GTI-2012.9.30-10Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
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
27-2496053
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
12900 Snow Road
44130
Parma, OH
(Zip code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
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  ý    No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer x
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of October 15, 2012, 134,180,806 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
 
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2
Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 
As of December 31,
2011
 
As of
September 30,
2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12,429

 
$
16,193

Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
 
 
 
  $4,153 at December 31, 2011 and $5,227 at September 30, 2012
253,151

 
230,096

Inventories
444,062

 
545,779

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
22,308

 
28,168

Total current assets
731,950

 
820,236

Property, plant and equipment
1,431,432

 
1,502,826

Less: accumulated depreciation
654,548

 
689,273

Net property, plant and equipment
776,884

 
813,553

Deferred income taxes
7,931

 
6,629

Goodwill
498,681

 
498,471

Other assets
152,920

 
137,209

Total assets
$
2,168,366

 
$
2,276,098

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
74,280

 
$
56,643

Short-term debt
14,168

 
170

Accrued income and other taxes
44,330

 
35,062

Supply chain financing liability
29,930

 
26,210

Other accrued liabilities
114,545

 
93,310

Total current liabilities
277,253

 
211,395

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
387,624

 
593,453

Other long-term obligations
131,300

 
120,070

Deferred income taxes
32,245

 
33,529

Contingencies – Note 13

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $.01, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
—

 
—

Common stock, par value $.01, 225,000,000 shares authorized, 149,861,081 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and 150,623,174 shares issued at September 30, 2012
1,499

 
1,506

Additional paid-in capital
1,798,161

 
1,810,600

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(261,937
)
 
(282,658
)
(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings
(50,757
)
 
38,245

Less: cost of common stock held in treasury, 6,265,114 shares at December 31, 2011 and 16,375,460 shares at September 30, 2012
(146,041
)
 
(249,095
)
Less: common stock held in employee benefit and compensation trusts, 75,807 shares at December 31, 2011 and 73,598 shares at September 30, 2012
(981
)
 
(947
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,339,944

 
1,317,651

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,168,366

 
$
2,276,098

 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3
Table of Contents

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
345,832

 
$
320,716

 
$
972,200

 
$
877,265

Cost of sales
253,088

 
240,730

 
731,362

 
645,971

Gross profit
92,744

 
79,986

 
240,838

 
231,294

Research and development
2,852

 
2,778

 
8,856

 
9,919

Selling and administrative expenses
32,401

 
33,645

 
97,276

 
107,228

Operating income
57,491

 
43,563

 
134,706

 
114,147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other expense (income), net
5,321

 
1,653

 
5,134

 
(1,376
)
Interest expense
4,792

 
5,839

 
13,780

 
15,733

Interest income
(119
)
 
(33
)
 
(363
)
 
(178
)
Income before provision for income taxes
47,497

 
36,104

 
116,155

 
99,968

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
7,200

 
6,478

 
20,026

 
10,966

Net income
$
40,297

 
$
29,626

 
$
96,129

 
$
89,002

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
0.28

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.66

 
$
0.64

Weighted average common shares outstanding
145,413

 
134,347

 
145,293

 
139,939

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
0.28

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.66

 
$
0.63

Weighted average common shares outstanding
146,181

 
135,001

 
146,113

 
140,565

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
40,297

 
$
29,626

 
$
96,129

 
$
89,002

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(41,667
)
 
712

 
(25,472
)
 
(11,963
)
Commodities and foreign currency derivatives, net of tax of $1,176, $249, $5,083 and ($144), respectively
(894
)
 
(3,952
)
 
6,590

 
(8,758
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
(42,561
)
 
(3,240
)
 
(18,882
)
 
(20,721
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(2,264
)
 
$
26,386

 
$
77,247

 
$
68,281


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4
Table of Contents

GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
Cash flow from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
96,129

 
$
89,002

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
60,682

 
58,232

Deferred income tax provision
4,820

 
1,906

Post-retirement and pension plan changes
3,122

 
3,637

Currency gains
(886
)
 
(3,351
)
Stock-based compensation
6,054

 
8,096

Interest expense
8,659

 
9,221

Insurance recoveries
—

 
4,007

Other charges, net
(6,921
)
 
(13,393
)
Increase in working capital*
(139,819
)
 
(128,361
)
Increase in long-term assets and liabilities
(2,544
)
 
(15,390
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
29,296

 
13,606

Cash flow from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(102,018
)
 
(92,827
)
Proceeds from derivative instruments
7,772

 
6,807

Cash paid for acquisition
(6,500
)
 
—

Other
428

 
121

Net cash used in investing activities
(100,318
)
 
(85,899
)
Cash flow from financing activities:
 
 
 
Short-term debt borrowings (reductions), net
18,030

 
(13,989
)
Revolving Facility borrowings
177,000

 
343,000

Revolving Facility reductions
(124,000
)
 
(145,000
)
Principal payments on long-term debt
(178
)
 
(182
)
Supply chain financing
(2,957
)
 
(3,719
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
1,917

 
92

Purchase of treasury shares
(683
)
 
(103,056
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
1,105

 
531

Other
(436
)
 
(1,073
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
69,798

 
76,604

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,224
)
 
4,311

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(532
)
 
(547
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
13,096

 
12,429

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
11,340

 
$
16,193

* Net change in working capital due to the following components:
 
 
 
Change in current assets:
 
 
 
Accounts and notes receivable, net
$
(54,914
)
 
$
25,614

Inventories
(76,207
)
 
(96,309
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(5,350
)
 
(3,215
)
Decrease in accounts payable and accruals
(3,259
)
 
(54,373
)
Decrease in interest payable
(89
)
 
(78
)
Increase in working capital
$
(139,819
)
 
$
(128,361
)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


5
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



(1)
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
A. Organization
GrafTech International Ltd. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite and carbon based products. References herein to “GTI,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer collectively to GrafTech International Ltd. and its subsidiaries. We have five major product categories: graphite electrodes, refractory products, needle coke products, advanced graphite materials and natural graphite, which are reported in the following segments:
Industrial Materials includes graphite electrodes, refractory products, and needle coke products, and primarily serves the steel industry.
Engineered Solutions includes advanced graphite and carbon materials and natural graphite products, and provides primary and specialty products to the advanced electronics, industrial, energy, transportation and defense industries.
B. Basis of Presentation
The interim Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, they have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). December 31, 2011 final position data included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Annual Report”) but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. These interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying Notes, contained in the Annual Report.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are of a normal, recurring nature) which management considers necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim period presented. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded additional cost of $2.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to prior periods. These costs were recorded primarily to defer to inventory or release to cost of sales certain inventoriable costs/variances. Net of taxes, these adjustments were $1.8 million and $0.2 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and were not material to the current or any previously issued financial statements.
C. New Accounting Standards
As of January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance on the testing of goodwill impairment that allows the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether performing the two step goodwill impairment assessment is necessary. Under the option, the calculation of the reporting unit’s fair value is not required to be performed unless, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the unit’s carrying amount. The adoption of this guidance impacts testing steps only. We test goodwill annually as of December 31, and when triggering events occur. No triggering events occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. 
As of January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The guidance allows an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. While the guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. We elected to adopt the two separate but consecutive statements presentation, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
As of January 1, 2012, we adopted new guidance regarding disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance requires new disclosures related to activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance requires purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements to be presented separately in the rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair

6
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


value measurements. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our disclosures.

(2)
Acquisitions
Fiber Materials, Inc.
On October 31, 2011, we purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed certain trade liabilities of Fiber Materials, Inc. (“FMI”) for $14.0 million of cash. FMI is a manufacturer of highly engineered advanced carbon composite materials serving the aerospace and defense industries and high temperature insulation for use in industrial applications. FMI has been assigned to our Engineered Solutions (“ES”) business segment. The substance of the transaction was the acquisition of a business and we accounted for the transaction following the guidance in FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. Tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values of $13.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The estimated fair value of finite-lived intangible assets acquired of $2.5 million relating to customer relationships is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 5 years. These values have been prepared based on the preliminary allocation of purchase price using estimates of the fair values and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on best available information determined with the assistance of independent valuations, quoted market prices and management estimates. The purchase price allocations are subject to further adjustment until all pertinent information regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are fully evaluated by us.
(3)
Stock-Based Compensation
For the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, we recognized stock-based compensation expense totaling $2.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. A majority of the expense, $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, was recorded as selling and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, with the remaining expenses recorded as cost of sales and research and development.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, we recognized $6.1 million and $8.1 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense. A majority of the expense, $5.4 million and $7.3 million, respectively, was recorded as selling and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, with the remaining expenses recorded as cost of sales and research and development.
As of September 30, 2012, the total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock, performance shares and stock options not yet recognized was $15.9 million, which will be recognized over the weighted average life of 1.2 years.
Restricted Stock and Performance Shares
Restricted stock and performance share awards activity under the plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant  Date
Fair Value
Outstanding unvested as of January 1, 2012
1,725,158

 
$
15.82

Granted
114,706

 
14.27

Vested
(380,396
)
 
