 

16

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

(8)

Benefit Plans

The components of our consolidated net pension and postretirement costs (benefits) are set forth in the following tables:

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

For the Three

Months Ended

June 30,

 

For the Six

Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Service cost

$

345

$

295

$

641

$

587

Interest cost

 

3,155

 

2,876

 

6,137

 

5,733

Expected return on plan assets

 

(3,299)

 

(2,983)

 

(6,657)

 

(5,947)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

(23)

 

(23)

 

(49)

 

(47)

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

 

(6)

 

23

 

(10)

 

47

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

688

 

709

 

1,018

 

1,416

Settlement loss

 

259

 

 

259

 

Employee contributions

 

(22)

 

 

(45)

 

Net Cost

$

1,097

$

897

$

1,294

$

1,789

 

 

 

Post Retirement Benefits

 

 

For the Three

Months Ended

June 30,

 

For the Six

Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Service cost

$

63

$

101

$

137

$

204

Interest cost

 

503

 

503

 

1,017

 

1,004

Amortization of prior service benefit

 

(5,449)

 

(5,279)

 

(10,899)

 

(10,557)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

1,286

 

1,333

 

2,568

 

2,664

Net benefit

$

(3,597)

$

(3,342)

$

(7,177)

$

(6,685)

 

 

 

17

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(9)

Long-Term Debt and Liquidity

The following table presents our long-term debt:

At December 31,
2005

  At June 30,
2006

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Revolving Facility     $ 39,000         $ 43,000  
Senior Notes:  
     Senior Notes due 2012       434,631           434,631  
     Fair value adjustments for terminated hedge    7,404          6,922  
        instruments*  
     Unamortized bond premium    1,446          1,358  


          Total Senior Notes    443,481          442,911  
Debentures**    220,291          221,903  
Other debt    971          913  


              Total   $ 703,743         $ 708,727  



_______________

*

Fair value adjustments for terminated hedge instruments will be amortized as a credit to interest expense over the remaining term of the Senior Notes.

**

At December 31, 2005, the balance excludes the derivative liability relating to our Debenture redemption feature with a make-whole provision, which amounts to $1.3 million. As of January 1, 2006, this derivative liability no longer requires separate accounting from the convertible debenture under Derivative Implementation Group Issue No. B39, “Embedded Derivatives: Application of Paragraph 13(b) to Call Options that are Exercisable Only by the Debtor.”

 

(10)

Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

At December 31,
2005

At June 30,
2006

(Dollars in thousands)
Raw material and supplies     $ 74,650   $ 73,099  
Work in process    150,816    164,527  
Finished goods    29,572    45,535  


          Total Inventories   $ 255,038   $ 283,161  


 

 

 

18

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

(11)

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists of the following:

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
June 30,

For the Six

Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Interest incurred on debt

$

12,634

$

13,522

$

24,825

$

26,757

Interest rate swap benefit

 

(689)

 

 

(1,732)

 

Amortization of fair value adjustments for terminated hedge instruments

 

(482)

 

(243)

 

(1,035)

 

(482)

Amortization of premium on Senior Notes

 

(39)

 

(45)

 

(79)

 

(87)

Amortization of discount on Debentures

 

221

 

162

 

441

 

324

Interest on DOJ antitrust fine

 

135

 

46

 

284

 

130

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

855

 

916

 

1,792

 

1,834

Interest incurred on other items

 

180

 

173

 

297

 

284

Total interest expense

$

12,815

$

14,531

$

24,793

$

28,760

 

(12)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consists of the following:

 

 

For the Three

Months Ended

June 30,

 

For the Six

Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Net income

$

5,688

$

8,911

$

7,193

$

4,265

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 

(5,661)

 

(1,720)

 

(19,478)

 

7,902

Total comprehensive income (loss)

$

27

$

7,191

$

(12,285)

$

12,167

 

(13)

Contingencies

Antitrust Matters

In 1997, the DOJ and the EU Competition Authority commenced investigations into alleged violations of the antitrust laws in connection with the sale of graphite electrodes. The antitrust authorities in Canada, Japan and Korea subsequently began similar investigations. The EU Competition Authority also commenced an investigation into alleged antitrust violations in connection with the sale of specialty graphite. These antitrust investigations have been resolved. Several of the investigations resulted in the imposition of fines against us. These fines, or payments in accordance with a payment

 

19

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

schedule in the case of the DOJ antitrust fine, have been timely paid. At December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006, $26.0 and $16.1 million remained in the reserve for liabilities and expenses in connection with antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and claims, respectively. The reserve is unfunded and represents the remaining DOJ antitrust fine obligation, with quarterly payments scheduled through January 2007.

Between 1999 and March 2002, we and other producers of graphite electrodes were served with four complaints commencing separate civil antitrust lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These lawsuits are called the “foreign customer lawsuits.” By agreement dated as of June 21, 2006, all defendants agreed to settle the lawsuit titled Arbed, S.A., et al. v. Mitsubishi Corporation, et al. In addition, preliminary agreements have been reached to settle the three remaining foreign customer lawsuits titled, Ferromin International Trade Corporation, et al. v. UCAR International Inc., et al., BHP New Zealand Ltd. et al. v. UCAR International Inc., et al. and Saudi Iron and Steel Company v. UCAR International Inc., et al. Definitive agreements to settle the three remaining foreign customer lawsuits have not yet been executed, however, and we cannot assure you that they will be. We recorded a $2.5 million charge as of June 30, 2006 in connection with the settlements of these foreign customer lawsuits.

Through June 30, 2006, subject to the completion of definitive settlements of the foreign customer lawsuits as described above, we will have settled or obtained dismissal of all of the civil antitrust lawsuits (including class action lawsuits) previously pending against us, certain civil antitrust lawsuits threatened against us and certain possible civil antitrust claims against us arising out of alleged antitrust violations occurring prior to the date of the relevant settlements in connection with the sale of graphite electrodes, carbon electrodes and bulk graphite products. All payments due have been timely paid.

In the event that definitive settlements of the three remaining foreign customer lawsuits are not reached, we will continue to vigorously defend those lawsuits. It is possible that additional antitrust investigations, lawsuits or claims could be commenced or asserted against us in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions. We are currently not reserved for any new potential matters.

Environmental Matters

During the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006, we increased our reserve for environmentally related activities to be performed in connection with the closure and proposed sale of our Caserta, Italy facility by $1.6 million. The increase in the reserve relates primarily to activities for closing the on-site solid waste landfill earlier than originally anticipated.

Other Matters and Proceedings Against Us

We are involved in various other 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

 

20

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

ultimate disposition of each of these matters and proceedings, we do not believe that their ultimate disposition will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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. The following table presents the activity in this accrual for the six months ended June 30, 2006 (dollars in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2005

$

610

Product warranty charges

 

786

Payments and settlements

 

(739)

Balance at June 30, 2006

$

657

 

(14)

Financial Information About the Issuers and Guarantors of Our Debt Securities and Subsidiaries Whose Securities Secure the Senior Notes and Related Guarantees

On February 15, 2002, GrafTech Finance (“Finco”), a direct subsidiary of GTI (the “Parent”), issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes and, on May 6, 2002, $150 million aggregate principal amount of additional Senior Notes. All of the Senior Notes have been issued under a single Indenture and constitute a single class of debt securities. The Senior Notes mature on February 15, 2012. The Senior Notes have been guaranteed on a senior basis by the Parent and the following wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Parent: GrafTech Global Enterprises, Inc., UCAR Carbon Company, Inc., UCAR International Trading Inc., UCAR Carbon Technology LLC, and UCAR Holdings V Inc. (“Holdings V”). The Parent, Finco and these subsidiaries together hold a substantial majority of our U.S. assets. Holdings V had no material assets or operations, and has been dissolved.

On January 22, 2004, the Parent issued $225 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures. The guarantors of the Debentures are the same as the guarantors of the Senior Notes, except for Parent (which is the issuer of the Debentures but a guarantor of the Senior Notes) and Finco (which is a guarantor of the Debentures but the issuer of the Senior Notes). The Parent and Finco are both obligors on the Senior Notes and the Debentures, although in different capacities.

The guarantors of the Senior Notes and the Debentures, solely in their respective capacities as such, are collectively called the “U.S. Guarantors.” Our other subsidiaries, which are not guarantors of either the Senior Notes or the Debentures, are called the “Non-Guarantors.”

