UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
graybara04a01a01a02a051a05.gif
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) 
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019

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: 000-00255
GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
New York13-0794380
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
34 North Meramec Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri63105
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
 
(314) 573 - 9200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES x       NO ¨
 
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES x      NO ¨
 
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨                                                                        Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)      Smaller reporting company ¨
                                  ��                                                                        Emerging growth company ¨
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 YES ¨       NO x
 
Common Stock Outstanding at JulyApril 15, 2018: 19,472,1542019: 21,518,322
                                                                        (Number of Shares)


Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Period Ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
 
Table of Contents
 
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage
     
 Item 1.Financial Statements 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
 Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                                                                                                                                                                                                       
     
 Item 3.
     
 Item 4.
     
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
     
 Item 2.
     
 Item 6.
     
 
     
     
   
 
 



PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements.
 
Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries         
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(Stated in thousands, except per share data)2018
 2017
2018
 2017
(Stated in millions, except per share data)2019
 2018
Gross Sales$1,840,417
 $1,720,842
$3,485,393
 $3,258,711
$1,786.1
 $1,645.0
Cash discounts(8,085) (7,962)(15,409) (15,260)(8.3) (7.3)
Net Sales1,832,332
 1,712,880
3,469,984
 3,243,451
1,777.8
 1,637.7
Cost of merchandise sold(1,481,176) (1,389,987)(2,807,409) (2,620,729)(1,439.1) (1,326.3)
Gross Margin351,156
 322,893
662,575
 622,722
338.7
 311.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses(270,768) (252,107)(534,129) (505,102)(273.5) (263.3)
Depreciation and amortization(12,358) (12,144)(24,415) (24,020)(12.5) (12.1)
Other income, net652
 3,521
1,416
 4,129
1.3
 0.8
Income from Operations68,682
 62,163
105,447
 97,729
54.0
 36.8
Non-operating expenses(7,527) (6,299)(15,013) (12,146)(6.6) (7.5)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes61,155
 55,864
90,434
 85,583
47.4
 29.3
Provision for income taxes(16,574) (22,463)(24,689) (34,459)(13.0) (8.1)
Net Income44,581
 33,401
65,745
 51,124
34.4
 21.2
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(89) (67)(160) (109)(0.1) (0.1)
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.$44,492
 $33,334
$65,585
 $51,015
$34.3
 $21.1
Net Income per share of Common Stock(A)
$2.28
 $1.72
$3.36
 $2.63
$1.59
 $0.98
Cash Dividends per share of Common Stock$0.30
 $0.30
$0.60
 $0.60
$0.30
 $0.30
Average Common Shares Outstanding(A)
19,501
 19,406
19,516
 19,394
21.6
 21.5
(A)Adjusted for the declaration of a 10% stock dividend in 2017,2018, shares related to which were issued in February 2018.2019.  Prior to the adjustment, the average common shares outstanding were 17,642 and 17,63119.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.March 31, 2018.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries        
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(Stated in thousands)2018
 2017
2018
 2017
(Stated in millions)2019
 2018
Net Income$44,581
 $33,401
$65,745
 $51,124
$34.4
 $21.2
Other Comprehensive Income        
Foreign currency translation(1,737) 2,277
(4,292) 2,934
2.1
 (2.6)
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $(1,630), $(2,019), $(3,310), and $(3,993), respectively)4,699
 3,171
9,544
 6,272
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $(1.3), and $(1.7), respectively)3.7
 4.8
Total Other Comprehensive Income2,962
 5,448
5,252
 9,206
5.8
 2.2
Comprehensive Income$47,543
 $38,849
$70,997
 $60,330
$40.2
 $23.4
Less: comprehensive income attributable to
noncontrolling interests, net of tax
27
 140
19
 248
0.2
 
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.$47,516
 $38,709
$70,978
 $60,082
$40.0
 $23.4

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and SubsidiariesGraybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries  
  Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries  
  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS    
(Stated in thousands, except share and per share data) June 30,
2018

 December 31,
2017

(Stated in millions, except share and per share data)(Stated in millions, except share and per share data) March 31,
2019

 December 31,
2018

ASSETS    (Unaudited)
  
    (Unaudited)
  
Current Assets       
       
Cash and cash equivalents    $47,084
 $42,757
    $85.0
 $58.9
Trade receivables (less allowances of $6,118 and $5,989, respectively) 1,149,519
 1,061,590
Trade receivables (less allowances of $6.0 and $5.9, respectively)Trade receivables (less allowances of $6.0 and $5.9, respectively) 1,124.2
 1,187.0
Merchandise inventory    619,302
 579,350
    696.3
 658.7
Other current assets    26,530
 34,227
    53.5
 54.1
Total Current Assets    1,842,435
 1,717,924
    1,959.0
 1,958.7
Property, at cost              
Land    79,586
 79,787
    79.5
 79.4
Buildings    479,814
 470,784
    489.6
 489.2
Furniture and fixtures    306,253
 300,705
    234.8
 233.0
Software    87,313
 87,313
    167.5
 166.4
Capital leases    26,636
 25,610
Finance leases    22.5
 21.3
Total Property, at cost    979,602
 964,199
    993.9
 989.3
Less – accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess – accumulated depreciation and amortization   (557,356) (539,275)Less – accumulated depreciation and amortization   (574.4) (565.4)
Net Property    422,246
 424,924
    419.5
 423.9
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets    94.6
 
Other Non-current Assets    122,341
 118,509
    107.2
 108.6
Total Assets    $2,387,022
 $2,261,357
    $2,580.3
 $2,491.2
LIABILITIES              
Current Liabilities              
Short-term borrowings    $230,000
 $169,643
    $220.0
 $235.0
Current portion of long-term debt    3,424
 2,052
    3.8
 3.4
Trade accounts payable    893,987
 835,931
    925.3
 895.2
Accrued payroll and benefit costs    75,809
 119,349
    109.5
 158.2
Other accrued taxes    21,185
 17,228
    23.9
 23.9
Current operating lease liabilities    26.0
 
Other current liabilities    76,954
 78,225
    89.0
 101.0
Total Current Liabilities    1,301,359
 1,222,428
    1,397.5
 1,416.7
Postretirement Benefits Liability    71,218
 70,747
    66.9
 66.7
Pension Liability    159,599
 169,225
    122.5
 118.6
Long-term Debt    8,812
 7,048
    8.7
 10.0
Non-current Operating Lease Liabilities    73.1
 
Other Non-current Liabilities    21,237
 30,361
    3.3
 8.7
Total Liabilities    1,562,225
 1,499,809
    1,672.0
 1,620.7
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
  
     
  
Shares at    Shares at    
Capital StockJune 30, 2018
 December 31, 2017
    March 31, 2019
 December 31, 2018
    
Common, stated value $20.00 per share              
Authorized50,000,000
 50,000,000
  
  50,000,000
 50,000,000
  
  
Issued to voting trustees16,402,110
 15,912,467
  
  18,121,975
 17,754,923
  
  
Issued to shareholders3,608,067
 3,496,114
  
  3,815,159
 3,744,318
  
  
In treasury, at cost(481,363) (24,243)  
  (334,322) (58,172)  
  
Outstanding Common Stock19,528,814
 19,384,338
 390,577
 387,687
21,602,812
 21,441,069
 432.1
 428.8
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common StockAdvance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock   542
 
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock   1.1
 
Retained Earnings    674,562
 619,916
    705.9
 678.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss    (244,761) (250,154)    (234.6) (240.3)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ EquityTotal Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity 820,920
 757,449
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity 904.5
 866.6
Noncontrolling Interests    3,877
 4,099
    3.8
 3.9
Total Shareholders’ Equity    824,797
 761,548
    908.3
 870.5
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ EquityTotal Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   $2,387,022
 $2,261,357
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   $2,580.3
 $2,491.2
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
  
 
  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS      
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
(Stated in thousands)2018
 2017
Cash Flows from Operations 
  
(Stated in millions)2019
 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
  
Net Income$65,745
 $51,124
$34.4
 $21.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations: 
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization24,415
 24,020
12.5
 12.1
Non-cash operating lease expense7.1
 