13.15

Forfeited/canceled/expired
(105,079
)
 
16.04

Outstanding unvested as of September 30, 2012
1,354,389

 
16.42

 
Stock Options
Stock option activity under the plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was:

7
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding as of January 1, 2012
1,327,087

 
$
13.15

Granted
26,300

 
14.76

Forfeited/canceled/expired
(8,671
)
 
10.60

Exercised
(21,401
)
 
15.74

Outstanding as of September 30, 2012
1,323,315

 
13.16

(4)
Earnings per Share
The following table shows the information used in the calculation of our share counts for basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic calculation
145,412,661

 
134,347,199

 
145,293,165

 
139,938,771

Add: Effect of stock options and restricted stock
768,292

 
653,466

 
819,884

 
625,907

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted calculation
146,180,953

 
135,000,665

 
146,113,049

 
140,564,678

Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive securities had been issued.
The weighted average common shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share calculation excludes consideration of stock options covering 210,897 and 229,497 shares in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as the exercise prices were greater than the weighted average market price of our common stock for that period. The weighted average common shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share calculation excludes consideration of stock options covering 862,977 shares in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as the exercise prices were greater than the weighted average market price of our common stock for that period.
During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased, in the open market, the remaining 1.2 million common shares under a previously announced ten million share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors. Ten million shares authorized under this program were repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. These share repurchases represented a financing cash outflow of $101.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. These share repurchases decreased the weighted average shares outstanding by 9.9 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 4.1 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
(5)
Segment Reporting
Our businesses are reported in the following reportable segments:
Industrial Materials. Our Industrial Materials segment manufactures and delivers high quality graphite electrodes, refractory products and needle coke products. Electrodes are key components of the conductive power systems used to produce steel and other non-ferrous metals. Refractory products are used in blast furnaces and submerged arc furnaces due to their high thermal conductivity and the ease with which they can be machined to large or complex shapes. Needle coke, a crystalline form of carbon derived from decant oil, is the key ingredient in, and is used primarily in, the production of graphite electrodes.

8
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Engineered Solutions. Engineered Solutions include advanced graphite materials products for industrial, energy, transportation, and defense markets, as well as natural graphite products enabling thermal management solutions for the advanced electronics industry and energy storage solutions for the transportation and power generation industries.
We continue to evaluate the performance of our segments based on segment operating income. Inter-segment sales and transfers are not material and the accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those for our Consolidated Financial Statements as a whole. Corporate expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment’s percentage of consolidated net sales.
The following tables summarize financial information concerning our reportable segments:
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales to external customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial Materials
$
302,355

 
$
260,180

 
$
835,591

 
$
715,461

Engineered Solutions
43,477

 
60,536

 
136,609

 
161,804

Total net sales
$
345,832

 
$
320,716

 
$
972,200

 
$
877,265

Segment operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial Materials
54,130

 
37,301

 
120,465

 
104,103

Engineered Solutions
3,361

 
6,262

 
14,241

 
10,044

Total segment operating income
$
57,491

 
$
43,563

 
$
134,706

 
$
114,147

Reconciliation of segment operating income to income before provision for income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other expense (income), net
5,321

 
1,653

 
5,134

 
(1,376
)
Interest expense
4,792

 
5,839

 
13,780

 
15,733

Interest income
(119
)
 
(33
)
 
(363
)
 
(178
)
Income before provision for income taxes
$
47,497

 
$
36,104

 
$
116,155

 
$
99,968


(6)
Other Expense (Income), Net
Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, includes $4.0 million of insurance reimbursements for claims made related to flood damages incurred at our Clarksburg, West Virginia facility during 2011.
(7)
Benefit Plans
The components of our consolidated net pension costs are set forth in the following table:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service cost
$
164

 
$
426

 
$
492

 
$
1,278

Interest cost
2,446

 
2,150

 
7,338

 
6,450

Expected return on plan assets
(2,138
)
 
(2,195
)
 
(6,414
)
 
(6,585
)
Amortization of prior service cost
13

 
6

 
39

 
18

Net cost
$
485

 
$
387

 
$
1,455

 
$
1,161



9
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The components of our consolidated net postretirement costs are set forth in the following table: 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service cost
$
41

 
$
46

 
$
123

 
$
138

Interest cost
440

 
381

 
1,320

 
1,143

Amortization of prior service benefit
(48
)
 
(49
)
 
(144
)
 
(147
)
Plan amendment
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,147

Net cost
$
433

 
$
378

 
$
1,299

 
$
2,281


(8)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are as follows:
 
Total
 
(Dollars in
Thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
$
498,681

Currency translation effect
(210
)
Balance as of September 30, 2012
$
498,471


The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012:
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Patents
$
3,520

 
$
(1,393
)
 
$
2,127

 
$
3,520

 
$
(1,561
)
 
$
1,959

Trade name
7,900

 
(1,598
)
 
6,302

 
7,900

 
(2,553
)
 
5,347

Technological know-how
43,349

 
(6,526
)
 
36,823

 
43,349

 
(11,047
)
 
32,302

Customer –related intangible
110,798

 
(16,481
)
 
94,317

 
110,798

 
(27,545
)
 
83,253

Total finite-lived intangible assets
$
165,567

 
$
(25,998
)
 
$
139,569

 
$
165,567

 
$
(42,706
)
 
$
122,861

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $5.7 million and $5.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively, and $17.1 million and $16.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
(9)
Long-Term Debt and Liquidity
The following table presents our long-term debt: 
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
As of September 30,
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Revolving Facility
$
232,000

 
$
430,000

Senior Subordinated Notes
153,442

 
161,429

Other debt
2,182

 
2,024

Total
$
387,624

 
$
593,453


10
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Fair value of long-term debt at December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, which was determined using Level 2 inputs, approximated the book value.
Revolving Facility
On October 7, 2011, we successfully completed the refinancing of our principal revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). Borrowers under the Revolving Facility were GrafTech Finance Inc. (“GrafTech Finance”) and GrafTech Switzerland S.A. (“Swissco”), both wholly-owned subsidiaries. On April 20, 2012, as permitted by Section 9.19 of the October 7, 2011 Credit Agreement, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement pursuant to which, on August 28, 2012, GrafTech Luxembourg II S.à.r.l. (“Luxembourg Holdco”) replaced Swissco as a Borrower. Swissco is no longer entitled to borrow Loans under the Revolving Facility although it is entitled to request letters of credit thereunder only for its own use.
The interest rate applicable to the Revolving Facility is, at GrafTech’s option, either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.25% (depending on our total net leverage ratio and/or senior unsecured rating) or, in the case of dollar denominated loans, the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% (depending upon such ratio or rating). The alternate base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) the federal fund effective rate plus one-half of 1.0% and (iii) the London interbank offering rate (as adjusted) for a one-month period plus 1.0%. The borrowers pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% (depending on such ratio or rating) on the undrawn portion of the commitments under the Revolving Facility.
The financial covenants require us to maintain a minimum cash interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.00, subject to adjustment for certain events. As of September 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained in the Revolving Facility, as applicable.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On November 30, 2010, in connection with our acquisitions of Seadrift Coke L.P. and C/G Electrodes LLC, we issued Senior Subordinated Notes for an aggregate face amount of $200 million. These Senior Subordinated Notes are non-interest bearing and mature in 2015. Because the Notes are non-interest bearing, we were required to record them at their present value (determined using an interest rate of 7%). The difference between the face amount of the Notes and their present value is recorded as debt discount. The debt discount is amortized to income using the interest method, over the life of the promissory notes. The loan balance, net of unamortized discount, was $153.4 million as of December 31, 2011 and $161.4 million as of September 30, 2012.
(10)
Inventories
Inventories are comprised of the following: 
 
As of December 31,
2011
 
As of September 30,
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Inventories:
 
 
 
Raw materials and supplies
$
168,982

 
$
209,038

Work in process
205,968

 
236,651

Finished goods
73,821

 
105,952

 
448,771

 
551,641

Reserves
(4,709
)
 
(5,862
)
 
$
444,062

 
$
545,779







11
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


(11)
Interest Expense
The following table presents an analysis of interest expense: 
 
For the Three
Months Ended
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest incurred on debt
$
1,735

 
$
2,577

 
$
4,335

 
$
6,100

Amortization of discount on Senior Subordinated Notes
2,531

 
2,707

 
7,465

 
7,987

Amortization of debt issuance costs
386

 
427

 
1,158

 
1,197

Supply Chain Financing mark-up
140

 
128

 
822

 
449

Total interest expense
$
4,792

 
$
5,839

 
$
13,780

 
$
15,733

Interest Rates
The Revolving Facility had an effective interest rate of 2.05% and 2.23% as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively. The Senior Subordinated Notes have an implied interest rate of 7.00%.
 