All of the guarantees are unsecured, except that the guarantee of the Senior Notes by UCAR Carbon has been secured by a junior pledge of all of the shares of capital stock

 

21

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

(constituting 97.5% of the outstanding shares of capital stock) of AET held by UCAR Carbon (called the “AET Pledged Stock”), subject to the limitation that in no event will the value of the pledged portion of the AET Pledged Stock exceed 19.99% of the principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes. All of the guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several. Finco and each of the other U.S. Guarantors (other than the Parent) are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Parent. All of the guarantees of the Senior Notes continue until the Senior Notes have been paid in full, and payment under such guarantees could be required immediately upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Senior Notes. All of the guarantees of the Debentures continue until the Debentures have been paid in full, and payment under such guarantees could be required immediately upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Debentures. If a guarantor makes a payment under its guarantee of the Senior Notes or the Debentures, it would have the right under certain circumstances to seek contribution from the other guarantors of the Senior Notes or the Debentures, respectively.

Provisions in the Revolving Facility restrict the payment of dividends by our subsidiaries to the Parent. At June 30, 2006, retained earnings of our subsidiaries subject to such restrictions were approximately $781.2 million. Investments in subsidiaries are recorded on the equity basis.

The following table sets forth condensed consolidating balance sheets at December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006, condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and three and six months ended June 30, 2006 as well as condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively, of the Parent, Finco, all other U.S. Guarantors and the Non-Guarantors.

 

22

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

at December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Parent

(Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco
(Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

 

All Other U.S Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Consolidation/ Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

143

$

$

36

$

5,877

$

(88)

$

5,968

 

Intercompany loans

 

51,315

 

166,292

 

 

108,716

 

(326,323)

 

 

Intercompany accounts receivable

 

 

2,676

 

27,689

 

31,079

 

(61,444)

 

 

Accounts receivable - third party

 

 

 

36,569

 

148,011

 

 

184,580

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

51,315

 

168,968

 

64,258

 

287,806

 

(387,767)

 

184,580

 

Inventories

 

 

 

59,975

 

195,108

 

(45)

 

255,038

 

Prepaid expenses and other current

assets

 

7

 

16,431

 

1,793

 

12,287

 

(16,417)

 

14,101

 

Total current assets

 

51,465

 

185,399

 

126,062

 

501,078

 

(404,317)

 

459,687

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

46,586

 

320,096

 

(4,485)

 

362,197

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

8,980

 

4,067

 

(944)

 

12,103

 

Intercompany loans

 

 

506,887

 

 

 

(506,887)

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

20,319

 

 

20,319

 

Other assets

 

5,359

 

16,860

 

3,426

 

6,869

 

 

32,514

 

Total assets

$

56,824

$

709,146

$

185,054

$

852,429

$

(916,633)

$

886,820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

1,836

$

17,242

$

12,392

$

60,810

$

(88)

$

92,192

 

Intercompany loans

 

 

109,284

 

217,009

 

61,655

 

(387,948)

 

 

Third party loans

 

 

 

 

405

 

 

405

 

Short-term debt

 

 

109,284

 

217,009

 

62,060

 

(387,948)

 

405

 

Accrued income and other taxes

 

1,939

 

 

20,963

 

18,341

 

(16,417)

 

24,826

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

 

34,644

 

62,346

 

 

96,990

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,775

 

126,526

 

285,008

 

203,557

 

(404,453)

 

214,413

 

Long-term debt

 

220,290

 

482,481

 

 

972

 

 

703,743

 

Intercompany loans

 

 

 

 

506,903

 

(506,903)

 

 

Other long-term obligations

 

1,284

 

37

 

59,051

 

47,332

 

 

107,704

 

Payable to equity of investees

 

41,045

 

 

(526,601)

 

 

485,556

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

7

 

 

 

44,606

 

(944)

 

43,669

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority stockholders’ equity in consolidated entities

 

 

 

 

26,868

 

 

26,868

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

(209,577)

 

100,102

 

367,596

 

22,191

 

(489,889)

 

(209,577)

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

$

56,824

$

709,146

$

185,054

$

852,429

$

(916,633)

$

886,820

 

 

 

23

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

at June 30, 2006

 

 

Parent

(Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco
(Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

 

All Other U.S Guarantors

 

Non-Guarantors

 

Consolidation/ Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

171

$

1,514

$

$

4,912

$

(164)

$

6,433

 

Intercompany loans

 

52,050

 

200,542

 

 

162,130

 

(414,722)

 

 

Intercompany accounts receivable

 

 

4,815

 

33,752

 

24,505

 

(63,072)

 

 

Accounts receivable - third party

 

 

 

23,152

 

137,134

 

 

160,286

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

52,050

 

205,357

 

56,904

 

323,769

 

(477,794)

 

160,286

 

Inventories

 

 

 

64,757

 

218,452

 

(48)

 

283,161

 

Prepaid expenses and other current

assets

 

 

16,506

 

2,134

 

15,775

 

(16,417)

 

17,998

 

Total current assets

 

52,221

 

223,377

 

123,795

 

562,908

 

(494,423)

 

467,878

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

41,523

 

320,531

 

(4,661)

 

357,393

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

16,048

 

5,232

 

(9,111)

 

12,169

 

Intercompany loans

 

 

529,332

 

 

 

(529,332)

 

 

Investments in affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

20,099

 

 

20,099

 

Other assets

 

4,823

 

15,561

 

3,811

 

9,555

 

 

33,750

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

 

 

8,802

 

 

8,802

 

Total assets

$

57,044

$

768,270

$

185,177

$

927,127

$

(1,037,527)

$

900,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

1,836

$

17,177

$

9,431

$

60,229

$

(164)

$

88,509

 

Intercompany loans

 

 

163,167

 

251,547

 

63,345

 

(478,059)

 

 

Third party loans

 

 

 

 

958

 

 

958

 

Short-term debt

 

 

163,167

 

251,547

 

64,303

 

(478,059)

 

958

 

Accrued income and other taxes

 

1,939

 

 

21,837

 

18,607

 

(16,419)

 

25,964

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

 

38,545

 

63,457

 

 

102,002

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,775

 

180,344

 

321,360

 

206,596

 

(494,642)

 

217,433

 

Long-term debt

 

221,902

 

485,911

 

 

914

 

 

708,727

 

Intercompany loans

 

 

 

 

529,332

 

(529,332)

 

 

Other long-term obligations

 

 

 

47,421

 

45,729

 

 

93,150

 

Payable to equity of investees

 

25,894

 

 

(553,073)

 

 

527,179

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

55,733

 

(9,111)

 

46,622

 

Minority stockholders’ equity in consolidated entities

 

 

 

 

28,686

 

 

28,686

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

(194,527)

 

102,015

 

369,469

 

60,137

 

(531,621)

 

(194,527)

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

$

57,044

$

768,270

$

185,177

$

927,127

$

(1,037,527)

$

900,091

 

 

 

 

24

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2005


Parent (Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco (Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

All Other U.S.
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors

Consolidation/ Eliminations

Consolidated

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

$

$

61,000

$

207,000

$

(48,000)

$

     220,000

Cost of sales

 

 

 

44,000

 

168,000

 

(49,000)

 

     163,000

Gross profit

 

 

 

17,000

 

39,000

 

1,000

 

     57,000

Research and development

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

     2,000

Selling and administrative

 

 

 

10,000

 

23,000

 

(8,000)

 

     25,000

Other (income) expense, net

 

(1,000)

 

2,000

 

(3,000)

 

(1,000)

 

9,000

 

     6,000

Interest expense

 

2,000

 

11,000

 

3,000

 

13,000

 

(16,000)

 

     13,000

Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes and minority stockholders’ share of income

$

(1,000)

$

(13,000)

$

7,000

$

3,000

$

15,000

$

     11,000

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

6,000

 

(4,000)

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

2,000

 

     6,000

Minority stockholders’ share of income

 

 

 

 

 

 

    –

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

2,000

 

 

(3,000)

 

 

1,000

 

    –

Net income (loss)

$

(9,000)

$

(9,000)

$

9,000

$

2,000

$

12,000

$

    5,000

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

 


Parent (Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco (Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

All Other U.S.
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors

Consolidation/ Eliminations

Consolidated

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

$

$

70,377

$

231,629

$

(47,239)

$

   254,767

Cost of sales

 

 

(773)

 

59,984

 

170,926

 

(41,606)

 

   188,531

Gross profit

 

 

773

 

10,393

 

60,703

 

(5,633)

 

   66,236

Research and development

 

 

 

1,605

 

1,779

 

 

   3,384

Selling and administrative

 

