| Retirement Plans And Postretirement Benefits | Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits Retirement Plans On February 26, 1991, we formed our own retirement plan covering substantially all our U.S. employees. Under our plan, covered employees earned benefit payments based primarily on their service credits and wages subsequent to February 26, 1991. Prior to that date, substantially all our U.S. employees were participants in the U.S. retirement plan of Union Carbide Corporation (“Union Carbide”). While service credit was frozen, covered employees continued to earn benefits under the Union Carbide plan based on their final average wages through February 26, 1991, adjusted for salary increases (not to exceed six percent per annum) through January 26, 1995, the date Union Carbide ceased to own a minimum 50% of the equity of GTI. The Union Carbide plan is responsible for paying retirement and death benefits earned as of February 26, 1991. Effective January 1, 2002, we established a defined contribution plan for U.S. employees. Certain employees had the option to remain in our defined benefit plan for an additional period of up to five years. Employees not covered by this option had their benefits under our defined benefit plan frozen as of December 31, 2001, and began participating in the defined contribution plan. Effective March 31, 2003, we curtailed our qualified benefit plan and the benefits were frozen as of that date for the U.S. employees who had the option to remain in our defined benefit plan. We also closed our non-qualified U.S. defined benefit plan for the participating salaried workforce. The employees began participating in the defined contribution plan as of April 1, 2003. Pension coverage for employees of foreign subsidiaries is provided, to the extent deemed appropriate, through separate plans. Obligations under such plans are systematically provided for by depositing funds with trustees, under insurance policies or by book reserves. The components of our consolidated net pension costs are set forth in the following table: For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ 1,297 $ 624 $ 1,315 $ 674 $ 1,305 $ 710 Interest cost 5,070 275 4,709 253 5,352 199 Expected return on assets (5,026 ) (424 ) (5,679 ) (330 ) (5,268 ) (299 ) Mark-to-market loss (gain) 205 3,302 2,473 503 (4,140 ) (53 ) Pension costs $ 1,546 $ 3,777 $ 2,818 $ 1,100 $ (2,751 ) $ 557 The mark-to-market loss in 2019 was the result of the unfavorable change in the discount rate, partially offset by better than expected return on plan assets, particularly for the U.S. plans. The mark-to-market loss in 2018 was the result of less than expected return on plan assets, partially offset by a favorable change to the discount rate. The mark-to-market gain in 2017 was the result of better than expected returns on plan assets and favorable changes to the mortality tables, partially offset by unfavorable changes to the discount rate. The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our pension plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of assets, and funded status at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are: As of As of U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Changes in Benefit Obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 126,985 $ 22,332 $ 139,746 $ 20,407 Service cost 1,297 624 1,315 674 Interest cost 5,070 275 4,709 253 Participant contributions — 417 — 392 Foreign currency exchange changes — 379 — (339 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 12,868 3,319 (8,297 ) 711 Benefits paid (10,410 ) 1,557 (10,488 ) 234 Net benefit obligation at end of period $ 135,810 $ 28,903 $ 126,985 $ 22,332 Changes in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 99,845 $ 15,354 $ 109,845 $ 13,618 Actual return on plan assets 17,689 441 (5,091 ) 538 Foreign currency exchange rate changes — 377 — (154 ) Employer contributions 708 834 5,579 726 Participant contributions — 417 — 392 Benefits paid (10,410 ) 1,557 (10,488 ) 234 Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ 107,832 $ 18,980 $ 99,845 $ 15,354 Funded status (underfunded): $ (27,978 ) $ (9,923 ) $ (27,140 ) $ (6,978 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Prior service credit $ — $ — $ — $ — Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position: Non-current assets $ — $ 37 $ — $ 147 Current liabilities (427 ) (43 ) (430 ) (117 ) Non-current liabilities (27,551 ) (9,917 ) (26,710 ) (7,008 ) Net amount recognized $ (27,978 ) $ (9,923 ) $ (27,140 ) $ (6,978 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $162.6 million and $147.6 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Plan Assets The accounting guidance on fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy based on the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques (Level 1, 2 and 3). See Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments", for a discussion of the fair value hierarchy. The following describes the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the investments: Cash and cash equivalents – Valued at cost. Cash equivalents are valued at net asset value as provided by the administrator of the fund. Foreign government bonds – Valued by the trustees using various pricing services of financial institutions. Equity securities – Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the security is traded. Fixed insurance contract – Valued at the present value of the guaranteed payment streams. Investment contracts – Valued at the total cost of annuity contracts purchased, adjusted for market differences from the date of purchase to year-end. Collective trusts – Valued at the net asset value provided by the administrator of the fund (the practical expedient). The net asset value is primarily based