(12)
Supply Chain Financing
We have a supply chain financing arrangement with a financing party. Under this arrangement, we essentially assign our rights to purchase needle coke from a third-party supplier to the financing party. The financing party purchases the product from a supplier under the standard payment terms and then immediately resells it to us under longer payment terms. The financing party pays the supplier the purchase price for the product and then we pay the financing party. Our payment to the financing party for this needle coke includes a mark-up (the “Mark-Up”). The Mark-Up is a premium expressed as a percentage of the purchase price. The Mark-Up is subject to quarterly reviews. Based on the terms of the arrangement, the total amount that we owe to the financing party may not exceed $49.3 million at any point in time.
We record the inventory once title and risk of loss transfers from the supplier to the financing party. We record our liability to the financing party as an accrued liability. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, and 2012, our purchases of inventory under this arrangement were $35.6 million and $31.3 million, respectively, with a recognized Mark-Up of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2012, our purchases of inventory under this arrangement were $127.1 million and $118.2 million, respectively, with a recognized Mark-Up of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
(13)
Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various investigations, lawsuits, claims, demands, environmental compliance programs and other legal proceedings arising out of or incidental to the conduct of our business. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each of these matters, we do not believe that their ultimate disposition will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Product Warranties
We generally sell products with a limited warranty. We accrue for known warranty claims if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. We also accrue for estimated warranty claims incurred based on a historical claims charge analysis. Claims accrued but not yet paid and the related activity within the accrual for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, are presented below (dollars in thousands):
 

12
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
$
1,531

Product warranty adjustments
389

Payments and settlements
(422
)
Balance as of September 30, 2012
$
1,498

(14)
Income Taxes
We compute an estimated annual effective tax rate on a quarterly basis, considering ordinary income and related income tax expense. Ordinary income refers to income (loss) before income tax expense excluding significant, unusual, or infrequently occurring items. The tax effect of an unusual or infrequently occurring item is recorded in the interim period in which it occurs. These items may include the cumulative effect of changes in tax laws or rates, impairment charges, adjustments to prior period uncertain tax positions, or adjustments to our valuation allowance due to changes in judgment of the realizability of deferred tax assets
The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012:
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense/(benefit)
$
7,200

 
$
6,478

 
$
20,026

 
$
10,966

Pretax income
$
47,497

 
$
36,104

 
$
116,155

 
$
99,968

Effective tax rates
15.2
%
 
17.9
%
 
17.2
%
 
11.0
%
For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we earned tax credits in support of our research and development efforts of high-tech Engineered Solutions products. The tax credits positively impacted the tax rate for the quarter. The current year effective tax rate also differs from the U.S statutory rate of 35% due to jurisdictional mix of income.
In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our net unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $9.2 million, primarily related to the resolution of uncertain tax positions from prior years, which had a favorable impact on our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
As of September 30, 2012, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $7.6 million, $5.5 million of which, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate. It is uncertain whether or not any reduction of unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next 12 months.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. All U.S. tax years prior to 2010 are generally closed by statute or have been audited and settled with the domestic tax authorities. We have one issue outstanding from the 2008 federal audit, which is under appeals. We are also under audit in Switzerland for federal, cantonal, and communal taxes for the tax years ended 2006 – 2009. All other non-U.S. jurisdictions are still open to examination beginning after 2006.
We continue to assess the need for valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. Appropriate consideration is given to all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Examples of positive evidence would include a strong earnings history, an event or events that would increase our taxable income through a continued reduction of expenses, and tax planning strategies that would indicate an ability to realize deferred tax assets. The balance of significant positive evidence does not yet outweigh the negative evidence in regards to whether or not a valuation allowance is required on these deferred tax assets.


13
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



(15)
Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments as part of our overall foreign currency and commodity risk management strategies to manage the risk of exchange rate movements that would reduce the value of our foreign cash flows and to minimize commodity price volatility. Foreign currency exchange rate movements create a degree of risk by affecting the value of sales made and costs incurred in currencies other than the US dollar.
Certain of our derivative contracts contain provisions that require us to provide collateral. Since the counterparties to these financial instruments are large commercial banks and similar financial institutions, we do not believe that we are exposed to material counterparty credit risk. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of the counter-parties to our instruments.
Foreign currency derivatives
We enter into foreign currency derivatives from time to time to attempt to manage exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. These foreign currency instruments, which include, but are not limited to, forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, attempt to hedge global currency exposures such as foreign currency denominated debt, sales, receivables, payables, and purchases. Forward exchange contracts are agreements to exchange different currencies at a specified future date and at a specified rate. There was no ineffectiveness on these contracts designated as hedging instruments during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012.
In 2011 and 2012, we entered into foreign forward currency derivatives denominated in the Mexican peso, South African rand, Brazilian real, euro and Japanese yen. These derivatives were entered into to protect the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates between the US dollar and the Mexican peso, South African rand, Brazilian real, euro and Japanese yen. As of September 30, 2012, we had outstanding Mexican peso, South African rand, Brazilian real, euro, and Japanese yen currency contracts with aggregate notional amounts of $184.4 million. The foreign currency derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2012 have several maturity dates ranging from October 2012 to September 2013.
Commodity derivative contracts
We periodically enter into derivative contracts for certain refined oil products and natural gas. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that eventual cash flows related to these products may be adversely affected by future changes in prices. There was no ineffectiveness on these contracts during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, we had outstanding derivative swap contracts for refined oil products and natural gas with aggregate notional amounts of $8.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively. These contracts have maturity dates ranging from October 2012 to December 2012.
The fair value of all derivatives is recorded as assets or liabilities on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, the fair values of our derivatives and their respective balance sheet locations are presented in the following tables:
 

14
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Location
 
Fair  Value
 
Location
 
Fair  Value
As of December 31, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Other receivables
 
$
4,412

 
Other payables
 
$
1,834

Commodity derivative contracts
Other current assets
 
1,104

 
Other current liabilities
 
1,557

Total fair value
 
 
$
5,516

 
 
 
$
3,391

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Other receivables
 
$
1,746

 
Other payables
 
$
1,910

Commodity derivative contracts
Other current assets
 
151

 
Other current liabilities
 
35

Total fair value
 
 
$
1,897

 
 
 
$
1,945


 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Location
 
Fair  Value
 
Location
 
Fair  Value
As of December 31, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Other receivables
 
$
—

 
Other payables
 
$
195

Total fair value
 
 
$
—

 
 
 
$
195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Other receivables
 
$
—

 
Other payables
 
$
—

Total fair value
 
 
$
—

 
 
 
$
—


 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Location
 
Fair  Value
 
Location
 
Fair  Value
As of December 31, 2011
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Other receivables
 
$
—

 
Other payables
 
$
—

Total fair value
 
 
$
—

 
 
 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Other receivables
 
$
23

 
Other payables
 
$
35

Total fair value
 
 
$
23

 
 
 
$
35

The location and amount of realized (gains) losses on derivatives are recognized in the Statements of Income when the hedged item impacts earnings and are as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012:
 

15
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
 
 
 
Amount of (Gain)/Loss
Recognized (Effective
Portion)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)
 
2011
 
2012
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold/Other expense / (income) / Revenue
 
$
350

 
$
(2,347
)
Commodity forward derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold / Revenue
 
$
(1,477
)
 
$
(3,531
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gain)/Loss  Recognized
(Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
2011
 
2012
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold/Other expense (income)
 
$
(396
)
 
$
—


 
 
 
 
Amount of (Gain)/Loss
Recognized
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
2011
 
2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold/Other expense (income)
 
$
—

 
$
1,097

 
 
 
 
Amount of (Gain)/Loss
Recognized (Effective
Portion)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)
 
2011
 
2012
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold/Other expense / (income) / Revenue
 
$
1,231

 
$
(4,706
)
Commodity forward derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold / Revenue
 
$
(2,278
)
 
$
(8,518
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gain)/Loss  Recognized
(Effective Portion)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
2011
 
2012
(Dollars in Thousands)
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold/Other expense (income)
 
$
(68
)
 
$
—


16
PART I (CONT'D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
 
 
 
Amount of (Gain)/Loss
Recognized
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
2011
 
2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
Cost of goods sold/Other expense (income)
 
$
—

 
$
297

Foreign currency exchange contracts shown in the tables above not designated as hedges are primarily contracts entered into to manage foreign currency exposures on euro, South African rand, Brazilian real and Japanese yen denominated accounts receivable.
Our foreign currency and commodity derivatives are treated as hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. With respect to the inputs used to determine the fair value, we use observable, quoted rates that are determined by active markets and, therefore, classify the contracts as “Level 2” in accordance with the definition in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
 