 

(30)

 

11,044

 

23,958

 

(8,610)

 

   26,362

Other (income) expense, net

 

17

 

(11,910)

 

2,927

 

(1,378)

 

10,181

 

   (163)

Restructuring charges

 

 

 

1,532

 

1,345

 

 

   2,877

Impairment loss on long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

637

 

 

   637

Antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and

Claims

 

 

 

2,513

 

 

 

   2,513

Interest expense

 

1,222

 

14,104

 

2,568

 

6,829

 

(10,192)

 

   14,531

Interest Income

 

 

(3)

 

 

(136)

 

 

   (139)

Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes and minority stockholders’ share of income

 

(1,239)

 

(1,388)

 

(11,796)

 

27,669

 

2,988

 

   16,234

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

(9)

 

201

 

1,966

 

5,401

 

(11)

 

   7,548

Minority stockholders’ share of income (loss)

 

 

 

 

(225)

 

 

   (225)

Deficit (equity) in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(7,142)

 

 

(22,493)

 

 

29,635

 

   –

Net income (loss)

$

5,912

$

(1,589)

$

8,731

$

22,493

$

(26,636)

$

   8,911

 

 

 

26

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

 


Parent (Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco (Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

All Other
U.S.
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors

Consolidation/ Eliminations

Consolidated

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

$

$

125,000

$

400,000

$

(94,000)

$

431,000

Cost of sales

 

 

 

93,000

 

317,000

 

(85,000)

 

325,000

Gross profit

 

 

 

32,000

 

83,000

 

(9,000)

 

106,000

Research and development

 

 

 

1,000

 

3,000

 

 

4,000

Selling and administrative

 

 

 

22,000

 

44,000

 

(15,000)

 

51,000

Other (income) expense, net

 

(4,000)

 

5,000

 

 

(4,000)

 

15,000

 

12,000

Interest expense

 

3,000

 

22,000

 

3,000

 

12,000

 

(15,000)

 

25,000

Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes and minority stockholders’ share of income

$

1,000

$

(27,000)

$

6,000

$

28,000

$

6,000

$

14,000

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

7,000

 

(9,000)

 

4,000

 

5,000

 

 

7,000

Minority stockholders’ share of income

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(6,000)

 

 

(24,000)

 

 

30,000

 

Net income (loss)

$

$

(18,000)

$

26,000

$

23,000

$

(24,000)

$

7,000

 

 

27

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 


Parent (Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco (Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

All Other
U.S.
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors

Consolidation/ Eliminations

Consolidated

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

$

$

129,698

$

426,538

$

(92,881)

$

463,355

Cost of sales

 

 

 

107,453

 

316,084

 

(82,349)

 

341,188

Gross profit

 

 

 

22,245

 

110,454

 

(10,532)

 

122,167

Research and development

 

 

 

3,102

 

3,375

 

 

6,477

Selling and administrative

 

 

54

 

24,431

 

45,541

 

(15,623)

 

54,403

Other (income) expense, net

 

17

 

(22,959)

 

6,091

 

(1,446)

 

18,699

 

402

Restructuring charges

 

19

 

 

3,155

 

2,649

 

 

5,823

Impairment loss on long-lived assets

 

 

 

6,768

 

2,020

 

 

8,788

Antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and

Claims

 

 

 

2,513

 

 

 

2,513

Interest expense

 

2,461

 

27,552

 

4,374

 

13,079

 

(18,706)

 

28,760

Interest income

 

 

(3)

 

 

(275)

 

 

(278)

Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes and minority stockholders’ share of income

 

(2,497)

 

(4,644)

 

(28,189)

 

45,511

 

5,098

 

15,279

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

(9)

 

394

 

2,002

 

8,782

 

(135)

 

11,034

Minority stockholders’ share of income (loss)

 

 

 

 

(20)

 

 

(20)

Deficit (equity) in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(1,520)

 

 

(36,749)

 

 

38,269

 

Net income (loss)

$

(968)

$

(5,038)

$

6,558

$

36,749

$

(33,036)

$

4,265

 

 

 

28

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005


Parent (Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco (Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

All Other U.S.
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors

Consolidation/ Eliminations

Consolidated

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash flow from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (loss)

$

$

(18,000)

$

26,000

$

23,000

$

(24,000)

$

7,000

Adjustment to reconcile net income
(loss) to cash provided by operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

2,000

 

15,000

 

1,000

 

18,000

Deferred income taxes

 

7,000

 

(2,000)

 

9,000

 

1,000

 

(2,000)

 

13,000

Adjustment from cost to equity

 

(6,000)

 

 

(24,000)

 

 

30,000

 

Interest expense

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

1,000

Fair value adjustment on Debenture Redemption make-whole option

 

(4,000)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,000)

Fair value adjustments on interest rate caps

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

1,000

Post retirement plan changes

 

 

 

(7,000)

 

(1,000)

 

 

(8,000)

Other charges, net

 

(11,000)

 

(15,000)

 

(16,000)

 

68,000

 

(15,000)

 

11,000

(Increase) decrease in working capital

 

13,000

 

(25,000)

 

(20,000)

 

(8,000)

 

(3,000)

 

(43,000)

Long term assets and liabilities

 

 

 

(3,000)

 

(1,000)

 

 

(4,000)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(1,000)

 

(58,000)

 

(33,000)

 

97,000

 

(13,000)

 

(8,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany loans receivable/payable

 

3,000

 

 

44,000

 

24,000

 

(71,000)

 

Intercompany debt, net

 

(2,000)

 

26,000

 

(9,000)

 

(98,000)

 

83,000

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

(3,000)

 

(22,000)

 

 

(25,000)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,000

Sale (purchase) of derivative investments

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

 

2,000

Net cash used in investing activities

 

1,000

 

28,000

 

33,000

 

(96,000)

 

12,000

 

(22,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt borrowings (reductions), net

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

 

3,000

Revolving Facility borrowings

 

 

48,000

 

 

 

 

48,000

Revolving Facility reductions

 

 

(20,000)

 

 

 

 

(20,000)

Termination of interest rate swaps, net

 

 

(8,000)

 

 

 

 

(8,000)

Financing costs

 

 

(5,000)

 

 

 

 

(5,000)

Net cash provided by financing
      activities

 

 

18,000

 

 

 

 

18,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(12,000)

 

 

1,000

 

(1,000)

 

(12,000)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

(2,000)

 

 

(2,000)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

12,000

 

1,000

 

11,000

 

 

24,000

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

$

$

1,000

$

10,000

$

(1,000)

$

10,000

 

 

 

 

29

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006


Parent (Issuer of Debentures and Guarantor of Senior Notes)

 

Finco (Issuer of Senior Notes and Guarantor of Debentures)

All Other U.S.
Guarantors

Non-
Guarantors

Consolidation/ Eliminations

Consolidated

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash flow from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

(968)

$

(5,038)

$

6,558

$

36,749

$

(33,036)

$

4,265

Adjustment to reconcile net income to net
cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

2,133

 

18,359

 

 

20,492

Deferred income taxes

 

 

394

 

1,027

 

(175)

 

2

 

1,248

Restructuring charges

 

19

 

 

3,155

 

2,649

 

 

5,823

Impairment loss on long-lived assets

 

 

 

7,378

 

1,410

 

 

8,788

Other charges (credits), net

 

1,943

 

7,123

 

(28,906)

 

(8,024)

 

30,988

 

3,124

(Increase) decrease in working capital

 

(19)

 

(14)

 

(3,210)

 

(7,988)

 

2,038

 

(9,193)

Post retirement obligation changes

 

 

 

(5,977)

 

(705)

 

 

(6,682)

Long-term assets and liabilities

 

 

 

(5,485)

 

(2,248)

 

 

(7,733)

Net cash (used in) provided by

   operating activities

 

975

 

2,465

 

(23,327)

 

40,027

 

(8)

 

20,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany receivable/payable

 

 

(1,663)

 

(11,256)

 

14,646

 

(1,727)

 

Intercompany debt, net

 

(735)

 

(3,288)

 

39,731

 

(37,367)

 

1,659

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

(5,040)

 

(18,994)

 

 

(24,034)

Sale (purchase) of derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

(266)

 

 

(266)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

 

19

 

317

 

 

336

Payments for patents costs

 

 

 

(163)

 

(264)

 

 

(427)

Termination of interest rate swaps

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by

   investing activities

 

(735)

 

(4,951)

 

23,291

 

(41,928)

 

(68)

 