Deferred income taxes(1,834) (2,343)(1.8) (0.5)
Net gains on disposal of property(97) (193)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(160) (109)(0.1) (0.1)
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Trade receivables(87,929) (69,899)62.8
 10.8
Merchandise inventory(43,260) (68,812)(37.6) (35.2)
Other current assets7,697
 (1,488)0.6
 11.5
Other non-current assets(8,826) (4,987)0.3
 (6.0)
Trade accounts payable58,056
 79,553
30.1
 49.4
Accrued payroll and benefit costs(43,540) (51,138)(48.7) (37.2)
Other current liabilities(866) 12,021
(9.6) (18.4)
Other non-current liabilities5,110
 (10,809)0.5
 13.5
Total adjustments to net income(91,234) (94,184)16.1
 (0.1)
Net cash used by operations(25,489) (43,060)
Net cash provided by operating activities50.5
 21.1
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
   
  
Proceeds from disposal of property336
 1,675
0.1
 0.6
Capital expenditures for property(19,348) (17,668)(5.0) (8.4)
Net cash used by investing activities(19,012) (15,993)(4.9) (7.8)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
   
  
Net increase in short-term borrowings60,357
 67,697
Principal payments under capital leases(2,983) (2,754)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings(15.0) 10.4
Principal payments under finance leases(2.1) (2.4)
Sale of common stock12,574
 12,272
9.9
 9.5
Purchases of common stock(9,142) (6,613)(5.5) (4.7)
Purchases of noncontrolling interests’ common stock(241) (359)(0.3) (0.2)
Dividends paid(11,737) (10,624)(6.5) (5.9)
Net cash provided by financing activities48,828
 59,619
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities(19.5) 6.7
Net Increase in Cash4,327
 566
26.1
 20.0
Cash, Beginning of Year42,757
 43,339
58.9
 42.8
Cash, End of Period$47,084
 $43,905
$85.0
 $62.8
      
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities 
  
 
  
Acquisitions of equipment under capital leases$1,073
 $351
Acquisitions of equipment under finance leases$1.2
 $
Acquisitions of assets under operating leases$9.8
 $
Acquisition of software and maintenance under financing arrangement$5,046
 $
$
 $5.0
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and SubsidiariesGraybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries      Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries      
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
          
(Unaudited, stated in thousands)    (Unaudited, stated in millions)    
     
Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity    
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock
Subscribed,
Unissued
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
December 31, 2016$348,771
 $
 $575,380
 $(196,600) $3,338
 $730,889
Net income
 
 51,015
 

 109
 51,124
Other comprehensive
income

 
 

 9,067
 139
 9,206
Stock issued11,755
 

 

 

 

 11,755
Stock purchased(6,613) 

 

 

 (359) (6,972)
Advance payments

 517
 

 

 

 517
Dividends declared

 

 (10,624) 

 

 (10,624)
June 30, 2017$353,913
 $517
 $615,771
 $(187,533) $3,227
 $785,895
                
Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity    Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity    
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock
Subscribed,
Unissued
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock
Subscribed,
Unissued
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
December 31, 2017$387,687
 $
 $619,916
 $(250,154) $4,099
 $761,548
$387.7
 $
 $619.9
 $(250.1) $4.1
 $761.6
Net income    65,585
   160
 65,745
    21.1
   0.1
 21.2
Other comprehensive
income (loss)
      5,393
 (141) 5,252
      2.3
 (0.1) 2.2
Adoption of ASC 606, net of tax    798
     798
    0.8
     0.8
Stock issued12,032
       

 12,032
8.4
       

 8.4
Stock purchased(9,142)       (241) (9,383)(4.7)       (0.2) (4.9)
Advance payments  542
       542
  1.1
       1.1
Dividends declared

   (11,737)     (11,737)    (5.9)     (5.9)
June 30, 2018$390,577
 $542
 $674,562
 $(244,761) $3,877
 $824,797
March 31, 2018$391.4
 $1.1
 $635.9
 $(247.8) $3.9
 $784.5
           
Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity    
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock
Subscribed,
Unissued
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity

December 31, 2018$428.8
 $
 $678.1
 $(240.3) $3.9
 $870.5
Net income    34.3
   0.1
 34.4
Other comprehensive
income
      5.7
 0.1
 5.8
Stock issued8.8
       

 8.8
Stock purchased(5.5)       (0.3) (5.8)
Advance payments  1.1
       1.1
Dividends declared    (6.5)     (6.5)
March 31, 2019$432.1
 $1.1
 $705.9
 $(234.6) $3.8
 $908.3
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in thousands,millions, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
 
Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (“Graybar”, “Company”, "we", "our", or "us") is a New York corporation, incorporated in 1925.  We are engaged in the distribution of electrical and communications and data networking products and are a provider of related supply chain management and logistics services.  We primarily serve customers in the construction, industrial & utility, and commercial, institutional and government ("CIG") vertical markets, with products and services that support new construction, infrastructure updates, building renovation, facility maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO"), and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM"). We purchase all of the products we sell from others, and we neither manufacture nor contract to manufacture any products we sell.  Our business activity is primarily based in the United States (“U.S.”).  We also have subsidiary operations with distribution facilities in Canada and Puerto Rico.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP”) and are applied on a consistent basis among all years presented. Significant accounting policies are described below.

Basis of Presentation
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Graybar pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) applicable to interim financial reporting.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that our disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 20172018, included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
In the opinion of management, this quarterly report includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements presented.  Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

Principles of Consolidation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Graybar and its subsidiary companies.  All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.  The ownership interests that are held by owners other than the Company in subsidiaries consolidated by the Company are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests.

Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial information to conform to the December 31, 20172018 presentation.



Subsequent Events
We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the Commission.  No material subsequent events have occurred since June 30, 2018 that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

Revenue Recognition
 
Sales revenue is recognized when controlperformance obligations are satisfied, which is typically upon delivery of the promised good or service is transferredproduct to the customer.  Sometimes product is purchased from the manufacturer and drop-shipped to the customer. We generally take control of the goods when shipped by the manufacturer and then recognize revenue when control of the product transfers to the customer. Revenues recognized are primarily for product sales, but may also include freight and handling charges. Our standard warehouse shipping terms are FOB shipping point, under which control passes to the customer at the time of shipment. We also earn revenue for professional services, general contracting services, and storage services. Service revenue represented less than 1% of gross sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.  Revenue is reported net of all taxes assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions, primarily sales tax.
 
Outgoing Freight Expenses                                                                                        
 
We record certain outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
We account for cash on hand, deposits in banks, and other short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and a significant portion of our trade receivables is secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights.  We maintain allowances to reflect the expected uncollectability of trade receivables based on past collection history and specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio.  Although actual credit losses have historically been within management’s expectations, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate.
 
Merchandise Inventory
 
Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost (generally determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market.  LIFO accounting is a method of accounting that, compared with other inventory accounting methods, generally provides better matching of current costs with current sales. 
 
We make provisions for obsolete or excess inventories as necessary to reflect reductions in inventory value. 
 
Vendor Allowances
 
Our agreements with many of our suppliers provide for us to earn volume incentives based on purchases during the agreement period.  Based on the provisions of our vendor agreements, we develop vendor accrual rates by estimating the point at which we will have completed our performance under the agreement and the deferred amounts will be earned. We perform analyses and review historical trends to ensure the deferred amounts earned are appropriately recorded. Certain vendor agreements contain purchase volume incentives that provide for increased funding when graduated purchase volumes are met. Amounts accrued throughout the year are based on estimates of future activity levels, and could be materially impacted if actual purchase volumes differ. Changes in the estimated amount of incentives are treated as changes in estimate and are recognized in earnings in the period in which the change in estimate occurs.  In the event that the operating performance of our suppliers were to decline, however, there can be no assurance that amounts earned would be paid or that the volume incentives would continue to be included in future agreements.



Property and Depreciation
 
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Interest costs incurred to finance expenditures for major long-term construction projects are capitalized as part of the asset's historical cost and included in property, plant and equipment, then depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while the costs of significant improvements, which extend the useful life of the underlying asset, are capitalized.




Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables.  We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and a significant portion of our trade receivables may be protectedare secured by mechanic’s lien or payment bond rights.  We maintain allowances for potential credit losses, and such losses historically have been within management’s expectations.
 
Fair Value
 
We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value.  GAAP has established a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  The tiers in the hierarchy include:  Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own data inputs and assumptions.  We have used fair value measurements to value our pension plan assets.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate
 
The functional currency for our Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian dollar.  Accordingly, its balance sheet amounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period and its statements of income amounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the current period.  Currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
 
Goodwill
 
Our goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment.  Goodwill is reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and/orand when circumstances or other events might indicate that impairment may have occurred.  We first perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The qualitative assessment considers several factors including the excess fair value over carrying value as of the last quantitative impairment test, the length of time since the last fair value measurement, the current carrying value, market conditions, actual performance compared to forecasted performance, and the current business outlook. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the reporting unit is then quantitatively tested for impairment. If a quantitative assessment is required, the fair value is determined using a variety of assumptions including estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit and applicable discount rates. 

Definite Lived Intangible Assets
 
The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, either on a straight-line or accelerated basis over the estimated periods benefited. Customer relationships, trade names and other non-contractual intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized over periods generally ranging from 3 to 20 years. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if events or circumstances occur indicating that the respective asset might be impaired.
 
Income Taxes
 
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns.  Uncertainty exists regarding tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns still subject to examination and positions expected to be taken in future returns.  A deferred tax asset or liability results from the temporary difference between an item’s carrying value as reflected in the financial statements and its tax basis, and is calculated using enacted applicable tax rates.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established.  Changes in the valuation


allowance, when recorded, are included in the provision for income taxes in the condensed consolidated financial statements.  We classify interest expense and penalties as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/underpayment percentages. We assess uncertainty regarding tax positions taken in previously filed returns and record reserves in accordance with the guidance under the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740-10, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes".
 






Other Postretirement Benefits
 
We account for postretirement benefits other than pensions by accruing the costs of benefits to be provided over the eligible employees’ periods of active service.  These costs are determined on an actuarial basis.  Our condensed consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of postretirement benefits.
 
Pension Plan
 
We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan accounted for by accruing the cost to provide the benefits over the eligible employees’ periods of active service.  These costs are determined on an actuarial basis.  Our condensed consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of the defined benefit pension plan.

Non-Operating Expenses
 
Non-operating expenses are comprised of interest expense, net and non-service cost components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The non-service cost components include interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of net actuarial gains/losses, and amortization of prior service costs/gains.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current operating lease liabilities, and non-current operating lease liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Amounts related to finance leases are included in property and equipment, current portion of long-term debt, and long-term debt on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized and measured on the date the underlying asset is made available to us.

Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

For certain leases, such as real estate and information technology (IT) equipment, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. All other leases that contain lease and non-lease components are accounted for separately. We have elected as an accounting policy not to apply the recognition requirements for short-term leases. Therefore, leases with a term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Lease expenses associated with short-term leases are immaterial and are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income in selling, general and administrative expenses. Additionally, for certain vehicle leases, we apply a portfolio approach to account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.
 
New Accounting Standards
 
No new accounting standards that were issued or became effective during 20182019 have had or are expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements, except those noted below:

We adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)” ("ASU 2017-07") on January 1, 2018 using the retrospective transition method. The updates to the standard require us to report the service cost component in the same line as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by employees during the reporting period. The other components of net benefit costs are presented in the income statement separately from the service cost and outside of a subtotal of income from operations. The impact to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 operating results within the condensed consolidated statements of income as a result of adopting ASU 2017-07 is presented in the tables below:

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2017
(Stated in thousands)As Reported
 Reclassification
 As Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses$257,338
 $(5,231) $252,107
Non-operating expenses1,068
 5,231
 6,299
 Six Months Ended 
June 30, 2017
(Stated in thousands)As Reported
 Reclassification
 As Adjusted
Selling, general and administrative expenses$515,383
 $(10,281) $505,102
Non-operating expenses1,865
 10,281
 12,146

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." See Note 3, "Revenue", for further information.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standard Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” ("ASU 2016-02"). The core principle of Topic 842this new guidance requires that a lessee shouldto recognize the assetsan ROU asset and liabilitieslease liability on the balance sheet for both operating and disclosefinance leases while disclosing key information about the leasing arrangements. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. TheWe adopted the new guidance is required to be adopted at the earliest period presentedon January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach. Although we anticipateTherefore, comparative periods are presented in accordance with the previous lease guidance and do not include retrospective adjustments to reflect the adoption of the new lease guidance.

We elected the package of transitional practical expedients which allows an entity not to reassess whether expired or existing contracts contain leases, lease classification of expired or existing leases, and whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under Topic 842. As the guidance allows, this package can be elected separate of any other practical expedient. As a practical expedient, we have elected as an accounting policy not to separate non-lease components from lease components for real estate properties and information technology.



In preparation for adoption of the standard, we have implemented internal controls and key system functionality to enable the preparation of financial information. The standard had a material impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, but did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated statements of income. The most significant impact was the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while our accounting for capital leases remains unchanged.

Adoption of the ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recognition of additional ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of $98.1 million at January 1, 2019.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", which introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain financial instruments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We currently believe that the adoption of this Update will not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, wefinancial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" ("ASU 2018-13") that makes minor changes to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The guidance eliminates requirements for certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial and adds new disclosure requirements that the FASB considers pertinent. ASU 2018-13 is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the Update on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans" ("ASU 2018-14") that makes minor changes to the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance eliminates requirements for certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial and adds new disclosure requirements that the FASB considers pertinent. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 for public entities. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the Update on our consolidated financial statements, but do not expect it to have a material impact.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract" ("ASU 2018-15") requiring a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal use software guidance in ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets. Capitalized implementation costs related to a hosting arrangement that is a service contract will be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, beginning when the module or component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. ASU 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years for public entities. Early adoption is permitted. We currently believe that the adoption of this Update will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements offinancial statements.



income. We are continuing to assess the potential impacts of ASU 2016-02 and currently expect the most significant impact will be the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. We expect our accounting for capital leases to remain substantially unchanged.

3. REVENUE
 
On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under ASC Topic 605.

We recorded an increase to opening retained earnings of $798 (net of tax of $276) as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to the recognition of bill and hold transactions that were deferred under ASC Topic 605. The impact to revenue as a result of applying ASC Topic 606 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was a decrease of $2,008 and $1,697, respectively.

In accordance with the new revenue standard requirement, the disclosure impact of adoption on our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018 was as follows:

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2018
(Stated in thousands)As Reported Balance without Adoption Effect of Change
Net sales$1,832,332
 $1,834,340
 $(2,008)
Cost of merchandise sold1,481,176
 1,483,148
 (1,972)
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2018
(Stated in thousands)As Reported Balance without Adoption Effect of Change
Net sales$3,469,984
 $3,471,681
 $(1,697)
Cost of merchandise sold2,807,409
 2,809,031
 (1,622)


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
 June 30, 2018
(Stated in thousands)As Reported Balance without Adoption Effect of Change
Merchandise inventory$619,302
 $627,141
 $(7,839)
Other current assets26,530
 26,806
 (276)
Other non-current liabilities21,237
 30,075
 (8,838)
Retained earnings674,562
 673,764
 798

The following table summarizes the percentages of our net sales attributable to each of our vertical markets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 2017:2018:
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
March 31,
2018
 2017
 2018
 2017
2019
 2018
Construction59.2% 58.6% 58.9% 58.4%59.8% 58.7%
Industrial & Utility20.7
 22.1
CIG21.8
 21.8
 22.0
 21.9
19.5
 19.2
Industrial & Utility19.0
 19.6
 19.1
 19.7
Total net sales100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0%

We had no material contract assets, contract liabilities, or deferred contract costs recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30,March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. In addition, for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018, revenue recognized in the reporting period that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period is not material.