17
Table of Contents    
PART I (CONT’D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)

Introduction to Part I, Item 2, and Part II, Item 1 and Item 1A
Important Terms. We define various terms to simplify the presentation of information in this Report. These terms, which definitions are incorporated herein by reference, are defined in “Part I – Preliminary Notes – Important Terms” of the Annual Report.
Presentation of Financial, Market and Legal Data. We present our financial information on a consolidated basis.
Unless otherwise noted, when we refer to dollars, we mean U.S. dollars.
Unless otherwise specifically noted, market and market share data in this Report are our own estimates or derived from sources described in “Part I – Preliminary Notes – Presentation of Financial, Market and Legal Data” in the Annual Report, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Forward Looking Statements and Risks” in this Report and “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this market and market share data and have not independently verified it. None of the sources has consented to the disclosure or use of data in this Report.
Reference is made to the Annual Report for background information on various risks and contingencies and other matters related to circumstances affecting us and our industry.
Neither any statement made in this Report nor any charge taken by us relating to any legal proceedings constitutes an admission as to any wrongdoing.
Forward Looking Statements and Risks. This Report contains forward looking statements. In addition, we or our representatives have made or may make forward looking statements on telephone or conference calls, by webcasts or emails, in person, in presentations or written materials, or otherwise. These include statements about such matters as: expected future or targeted operational and financial performance; growth rates and future production and sales of products that incorporate or that are produced using our products; changes in production capacity in our operations and our competitors’ or customers’ operations and the utilization rates of that capacity; growth rates for, future prices and sales of, and demand for our products and our customers' products; costs of materials and production, including anticipated increases or decreases therein, our ability to pass on any such increases in our product prices or surcharges thereon, or customer or market demand to reduce our prices due to such decreases; changes in customer order patterns due to changes in economic conditions; productivity, business process and operational initiatives, and their impact on us; our position in markets we serve; financing and refinancing activities; investments and acquisitions that we have made or may make in the future and the performance of the businesses underlying such acquisitions and investments; employment and contributions of key personnel; employee relations and collective bargaining agreements covering many of our operations; tax rates; capital expenditures and their impact on us; nature and timing of restructuring charges and payments; stock repurchase activities; supply chain management; customer and supplier contractual provisions and related opportunities and issues; competitive activities; strategic plans and business projects; regional and global economic and industry market conditions, the timing and magnitude of changes in such conditions and the impact thereof; interest rate management activities; currency rate management activities; deleveraging activities; rationalization, restructuring, realignment, strategic alliance, raw material and supply chain, technology development and collaboration, investment, acquisition, venture, operational, tax, financial and capital projects; legal proceedings, contingencies, and environmental compliance including any regulatory initiatives with respect to greenhouse gas emissions which may be proposed; consulting projects; potential offerings, sales and other actions regarding debt or equity securities of us or our subsidiaries; and costs, working capital, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, cost savings and reductions, margins, earnings and growth. The words “will,” “may,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “target,” “goal,” “continue to,” “positioned to” and similar expressions, or the negatives thereof, identify some of these statements.
Our expectations and targets are not predictors of actual performance and historically our performance has deviated, often significantly, from our expectations and targets. Actual future events and circumstances (including future results and trends) could differ materially, positively or negatively, from those set forth in these statements due to various factors. These factors include:

•
the possibility that additions to capacity for producing EAF steel, increases in overall EAF steel production

18
Table of Contents    
PART I (CONT’D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)

capacity, and increases or other changes in steel production may not occur or may not occur at the rates that we anticipate or may not be as geographically disbursed as we anticipate;

•
the possibility that increases or decreases in graphite electrode manufacturing capacity (including growth by producers in developing countries), competitive pressures (including changes in, and the mix, distribution, and pricing of, their products), reduction in specific consumption rates, increases or decreases in customer inventory levels, or other changes in the graphite electrode markets may occur, which may impact demand for, prices or unit and dollar volume sales of graphite electrodes and growth or profitability of our graphite electrodes business;

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

•
the possibility that a determination that we have failed to comply with one or more export controls or trade sanctions to which we are subject with respect to products or technology exported from the United States or other jurisdictions or the denial of export privileges to which our recently acquired business, Fiber Materials Inc., is subject could result in civil or criminal penalties, including imposition of significant fines, denial of export privileges and loss of revenues from certain customers;

•
the possibility that, for all of our product lines, capital improvement and expansion in our customers’ operations and increases in demand for their products may not occur or may not occur at the rates that we anticipate or the demand for their products may decline, which may affect their demand for the products we sell or supply to them;

•
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 or market prices due to changes in product mix, changes in currency exchange rates, changes in competitive market conditions or other factors; 

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

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

•
the possibility that the current debt crisis in certain European countries could cause the value of the euro to deteriorate, reducing the purchasing power of European customers;

•
the possibility that the European debt crisis could contribute to further instability in global credit markets and reduce demand for our products;
 
•
the possibility that potential future cuts in defense spending by the United States government as a part of efforts to reduce federal budget deficits could reduce demand for certain of our products and revenue;

•
the possibility that decreases in prices for energy and raw materials may lead to downward pressure on prices for our products and delays in customer orders for our products as customers anticipate possible future lower prices;

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

•
the possibility that current economic disruptions may result in idling or permanent closing of blast furnace capacity or delay of blast furnace capacity additions or replacements which may affect demand and prices for

19
Table of Contents    
PART I (CONT’D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)

our refractory products;

•
the possibility that economic conditions may cause customers to seek to delay or cancel orders and that we may not be able to correspondingly reduce production costs or delay or cancel raw material purchase commitments;

•
the possibility that economic, political and other risks associated with operating globally, including national and international conflicts, terrorist acts, political and economic instability, civil unrest, and natural or nuclear calamities might interfere with our supply chains, customers or activities in a particular location;

•
the possibility that reductions in customers’ production, increases in competitors’ capacity, competitive pressures, or other changes in other markets we serve may occur, which may impact demand for, prices of or unit and dollar volume sales of, our other products, or growth or profitability of our other product lines, or change our position in such markets;

•
the possibility that we will not be able to hire and retain key personnel, maintain appropriate relations with unions, associations and employees or to renew or extend our collective bargaining or similar agreements on reasonable terms as they expire or do so without a work stoppage or strike;

•
the possibility that an adverse determination in litigation pending in Brazil involving disputes related to the proper interpretation of certain collectively bargained wage increase provisions applicable to both us and other employers in the Bahia region might result in the filing of claims against our Brazilian subsidiary;

•
the possibility of delays in or failure to achieve successful development and commercialization of new or improved engineered solutions or that such solutions could be subsequently displaced by other products or technologies;

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

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

•
the possibility that we may propose acquisitions or divestitures in the future, that we may not complete the acquisitions or divestitures, and that investments and acquisitions that we may make in the future may not be successfully integrated into our business or provide the performance or returns expected;

•
the possibility that challenging conditions or changes in the capital markets will limit our ability to obtain financing for growth and other initiatives, on acceptable terms or at all;

•
the possibility that conditions or changes in the global equity markets may have a material impact on our future pension funding obligations and liabilities on our balance sheet;

•
the possibility that the amount or timing of our anticipated capital expenditures may be limited by our financial resources or financing arrangements or that our ability to complete capital projects may not occur timely enough to adapt to changes in market conditions or changes in regulatory requirements;

•
the possibility that the actual outcome of uncertainties associated with assumptions and estimates using judgment when applying critical accounting policies and preparing financial statements may have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position;

•
the possibility that we may be unable to protect our intellectual property or may infringe the intellectual property rights of others, resulting in damages, limitations on our ability to produce or sell products or limitations on our ability to prevent others from using that intellectual property to produce or sell products;

•
the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances or changing interpretations and enforcement agendas relating to legal proceedings or compliance programs;

20
Table of Contents    
PART I (CONT’D)
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)


•
the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances or changing interpretations and enforcement agendas relating to health, safety or environmental compliance or remediation obligations or liabilities to third parties or relating to labor relations;

•
the possibility that new or expanded regulatory initiatives with respect to greenhouse gas emissions, if implemented, could have an impact on our facilities, increase the capital intensive nature of our business, and add to our costs of production of our products;

•
the possibility that our provision for income taxes and effective income tax rate or cash tax rate may fluctuate significantly due to changes in applicable tax rates or laws, changes in the sources of our income, changes in tax planning, new or changing interpretations of applicable regulations, or changes in profitability, estimates of future ability to use foreign tax credits, and other factors;

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

•
the possibility that our outlook could be significantly impacted by, among other things, changes in United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations in response to the capital markets crisis and its impact on global economic conditions, developments in North Africa, the Middle East, North Korea, and other areas of concern, the occurrence of further terrorist acts and developments (including increases in security, insurance, data back-up, energy and transportation and other costs, transportation delays and continuing or increased economic uncertainty and weakness) resulting from terrorist acts and the war on terrorism;

•
the possibility that our outlook could be significantly impacted by changes in demand as a result of the effect on customers of the volatility in global credit and equity markets;

•
the possibility that interruption in our major raw material, energy or utility supplies due to, among other things, natural or nuclear disasters, process interruptions, actions by producers and capacity limitations, may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and supply our products or result in higher costs;

•
the possibility that our key or other raw materials become unavailable and that the magnitude of changes in the cost of key and other raw materials, including petroleum based coke, by reason of shortages, market pricing, pricing terms in applicable supply contracts, or other events may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and supply our products or result in higher costs;

•
the possibility of interruptions in production at our facilities due to, among other things, critical equipment failure, which may adversely affect our ability to manufacture and supply our products or result in higher costs;

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

•
the possibility that the anticipated benefits from organizational and work process redesign, changes in our information systems, or other system changes, including operating efficiencies, production cost savings and improved operational performance, including leveraging infrastructure for greater productivity and contributions to our continued growth, may be delayed or may not occur or may result in unanticipated disruption;