(24,391)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt borrowings (reductions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving Facility borrowings

 

(212)

 

320,642

 

 

424

 

 

320,854

Revolving Facility reductions

 

 

(316,642)

 

 

(46)

 

 

(316,688)

Financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by

   financing activities

 

(212)

 

4,000

 

 

378

 

 

4,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

28

 

1,514

 

(36)

 

(1,523)

 

(76)

 

(93)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

558

 

 

558

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

143

 

 

36

 

5,877

 

(88)

 

5,968

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

171

$

1,514

$

$

4,912

$

(164)

$

6,433

 

 

 

30

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Unsecured intercompany term notes in an aggregate principal amount, at June 30, 2006, equal to $529 million (based on currency exchange rates in effect at June 30, 2006), and guarantees of those unsecured intercompany term notes, issued to GrafTech Finance by certain of our foreign subsidiaries have been pledged by GrafTech Finance to secure the Senior Notes, subject to the limitation that at no time will the combined value of the pledged portion of any foreign subsidiary’s unsecured intercompany term note and unsecured guarantee of unsecured intercompany term notes issued by other foreign subsidiaries exceed 19.99% of the principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes. As a result of this limitation, the principal amount of unsecured intercompany term notes pledged to secure the Senior Notes at June 30, 2006 equals $312 million (based on currency exchange rates in effect at June 30, 2006), or about 72% of the principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes. The remaining unsecured intercompany term notes held by GrafTech Finance in an aggregate principal amount at June 30, 2006 of $217 million (based on currency exchange rates in effect at June 30, 2006) and any pledged unsecured intercompany term notes that cease to be pledged due to a reduction in the principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes due to redemption, repurchase or other events, will not be subject to any pledge and will be available to satisfy the claims of creditors (including the lenders under the Revolving Facility, the holders of the Senior Notes and, pursuant to the subsidiary guarantee by GrafTech Finance of the Debentures, the holders of the Debentures) as their interests may appear. The Senior Notes prohibit the pledge of these unsecured intercompany term notes or related guarantees to secure any other debt or obligation.

(15)

Derivative Instruments

 

In the fourth quarter of 2005, we entered into natural gas derivative contracts to mitigate the impact of changes in natural gas prices. The contracts are not accounted for as hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and, therefore, are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in fair value are recorded in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in cost of goods sold. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, losses for these contracts were $0.7 and $1.4 million, respectively.

In the second quarter of 2006, we entered into foreign exchange currency contracts to mitigate the impact of changes in the dollar-euro exchange rates. These contracts are not accounted for as hedges under SFAS No. 133 and, therefore, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in fair value are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in selling and administrative expenses. During the second quarter of 2006, losses for these contracts were $0.2 million.

 

 

 

31

 

PART I (CONT’D)

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

Important Terms. We use various terms to simplify the presentation of information in this Report. These terms, which definitions are incorporated herein by reference, are defined in the Annual Report.

Presentation of Financial, Market and Legal Data. We present our financial information on a consolidated basis. As a result, the financial information for Carbone Savoie and AET is consolidated on each line of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the equity of the other owners in those subsidiaries is reflected on the lines entitled “minority stockholders’ equity in consolidated entities” and “minority stockholders’ share of income.”

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: 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 customers’ operations; 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 therein; productivity, business process and operational initiatives, and their impact on us; our position in markets we serve; 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; future operational and financial performance; strategic plans and business projects; regional and global economic and industry market conditions, changes in such conditions and the impact thereof, interest rate management activities; currency rate management activities; deleveraging activities;

 

32

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

rationalization, restructuring, realignment, strategic alliance, raw material and supply chain, technology development and collaboration, investment, acquisition, venture, operational, tax, financial and capital projects; legal proceedings, contingencies, and environmental compliance; consulting projects; potential offerings, sales and other actions regarding debt or equity securities of us or our subsidiaries; and future asset sales, 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” and similar expressions, or the negatives thereof, identify some of these statements.

Actual future events and circumstances (including future results and trends) could differ materially from those set forth in these statements due to various factors. These factors include:

the possibility that additions to capacity for producing steel in electric arc furnaces (EAF), increases in overall EAF steel production capacity and increases 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;

possible failure of increased EAF steel production or stable graphite electrode production to result in stable or increased graphite electrode demand, prices or sales volume;

the possibility that increases in graphite electrode manufacturing capacity, competitive pressures, 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 electrode business;

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;

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

the possibility that average graphite electrode revenue per metric ton in the future may be different than current spot 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;

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;

 

 

 

33

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

the possibility that increases in 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 of 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;

the possibility of delays in or failure to achieve successful development and commercialization of new or improved electronic thermal management (ETM), or other products or that such products could be subsequently displaced by other products or technologies;

the possibility that we will fail to develop new customers or applications for our ETM products;

the possibility of delays in or failure to achieve widespread commercialization of fuel cells which use our natural graphite-based products or that manufacturers of PEM fuel cells may obtain those products from other sources;

the possibility that our manufacturing capabilities may not be sufficient or that we may experience delays in expanding or fail to expand our manufacturing capacity to meet demand for existing, new or improved products;

the possibility that 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 we may be unable to protect our intellectual property or may infringe the intellectual property rights of others;

the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances or changing interpretations and enforcement agendas relating to antitrust investigations, lawsuits or claims, other 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 our provision for income taxes and effective income tax rate or cash tax rate may fluctuate significantly due to changes in applicable tax rates, changes in the sources of our income, changes in tax planning, new or changing

 

 

34

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

  interpretations in applicable regulations, profitability, estimates of future ability to use foreign tax credits, tax laws, and other factors;

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

the possibility that our high leverage, substantial debt and other obligations could limit our financial resources and ability to compete and may make us more vulnerable to adverse economic events;

the possibility that our outlook could be significantly impacted by, among other things, changes in interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board or other central banks, changes in fiscal policies by the U.S. and other governments, developments in the Middle East, 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 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 the timing and amount of expenditures that we anticipate in connection with our restructuring and plant closing activities may vary significantly from our expectations;

the possibility that we may not complete planned asset sales for amounts or at times anticipated or at all;

the possibility that we may not achieve the earnings or other financial metrics that we provide as guidance from time to time;

the possibility that the anticipated benefits from organizational and work process redesign 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;

 

 

35

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

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 we may fail in our efforts to recruit and retain key personnel;

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, the Senior Notes or the Debentures.

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.

 

 

36

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations

Global Economic Conditions and Outlook

We are impacted in varying degrees, both positively and negatively, as global, regional or country economic conditions fluctuate.

Synthetic Graphite. Graphite electrode demand is primarily linked with the global production of steel in electric arc furnaces (EAF) and, to a lesser extent, with the total production of steel and certain other metals. During the first six months of 2006, global steel production and operating rates, excluding China, were approximately 2% higher than during the same period last year. China’s steel production grew about 19% during the six months ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, and as a result, global steel production increased by about 7%. Overall, EAF steel production continues to expand, with estimates that production will increase by about 3% during 2006.

The global graphite electrode pricing environment continues to improve for suppliers as global demand for high quality, reliable graphite electrodes continues to grow. We expect 2006 to be one of the strongest years in over a decade for new EAF start-ups. These new furnaces are projected to increase EAF steel production capacity by approximately 5% over the course of 2006, primarily in China and Russia.

We expect our graphite electrode sales volume to be approximately 210,000 metric tons in 2006. We expect our graphite electrode revenue to increase about 15% in 2006 as compared to 2005, with a majority of the increase projected in the second half of the year.

We have secured 100% of our anticipated 2006 premium needle coke requirements, our most significant and critical raw material for graphite electrodes. Premium needle coke represents the largest single component of graphite electrode production costs. Although raw material, energy and freight pricing pressures remain persistently high, we have identified productivity initiatives to help mitigate rising production costs. These initiatives include the implementation of rationalization and productivity opportunities in our synthetic graphite facilities and continued streamlining, centralization and consolidation of our administrative activities. We believe these productivity and consolidation initiatives will contain our 2006 graphite electrode production cost increases to a range of 7% to 9%.

We believe demand for graphite cathodes has increased relative to other cathodes. We also believe that the excess supply previously anticipated has diminished. Raw material and other pricing pressures are affecting cathode production costs in the same manner as graphite electrode production costs and we are implementing initiatives to help mitigate those pressures.