Revenue expected to be recognized in any future year related to remaining performance obligations is not material. As permitted in ASC Topic 606, we have elected to omit disclosure related to performance obligations for revenue pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less, to contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced and to contracts with variable consideration related to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations,obligations.

4. INCOME TAXES
 
The provision for income taxes includes effects from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) for changes that became effective January 1, 2018. We have incorporated provisional estimates for these new TCJA provisions as part of our forecasted annual effective tax rate. For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, we have not recorded any adjusted tax impacts with respect to provisional amounts previously recorded at December 31, 2017 for deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. We are still refining our calculations and interpreting recent guidance on both the federal and state level which could change these provisional tax amounts. No material changes are anticipated.

We determine our deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of our assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted applicable tax rates.  We then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance.  Changes in the valuation allowance, when recorded, are included in the provision for income taxes in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Our unrecognized tax benefits of $2,545$2.7 million and $2,318$2.6 million at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, are uncertain tax positions that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  We are periodically engaged in tax return examinations, reviewsthe review of statute of limitationslimitation periods, and settlements surrounding income taxes. We do not anticipate a material change in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

We classify interest expense and penalties as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest/interest and underpayment percentages.  We have accrued $1,0620.5 million and $9830.4 million in interest and penalties at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018, respectively.  Interest was computed on the difference between the provision for income taxes recognized in accordance with GAAP and the amount of benefit previously taken or expected to be taken in our federal, state, and local income tax returns.
 
Our federal income tax returns for the tax years 20142015 and forward are available for examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  The statute of limitations for the 20142015 federal return will expire on September 15, 2018,2019, unless extended by consent. Our state income tax returns for 20132014 through 20172018 remain subject to examination by various state authorities with the latest period closing on December 31, 2022.2023.  We have not extended the statutes of limitations in any state jurisdictions with respect to years prior to 2013.2014.

5. CAPITAL STOCK
Our common stock is 100% owned by active and retired employees, and there is no public trading market for our common stock.  Since 1928, substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock have been held of record by voting trustees under successive voting trust agreements. Under applicable New York law, a voting trust may not have a term greater than ten years. Accordingly, a new Voting Trust Agreement was established effective March 3, 2017, which expires by its terms on March 1, 2027. At June 30, 2018, approximately 82% of the total shares of common stock was held in the voting trust. The participation of shareholders in the voting trust is voluntary at the time the voting trust is created, but is irrevocable during its term. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the voting trust hold their common stock as shareholders of record. Shareholders may elect to participate in the voting trust at any time during the term of the voting trust.

No holder of our common stock or voting trust interests representing our common stock ("common stock", "common shares", or "shares") may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares without first offering us the option to purchase those shares at the price at which they were issued.  Additionally, before the shareholder action described in the next sentence became effective, a shareholder was entitled to any cash dividends accrued for the quarter in which the purchase offer is made, adjusted pro rata for the number of days such shares were held prior to the dividend record date. On June 8, 2017, the shareholders voted to remove this adjustment for accruing dividends on the common stock. We also have the option to purchase at the issue price the common shares of any shareholder who ceases to be an employee for any reason other than death or "retirement" (as


defined in our amended restated certificate of incorporation), and on the first anniversary of any holder's death. In the past, we have always exercised these purchase options, and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. However, we can make no assurance that we will continue to exercise our purchase option in the future.  All outstanding shares have been issued at $20.00 per share.

Cash dividends declared were $5,863 and $5,318 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash dividends declared were $11,737 and $10,624 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

We also have authorized 10,000,000 shares of Delegated Authority Preferred Stock (“preferred stock”), par value one cent ($0.01). The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, with the designations, relative rights, preferences, and limitations of shares of each such series being fixed by a resolution of our Board of Directors. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
6. DEBT
 
Revolving Credit Facility

At June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017,2018, we, along with Graybar Canada Limited, our Canadian operating subsidiary (“("Graybar Canada”Canada"), had an unsecured, five-year, $550,000$750.0 million revolving credit agreement maturing in June 2019August 2023 with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders named therein (the "Credit Agreement"), which includes a combined letter of credit sub-facility of up to $50,000,$25.0 million, a U.S. swing lineswing-line loan facility of up to $50,000,$75.0 million, and a Canadian swing lineswing-line loan facility of up to $20,000.$20.0 million. The Credit Agreement includes a $100,000$100.0 million sublimit (in U.S. or Canadian dollars) for borrowings by Graybar Canada andCanada.  The Credit Agreement contains an accordion feature, which allows us to request increases toin the aggregate borrowing commitments of up to $300,000.$375.0 million. 

We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2017.2018.

There were $230,000$220.0 million and $169,643$235.0 million in short-term borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018, respectively.



Short-term borrowings outstanding during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 20172018 ranged from a minimum of $140,000$120.0 million and $112,292$140.0 million to a maximum of $242,000$250.0 million and $229,782,$234.0 million, respectively.

We had total letters of credit of $5,371 outstanding, none of which were issued under the Credit Agreement at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The letters of credit are issued primarily to support certain workers' compensation insurance policies.

At June 30, 2018March 31, 2019, we had unused lines of credit under the Credit Agreement amounting to $320,000$529.5 million available, compared to $380,357$515.0 million at December 31, 20172018.  These lines are available to meet our short-term cash requirements and are subject to annual fees of up to 40 basis points (0.40%).

Interest expense, net was $1,699$1.8 million and $1,068$1.4 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively. Interest expense, net was $3,110 and $1,865 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
 
Private Placement Shelf Agreements

We have an uncommitted $100,000$100.0 million private placement shelf agreement with PGIM, Inc. (the "Prudential Shelf Agreement"), which is expected to allow us to issue senior promissory notes to affiliates of PGIM, Inc. at fixed rate terms to be agreed upon at the time of any issuance during a three-year issuance period ending in August 2020. No notes had been issued under the Prudential Shelf Agreement as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
We also have an uncommitted $100,000$100.0 million private placement shelf agreement (the “MetLife"MetLife Shelf Agreement”Agreement") with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC and each other affiliate of MetLife that becomes a party to the agreement (collectively, “MetLife”"MetLife"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, theThe MetLife Shelf Agreement is expected to allow us to issue senior promissory notes to MetLife at fixed or floating rate economic terms to be agreed upon at the time of any issuance during a three-year issuance period ending in September 2019. No notes have been issued under the MetLife Shelf Agreement, which ranks equally with the Company’s Credit Agreement and Prudential Shelf Agreement, as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


August 2021.

We have agreed toremain obligated under a most favored lender clause which is designed to ensure that any notes in the future under the Prudential Shelf Agreement and MetLife Shelf Agreement will continue to be of equal ranking with indebtedness under our Credit Agreement.

No notes have been issued under either the Prudential Shelf Agreement or the MetLife Shelf Agreement as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
Each shelf agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Company and the applicable lender, and customary events of default.default and affirmative and negative covenants, customary for agreements of this type.  These covenants are substantially similar to those contained in the Credit Agreement, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the applicable shelf agreement. All outstanding obligations of Graybar under one or both of these agreements may be declared immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of an event of default.
 
We were in compliance with all covenants under the shelf agreementsPrudential Shelf Agreement and the MetLife Shelf Agreement as of June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018.

Letters of Credit

We had total letters of credit of $5.6 million outstanding at March 31, 2019, of which $0.5 million were issued under the Credit Agreement. We had total letters of credit of $5.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2018, of which none were issued under the Credit Agreement. The letters of credit are issued primarily to support certain workers' compensation insurance policies.

6. LEASES

We have operating and finance leases for corporate offices, warehouse buildings, sales offices, branch locations, vehicles, and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one to ten years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to five years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within one year. In addition to fixed lease payments, we incur variable lease charges that are recognized as incurred. These charges are primarily for maintenance and real estate taxes on leased facilities. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, assets recorded under finance leases net of accumulated depreciation were $9.4 million and $8.7 million, respectively.