•
the possibility of security breaches in the Company’s information technology systems;

•
the possibility that our disclosure or internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or personnel, that the degree of compliance with our policies and procedures related to those controls may deteriorate or that those controls may not operate effectively and may not prevent or detect misstatements or errors;

•
the amount, prices and timing of purchases, if any, of shares purchased pursuant to our share repurchase program adopted in July 2012;

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•
the possibility that severe economic conditions may adversely affect our liquidity or capital resources;

•
the possibility that delays may occur in the financial statement closing process due to a change in our internal control environment or personnel;

•
the possibility of changes in performance that may affect financial covenant compliance or funds available for borrowing; and

•
other risks and uncertainties, including those described elsewhere in this Report or our other SEC filings, as well as future decisions by us.
Occurrence of any of the events or circumstances described above could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the market price of our common stock.
No assurance can be given that any future transaction about which forward looking statements may be made will be completed or as to the timing or terms of any such transaction.
All subsequent written and oral forward looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports required to be filed by public companies with the SEC pursuant to the SEC’s rules, we have no duty to update these statements.
For a more complete discussion of these and other factors, see “Risk Factors,” in Part I, Item 1A of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

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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 conditions fluctuate. Our discussions about market data and global economic conditions below are based on or derived from published industry accounts and statistics.
Based on current International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, the estimate for global GDP growth has been reduced to 3.3 percent in 2012, representing the third downward revision to growth estimates this year. The IMF highlights that the strength of the global economic recovery has weakened considerably and continues to face further downside risks. The IMF notes that the European debt crisis continues to be one the largest risk factors, particularly as growth momentum slows in emerging markets including China. The IMF also notes that momentum appears to be slowing in the United States, a region that was previously forecast to experience more robust growth earlier this year. Weaker growth is now forecast for both advanced and key emerging economies in the second half of 2012. As a result, IMF also significantly cut its 2013 global GDP growth forecast to 3.6 percent.
Based on published reports, global steel total crude production in the nine months ending September 30, 2012 has slowed to only 0.7% growth rate compared to the same period last year. Global steel capacity utilization was approximately 79.4%, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year. During the first nine months of 2012, global steel production, excluding China, decreased by 0.4% compared to the same period last year. Steel production in the European Union decreased 4.6% compared to the same period last year. China's steel production increased by an estimated 1.9% compared to same period last year. Demand for our industrial materials products is primarily linked with the global production of steel in an electric arc furnace and, to a lesser extent, with the total production of steel and certain other metals.
EAF steel production has followed a similar trend as overall steel production, growing 0.4% globally in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period last year. During the first nine months of 2012, estimated EAF steel production, excluding China, increased by 0.2% compared to the same period last year. The European Union's estimated EAF steel production decreased by 5.9% compared to the same period last year. China's estimated EAF steel production increased by 1.9% during the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011, contributing to the global EAF steel production increase. Generally, changes in graphite electrode demand have tracked changes in EAF steel production.
During the third quarter, as a result of rising raw material costs, we announced price increases to our customers for needle coke and graphite electrodes. In September 2012, we announced an increase of approximately 15 percent year-over-year from current pricing for normal premium grade needle coke. In early October 2012, we also announced an eight percent increase to the current prevailing prices for standard-size melter graphite electrodes. While we do not expect a material impact to 2012 results from these price increases as our 2012 business is substantially booked, they better position us in 2013 to manage margins amid rising costs.
In 2012, we commenced commercial production and sale of a super-premium grade of our needle coke, which we believe will enable us and our needle coke customers to produce higher quality electrodes. While this grade of needle coke requires slightly longer processing by us (and, as such to a certain extent, reduces available capacity), we believe that this impact will be more than offset by higher margins on this grade. We do not anticipate that these sales will materially impact our 2012 results.
The challenging economic environment as well as a decline in governmental support as a result of fiscal debt constraints has significantly reduced demand for solar products. Notwithstanding the challenging conditions, however, we are experiencing growing demand for many of the advanced consumer electronics products in our Engineered Solutions segment and sales of those products have more than offset the decline in sales of our solar products as we begin to benefit from capital investments made in that segment. Our Engineered Solutions achieved record sales in the third quarter, and we expect to exit the year with approximately $220 million in annual revenue for this segment, representing a cumulative growth rate of 22 percent over the past three years.
In this challenging economic environment, we are devoting significant efforts to reducing overhead and limiting capital expenditures to essential maintenance as well as growth capital where we believe there is both a long term business case and an acceptable return on investment, as more fully described under "Liquidity and Capital Resources."

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In summary, based on IMF projections and other economic forecasts and factors described above, we expect the following targeted results in 2012:
•
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other (income) expense to be in the range of $235 million to $245 million, calculated as operating income of $155 million to $160 million plus depreciation and amortization of $80 million to $85 million;
 
•
Overhead expense (selling and administrative, and research and development expenses) of approximately $155 million;

•
Interest expense of approximately $22 million;

•
Capital expenditures in the range of $120 million to $130 million;

•
An effective tax rate in the range of 21 percent to 23 percent;

•
Cash flow from operations in the range of $100 million to $120 million; and

•
Full year fully diluted share count of approximately 140 million shares.


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Results of Operations and Segment Review
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 as Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012.
The tables presented in our period-over-period comparisons summarize our consolidated statements of income and illustrate key financial indicators used to assess the consolidated financial results. Financial information is presented for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012. Throughout our MD&A, changes that are less than 5% or less than $1.0 million, may be deemed not meaningful and excluded from the discussion.

 
 
For the
Three Months  Ended

 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
Increase
 
%
(in thousands, except per share data and % change)
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
Net sales
 
$
345,832

 
$
320,716

 
$
(25,116
)
 
(7
)%
Cost of sales
 
253,088

 
240,730

 
(12,358
)
 
(5
)%
Gross profit
 
92,744

 
79,986

 
(12,758
)
 
(14
)%
Research and development
 
2,852

 
2,778

 
(74
)
 
(3
)%
Selling and administrative expenses
 
32,401

 
33,645

 
1,244

 
4
 %
Operating income
 
57,491

 
43,563

 
(13,928
)
 
(24
)%
Other expense
 
5,321

 
1,653

 
(3,668
)
 
(69
)%
Interest expense
 
4,792

 
5,839

 
1,047

 
22
 %
Interest income
 
(119
)
 
(33
)
 
86

 
(72
)%
Income before provision for income taxes
 
47,497

 
36,104

 
(11,393
)
 
(24
)%
Provision for income taxes
 
7,200

 
6,478

 
(722
)
 
(10
)%
Net income
 
$
40,297

 
$
29,626

 
$
(10,671
)
 
(26
)%
Basic income per common share:
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.22

 
$
(0.06
)
 


Diluted income per common share:
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.22

 
$
(0.06
)
 



Net sales, by operating segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012 were:
 
 
 
For the
Three Months Ended

 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
Increase
 
%
(in thousands, except per % change)
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
Industrial Materials
 
$
302,355

 
$
260,180

 
$
(42,175
)
 
(14
)%
Engineered Solutions
 
43,477

 
60,536

 
17,059

 
39
 %
Total net sales
 
$
345,832

 
$
320,716

 
$
(25,116
)
 
(7
)%

An analysis of the components of change in net sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table:
 
 
Volume
 
Price/Mix
 
Currency
 
Net
Change
Industrial Materials
(21
)%
 
10
%
 
(3
)%
 
(14
)%
Engineered Solutions
40
 %
 
1
%
 
(2
)%
 
39
 %


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Net sales. Net sales for our Industrial Materials segment decreased to $260.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $302.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of lower sales volumes for graphite electrodes and needle coke. These volume decreases were partially offset by higher realized prices in the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. The weighted average selling price, excluding currency impact, of electrodes in the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased approximately 9% compared to the weighted average price in the three months ended September 30, 2011 as a result of electrode price increases implemented in late 2011 and early 2012 to address cost pressures.
Net sales for our Engineered Solutions segment increased to $60.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to net sales of $43.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. This increase was largely driven by continued growth in sales of our advanced consumer electronics products and the incremental revenue associated with acquisitions. This increase was partially offset by the decline in sales of our advanced graphite materials products to the solar market.
Cost of sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we experienced decreases in cost of sales of $12.4 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease was driven by lower sales volumes in our Industrial Materials segment, primarily related to graphite electrodes. The flow through of higher raw material costs and overhead absorption rates was largely offset by a favorable foreign currency impact during the three months ended September 30, 2012. We anticipate that the impact of higher raw material costs and overhead absorption rates will continue to negatively impact our costs for the remainder of the year.
These net decreases in cost of sales in our our Industrial Materials segment were partially offset by higher costs associated with volume increases in our Engineered Solutions segment.
As discussed in Annual Report, for our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, we immediately recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each year ("MTM adjustment") and whenever a plan is remeasured. The MTM adjustment in the fourth quarter may have a significant impact on our cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.
Other expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, other expense was $1.7 million, compared to other expense of $5.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded expenses related to insurable flood damages incurred at our Clarksburg, West Virginia facility.
Interest expense. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $1.0 million as a result of higher debt levels compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011 incurred to support the share repurchase program, capital expenditures and working capital requirements.
Segment operating income. Corporate expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment’s percentage of consolidated sales. The following table represents our operating income by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
  