Other Segment. We expect increased blast furnace construction and refurbishment to lead to continuing strong demand for our carbon refractories in various geographic markets throughout 2006. While we expect 2006 revenue to be comparable to 2005 (which benefited

 

37

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

from particularly strong demand), we believe that overall long-term demand for our refractories continues to increase with strong global economic growth. We continue to seek to drive productivity and cost improvements in this product line.

We expect continued growth of net sales of our ETM products and services. We believe the LCD flat panel display segment, when coupled with the plasma display television segment, is expected to grow from about eight million units in 2004 to sixty million units by 2008. Net sales for ETM products in our natural graphite business were $9 million in the first six months of 2006 as compared to $9 million for the same period in 2005. We expect ETM sales between $21 and $25 million in 2006, representing an increase between 12% and 34% over 2005.

Overall. The 2006 tax rate is expected to be in the range of 37% to 40%. Capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $45 million and depreciation expense is estimated to be about $40 million in 2006.

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

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 as Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2005.

Consolidated. Net sales of $254.8 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $34.7 million, or 15.8%, increase from net sales of $220.1 million in the 2005 second quarter, primarily due to a $36.6 million increase in net sales in our synthetic graphite segment that was partially offset by a decrease of $2.0 million in net sales in our other segment. Cost of sales of $188.5 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $25.6 million, or 15.7%, increase from cost of sales of $162.9 million in the 2005 second quarter, primarily due to higher sales volumes and increases in raw material and other production costs. Gross profit of $66.2 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $9.0 million, or 15.7%, increase from gross profit of $57.2 million in the 2005 second quarter. Gross margin was 26.0% in the 2006 second quarter as compared to gross margin of 26.0% in the 2005 second quarter.

Synthetic Graphite Segment. Net sales of $229.7 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $36.6 million, or 19.0%, increase from net sales of $193.1 million in the 2005 second quarter. The increase was primarily due to a $33.4 million increase in graphite electrode sales. This increase was driven by higher volumes of about $19.7 million and higher selling prices of approximately $15.7 million. The increases were partially offset by unfavorable changes in currency and other items of about $2.0 million. The increase in cathodes net sales for the quarter was $0.9 million and was the result of increases in volume and selling prices, partially offset by unfavorable currency variances and a change in product mix. In addition to the net sales increases in graphite electrodes and cathodes, advanced synthetic graphite materials increases of $2.3 million were attributable to higher volumes of about $0.3 and higher selling prices of approximately $2.2 million, offset by unfavorable currency variances and other items.

 

 

38

 

PART I (CONT’D)

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

Cost of sales of $162.7 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $20.7 million, or 14.6%, increase from cost of sales of $142.0 million in the 2005 second quarter. Cost of sales increased primarily due to higher volumes sold of graphite electrodes and increased costs of raw materials of about $16.0 million as well as increases resulting from unfavorable foreign currency variances. Cost of sales of advanced graphite materials and cathodes also increased in the quarter as a result of higher sales volumes, the change in product mix, and unfavorable currency variances.

Gross profit in the 2006 second quarter was $67.0 million, 31.1% more than in the 2005 second quarter. Gross margin was 29.2% of net sales in the 2006 second quarter as compared to the 26.5% of net sales in the 2005 second quarter. The increase is the result of higher prices for graphite electrodes and the positive impact of changes in the compensation structure at certain manufacturing facilities.

Other Segment. Net sales of $25.0 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $2.0 million, or 7.4%, decrease from net sales of $27.0 million in the 2005 second quarter. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes of about $5.5 million in carbon electrodes and natural graphite products partially offset by increases in volume for refractories of $3.4 million and, to some extent, price increases for carbon electrodes and refractories. Cost of sales of $25.9 million in the 2006 second quarter represented a $5.0 million, or 23.9%, increase from cost of sales of $20.9 million in the 2005 second quarter. The increase in cost of sales was primarily related to inventory reserves established in the quarter associated with the accelerated closure of our carbon electrode business of approximately $3.8 million, an inventory adjustment of $1.2 million also for carbon electrodes, and higher production costs throughout the segment. Gross profit in the 2006 second quarter was a loss of $0.8 million (a negative gross margin of 3.2% of net sales) as compared to gross profit in the 2005 second quarter of $6.1 million (a gross margin of 22.6% of net sales).

Items Affecting Us As A Whole. Research and development expenses were $3.4 million in the 2006 second quarter and $2.4 million in the 2005 second quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to increased labor costs at our research and development facilities.

Selling and administrative expenses were $26.4 million in the 2006 second quarter which represented a $1.9 million, or 7.8%, increase from $24.5 million in the 2005 second quarter. The increase was primarily due to larger variable incentive compensation expense in the second quarter of $1.8 million.

Other income was $0.2 in the 2006 second quarter and consisted primarily of $1.7 million in currency gains, a $1.5 million benefit for the favorable resolution of a sales tax contingency in Brazil, gains on the sale of fixed assets of $0.2 million, which were partially offset by $1.8 million of legal, environmental and other related costs, (including a charge for estimated environmental remediation costs associated with our Caserta, Italy, location, of $1.6 million), $0.6 million of bank and other financing fees, and $0.8 million of relocation and other related costs.

 

 

39

 

PART I (CONT’D)

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Other expense was $6.3 million in the 2005 second quarter and consisted primarily of $4.6 million of currency exchange losses, primarily associated with euro-denominated intercompany loans, $1.9 million of legal, environmental and other related costs, a $0.8 million charge for the fair value adjustment on interest rate caps and $1.7 million of other costs, offset by a $0.9 million favorable fair value adjustment on the Debenture redemption make-whole option, a $0.6 million gain on the sale of fixed assets and a $1.2 million gain on the sale of foreign exchange contracts.

The following table summarizes activity relating to the accrued expense in conjunction with the restructuring charges. The restructuring accrual is included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

 

Severance and Related Costs

 

Plant Shutdown and Related Costs

 

Total

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2006

$

10,733

$

794

$

11,527

Restructuring charges

 

4,161

 

1,139

 

5,300

Change in estimates

 

523

 

 

523

Payments and settlements

 

(3,291)

 

(792)

 

(4,083)

Currency adjustments

 

894

 

9

 

903

Balance at June 30, 2006

$

13,020

$

1,150

$

14,170

 

At June 30, 2006, the outstanding balance of our restructuring reserve was $14.2 million. The components of this balance at June 30, 2006 consisted primarily of:

Synthetic Graphite Segment

 

$6.9 million related to the rationalization of our synthetic graphite facilities, including those in Brazil and France, and the closure of our facility in Russia.

$4.3 million related to the closure of our graphite electrode manufacturing operations in Caserta, Italy.

$0.7 million related to the phase-out of our graphite electrode machining operations and warehousing in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Other Segment and Corporate

$0.8 million related primarily to remaining lease payments and severance and related costs associated with our former corporate headquarters.

$1.5 million related to the shutdown of our carbon electrode production operations at our Columbia, Tennessee facility.

 

40

 

PART I (CONT’D)

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We expect to make $12.3 million of these payments by the end of 2006, with the majority of the remaining payments to be paid by the end of 2007. Additionally, we expect to incur additional restructuring charges of about $4.1 million through the middle of 2007 primarily for severance and related costs of existing restructuring activities.

We abandoned certain long-lived fixed assets associated with the accelerated closing of our carbon electrode facility in Columbia, Tennessee due to changes in our initial plan to restructure the facility. As a result, we recorded a $0.6 million impairment loss in accordance with SFAS No. 144.

The following table presents the components of interest expense:

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Interest incurred on debt

$

12,634

$

13,522

Interest rate swap benefit

 

(689)

 

Amortization of fair value adjustments for terminated hedge instruments

 

(482)

 

(243)

Amortization of premium on Senior Notes

 

(39)

 

(45)

Amortization of discount on Debentures

 

221

 

162

Interest on DOJ antitrust fine

 

135

 

46

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

855

 

916

Interest incurred on other items

 

180

 

173

Interest expense

$

 12,815

$

 14,531

 

Average total debt outstanding was $748.1 million in the 2006 second quarter as compared to $700.9 million in the 2005 second quarter. The average interest rate was 7.0% in the 2006 second quarter as compared to 6.9% in the 2005 second quarter. These average rates represent the average rates on total debt outstanding and include the benefits of our interest rate swaps in 2005.

Provision for income taxes was a charge of $7.5 million in the 2006 second quarter as compared to a charge of $5.8 million in the 2005 second quarter. The income tax rate was approximately 47% in the 2006 second quarter as compared to approximately 52% in the 2005 second quarter.