The components of the lease expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2019
Operating lease cost $8.1
Finance lease cost:  
   Amortization of right-of-use assets 0.5
   Interest on lease liabilities 0.2
Total finance lease cost 0.7
Variable lease cost 2.3
Total lease cost $11.1

Supplemental balance sheet information at March 31, 2019 related to leases was as follows:
 March 31, 2019
Operating leases:  
Operating lease right-of-use assets $94.6
   
Current operating lease liabilities $26.0
Non-current operating lease liabilities 73.1
Total operating lease liabilities $99.1
   
Finance leases:  
Property, at cost $22.5
Less – accumulated depreciation and amortization 13.1
   Net property $9.4
   
Current obligations of finance leases $2.1
Finance leases, net of current obligations 8.7
   Total finance lease liabilities $10.8
   
Weighted average remaining lease term:  
Operating leases 5.1 years
Finance leases 5.6 years
Weighted average discount rate:  
Operating leases 3.6%
Finance leases 7.1%

Supplemental cash flow and other information for the three months ended March 31, 2019 related to leases was as follows:
 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:  
Operating cash flows from operating leases $8.0
Operating cash flows from finance leases 0.2
Financing cash flows from finance leases 2.1
   
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:  
Operating leases $9.8
Finance leases 1.2



Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:
 March 31, 2019
 Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Future minimum lease payments    
2019 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2019) $21.8
 $2.1
2020 24.9
 2.6
2021 18.8
 2.5
2022 14.3
 1.9
2023 10.0
 1.3
Thereafter 18.9
 3.0
Total future minimum lease payments $108.7
 $13.4
Less: imputed interest (9.6) (2.6)
Total lease obligation $99.1
 $10.8
Less: current obligations (26.0) (2.1)
Long-term lease obligation $73.1
 $8.7

Disclosures related to periods prior to adoption of Leases (Topic 842)

Rental expense was $29.4 million, $27.3 million, and $25.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have either initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:
For the Years Ending December 31,Minimum Rental Payments
2019$30.0
202021.9
202116.4
202212.3
20238.8
After 202317.3

7. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
We have a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the "Pension Plan") covering substantially all employees first hired prior to July 1, 2015 after the completion of one year of service and 1,000 hours of service.  The planPension Plan provides retirement benefits based on an employee’s average earnings and years of service.  These employees become 100% vested after three years of service, regardless of age.  A supplemental benefit plan provides nonqualified pension benefits for compensation in excess of the IRS compensation limits applicable to the planPension Plan and otherwise eligible compensation deferred.deferred by a participant.

Our plan funding policy is to make contributions to the Pension Plan, provided that the total annual contributions will not be less than ERISA and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 minimums or greater than the maximum tax-deductible amount, to review the contribution and funding strategy on a regular basis, and to allow discretionary contributions to be made by us from time to time.  The assets of the defined benefit pension planPension Plan are invested primarily in fixed income investments and equity securities. We pay nonqualified pension benefits when they are due according to the terms of the supplemental benefit plan.

We provide certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits to retired employees. Substantially all of our employees hired or rehired prior to 2014 may become eligible for postretirement medical benefits if they reach the age and service requirements of the retiree medical plan and retire on a pension (except a deferred pension) under the defined benefit pension plan.Pension Plan. Medical benefits are self-insured and claims are administered through a third party administrator. The cost of coverage is determined based on the annual projected plan costs. The participant's premium or cost is determined based on Company guidelines. Postretirement life insurance benefits are insured through an insurance company. We fund postretirement benefits as incurred, and accordingly, there were no assets held in the postretirement benefits plan at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018.



The net periodic benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 20172018 includes the following components: 

Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost2018
2017
 2018
2017
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:     
Service cost$7,167
$6,508
 $584
$588
          Total selling, general, and administrative expenses$7,167
$6,508
 $584
$588
Non-operating expenses:     
Interest cost6,686
6,909
 669
722
Expected return on plan assets(7,856)(7,590) 

Amortization of:

 

Net actuarial loss6,522
5,451
 201
169
Prior service cost (gain)84
110
 (478)(540)
          Total non-operating expenses$5,436
$4,880
 $392
$351
Net periodic benefit cost$12,603
$11,388
 $976
$939
      
 


   
Pension Benefits Postretirement BenefitsPension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost2018
2017
 2018
2017
2019
2018
 2019
2018
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:       
Service cost$14,267
$13,208
 $1,159
$1,163
$6.5
$7.1
 $0.5
$0.6
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses$14,267
$13,208
 $1,159
$1,163
$6.5
$7.1
 $0.5
$0.6
Non-operating expenses:      
Interest cost13,661
13,909
 1,319
1,422
7.6
7.0
 0.8
0.7
Expected return on plan assets(15,931)(15,315) 

(8.6)(8.1) 

Amortization of:   
 
Net actuarial loss13,247
10,751
 426
394
4.9
6.7
 0.1
0.2
Prior service cost (gain)159
210
 (978)(1,090)
0.1
 
(0.5)
Total non-operating expenses$11,136
$9,555
 $767
$726
$3.9
$5.7
 $0.9
$0.4
Net periodic benefit cost$25,403
$22,763
 $1,926
$1,889
$10.4
$12.8
 $1.4
$1.0
We made qualified and nonqualified pension contributions totaling $10,002$1.7 million and $18,002$11.6 million during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 20172018, respectively. Contributions made during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 totaled $21,623 and $37,586, respectively. Additional contributions expected to be paid during the remainder of 2018 total $20,003,2019 are not expected to be material, but the amount may change at our discretion.

8. CAPITAL STOCK
Our common stock is 100% owned by active and retired employees, and there is no public trading market for our common stock.  Since 1928, substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock have been held of record by voting trustees under successive voting trust agreements. A new Voting Trust Agreement was established effective March 3, 2017, which expires by its terms on March 1, 2027. At March 31, 2019, approximately 83% of the total shares of common stock was held in the voting trust. The participation of shareholders in the voting trust is voluntary at the time the voting trust is created, but is irrevocable during its term. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the voting trust hold their common stock as shareholders of record. Shareholders may elect to participate in the voting trust at any time during the term of the voting trust.

No holder of our common stock or voting trust interests representing our common stock ("common stock", "common shares", or "shares") may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares without first offering us the option to purchase those shares at the price at which they were issued.  We also have the option to purchase at the issue price the common shares of any shareholder who ceases to be an employee for any reason other than death or "retirement" (as defined in our amended restated certificate of incorporation), and on the first anniversary of any holder's death. In the past, we have always exercised these purchase options, and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. However, we can make no assurance that we will continue to exercise our purchase option in the future.  All outstanding shares have been issued at $20.00 per share.

Cash dividends paid were $6.5 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We also have authorized 10,000,000 shares of Delegated Authority Preferred Stock (“preferred stock”), par value one cent ($0.01). The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, with the designations, relative rights, preferences, and limitations of shares of each such series being fixed by a resolution of our Board of Directors. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.



9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)LOSS

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss for the three months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 20172018:
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2018
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2017
  Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items
  Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:            
Non-operating expenses $6,723
 $(394) $6,329
 $5,620
 $(430) $5,190
Tax (benefit) expense (1,731) 101
 (1,630) (2,186) 167
 (2,019)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $4,992
 $(293) $4,699
 $3,434
 $(263) $3,171



The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2018
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2019
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2018
 Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items Amortization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Items
 Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total Actuarial Losses Recognized Prior Service Costs Recognized Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:                        
Non-operating expenses $13,673
 $(819) $12,854
 $11,145
 $(880) $10,265
 $5.0
 $
 $5.0
 $6.9
 $(0.4) $6.5
Tax (benefit) expense (3,520) 210
 (3,310) (4,335) 342
 (3,993) (1.3) 
 (1.3) (1.8) 0.1
 (1.7)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $10,153
 $(609) $9,544
 $6,810
 $(538) $6,272
 $3.7
 $
 $3.7
 $5.1
 $(0.3) $4.8

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss for the three months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 20172018:
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2018
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2017
  Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total
Beginning balance April 1 $(7,078) $(240,707) $(247,785) $(9,752) $(183,156) $(192,908)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (1,675) 
 (1,675) 2,204
 
 2,204
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(1,630) and $(2,019)) 
 4,699
 4,699
 
 3,171
 3,171
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (1,675) 4,699
 3,024
 2,204
 3,171
 5,375
Ending balance June 30 $(8,753) $(236,008) $(244,761) $(7,548) $(179,985) $(187,533)

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
  Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2018
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2017
  Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total
Beginning balance January 1, $(4,602) $(245,552) $(250,154) $(10,343) $(186,257) $(196,600)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (4,151) 
 (4,151) 2,795
 
 2,795
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(3,310) and $(3,993)) 
 9,544
 9,544
 
 6,272
 6,272
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (4,151) 9,544
 5,393
 2,795
 6,272
 9,067
Ending balance June 30 $(8,753) $(236,008) $(244,761) $(7,548) $(179,985) $(187,533)



9. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

We consider properties to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met: (i) a formal commitment to a plan to sell a property has been made and exercised; (ii) the property is available for sale in its present condition; (iii) actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated; (iv) sale of the property is probable and we expect the sale will occur within one year; and (v) the property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we record the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and depreciation of the property ceases. There were no assets held for sale at June 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, we sold assets classified as held for sale with a net book value of $464 and recorded a net gain on the assets held for sale of $197 in other income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income. There were no assets held for sale at June 30, 2017.