on quoted market prices of the underlying securities for which quoted market prices of the underlying securities of the funds. Some of the underlying investments include securities for which quoted market prices are not available and are valued using data obtained by the trustee from the best available source or market value. This method may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although we believe its valuation method is appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. The fair value of other plan assets by category is summarized below (dollars in thousands): As of December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total U.S. Plan Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,524 $ — $ — $ 1,524 International Plan Assets Foreign government bonds $ — $ 995 $ — $ 995 Fixed insurance contracts — — 17,985 17,985 Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $ — $ 995 $ 17,985 $ 18,980 Investments measured at net asset value $ 106,308 Total $ 1,524 $ 995 $ 17,985 $ 126,812 As of December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total U.S. Plan Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,978 $ — $ — $ 1,978 International Plan Assets Foreign government bonds $ — $ 958 $ — $ 958 Fixed insurance contracts — — 14,396 14,396 Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $ — $ 958 $ 14,396 $ 15,354 Investments measured at net asset value $ 97,867 Total $ 1,978 $ 958 $ 14,396 $ 115,199 The following table presents the changes for those financial instruments classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for international plan pension assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 (dollars in thousands): Fixed Insurance Contracts Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 12,787 Gain / contributions / currency impact 1,619 Distributions (10 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 14,396 Gain / contributions / currency impact 3,603 Distributions (14 ) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 17,985 We annually re-evaluate assumptions and estimates used in projecting pension assets, liabilities and expenses. These assumptions and estimates may affect the carrying value of pension assets, liabilities and expenses in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Assumptions used to determine net pension costs and projected benefit obligations are: Pension Benefit Obligations Key Assumptions As of December 31, 2019 2018 Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 2.59 % 3.71 % Rate of compensation increase 1.50 % 1.74 % Pension Cost Key Assumptions Weighted average assumptions to determine net cost: Discount rate 3.71 % 3.20 % Expected return on plan assets 4.92 % 4.94 % Rate of compensation increase 1.74 % 1.57 % We adjust our discount rate annually in relation to the rate at which the benefits could be effectively settled. Discount rates are set for each plan in reference to the yields available on AA-rated corporate bonds of appropriate currency and duration. The appropriate discount rate is derived by developing an AA-rated corporate bond yield curve in each currency. The discount rate for a given plan is the rate implied by the yield curve for the duration of that plan’s liabilities. In certain countries, where little public information is available on which to base discount rate assumptions, the discount rate is based on government bond yields or other indices and approximate adjustments to allow for the differences in weighted durations for the specific plans and/or allowance for assumed credit spreads between government and AA rated corporate bonds. The expected return on assets assumption represents our best estimate of the long-term return on plan assets and generally was estimated by computing a weighted average return of the underlying long-term expected returns on the different asset classes, based on the target asset allocations. The expected return on assets assumption is a long-term assumption that is expected to remain the same from one year to the next unless there is a significant change in the target asset allocation, the fees and expenses paid by the plan or market conditions. The rate of compensation increase assumption is generally based on salary increases. Plan Assets. The following table presents our retirement plan weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2019 , by asset category : Percentage of Plan Assets US Foreign Equity securities and return seeking assets 20 % — % Fixed income, debt securities, or cash 80 % 100 % Total 100 % 100 % Investment Policy and Strategy. The investment policy and strategy of the U.S. plan is to invest approximately 20% in equities and return seeking assets and approximately 80% in fixed income securities. Rebalancing is undertaken monthly. To the extent we maintain plans in other countries, target asset allocation is 100% fixed income investments. For each plan, the investment policy is set within both asset return and local statutory requirements. Information for our pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2019 follows: 2019 2018 U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 135,810 $ 26,829 $ 126,985 $ 20,601 Fair value of plan assets 107,832 17,985 99,845 14,396 Information for our pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2018 and 2019 follows: 2019 2018 U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Projected benefit obligation $ 135,810 $ 27,944 $ 126,985 $ 21,520 Fair value of plan assets 107,832 17,985 99,845 14,396 Following is our projected future pension plan cash flow by year: U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Expected contributions in 2020: Expected employer contributions $ 4,419 $ 737 Expected employee contributions — — Estimated future benefit payments reflecting