As a result of the matters described above, net income was $8.9 million in the 2006 second quarter as compared to $5.7 million in the 2005 second quarter.

41

 

PART I (CONT’D)

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 as Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2005.

 

Consolidated. Net sales of $463.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $32.2 million, or 7.5%, increase from net sales of $431.2 million in the same period in 2005, primarily due to a $39.8 million increase in net sales in our synthetic graphite segment that was partially offset by a decrease of $7.6 million in net sales in our other segment. Cost of sales of $341.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $15.9 million, or 4.9%, increase from cost of sales of $325.3 million in the same period in 2005, primarily due to higher sales volumes that created additional costs of $14.1 million in our synthetic graphite segment and additional costs of $1.8 million in our other segment. Gross profit of $122.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $16.3 million, or 15.4%, increase from gross profit of $105.9 million in the same period in 2005. Gross margin was 26.4% of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to 24.6% of net sales in the same period in 2005. See below for further details regarding such changes.

Synthetic Graphite Segment. Net sales of $418.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $39.8 million, or 10.5%, increase from net sales of $378.2 million in the same period in 2005. The increase was primarily due to a $26.7 million increase in graphite electrode sales, an increase of $8.3 million in cathode sales and a $4.8 million increase in advanced graphite materials sales. The overall increase in graphite electrode sales was driven by higher volumes of about $5.9 million and higher selling prices of approximately $29.3 million. The increases were partially offset by net unfavorable currency variances of $5.0 million and changes in product mix of $3.5 million. The net sales increases in cathodes and advanced graphite materials of $13.1 million were due to increases in volumes and were offset by net unfavorable currency variances.

Cost of sales of $297.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $14.1 million, or 5.0%, increase from cost of sales of $283.2 million in the same period in 2005. Cost of sales increased throughout the synthetic graphite segment primarily due to higher volumes sold and net unfavorable currency variances in graphite electrodes and to a lesser extent, cathodes and advanced graphite materials.

Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $120.7 million, 27.1% more than in the same period in 2005. Gross margin was 28.9% of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the 25.1% of net sales in the same period in 2005. The increase is the result of higher prices for graphite electrodes and the positive impact of changes in the compensation structure of certain manufacturing facilities.

Other Segment. Net sales of $45.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $7.6 million, or 14.3%, decrease from net sales of $53.0 million in the same period in 2005. This decrease was primarily due to lower volume for carbon electrodes, partially offset by price increases. Cost of sales of $44.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 represented a $1.9 million, or 4.5%, increase from cost of sales of $42.1 million in the same period in 2005. The increase in cost of sales was primarily related to inventory reserves established in the second quarter associated with the accelerated closure of our carbon electrode business and an inventory adjustment also associated with carbon electrodes,

 

 

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which was partially offset by lower cost of sales attributable to the decreased sales volume for carbon electrodes. Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $1.4 million (a gross margin of 3.1% of net sales) as compared to gross profit in the same period in 2005 of $11.0 million (a gross margin of 20.6% of net sales).

Items Affecting Us As A Whole. Research and development expense was $6.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and $4.8 million for the same period in 2005. The increase was primarily attributable to increased labor costs at our research and development facilities.

Selling and administrative expenses were $54.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 which represented a $3.7 million, or 7.3% increase from $50.7 million for the same period in 2005. The increase was primarily due to higher variable incentive compensation expense for the six months ended 2006 of $1.9 million, an increase in benefit related costs of $0.8 million, and an increase in bad debt expense of about $0.5 million. The remaining increase is for costs incurred related to our global initiative to improve and consolidate business processes.

Other expense was $0.4 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and consisted primarily of $2.8 million of legal, environmental and other related costs, (including a $1.6 million charge for estimated environmental remediation costs associated with our Caserta location), relocation costs of $1.4 million, bank and other financing fees of $1.0 million and other costs of $0.9 million. These costs were partially offset by currency gains of $4.2 million and a benefit for the favorable resolution of a sales tax contingency in Brazil of $1.5 million.

Other expense was $12.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and consisted of $11.2 million of currency exchange losses, primarily associated with euro-denominated intercompany loans, $2.1 million of legal, environmental and other related costs, $1.6 million for the write-off of capitalized bank fees, a $0.6 million charge for the fair value adjustment on interest rate caps and $2.4 million of other costs. These costs were partially offset by the favorable fair value adjustments on the Debenture redemption make-whole provision of $3.8 million, a $0.6 million gain on the sale of fixed assets and a $1.3 million gain on the sale of foreign exchange contracts.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets was $8.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, consisting of a $6.6 million charge for the abandonment of our enterprise resource planning implementation, $1.4 million for impairment of building and land in Switzerland, and $0.8 million for other impairment charges related to the closure of our carbon electrode facility in Columbia, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents an analysis of interest expense:

 

 

For the Six
Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Interest incurred on debt

$

24,825

$

26,757

Interest rate swap benefit

 

(1,732)

 

Amortization of fair value adjustments for terminated hedge instruments

 

(1,035)

 

(482)

Amortization of premium on Senior Notes

 

(79)

 

(87)

Amortization of discount on Debentures

 

441

 

324

Interest on DOJ antitrust fine

 

284

 

130

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

1,792

 

1,834

Interest incurred on other items

 

297

 

284

Interest expense

$

24,793

$

28,760

 

Average total debt outstanding was $743.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to $689.7 million for the same period in 2005. The average interest rate was 7.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to 6.7% for the same period in 2005. These average rates represent the average rates on total debt outstanding and include the benefits of our interest rate swaps.

Provision for income taxes was a charge of $11.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to a charge of $6.6 million for the same period in 2005. The effective income tax rate was approximately 72% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to approximately 50% for the same period in 2005. The higher effective income tax rate in the 2006 first half is primarily due to jurisdictional mix of income and non-recognition of losses generated in the United States.

As a result of the matters described above, net income was $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to $7.2 million for the same period in 2005.

Effects of Changes in Currency Exchange Rates

We incur costs in dollars and the currency of each of the six non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility, and we sell our products in multiple currencies. In general, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition are affected by changes in currency exchange rates affecting these currencies relative to the dollar and, to a limited extent, each other.

Many of the non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility have been subject to significant economic changes, which have significantly impacted currency exchange rates. We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates in the future or whether

 

 

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those changes will have net positive or negative impacts on our net sales, cost of sales or net income. We cannot assure you that we would be able to mitigate any adverse effects of such changes.

During the six months ended June 30, 2006, the average exchange rate of the Brazilian real and the Mexican peso increased about 17% and 3%, respectively, when compared to the average exchange rate for the same period in 2005. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, the average exchange rate for the euro and South African rand decreased about 6% and 3%, respectively, when compared to the average rate for the six months ended June 30, 2005.

In the case of net sales of synthetic graphite, the impact of these events was a decrease of about $6.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. In the case of cost of sales of graphite electrodes, the impact of these events was an increase of about $1.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005.

We have non-dollar denominated intercompany loans between Finco and some of our foreign subsidiaries. At June 30, 2006, the aggregate principal amount of these loans was $437.1 million. These loans are subject to remeasurement gains and losses due to changes in currency exchange rates. A portion of these loans are deemed to be essentially permanent and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the stockholders’ deficit section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of these loans is 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. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, we had a net total of $11.2 million in currency losses, including $14.4 million of exchange losses due to the remeasurement of intercompany loans and translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries which use the dollar as their functional currency. In the six months ended June 30, 2006, we had a net total of $4.2 million in currency gains, including $6.0 million of exchange gains due to the remeasurement of intercompany loans and translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries which use the dollar as their functional currency. To manage certain exposures to specific financial market risks caused by changes in currency exchange rates, we use various financial instruments as described under “Item 3 –Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our sources of funds have consisted principally of invested capital, cash flow from operations and debt and equity financings. Our uses of those funds (other than for operations) have consisted principally of capital expenditures, payment of fines, liabilities and expenses in connection with antitrust investigations, lawsuits and claims, payment of restructuring costs, pension and post-retirement contributions, debt reduction payments and other obligations.

We are highly leveraged and have other substantial obligations. At June 30, 2006, we had total debt of $709.7 million, cash and cash equivalents of $6.4 million and a stockholders’ deficit of $194.5 million.