We review long-lived assets held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For assets classified as held and used, impairment may occur if projected undiscounted cash flows are not adequate to cover the carrying value of the assets. In such cases, additional analysis is conducted to determine the amount of the loss to be recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its estimated fair value. The analysis requires estimates of the amount and timing of projected cash flows and, where applicable, selection of an appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed necessary.

For assets held for sale, impairment occurs whenever the net book value of the property listed for sale exceeds the expected selling price less estimated selling expenses. There were no impairment charges recorded during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.
  Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2019
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2018
  Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total Foreign Currency Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Total
Beginning balance January 1 $(12.4) $(227.9) $(240.3) $(4.6) $(245.5) $(250.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 2.0
 
 2.0
 (2.5) 
 (2.5)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(1.3) and $(1.7)) 
 3.7
 3.7
 
 4.8
 4.8
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2.0
 3.7
 5.7
 (2.5) 4.8
 2.3
Ending balance March 31 $(10.4) $(224.2) $(234.6) $(7.1) $(240.7) $(247.8)

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Graybar and our subsidiaries are subject to various claims, disputes, and administrative and legal matters incidental to our past and current business activities.  As a result, contingencies may arise resulting from an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible loss.
 
Estimated loss contingencies are accrued only if the loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  With respect to a particular loss contingency, it may be probable that a loss has occurred but the estimate of the loss is a wide range.  If we deem an amount within the range to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount will be accrued.  However, if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount of the range is accrued.  While we believe that none of these claims, disputes, administrative, and legal matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, these matters are uncertain and we cannot at this time determine whether the financial impact, if any, of these matters will be material to our results of operations in the period in which such matters are resolved or a better estimate becomes available.



Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and our audited consolidated financial statements, notes thereto, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 20172018, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for such period as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).  The results shown herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future periods.
 
Certain statements, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”), Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believes”, “projects”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “strategy”, “plan”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “will be”, “will continue”, “will likely result”, and other similar expressions.  We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA.  Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.  Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.  Factors which could have a material adverse impact on our operations and future prospects on a consolidated basis include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, particularly in the residential, commercial, and industrial building construction industries; volatility in the prices of industrial commodities; a sustained interruption in the operation of our information systems; cyber-attacks; increased funding requirements and expenses related to our pension plan; disruptions in our sources of supply; the inability, or limitations on our ability to borrow under our existing credit facilities or any replacements thereof; adverse legal proceedings or other claims; compliance with changing governmental regulations; and the inability, or limitations on our ability, to raise debt or equity capital.  These risks and uncertainties should also be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by applicable securities law.  Further information concerning our business, including additional factors that could materially impact our financial results, is included herein and in our other filings with the Commission.  Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, a number of which are outlined in Item 1A., “Risk Factors”, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172018.

All dollar amounts, except per share data, are stated in thousands ($000s)millions in the following discussion and accompanying tables.
 
Background
 
Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (“Graybar”, “Company”, "we", "our", or "us") is a New York corporation, incorporated in 1925.  We are engaged in the distribution of electrical and communications and data networking products and are a provider of related supply chain management and logistics services. We primarily serve customers in the construction, industrial & utility and commercial, institutional and government ("CIG") vertical markets, with products and services that support new construction, infrastructure updates, building renovation, facility maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO"), and original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"). We purchase all the products we sell from others, and we neither manufacture nor contract to manufacture any products we sell.  Our business activity is primarily based in the United States ("U.S.").  We also have subsidiary operations with distribution facilities in Canada and Puerto Rico.
 
Our common stock is 100% owned by active and retired employees, and there is no public trading market for our common stock.  No holder of our common stock or voting trust interests representing our common stock (“common stock”, “common shares”, or “shares”) may sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any shares without first offering us the option to purchase those shares at the price at which they were issued.  Additionally, before the shareholder action described in the next sentence became effective, a shareholder was entitled to any cash dividends accrued for the quarter in which the purchase offer is made, adjusted pro rata for the number of days such shares were held prior to the dividend record date. On June 8, 2017, the shareholders voted to remove this adjustment for accruing dividends on the common stock. We also have the option to purchase at the issue price the common shares of any shareholder who ceases to be an employee for any reason other than death or "retirement" (as defined in our amended restated certificate of incorporation), and on the first anniversary of any holder's death. In the past, we have always exercised these purchase options, and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future.  However, we can make no assurance that we will continue to exercise our purchase option in the future. All outstanding shares have been issued at $20.00 per share.


Business Overview

OurThe strong sales performance we experienced in 2018 continued into the first quarter of 2019, producing the highest first quarter net sales and net income in Company history.


Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2018 set a new quarterly sales record for the Company. Net sales for the second quarter of 2018 totaled $1,832,332, an increase of $119,452, or 7.0%,March 31, 2019 were $1,777.8 million, compared to net sales of $1,712,880 for the second quarter of 2017. We believe this increase is a result of our continued investment in people, technology and service innovation.

Gross margin increased $28,263, or 8.8% to $351,156$1,637.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $322,893 for the second quarterMarch 31, 2018. This represents an increase of 2017.$140.1 million, or 8.6%. Gross margin rate was 19.2%increased $27.3 million, or 8.8%, to $338.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 18.9%March 31, 2019, from $311.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in gross margin rate was a result of our pricing and product diversification initiatives.

Net income attributable to Graybar for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $44,492, which was $11,158, or 33.5%, higher than net income attributable to Graybar of $33,334 for the same period last year.

Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $3,469,984, an increase of $226,533, or 7.0%, from net sales of $3,243,451 for the same six-month period last year. Gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $662,575, an increase of $39,853, or 6.4%, compared to gross margin of $622,722 for the same six-month period last year. Gross margin rate wasincreased to 19.1% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, compared to 19.2%March 31, 2019 from 19.0% for the six-monthsame period ended June 30, 2017.in 2018. Net income attributable to Graybar was $34.3 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019, and was $65,585, an increase of $14,570,$13.2 million, or 28.6%62.6%, from net income attributable to Graybar of $51,015 forhigher than the same six-month period last year. This increase was driven by growth in sales and profitability, combined with effective management of our selling, general and administrative expenses.