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Industrial Materials
$
54,130

 
$
37,301

Engineered Solutions
3,361

 
6,262

Total segment operating income
$
57,491

 
$
43,563

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

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For the Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
(Percentage of sales)
 
2011
 
2012
 
Change
Industrial Materials
82
%
 
86
%
 
4
 %
Engineered Solutions
92
%
 
90
%
 
(2
)%

Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Industrial Materials increased to 86% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 82% for the three months ended September 30, 2011. This increase was caused by the flow through of inventory with higher cost raw materials and overhead absorption rates in the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. These increases in costs were offset by favorable foreign currency impacts. Total operating costs and expenses decreased $25.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011, driven primarily by lower sales volumes for graphite electrodes and needle coke.
 Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Engineered Solutions decreased from 92% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 90% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Operating expenses decreased as a percentage of sales due to a favorable product mix within our advanced consumer electronics division, offset partially by the continued decline in demand for our solar applications.
Provision for income taxes. The following table summarizes the expense/(benefit) for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012:  
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense/(benefit)
$
7,200

 
$
6,478

Pretax income
$
47,497

 
$
36,104

Effective tax rates
15.2
%
 
17.9
%

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we earned tax credits in support of our research and development efforts of high-tech Engineered Solutions products, which positively impacted the effective income tax rate for the quarter. The current quarter tax rate also differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due to jurisdictional mix of income.


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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 as Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012.
The tables presented in our period-over-period comparisons summarize our consolidated statements of income and illustrate key financial indicators used to assess the consolidated financial results. Financial information is presented for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012. Throughout our MD&A, changes that are less than 5% or less than $1.0 million, may be deemed not meaningful and excluded from the discussion.

 
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
Increase
 
%
(in thousands, except per share data and % change)
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
Net sales
 
$
972,200

 
$
877,265

 
$
(94,935
)
 
(10
)%
Cost of sales
 
731,362

 
645,971

 
(85,391
)
 
(12
)%
Gross profit
 
240,838

 
231,294

 
(9,544
)
 
(4
)%
Research and development
 
8,856

 
9,919

 
1,063

 
12
 %
Selling and administrative expenses
 
97,276

 
107,228

 
9,952

 
10
 %
Operating income
 
134,706

 
114,147

 
(20,559
)
 
(15
)%
Other expense (income), net
 
5,134

 
(1,376
)
 
(6,510
)
 
(127
)%
Interest expense
 
13,780

 
15,733

 
1,953

 
14
 %
Interest income
 
(363
)
 
(178
)
 
185

 
(51
)%
Income before provision for income taxes
 
116,155

 
99,968

 
(16,187
)
 
(14
)%
Provision for income taxes
 
20,026

 
10,966

 
(9,060
)
 
(45
)%
Net income
 
$
96,129

 
$
89,002

 
$
(7,127
)
 
(7
)%
Basic income per common share:
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.64

 
$
(0.02
)
 


Diluted income per common share:
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.63

 
$
(0.03
)
 


Net sales, by operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012 were: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Increase
 
%
(in thousands, except per % change)
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
Industrial Materials
 
$
835,591

 
$
715,461

 
$
(120,130
)
 
(14
)%
Engineered Solutions
 
136,609

 
161,804

 
25,195

 
18
 %
Total net sales
 
$
972,200

 
$
877,265

 
$
(94,935
)
 
(10
)%
An analysis of the components of change in net sales for Industrial Materials and Engineered Solutions is set forth in the following table: 
 
Volume
 
Price/Mix
 
Currency
 
Net
Change
Industrial Materials
(22
)%
 
9
%
 
(1
)%
 
(14
)%
Engineered Solutions
19
 %
 
1
%
 
(2
)%
 
18
 %

Net sales. Net sales for our Industrial Materials segment decreased to $715.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to net sales of $835.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of lower sales volumes for graphite electrodes and needle coke. These volume decreases were partially offset by higher realized prices in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The weighted average selling price, excluding currency impacts, of electrodes in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased approximately 9% compared to the average price

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in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as a result of electrode price increases implemented in late 2011 and early 2012 to address cost pressures.
Net sales for our Engineered Solutions segment increased to $161.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to net sales of $136.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This increase was largely driven by continued growth in sales of our advanced consumer electronics products and the incremental revenue associated with acquisitions. This increase was partially offset by the decline in sales of our advanced graphite material products to the solar market.
Cost of sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we experienced decreases in cost of sales of $85.4 million as a result of lower sales volumes in our Industrial Materials segment, primarily related to graphite electrodes. Further decreasing cost of sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was the favorable impact of foreign currency compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Costs of sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 also benefited from the consumption during the first half for 2012 of inventories on hand at 2011 year-end. That inventory carried lower raw material costs and overhead absorption rates. The impact of this benefit was partially offset by the flow through of inventory carrying higher raw material costs and absorption rates in the third quarter. We anticipate that the impact of higher raw material costs and overhead absorption rates will continue to negatively impact our costs for the remainder of the year.
These net decreases in cost of sales for our Industrial Materials segment were partially offset by higher costs associated with volume increases in our Engineered Solutions segment.
Selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $10.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to increases in incentive and stock-based compensation plan expense and additional expense resulting from acquisitions.
As discussed in Annual Report, for our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, we immediately recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each year ("MTM adjustment") and whenever a plan is remeasured. The MTM adjustment in the fourth quarter may have a significant impact on our cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.
Other expense (income), net. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we received $4.0 million of insurance reimbursements for claims made related to flood damages incurred at our Clarksburg, West Virginia facility during 2011.
Interest expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $2.0 million as a result of higher debt levels compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011 incurred to support the share repurchase program, capital expenditures and working capital increases.
Segment operating income. Corporate expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment’s percentage of consolidated sales. The following table represents our operating income by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012: 
 
For the Nine
Months Ended
  
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Industrial Materials
$
120,465

 
$
104,103

Engineered Solutions
14,241

 
10,044

Total segment operating income
$
134,706

 
$
114,147


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

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For the Nine
Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
(Percentage of sales)
 
2011
 
2012
 
Change
Industrial Materials
86
%
 
85
%
 
(1
)%
Engineered Solutions
90
%
 
94
%
 
4
 %
Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Industrial Materials decreased to 85% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 86% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Favorable foreign currency impacts decreased operating expenses as a percentage of sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The first half of 2012 also benefited from lower costs as we consumed remaining year-end inventories. That inventory carried lower raw material costs and overhead absorption rates compared to inventory currently on hand. This benefit in the first half of the year was partially offset by the flow through of higher costs in the third quarter.
 Segment operating costs and expenses as a percentage of sales for Engineered Solutions increased from 90% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Operating expenses increased as a percentage of sales due to an unfavorable product mix and higher costs incurred to support growth initiatives for this segment. This product mix reflects the continued decline in demand for solar applications.
 Provision for income taxes. The following table summarizes the expense for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012:  
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Tax expense
$
20,026

 
$
10,966

Pretax income
$
116,155

 
$
99,968

Effective tax rates
17.2
%
 
11.0
%
    
Our net unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, primarily related to the resolution of uncertain tax positions from prior years, which had a favorable impact on our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. We also earned tax credits in support of our research and development efforts of high-tech Engineered Solutions products, which positively impacted the tax rate for the year. In addition, the year to date effective tax rate differs from the U.S statutory rate of 35% due to jurisdictional mix of income.


 Effects of Changes in Currency Exchange Rates
When the currencies of non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility decline (or increase) in value relative to the U.S. dollar, this has the effect of reducing (or increasing) the U.S. dollar equivalent cost of sales and other expenses with respect to those facilities. In certain countries where we have manufacturing facilities, and in certain instances where we price our products for sale in export markets, we sell in currencies other than the dollar. Accordingly, when these currencies increase (or decline) in value relative to the dollar, this has the effect of increasing (or reducing) net sales.
Many of the non-U.S. countries in which we have a manufacturing facility have been subject to significant economic and political changes, which have significantly impacted currency exchange rates. We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates in the future or whether those changes will have net positive or negative impacts on our net sales, cost of sales or net income.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the average exchange rates for the euro, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and South African rand against the U.S. dollar decreased approximately 8.5%, 14.8%, 9.0% and 13.0%

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respectively, while the exchange rate for the Japanese yen increased against the U.S. dollar approximately 1.5% when compared to their respective average exchange rates against the U.S. dollar for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the average exchange rates for the Japanese yen, Brazilian real, Mexican peso, the euro, British pound and South African rand increased by approximately 11.1%, 9.2%, 5.9 %, 6.9%, 5.2% and 6.9%, respectively, when compared to their respective average exchange rates against the U.S. dollar for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Net sales of Industrial Materials was impacted by the changes in the average exchange rates for the periods resulting in a decrease of $7.7 million and $11.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2011. Cost of Industrial Materials was impacted by these events resulting in a decrease of $11.6 million and $23.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2011.
As part of our cash management, we also have intercompany loans between our subsidiaries. These loans are deemed to be temporary and, as a result, remeasurement gains and losses on these loans are recorded as currency gains / losses in other income (expense), net, on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Swissco is party to many of these loans. Effective January 1, 2011, the functional currency of this entity was changed to the U.S. dollar, as the majority of these loans and the purchases made are denominated in the U.S. dollar. This change reduces the potential of an accounting impact due to our exposure to exchange rate changes related to our intercompany loans.
The remeasurement of intercompany loans and the effect of transaction gains and losses on intercompany activities resulted in a loss of $1.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to a gain of $0.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
We have in the past and may in the future use various financial instruments to manage certain exposures to specific financial market risks caused by currency exchange rate changes, as described under “Part I, Item 3–Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.