 

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As part of our cash management activities, we periodically factor or discount (by selling) certain accounts receivable to third parties. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, certain subsidiaries sold receivables at a cost lower than the cost to borrow a comparable amount for a comparable period under the Revolving Facility. Proceeds of the sale of receivables were used to reduce debt. If we had not sold receivables, our accounts receivable and our debt would have been about $13.1 million higher at December 31, 2005 and about $19.3 million higher at June 30, 2006. All receivables sold during 2005 and the six months ended June 30, 2006 were sold without recourse, and no amount of accounts receivable sold remained on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006.

 

We use cash and cash equivalents, funds available under the Revolving Facility, (subject to continued compliance with the financial covenants and representations under the Revolving Facility), as well as cash flow from operations as our primary sources of liquidity. The Revolving Facilities provides for maximum borrowings of up to $215 million. At June 30, 2006, $163.7 million was available (after consideration of outstanding revolving and swingline loans of $43.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $8.3 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 June 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained in the Senior Notes, the Debentures and the Revolving Facility, as applicable. Based on expected operating results and expected cash flows, we expect to be in compliance with these covenants over the next twelve months.

At June 30, 2006, 6.0% (or $43.9 million) of our total debt, excluding the fair value adjustments to debt and unamortized bond premium, consisted of variable rate obligations.

At June 30, 2006, the Revolving Facility had a variable interest rate of 7.7%, our $434.6 million principal amount of Senior Notes had a fixed rate of 10.25% and our $225 million principal amount of Debentures had a fixed rate of 1.625%. We estimate interest expense to be approximately $58 million for 2006.

We expect to continue to implement interest rate management initiatives to seek to minimize interest expense and optimize the risk in our portfolio of fixed and variable interest rate obligations as described under “Item 3 –Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this Report.

Cash Flow and Plans to Manage Liquidity. As a result of our significant leverage and other substantial obligations, our business strategies include efforts to enhance our capital structure by further reducing our gross obligations. Accordingly, we have placed the highest priority on accelerating the amount and speed of cash generated every day. Our efforts include leveraging our unique global manufacturing network by driving higher utilization rates and more productivity from our existing assets, accelerating commercialization initiatives across all of our

 

 

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businesses and realizing other global efficiencies. We also continue to evaluate other opportunities to reduce our obligations, including the obligations associated with our U.S. defined benefit plan, which was frozen in 2003.

Typically, the first quarter of each year results in neutral or negative cash flow from operations due to various factors. These factors include customer order patterns, fluctuations in working capital requirements, customer responses to price initiatives by us or our competitors and other factors. Our cash flow from operations in the first and third quarters typically is adversely impacted by the semi-annual interest payments on the Senior Notes and the Debentures. The second and fourth quarters correspondingly benefit from the absence of such interest payments.

As part of our cash management activities, we seek to manage accounts receivable credit risk and collections, and payment of accounts payable to maximize our free cash at any given time and minimize accounts receivable losses. In order to seek to minimize our credit risks, we periodically reduce our sales of, or refuse to sell (except for cash on delivery), graphite electrodes to some customers and potential customers in the U.S. and, to a limited extent, elsewhere. Our unrecovered trade receivables worldwide were only 0.1% of global net sales during the last 3 years. We cannot assure you that we will not be materially adversely affected by accounts receivable losses in the future.

We use cash and cash equivalents, funds available under the Revolving Facility and cash flow from operations as our primary sources of liquidity. We believe that our business strategies will continue to improve the amount and speed of cash generated from operations under current economic conditions. Improvements in cash flow from operations resulting from these strategies are being partially offset by associated cash implementation costs while they are being implemented. We also believe that our planned asset sales together with these improvements in cash flow from operations should allow us to reduce our debt and other obligations over the long term.

We may from time to time and at any time repurchase Senior Notes or Debentures in open market or privately negotiated transactions, opportunistically on terms that we believe to be favorable. These purchases may be effected for cash (from cash and cash equivalents, borrowings under the Revolving Facility or new credit facilities, or proceeds from sale of debt or equity securities or assets), in exchange for common stock or other equity or debt securities, or a combination thereof. We will evaluate any such transaction in light of then prevailing market conditions and our then current and prospective liquidity and capital resources, including projected and potential needs and prospects for access to capital markets. Any such transactions may, individually or in the aggregate, be material.

We have in the past entered into, and may in the future 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, as described under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risks” in this Report. We are required to provide cash collateral to certain

 

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counterparties to the extent that the fair market value of the natural gas derivative contracts exceeds a specific threshold. At June 30, 2006, we were not required to provide any cash collateral.

Our high leverage and other substantial obligations could have a material impact on our liquidity. Cash flow from operations services payment of our debt and other obligations thereby reducing funds available to us for other purposes. Our leverage and these obligations make us more vulnerable to economic downturns.

We believe that the long-term fundamentals of our business continue to be sound. Accordingly, although we cannot assure you that such will be the case, we believe that, based on our expected cash flow from operations, our existing capital resources, and taking into account our working capital needs and our efforts to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and product quality, and accelerate commercialization of new products and cash flow, we will be able to manage our liquidity to permit us to service our debt and meet our obligations when due.

Cash Flow Used in Operating Activities. Cash flow provided by operating activities was $20.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 and cash used in operations was $7.0 million in the same period in 2005, an improvement of $27.1 million.

In the first six months of 2006, net income, after adding back the net effect from non-cash items, amounted to $43.7 million. The non-cash items consisted of $20.5 million for depreciation and amortization, $1.2 million for deferred income taxes, restructuring charges of $5.8 million, impairments of $8.8 million, and other charges of $3.1 million. Net cash used by net working capital of $9.2 million primarily consisted of increases in inventory of $17.1 million, payments made for antitrust related items of $9.9 million, payments for restructuring items, primarily severance and related payments, of $4.1 million, a decrease in accounts payable and other accrued items of $6.1 million, and a decrease in prepaid and other current assets of $2.7 million. These uses of cash were offset by cash provided by accounts receivable factoring of $30.7 million. Also affecting cash flow from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was an increase in post retirement obligations of $6.7 million and long-term assets and liabilities of $7.7 million.

Cash used in operating activities was $7.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2005. Net income, after adding back the net effect from non-cash items, amounted to $38.2 million. Such income was used in operating activities as follows: a reduction in payables of $23.1 million primarily due to timing of payment patterns, an increase in inventories of $34.0 million, necessary to enhance the reliability and stability of our graphite electrode network, increase productivity and reduce overtime and distribution costs, an increase of $1.7 million in other current assets, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivables of $27.5 million due to improved collection efforts.

Other uses in the six months ended June 30, 2005 consisted of $7.9 million of payments for antitrust investigations and related lawsuits and claims, $3.9 million of restructuring costs related to severance and related payments and $4.0 million of other payments consisting primarily of pension and post-retirement contributions and payments.

 

 

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Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities. Cash flow used in investing activities was $24.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 and $30.7 million in the same period in 2005. In the first six months of 2006, capital expenditures amounted to $24.0 million.

Capital expenditures amounted to $24.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and related primarily to graphite electrode productivity and production stability initiatives and other essential capital maintenance. Also, we paid $8.7 million in connection with the sale of $450 million notional amount of interest rate swaps in the first half of 2005. These items were offset by the sale of other derivative instruments and proceeds from the sale of fixed assets.

Cash Flow Provided by Financing Activities. Cash flow provided by financing activities was $4.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006 and $26.2 million during the same period in 2005.

During the six months ended June 30, 2006, we borrowed $320.9 million under the Revolving Facility and made payments of $316.7 million. We used these borrowings to fund working capital requirements.

During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we borrowed $48.0 million under the Revolving Facility and made payments of $19.5 million and borrowed $2.6 million of other short term debt. We used these borrowings to fund working capital requirements, primarily inventory that we have replenished and built in anticipation of stronger demand. We also paid $4.9 million of financing costs in conjunction with the refinancing of the Revolving Facility.

 

Restrictions on Dividends and Stock Repurchases

A description of the restrictions 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

A description of recent accounting pronouncements is set forth under “New Accounting Standards” in Note 2 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Report, and such description is incorporated herein by reference. Such description contains all of the information required with respect thereto.

 

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Description of Our Financing Structure

A description of the Revolving Facility, the Senior Notes and the Debentures is set forth under “Long-Term Debt and Liquidity” in the Annual Report and such description is incorporated herein by reference.

Antitrust Litigation Against Us

In 1997, the DOJ and the EU Competition Authority commenced investigations into alleged violations of the antitrust laws in connection with the sale of graphite electrodes. The antitrust authorities in Canada, Japan and Korea subsequently began similar investigations. The EU Competition Authority also commenced an investigation into alleged antitrust violations in connection with the sale of specialty graphite. These antitrust investigations have been resolved. Several of the investigations resulted in the imposition of fines against us. These fines, or payments in accordance with a payment schedule in the case of the DOJ antitrust fine, have been timely paid.