We believe our strategic emphasis on growth and innovation is producing positive results today and accelerating our progress for the future. As we look ahead,continue to pursue digital transformation, we will sustain our focusremain focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience, driving accelerated growthenhancing efficiency and transforming our business forproductivity in the future. We will continue to manage our business wisely to achieve profitable organic growth, while we seek out new opportunities that will enhance our long-term performance and strengthen our position as a leader in supply chain, innovation.

and positioning our Company for continued success.
Consolidated Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

The following tables settable sets forth certain information relating to our operations stated in thousandsmillions of dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 20172018:
 Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
 Dollars
 Percent
 Dollars
 Percent
Net Sales$1,832,332
 100.0 % $1,712,880
 100.0 %
Cost of merchandise sold(1,481,176) (80.8) (1,389,987) (81.1)
Gross Margin351,156
 19.2
 322,893
 18.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses(270,768) (14.8) (252,107) (14.7)
Depreciation and amortization(12,358) (0.7) (12,144) (0.7)
Other income, net652
 
 3,521
 0.2
Income from Operations68,682
 3.7
 62,163
 3.7
Non-operating expenses(7,527) (0.4) (6,299) (0.4)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes61,155
 3.3
 55,864
 3.3
Provision for income taxes(16,574) (0.9) (22,463) (1.4)
Net Income44,581
 2.4
 33,401
 1.9
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(89) 
 (67) 
Net Income attributable to
Graybar Electric Company, Inc.
$44,492
 2.4 % $33,334
 1.9 %




 Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
 Dollars
 Percent
 Dollars
 Percent
Net Sales$3,469,984
 100.0 % $3,243,451
 100.0 %
Cost of merchandise sold(2,807,409) (80.9) (2,620,729) (80.8)
Gross Margin662,575
 19.1
 622,722
 19.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses(534,129) (15.4) (505,102) (15.6)
Depreciation and amortization(24,415) (0.7) (24,020) (0.7)
Other income, net1,416
 
 4,129
 0.1
Income from Operations105,447
 3.0
 97,729
 3.0
Non-operating expenses(15,013) (0.4) (12,146) (0.3)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes90,434
 2.6
 85,583
 2.7
Provision for income taxes(24,689) (0.7) (34,459) (1.1)
Net Income65,745
 1.9
 51,124
 1.6
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(160) 
 (109) 
Net Income attributable to
Graybar Electric Company, Inc.
$65,585
 1.9 % $51,015
 1.6 %

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018
 Dollars
 Percent
 Dollars
 Percent
Net Sales$1,777.8
 100.0 % $1,637.7
 100.0 %
Cost of merchandise sold(1,439.1) (80.9) (1,326.3) (81.0)
Gross Margin338.7
 19.1
 311.4
 19.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses(273.5) (15.5) (263.3) (16.1)
Depreciation and amortization(12.5) (0.7) (12.1) (0.7)
Other income, net1.3
 0.1
 0.8
 
Income from Operations54.0
 3.0
 36.8
 2.2
Non-operating expenses(6.6) (0.4) (7.5) (0.4)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes47.4
 2.6
 29.3
 1.8
Provision for income taxes(13.0) (0.7) (8.1) (0.5)
Net Income34.4
 1.9
 21.2
 1.3
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(0.1) 
 (0.1) 
Net Income attributable to
Graybar Electric Company, Inc.
$34.3
 1.9 % $21.1
 1.3 %
 
Net sales increased to $1,832,332$1,777.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to $1,712,880$1,637.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, an increase of $119,452,$140.1 million, or 7.0%8.6%.  Net sales in our construction, CIG, and industrial & utility and CIG vertical markets increased for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to the same three-month period of 20172018 by 8.2%10.9%, 6.4%10.7%, and 3.8%0.7%, respectively.
 
Gross margin increased $28,263,$27.3 million, or 8.8%, to $351,156$338.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, from $322,893$311.4 million for the same period in 2017.2018. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to increased net sales in the secondfirst quarter of 2018.2019. Our gross margin as a percent of net sales was 19.2%19.1% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019, compared to 19.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 18.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in gross margin rate was a result of our pricing and product diversification initiatives.March 31, 2018.
 
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased$18,661, $10.2 million, or 7.4%3.9%, to $270,768$273.5 million in the secondfirst quarter of 20182019 from $252,107$263.3 million in the secondfirst quarter of 2017,2018, due primarily to higher compensation and benefit relatedbenefit-related costs.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales totaled 14.8%15.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 14.7%March 31, 2019, down from 16.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 increased$214, $0.4 million, or 1.8%3.3%, to $12,358$12.5 million from $12,144$12.1 million in the secondfirst quarter of 2017.2018. The increase was due to an increase in property, at cost. Total property, at cost, at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 was $979,602,$993.9 million, an increase of $25,627,$24.1 million, or 2.7%2.5%, when compared to total property, at cost, at June 30, 2017March 31, 2018 of $953,975.$969.8 million. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net sales remained constant at 0.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 2017.2018.



Other income, net totaled $652$1.3 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to $3,521$0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.  Other income, net consists primarily of gains or losses on the disposal of property, trade receivable interest charges to customers, and other miscellaneous income items related to our business activities. The decrease in other income, net was primarily due to a favorable settlement of a prior claim received during the three months ended June 30, 2017 that was not repeated during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Non-operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018, increased $1,228,March 31, 2019 declined $0.9 million, or 19.5%12.0%, to $7,527$6.6 million from $6,299$7.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. The increasedecrease was due to increasesdecreases in interest expense, net of $631 and non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs of $597$1.3 million, partially offset by an increase in interest expense, net of $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to the same three-month period in 2017.2018. The increase in interest expense, net was due to higher interest rates and higher levels of average outstanding short-term borrowings for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to the same three-month period in 2017.2018.

Income before provision for income taxes totaled $61,155$47.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, an increase of $5,291,$18.1 million, or 9.5%61.8%, from $55,864$29.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to our growth in gross margin outpacing our growth in SG&A expenses and depreciation and amortization, and non-operating expenses.


amortization.

Our total provision for income taxes decreased $5,889,increased $4.9 million, or 26.2%60.5%, to $16,574$13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to $22,463$8.1 million for the same period of 2017.2018.  The decreaseincrease in our provision for income taxes quarter over quarter is primarily due to the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21.0% as part of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") signed into law in the fourth quarter of 2017. As a result of the TCJA, ourincreased pretax income. Our effective tax rate was 27.1%27.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to 40.2%27.7% for the same period of 2017.2018. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state, local and foreign income taxes.
 
Net income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for the three months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 increased $11,158,$13.2 million, or 33.5%62.6%, to $44,492$34.3 million from $33,334$21.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net sales increased to $3,469,984 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, compared to $3,243,451 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2017, an increase of $226,533, or 7.0%.  Net sales in our construction, industrial & utility, and CIG vertical markets increased by 7.8%, 7.7%, and 3.8%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same six-month period of 2017.
Gross margin increased $39,853, or 6.4%, to $662,575 from $622,722 primarily due to increased net sales in the first six months of 2018, compared to the same period of 2017.  Our gross margin as a percent of net sales totaled 19.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, down from 19.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in gross margin rate was caused by supplier cost increases as well as increased competitive pricing pressures during the six months ended June 30, 2018.
SG&A expenses increased $29,027, or 5.7%, to $534,129, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, compared to $505,102 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2017, due primarily to higher compensation and benefit related costs for the six months ended June 30, 2018.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 15.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, down from 15.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Depreciation and amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased $395, or 1.6%, to $24,415 from $24,020 for the same six-month period in 2017, due to an increase in property, at cost. Total property, at cost, at June 30, 2018 was $979,602, an increase of $25,627, or 2.7%, when compared to total property, at cost, at June 30, 2017 of $953,975. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net sales remained constant at 0.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.
Other income, net totaled $1,416 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, compared to $4,129 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  Other income, net consists primarily of gains on the disposal of property, trade receivable interest charges to customers, and other miscellaneous income items related to our business activities.  The decrease in other income, net was due to a favorable settlement of a prior claim received during the six months ended June 30, 2017 that was not repeated during the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Non-operating expenses increased $2,867, or 23.6%, to $15,013 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $12,146 for the same period of 2017. The increase was due to increases in non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs of $1,622 and interest expense, net of $1,245 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same six-month period in 2017. The increase in interest expense, net was due to higher interest rates and higher levels of average outstanding short-term borrowings for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same six-month period in 2017.

Income before provision for income taxes totaled $90,434 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, an increase of $4,851, or 5.7%, from $85,583 for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to our growth in gross margin outpacing our increases in SG&A expenses, depreciation and amortization, and non-operating expenses.
Our total provision for income taxes decreased $9,770, or 28.4%, to $24,689 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $34,459 for the same period in 2017.  The decrease in our provision for income taxes is due to the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21.0% as part of the enactment of the TCJA. Our year-to-date effective tax rate was 27.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 40.3% for the same period in 2017 as a result of the TCJA.
Net income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 increased $14,570, or 28.6%, to $65,585 from $51,015 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.