expected future service for the years ending December 31: 2020 9,271 884 2021 9,240 870 2022 9,195 905 2023 9,145 1,038 2024 9,012 2,340 2025-2029 43,077 9,168 Post-Employment Benefit Plans We provide life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. These benefits are provided through various insurance companies. We accrue the estimated net postretirement benefit costs during the employees’ credited service periods. In July 2002, we amended our U.S. postretirement medical coverage. In 2003 and 2004, we discontinued the Medicare Supplement Plan (for retirees 65 years or older or those eligible for Medicare benefits). This change applied to all U.S. active employees and retirees. In June 2003, we announced the termination of the existing early retiree medical plan for retirees under age 65, effective December 31, 2005. In addition, we limited the amount of retiree’s life insurance after December 31, 2004. These modifications are accounted for prospectively. The impact of these changes is being amortized over the average remaining period to full eligibility of the related postretirement benefits. During 2009, we amended one of our U.S. plans to eliminate the life insurance benefit for certain non-pooled participants. The components of our consolidated net postretirement costs are set forth in the following table: For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ 1 $ — $ 2 Interest cost 269 684 264 700 333 653 Mark-to-market loss (gain) 585 100 (1,028 ) 47 (1,257 ) 742 Post-employment benefits (benefit) cost $ 854 $ 784 $ (764 ) $ 748 $ (924 ) $ 1,397 The reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of benefit obligations under, fair value of assets of, and the funded status of, our postretirement plans is set forth in the following table: Postretirement Benefits As of As of U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Changes in Benefit Obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 7,165 $ 10,661 $ 8,461 $ 12,172 Service cost — — — 1 Interest cost 269 684 264 700 Foreign currency exchange rates 340 — (1,333 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 585 100 (1,028 ) 47 Gross benefits paid (829 ) (831 ) (532 ) (926 ) Plan amendment — — — — Net benefit obligation at end of period $ 7,190 $ 10,954 $ 7,165 $ 10,661 Changes in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ — $ — $ — $ — Employer contributions 829 831 532 926 Gross benefits paid (829 ) (831 ) (532 ) (926 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ — $ — $ — $ — Funded status: $ (7,190 ) $ (10,954 ) $ (7,165 ) $ (10,661 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Prior service credit $ — $ — $ — $ — Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position: Current liabilities $ (723 ) $ (893 ) $ (783 ) $ (851 ) Non-current liabilities (6,467 ) (10,061 ) (6,382 ) (9,810 ) Net amount recognized $ (7,190 ) $ (10,954 ) $ (7,165 ) $ (10,661 ) We annually re-evaluate assumptions and estimates used in projecting the postretirement liabilities and expenses. These assumptions and estimates may affect the carrying value of postretirement plan liabilities and expenses in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Assumptions used to determine net postretirement benefit costs and postretirement projected benefit obligation are set forth in the following table: Postretirement Benefit Obligations 2019 2018 Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.65 % 5.57 % Health care cost trend on covered charges: Initial 6.14 % 6.53 % Ultimate 5.84 % 6.05 % Years to ultimate 6 8 Postretirement Benefit Costs 2019 2018 Weighted average assumptions to determine net cost: Discount rate 5.57 % 5.07 % Health care cost trend on covered charges: Initial 6.53 % 6.86 % Ultimate 6.05 % 6.23 % Years to ultimate 7 7 Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for our postretirement benefits. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects at December 31, 2019 : One Percentage Point Increase One Percentage Point Decrease U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Effect on total service cost and interest cost components $ — $ 49 $ — $ (42 ) Effect on benefit obligations $ 21 $ 465 $ (20 ) $ (409 ) Discount rates are set for each plan in reference to the yields available on AA-rated corporate bonds of appropriate currency and duration. The appropriate discount rate is derived by developing an AA-rated corporate bond yield curve in each currency. The discount rate for a given plan is the rate implied by the yield curve for the duration of that plan’s liabilities. In certain countries, where little public information is available on which to base discount rate assumptions, the discount rate is based on government bond yields or other indices and approximate adjustments to allow for the differences in weighted durations for the specific plans and/or allowance for assumed credit spreads between government and AA-rated corporate bonds. The following table represents projected future postretirement cash flow by year: U.S. Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Expected contributions in 2020: Expected employer contributions $ 723 $ 893 Expected employee contributions — — Estimated future benefit payments reflecting expected future service for the years ending December 31: 2020 723 893 2021 657 908 2022 596 904 2023 540 910 2024 492 924 2025-2029 1,984 4,689 Savings Plan Our employee savings plan provides eligible employees the opportunity for long-term savings and investment. The plan allows employees to contribute up to 5% of pay as a basic contribution and an additional 45% of pay as supplemental contribution. In 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the contributions to our savings plan were $2.1 million , $ 1.3 million and $1.6 million , respectively. |