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(Unaudited)


 Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet all of our present needs. Disruptions in the U.S. and international financial markets, however, could adversely affect our liquidity and the cost and availability of financing to us in the future. As of September 30, 2012 we had cash and cash equivalents of $16.2 million, long-term debt of $593.5 million, short-term debt of $0.2 million and stockholder’s equity of $1,318 million. We also had $117 million available through our Revolving Facility. As a part of our cash management activities, we manage accounts receivable credit risk, collections, and accounts payable vendor terms to maximize our free cash at any given time and minimize accounts receivable losses.
Our sources of funds have consisted principally of cash flow from operations and debt including our Revolving Facility. Our uses of those funds (other than for operations) have consisted principally of capital expenditures, the repurchase of common shares outstanding, cash paid for acquisitions and associated expenses and debt reduction payments and other obligations.
We have a supply chain financing arrangement with a financing party that provides additional working capital liquidity of up to $50 million. Under this arrangement, we essentially assigned our rights to purchase needle coke from a third-party supplier to the financing party. The financing party purchases the product from our supplier under the standard payment terms and then immediately resells it to us under longer payment terms. The financing party pays the supplier the purchase price for the product and then we pay the financing party. Our payment to the financing party for this needle coke includes a mark-up (the “Mark-Up”). The Mark-Up is subject to quarterly reviews. In effect, we have a longer period of time to pay the financing party than by purchasing directly from the supplier which helps us maintain a balanced cash conversion cycle between inventory payments and the collection of receivables. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Mark-Up was based on 2 month LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%. We purchased approximately $118.2 million of inventory under this arrangement and incurred a Mark-Up of approximately $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
In the event that operating cash flow and the financing of needle coke purchases fail to provide sufficient liquidity to meet our business needs, including capital expenditures, any such shortfall would need to be made up by increased borrowings under our Revolving Facility.
We use cash flow from operations, funds from supply chain financing, and funds available under the Revolving Facility (subject to continued compliance with the financial covenants and representations under the Revolving Facility) as well as cash on hand as our primary sources of liquidity. The Revolving Facility is secured, and provides for maximum borrowings of up to $570 million including a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $50 million and is subject to certain conditions (including a maximum senior secured leverage ratio test). The Revolving Facility matures in October 2016. As of September 30, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings drawn from the Revolving Facility of $430 million and outstanding letters of credit of $8 million. 
The interest rate applicable to the Revolving Facility is, at GrafTech’s option, either LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% (depending on our total net leverage ratio and/or senior unsecured rating) or, in the case of dollar denominated loans, the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% (depending upon such ratio or rating). The alternate base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (ii) the federal fund effective rate plus  1/2 of 1% and (iii) the London interbank offering rate (as adjusted) for a one-month interest period plus 1.00%. The borrowers pay a per annum fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% (depending on such ratio or rating) on the undrawn portion of the commitments under the Revolving Facility.
On April 20, 2012, we amended and restated our Credit Agreement for the sole purpose of reflecting a change in the structure of our European operations and the addition of two new European subsidiaries as parties to the Agreement. The restatement did not otherwise effect any changes to the financial terms or covenants of the Revolving Facility.
As of September 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants contained in the Revolving Facility, as applicable. These covenants include maintaining a cash minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.00, which are measured based on a rolling average of the prior four quarters. Based on expected operating results and expected cash flows, we expect to be in compliance with these covenants through 2012. If we were to believe that we would not continue to comply with these covenants, we would seek an appropriate waiver or amendment from the lenders thereunder. We cannot assure you that we would

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(Unaudited)

be able to obtain such waiver or amendment on acceptable terms or at all.
As of September 30, 2012, approximately 28% of our debt consists of fixed rate or zero interest rate obligations compared to 39% as of December 31, 2011.
Cash Flow and Plans to Manage Liquidity. Typically, our cash flow fluctuates significantly between quarters due to various factors. These factors include customer order patterns, fluctuations in working capital requirements, timing of capital expenditures, acquisitions, stock repurchases and other factors.
Certain of our obligations could have a material impact on our liquidity. Cash flow from operations and from financing activities services payment of our obligations, thereby reducing funds available to us for other purposes. As of September 30, 2012 we had $117 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Revolving Facility. Continued volatility in the global economy may require additional borrowings under our Revolving Facility, particularly if our supply chain financing arrangement is terminated. An improving economy, while resulting in improved results of operations, could increase our cash requirements to purchase inventories, make capital expenditures and fund payables and other obligations until increased accounts receivable are converted into cash. A downturn could significantly negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows, which, coupled with increased borrowings, could negatively impact our credit ratings, our ability to comply with debt covenants, our ability to secure additional financing and the cost of such financing, if available.
Based on expected operating results and expected cash flows, we expect to be in compliance with our existing financial covenants in 2012.
In order to seek to minimize our credit risks, we reduce our sales of, or refuse to sell (except for cash on delivery or under letters of credit) our products to some customers and potential customers. In the current economic environment, our customers may experience liquidity shortages or difficulties in obtaining credit, including letters of credit. Our unrecovered trade receivables worldwide have not been material during the last 3 years individually or in the aggregate. We cannot assure you that we will not be materially adversely affected by accounts receivable losses in the future.
We manage our capital expenditures taking into account quality, plant reliability, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements, prudent or essential maintenance requirements, global economic conditions, available capital resources, liquidity, long-term business strategy and return on invested capital for the relevant expenditures, cost of capital and return on invested capital of the relevant segment and the Company as a whole, and other factors. We focus on growth capital expenditures which exceed our weighted average cost of capital.  We prioritize projects with superior returns, which are often associated with high growth markets.

During 2002 through 2009, we limited maintenance capital to essential levels required to sustain our business and support a safe working environment. Likewise, we invested minimal growth capital on a total company basis.   In the case of our Engineered Solutions portfolio, we spent virtually no growth capital during that time period.

In 2010 and 2011, we invested more normal levels of capital to fulfill our maintenance requirements at existing facilities. We also initiated, at our Seadrift and St. Marys facilities increased maintenance capital expenditures to bring these facilities in line with our quality and safety standards, which resulted in an increase of capital expenditures compared to historic levels. In 2010, we began to meaningfully invest our Engineered Solutions segment, in order to be able to produce new products and technologies that were developed and commercialized by our global R&D and Commercial Teams. These investments have helped propel Engineered Solutions' net sales to record levels and we expect net sales of approximately $220 million for 2012. Further, we believe our investment in Engineered Solutions positions us for future growth.  For 2012, we expect maintenance capital expenditures to be in the range of $75 - 85 million and growth capital expenditures to be in the range of $40 - 50 million (with a majority of the growth capital related to our Engineered Solutions segment). In 2013, depending on global economic conditions, we may reduce capital expenditures compared to 2012.
During the quarter we repurchased 1.2 million shares at a cost of $11.8 million, thus completing the previously announced share repurchase program of our common stock. Under this program a total of 10 million shares were repurchased in the open market at an aggregate cost of $101.7 million. On July 24, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program for up to ten million shares to replace the recently completed program. Purchases under the new program may take place from time to time in the open market, or through privately negotiated transactions, as market, industry and economic conditions warrant.