Financial Condition and Liquidity
 
We manage our liquidity and capital levels so that we have the capability to invest in the growth of our business, meet debt service obligations, finance anticipated capital expenditures, pay dividends, make benefit payments, finance information technology needs, fund acquisitions and finance other miscellaneous cash outlays. We believe that maintaining a strong company financial condition enables us to competitively access multiple financing channels, maintain an optimal cost of capital and enable our companyenables us to invest in strategic long-term growth plans.

We have historically funded our working capital requirements using cash flows generated by the collection of trade receivables and trade accounts payable terms with our suppliers, supplemented by short-term bank lines of credit.  Capital expenditures have been financed primarily by cash from working capital management and short-term bank lines of credit and long-term debt.credit.

Our cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 were $47,084,$85.0 million, compared to $42,757$58.9 million at December 31, 2017,2018, an increase of $4,327,$26.1 million, or 10.1%44.3%. Our short-term borrowings increaseddecreased by $60,357,$15.0 million, or 35.6%6.4%, during the six-monththree-month period to $230,000$220.0 million at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 from $169,643$235.0 million at December 31, 2017, primarily as a result of higher working capital investment required to support operating activities due to the growth in sales and due to funding of employee benefits, all funded via short-term lines of credit.2018. Current assets exceeded current liabilities by $541,076$561.5 million at June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, an increase of $45,580,$19.5 million, or 9.2%3.6%, from $495,496$542.0 million at December 31, 2017.2018.  

Operating Activities
 
Cash usedflows provided by operationsoperating activities for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 was $25,489,$50.5 million, compared to cash usedprovided by operationsoperating activities of $43,060$21.1 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. Cash usedprovided by operationsoperating activities for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to net income of $65,745$34.4 million, an increase in collections of trade receivables of $62.8 million from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019, and an increase in trade accounts payable of $58,056$30.1 million from December 31, 20172018 to June 30, 2018, more thanMarch 31, 2019, partially offset by an increase in trade receivables of $87,929 from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018 and an increase in merchandise inventory levels of $43,260$37.6 million during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018, bothMarch 31, 2019 to support the increase in net sales, as well as a decrease in accrued payroll benefitsand benefit costs of $43,540$48.7 million from December 31, 20172018 to June 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.

The average number of days of sales in trade receivables for the six-monththree-month period ended June 30, 2018 increased moderatelyMarch 31, 2019 improved modestly compared to the same six-monththree-month period ended June 30, 2017, due to a higher increase in trade receivables for the first six months of 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017.March 31, 2018. The days in inventory remained relatively flatincreased moderately for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to the sixthree months ended June 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.






Investing Activities
 
Net cash used by investing activities totaled $19,012$4.9 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $15,993$7.8 million for the same six-monththree-month period in 2017, an increase2018, a decrease of $3,019,$2.9 million, or 18.9%37.2%. The increasedecrease was due to higherlower capital expenditures in the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to the sixthree months ended June 30, 2017. ProceedsMarch 31, 2018, partially offset by lower proceeds received on the disposal of property also decreased during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2017.2018.

Financing Activities
 
Net cash providedused by financing activities for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 totaled $48,828,$19.5 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $59,619$6.7 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, a decrease of $10,791,$26.2 million, or 18.1%391.0%. The decrease was primarily due to a smallerdecrease in short-term borrowings in the first quarter of 2019 compared to an increase in short-term borrowings and an increase in the purchasesfirst quarter of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.

Liquidity

We had a $550,000$750.0 million revolving credit facility with $320,000$529.5 million in available capacity at June 30, 2018March 31, 2019, compared to available capacity of $380,357$515.0 million at December 31, 20172018. At June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018, we also had two uncommitted $100,000$100.0 million private placement shelf agreements ("shelf agreements"Shelf Agreements"). The firstOne of the shelf agreementsShelf Agreements is expected to allow us to issue senior promissory notes to PGIM, Inc., at fixed rate terms to be agreed upon at the time of any issuance during a three-year issuance period ending in August 2020. The second of the shelf agreementsOur other Shelf Agreement is expected to allow us to issue senior promissory notes to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC and each other affiliate of MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC that becomes a party to the agreement, at fixed or floating rate terms to be agreed upon at the time of any issuance during a three-year issuance period ending in September 2019.August 2021.



We have not issued any notes under the shelf agreementsShelf Agreements as of June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018. For further discussion related to our revolving credit facility and our private placement shelf agreements,Shelf Agreements, refer to Note 6,5, "Debt", of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements located in Item 1.

We had total letters of credit of $5,371,$5.6 million outstanding noneat March 31, 2019, of which $0.5 million were issued under the $550,000 revolving credit facilityfacility. We had total letters of credit of $5.6 million outstanding at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.2018, of which none were issued under the revolving credit facility. The letters of credit are issued primarily to support certain workers' compensation insurance policies.

New Accounting Standards Updates
 
Our adoption of new accounting standards areis discussed in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements located in Item 1., "Financial Statements", of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
There have been no material changes in the policies, procedures, controls, or risk profile from those provided in Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172018.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.
 
(a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
 
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of June 30, 2018March 31, 2019, was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 


(b)  Changes in internal control over financial reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use Ofof Proceeds.
 
Our common stock is 100% owned by active and retired employees, and there is no public trading market for our common stock.  Since 1928, substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock have been held of record by voting trustees under successive voting trust agreements.  Under applicable New York law, a voting trust may not have a term greater than ten years.  Accordingly, aA new Voting Trust Agreement was established effective March 3, 2017, which expires by its terms on March 1, 2027. At June 30, 2018March 31, 2019, approximately 82%83% of the common stock was held in the voting trust.  The participation of shareholders in the voting trust is voluntary at the time the voting trust is created, but is irrevocable during its term.  Shareholders who elect not to participate in the voting trust hold their common stock as shareholders of record. Shareholders may elect to participate in the voting trust at any time during the term of the voting trust.
 
No holder of our common stock or voting trust interests representing our common stock ("common stock", "common shares", or "shares") may sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any shares without first offering us the option to purchase those shares at the price at which they were issued.  Additionally, before the shareholder action described in the next sentence became effective, a shareholder was entitled to any cash dividends accrued for the quarter in which the purchase offer is made, adjusted pro rata for the number of days such shares were held prior to the dividend record date. On June 8, 2017, the shareholders voted to remove this adjustment for accruing dividends on the common stock.  We also have the option to purchase at the issue price the common shares of any shareholder who ceases to be an employee for any cause other than death or "retirement" (as defined in our amended restated certificate of incorporation), and on the first anniversary of any holder's death.  In the past, we have always exercised these purchase options, and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future.  However, we can make no assurance that we will continue to exercise our purchase option in the future. All outstanding shares have been issued at $20.00 per share.
 
The following table sets forth information regarding purchases of common stock by the Company, all of which were made pursuant to the foregoing provisions:
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
April 1 - April 30, 2018 118,382
  $20.00 N/A
May 1 - May 31, 2018 39,628
  $20.00 N/A
June 1 - June 30, 2018 66,007
  $20.00 N/A
Total 224,017
  $20.00 N/A
Period 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
January 1 - January 31, 2019 80,260
  $20.00 N/A
February 1 - February 28, 2019 85,473
  $20.00 N/A
March 1 - March 31, 2019 110,417
  $20.00 N/A
Total 276,150
  $20.00 N/A
 


Item 6.  Exhibits.

3.1 
   
3.2 
   
4.2 
   
9 Voting Trust Agreement dated as of March 3, 2017, included at Exhibit 4.2 above.
   
31.1 
   
31.2 
   
32.1 
   
32.2 
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document




SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.
    
    
 July 31, 2018April 30, 2019 /s/ KATHLEEN M. MAZZARELLA
 Date Kathleen M. Mazzarella
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
    
 July 31, 2018April 30, 2019 /s/ RANDALL R. HARWOOD
 Date Randall R. Harwood
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)


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