Between 1999 and March 2002, we and other producers of graphite electrodes were served with four complaints commencing separate civil antitrust lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These lawsuits are called the “foreign customer lawsuits.” By agreement dated as of June 21, 2006, all defendants agreed to settle the lawsuit styled Arbed, S.A., et al. v. Mitsubishi Corporation, et al. In addition, preliminary agreements have been reached to settle the three remaining foreign customer lawsuits titled, Ferromin International Trade Corporation, et al. v. UCAR International Inc., et al., BHP New Zealand Ltd. et al. v. UCAR International Inc., et al. and Saudi Iron and Steel Company v. UCAR International Inc., et al. Definitive agreements to settle the three remaining foreign customer lawsuits have not yet been executed, however, and we cannot assure you that they will be. We recorded a $2.5 million charge during the six months ended June 30, 2006 in connection with the settlements of the foreign customer lawsuits.

Through June 30, 2006, subject to the completion of the definitive settlements of the foreign customer lawsuits as described above, we will have settled or obtained dismissal of all of the civil antitrust lawsuits (including class action lawsuits) previously pending against us, certain civil antitrust lawsuits threatened against us and certain possible civil antitrust claims against us arising out of alleged antitrust violations occurring prior to the date of the relevant settlement in connection with the sale of graphite electrodes, carbon electrodes and bulk graphite products. All payments due have been timely paid.

In the event that definitive settlements of the three remaining foreign customer lawsuits are not reached, we will continue to vigorously defend those lawsuits. It is possible that additional antitrust investigations, lawsuits and claims could be commenced or asserted in the U.S. or other jurisdictions. We are currently not reserved for any new potential matters.

 

 

 

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Other Matters and Proceedings Against Us

We are involved in various other investigations, lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings arising out of or incidental to the conduct of our business. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each of these matters and proceedings, we do not believe that their ultimate disposition will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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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 routinely enter into various transactions that have been authorized according to documented policies and procedures to manage these well-defined risks. These transactions relate primarily to financial instruments described below. Since the counterparties to these financial instruments are large commercial banks and similar financial institutions, we do not believe that we are exposed to material counterparty credit risk. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes.

Our exposure to changes in interest rates results primarily from floating rate long-term debt tied to LIBOR or euro LIBOR. Our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates results primarily from:

sales made by our subsidiaries in currencies other than local currencies;

raw material purchases made by our foreign subsidiaries in currencies other than local currencies; and

investments in and intercompany loans to our foreign subsidiaries and our share of the earnings of those subsidiaries, to the extent denominated in currencies other than the dollar.

Our exposure to changes in energy costs results primarily from the purchase of natural gas and electricity for use in our manufacturing operations.

Interest Rate Risk Management. We implement interest rate management initiatives to seek to minimize our interest expense and optimize the risk in our portfolio of fixed and variable interest rate obligations. At December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006, we had no interest rate swaps outstanding.

When we sell a fair value hedge swap, the gain or loss is amortized as a credit or charge to interest expense over the remaining term of the Senior Notes. When we effectively reduce the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Notes (through debt-for-equity exchanges, repurchases or otherwise), the related portion of such credit or charge is accelerated and recorded in the period in which such reduction occurs.

We 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. At December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006, we had no outstanding interest rate caps.

Currency Rate Management. We enter into foreign currency instruments 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 euro-denominated debt and

 

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identifiable foreign currency receivables, payables and commitments held by our foreign and domestic subsidiaries. Forward exchange contracts are agreements to exchange different currencies at a specified future date and at a specified rate. Purchased foreign currency options are instruments which give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to exchange different currencies at a specified rate at a specified date or over a range of specified dates. The result is the creation of a range in which a best and worst price is defined, while minimizing option cost. At December 31, 2005, there were no outstanding contracts. At June 30, 2006, we had one outstanding foreign currency exchange contract to mitigate exposure in the fluctuation of the euro. We recognized $0.2 million of losses related to this foreign currency contract in the three and six months ended June 30, 2006.

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. At June 30, 2006, we had fixed about 39% of our worldwide natural gas exposure through such contracts. The outstanding contracts at December 31, 2005 were a nominal receivable. The loss on outstanding contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2006 amounted to $1.4 million.

We are required to provide cash collateral to certain counterparties to the extent that the fair market value of the natural gas derivative contracts exceeds a specific threshold. At June 30, 2006, we were not required to provide any cash collateral.

Sensitivity Analysis. We used a sensitivity analysis to assess the potential effect of changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and commercial energy rates on results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006. 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 six months ended June 30, 2006 by about $1.0 million. Based on this analysis, a hypothetical increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would have increased our interest expense by about $0.2 million for the six month ended June 30, 2006.

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 our Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the

 

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design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report, and, based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level as of June 30, 2006.

Disclosure controls and procedures are our controls that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange act of 1934 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 us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting. In the Annual Report, we announced the relocation of our principal executive office from Wilmington, Delaware to Parma, Ohio, the relocation of various business transaction processing and accounting functions from our offices in Clarksville, Tennessee to Parma, and the relocation of certain management, accounting and treasury functions from our offices in Etoy, Switzerland to Parma. During the first quarter of 2006, a significant number of our corporate employees (including employees involved in our control environment) elected not to relocate and left employment with us following a period during which their functions were transitioned to other employees hired in Parma.

In 2005, we also announced the termination of our business process services agreement with CGI. Under this agreement, CGI managed certain of our accounting and finance functions and played a role in performing certain internal control functions. We no longer rely on CGI to perform these functions. The agreement’s effective termination date was February 28, 2006.

Beginning in the 2005 fourth quarter and continuing in 2006, we have engaged in activities designed to ensure a smooth transition in connection with, and mitigate any material disruption to our business or our internal control over financial reporting resulting from, these events. Among other things, as of June 30, 2006:

We had hired all employees (including our Chief Financial Officer) necessary for accounting and finance functions to fill vacancies resulting from the termination of the accounting and finance agreement with CGI and the relocation and consolidation of our administrative offices.

We were using outside consultants and other internal resources during the transition to facilitate the completion of key internal control and disclosure activities.

Except as described above, there has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the 2006 second quarter that materially affected or is 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

This information required in response to this Item is set forth under “Contingencies” in Note 13 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Report, and such description is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

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

During the second quarter of 2006, we granted an aggregate of 118,000 shares of restricted stock to certain directors, officers and employees under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. The fair market value (as defined thereunder) of such shares on the date of grant was between $6.57 and $7.17 per share. These shares vest over a three-year period, with one-third of the shares vesting anniversary date of grant 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each grant was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to the exemption for transactions not involving a public offering afforded by Section 4(2) of such Act.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

On May 24, 2006, GTI held its annual meeting of stockholders in Parma, Ohio.

At the meeting, the stockholders elected directors, and the shares present at the meeting were voted for or withheld from each nominee, as follows:

 

 

Name of Director

Number of Shares

Cast For

Percentage
of Votes
Cast For

Number of Shares Withheld

 

 

 

 

R. Eugene Cartledge

92,218,168

93.70

1,870,511

Mary B. Cranston

91,737,508

93.21

2,351,171

John R. Hall

89,515,466

90.95

4,573,213

Harold E. Layman

92,320,006

93.80

1,768,673

Ferrell P. McClean

89,247,350

90.68

4,841,329

Michael C. Nahl

88,344,503

89.76

5,744,176

Frank A. Riddick III

89,338,375

90.77

4,750,304

Craig S. Shular

92,377,208

93.86

1,711,471

 

 

 

 

 

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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

10.1

 

Offer Letter, dated April 13, 2006 between GrafTech International Ltd. and Gary R. Whitaker, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

10.2

 

Offer Letter, dated April 6, 2006, between GrafTech International Ltd. and Mark Widmar, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President.

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer & President.

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Mark 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.

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Mark Widmar, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

 

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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:  August 3, 2006 By:  /s/ Mark Widmar
       ——————————————

Mark Widmar

Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

57

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

10.1

 

Offer Letter, dated April 13, 2006, between GrafTech International Ltd. and Gary R. Whitaker, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

10.2

 

Offer Letter, dated April 6, 2006, between GrafTech International Ltd. and Mark Widmar, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President.

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer & President.

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Mark 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.

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Mark Widmar, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

 

58