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In addition to the programs described above, upon the vesting or payment of stock awards, an employee may elect receipt of the full share amount and either pay the resulting taxes or have shares sold in the open market to cover the tax obligation. We sometimes elect to purchase these shares rather than have them sold in the open market.
Related Party Transactions. We have not engaged in or been a party to any other material transactions with affiliates or related parties except for transactions with our current or former subsidiaries and compensatory transactions with directors and officers (including employee benefits, stock option and restricted stock grants, compensation deferral, executive employee loans and stock purchases).
Cash Flows.
The following is a discussion of our cash flow activities:
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2012
 
(Dollars in millions)
Cash flow provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
29.3

 
$
13.6

Investing activities
$
(100.3
)
 
$
(85.9
)
Financing activities
$
69.8

 
$
76.6

Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities represents cash receipts and cash disbursements related to all of our activities other than investing and financing activities. Operating cash flow is derived by adjusting net income for:
•
Non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization; post retirement obligations, severance and pension plan changes; stock-based compensation charges;
•
Gains and losses attributed to investing and financing activities such as gains and losses on the sale of assets and unrealized currency transaction gains and losses;
•
Changes in operating assets and liabilities which reflect timing differences between the receipt and payment of cash associated with transactions and when they are recognized in results of operations.
The net impact of the changes in working capital (operating assets and liabilities), which are discussed in more detail below, include the impact of changes in: receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued taxes, interest payable, and payments of other current liabilities.
We continue to attempt to maximize our operating cash flows by continuing to improve those working capital items that are most directly affected by changes in sales volume, such as accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, changes in working capital resulted in a net use of funds of $139.8 million which was impacted by:
•
use of funds of $54.9 million from the increase in accounts receivable, which were due primarily to increased sales for the period and the temporary suspension of receivables factoring;
•
use of funds for inventories of $76.2 million primarily due to the increased sales volume and the acquisitions of Seadrift and the St. Mary's facility;
•
use of funds of $5.4 million related to increased prepaid expenses primarily due to the deferral of $4.0 million of turnaround costs at Seadrift, net of amortization, as prepaid insurance premiums; and
•
use of funds of $3.3 million from a decrease in accounts payable and accruals through normal operations and inventory purchases.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, changes in working capital resulted in a net use of funds of $128.4 million which was impacted by:
•
cash inflows of $25.6 million from the decrease in accounts receivable, due primarily to decreased sales for the period;
•
cash outflows for inventories of $96.3 million primarily due to increased volumes on hand resulting from lower sales volumes driven by reduced demand for our products and lower operating rates, as well as from contractually obligated raw material purchases; and
•
net cash outflows from decreases in accounts payable of $20.6 million, income taxes payable of $13.0 million and $20.6 million of accruals through normal operations.
Other uses of cash in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included contributions to pension and other benefit plans of $12.5 million. We have reduced operating rates at certain of our manufacturing facilities to better align with customer demand.  Due to the factors mentioned above, inventories are higher than in prior periods.  We expect to reduce inventory levels significantly over the next 18 months beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Investing Activities.
Net cash used in investing activities was $100.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and included capital expenditures of $102.0 million and cash paid for the acquisition of Micron Research of $6.5 million, partially offset by proceeds from derivative instruments of $7.8 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $85.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and included capital expenditures of $92.8 million, which included the purchase of a building and land in Ohio for $3.0 million, which will be used to increase our Engineered Solutions segment's manufacturing capacity. These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds relating to our derivative instruments of $6.8 million.
 Financing Activities.
Net cash flow provided by financing activities was $69.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to net borrowings under our Revolving Facility of $53.0 million, $18.0 million of short term debt borrowings for working capital requirements and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $1.9 million, partially offset by net payments under our supply chain financing arrangement of $3.0 million. The cash from these borrowings was used primarily to fund capital expenditures and working capital additions during the period.
Net cash flow provided by financing activities was $76.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and included net borrowings under our Revolving Facility of $198 million which were primarily used to repurchase 10.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock in the open market, fund capital expenditures and fund working capital additions.
Restrictions on Dividends and Stock Repurchases
A description of the restriction on our ability to pay dividends and our ability to repurchase common stock is set forth under “Item 5 – Dividend Policies and Restrictions” in the Annual Report and such description is incorporated herein by reference. Such description contains all of the information required with respect thereto.
Under the Revolving Facility, in general, GTI is permitted to pay dividends and repurchase common stock in an aggregate amount (cumulative from October 2011) up to $75 million (or $500 million, if certain leverage ratio requirements are satisfied) plus, each year, an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the consolidated net income in the prior year.
During the second quarter of 2012, we repurchased 8.8 million shares of our outstanding common stock, at a cost of $89.9 million. During the third quarter of 2012, we repurchased an additional 1.2 million shares at a cost of $11.8 million.


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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We discuss recently adopted accounting standards on page 6 in Note 1, “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Description of Our Financing Structure
We discuss our financing structure in more detail in Note 9, “Long-Term Debt and Liquidity” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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(Unaudited)

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, energy commodity prices and commercial energy rates. We, from time to time, routinely enter into various transactions that have been authorized according to documented policies and procedures to manage these well-defined risks. These transactions relate primarily to financial instruments described below. Since the counterparties to these financial instruments are large commercial banks and similar financial institutions, we do not believe that we are exposed to material counterparty credit risk. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes.
Our exposure to changes in interest rates results primarily from floating rate long-term debt tied to LIBOR or Euro LIBOR. Our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates results primarily from:

•
sales made by our subsidiaries in currencies other than local currencies;
•
raw material purchases made by our foreign subsidiaries in currencies other than local currencies; and
•
investments in and intercompany loans to our foreign subsidiaries and our share of the earnings of those subsidiaries, to the extent denominated in currencies other than the dollar.
Our exposure to changes in energy commodity prices and commercial energy rates results primarily from the purchase or sale of refined oil products and the purchase of natural gas and electricity for use in our manufacturing operations.
Currency Rate Management. We enter into foreign currency derivatives from time to time to attempt to manage exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. These foreign currency derivatives, which include, but are not limited to, forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, attempt to hedge global currency exposures. Forward exchange contracts are agreements to exchange different currencies at a specified future date and at a specified rate. Purchased foreign currency options are instruments which give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to exchange different currencies at a specified rate at a specified date or over a range of specified dates. Forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options are carried at market value.
The outstanding foreign currency derivatives as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 represented a net unrealized gain of $2.6 million and a net unrealized loss of $0.2 million, respectively.
Energy Commodity Management. We periodically enter into commodity derivative contracts and short duration fixed rate purchase contracts to effectively fix some or all of our natural gas, and refined oil product exposure. The outstanding contracts as of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 represented a net unrealized loss of $0.5 million and a net unrealized gain of $0.1 million, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk Management. We periodically implement interest rate management initiatives to seek to minimize our interest expense and the risk in our portfolio of fixed and variable interest rate obligations.
We periodically enter into agreements with financial institutions that are intended to limit, or cap, our exposure to incurrence of additional interest expense due to increases in variable interest rates. These instruments effectively cap our interest rate exposure. We currently do not have any such instruments outstanding.
Sensitivity Analysis. We use sensitivity analysis to quantify potential impacts that market rate changes may have on the fair values of our foreign currency derivatives and our commodity derivatives. The sensitivity analysis represents the hypothetical changes in value of the hedge position and does not reflect the related gain or loss on the forecasted underlying transaction. As of September 30, 2012, a 10% appreciation or depreciation in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies from the prevailing market rates would result in a corresponding increase of $11.5 million or a corresponding decrease of $10.8 million, respectively, in the fair value of the foreign currency hedge portfolio. A 10% increase or decrease in the value of the underlying commodity prices that we hedge would result in a corresponding increase or decrease of $0.9 million as of September 30, 2012 in the fair value of the commodity hedge portfolio. Because of the high correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure, fluctuations in the value of the instruments are generally offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying exposure.
We had no interest rate derivative instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2012. A hypothetical increase in interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would have increased our interest expense by $3.0 million for the nine months

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(Unaudited)

ended September 30, 2012.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures at the reasonable assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a reporting company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2012. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2012.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2012 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The information required by this Item is set forth in Note 13, “Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors disclosed in Part I-Item IA of the Annual Report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On December 13, 2011 our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to ten million shares of our common stock. All shares authorized under this program were repurchased in the open market during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. On July 24, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program for up to an additional ten million shares to replace the recently completed program. Purchases under the new program may take place from time to time in the open market, or through privately negotiated transactions, as market, industry and economic conditions warrant.
Upon the vesting or payment of stock awards, an employee may elect receipt of the full share amount and either pay the resulting taxes or sell shares in the open market to cover the tax obligation. We sometimes elect to purchase these shares rather than allow them to be sold in the open market. These repurchases are in addition to the programs authorized by our Board of Directors described above.
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased*
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
July 1 through July 31, 2012
1,251,083

 
$
9.41

 
1,248,227

 
10,000,000

August 1 through
August 31, 2012
3,816

 
11.07

 
—

 
10,000,000

September 1 through September 30, 2012
6,643

 
9.26

 
—

 
10,000,000


* Including purchases of vested restricted stock shares from employees as payment for the withholding taxes due upon the vesting or payment of stock awards.
 
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 5. Other Information.

Effective September 30, 2012, our Board of Directors adopted certain amendments to our stockholder approval and advance notice by-law provisions which affect the stockholder voter requirements to approve certain routine matters and the procedures to be followed and information required to be disclosed by stockholders who wish to nominate candidates for election as directors or propose business for stockholder approval at a stockholder meeting. For a more complete description of the by-law amendments, see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2012. A copy of the amendment is also being filed as part of Exhibit 3.2 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.




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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
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
3.2
Amended and Restated By-Laws of GrafTech International Ltd., dated November 30, 2012, as ameded effective September 30, 2012.
 
 
31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer).
 
 
31.2
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act by Lindon G. Robertson, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer).
 
 
32.1
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Craig S. Shular, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer).
 
 
32.2
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Lindon G. Robertson, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer).
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Date:
October 29, 2012
By:
/s/ Lindon G. Robertson
 
 
 
Lindon G. Robertson
 
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)


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