10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

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 York	13-0794380
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
34 North Meramec Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri	63105
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(314) 573 - 9200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

    Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
None	N/A	N/A

    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        NO 

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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        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    	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 

Common Stock Outstanding at October 15, 2020: 22,597,601

(Number of Shares)

Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Period Ended September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

Table of Contents

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION			Page
	Item 1.	Financial Statements
			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	3
			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
			Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	5
			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
			Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity	7
			Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		19
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		24
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		24
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors		25
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		25
	Item 6.	Exhibits		27
	Signatures			28

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Stated in millions, except per share data)	2020		2019		2020		2019
Net Sales	$	1,877.9	$	1,981.4	$	5,414.1	$	5,707.2
Cost of merchandise sold		(1,522.7)		(1,603.6)		(4,385.2)		(4,623.0)
Gross Margin		355.2		377.8		1,028.9		1,084.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(270.4)		(293.0)		(821.7)		(851.0)
Depreciation and amortization		(13.1)		(12.6)		(39.6)		(37.7)
Other income, net		—		0.6		1.0		2.4
Income from Operations		71.7		72.8		168.6		197.9
Non-operating expenses		(25.3)		(5.9)		(41.4)		(18.8)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes		46.4		66.9		127.2		179.1
Provision for income taxes		(11.8)		(17.9)		(34.0)		(48.7)
Net Income		34.6		49.0		93.2		130.4
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(0.1)		(0.2)		(0.2)		(0.3)
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$	34.5	$	48.8	$	93.0	$	130.1
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. per share of Common Stock(A)	$	1.52	$	2.17	$	4.10	$	5.76
Cash Dividends per share of Common Stock	$	0.30	$	0.30	$	0.90	$	0.90
Average Common Shares Outstanding(A)		22.6		22.5		22.7		22.6

^(A)Adjusted for the declaration of a 5% stock dividend in 2019, shares related to which were issued in February 2020.  Prior to the adjustment, the average common shares outstanding were 21.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

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

 
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Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended ‎September 30,				Nine Months Ended ‎September 30,
(Stated in millions)	2020		2019		2020		2019
Net Income	$	34.6	$	49.0	$	93.2	$	130.4
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation		2.2		(1.2)		(2.9)		3.0
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of ‎          tax of $(3.0), $(1.2), $(6.9) and $(3.7), respectively)		8.6		3.6		19.8		10.8
Total Other Comprehensive Income		10.8		2.4		16.9		13.8
Comprehensive Income	$	45.4	$	51.4	$	110.1	$	144.2
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling ‎          interests, net of tax		0.2		0.2		0.2		0.5
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$	45.2	$	51.2	$	109.9	$	143.7

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

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4

Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

			September 30,		December 31,
(Stated in millions, except share and per share data)			2020		2019
ASSETS				(Unaudited)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents			$	217.0	$	60.8
Trade receivables (less allowances of $6.9 and $6.2, respectively)				1,110.8		1,096.6
Merchandise inventory				571.7		654.2
Other current assets				52.7		51.7
Total Current Assets				1,952.2		1,863.3
Property, at cost
Land				79.5		79.6
Buildings				508.9		505.5
Furniture and fixtures				253.6		250.4
Software				175.7		168.6
Finance leases				18.5		18.3
Total Property, at cost				1,036.2		1,022.4
Accumulated depreciation and amortization				(620.8)		(597.2)
Net Property				415.4		425.2
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets				123.6		117.5
Other Non-current Assets				115.5		111.7
Total Assets			$	2,606.7	$	2,517.7
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings			$	125.0	$	138.0
Current portion of long-term debt				2.4		3.8
Trade accounts payable				875.1		832.3
Accrued payroll and benefit costs				99.5		151.1
Other accrued taxes				38.7		24.7
Current operating lease liabilities				30.9		28.6
Other current liabilities				111.5		101.1
Total Current Liabilities				1,283.1		1,279.6
Postretirement Benefits Liability				69.3		69.4
Pension Liability				154.2		164.6
Long-term Debt				6.2		7.8
Non-current Operating Lease Liabilities				100.9		96.2
Other Non-current Liabilities				2.6		2.3
Total Liabilities				1,616.3		1,619.9
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Shares at
Capital Stock	September 30, 2020	December 31, 2019
Common, stated value $20.00 per share
Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Issued to voting trustees	19,332,150	18,665,064
Issued to shareholders	4,008,733	3,872,159
In treasury, at cost	(725,017)	(62,700)
Outstanding Common Stock	22,615,866	22,474,523		452.3		449.5
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock				1.0		—
Retained Earnings				766.5		694.0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss				(233.7)		(250.6)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity				986.1		892.9
Noncontrolling Interests				4.3		4.9
Total Shareholders’ Equity				990.4		897.8
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity			$	2,606.7	$	2,517.7

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

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Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Stated in millions)	2020		2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income	$	93.2	$	130.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		39.6		37.7
Non-cash operating lease expense		25.3		22.2
Deferred income taxes		(15.2)		3.3
Net loss on disposal of property		0.4		0.1
Non-cash pension settlement charge		17.7		—
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(0.2)		(0.3)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables		(13.6)		11.7
Merchandise inventory		82.5		25.5
Other current assets		(1.0)		0.6
Other non-current assets		(0.8)		(0.6)
Trade accounts payable		42.8		8.0
Accrued payroll and benefit costs		(51.6)		(56.1)
Other current liabilities		22.1		(0.6)
Other non-current liabilities		(26.1)		(4.2)
Total adjustments to net income		121.9		47.3
Net cash provided by operating activities		215.1		177.7
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from disposal of property		0.2		0.2
Capital expenditures for property		(25.3)		(21.4)
Net cash used by investing activities		(25.1)		(21.2)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net decrease in short-term borrowings		(13.0)		(125.0)
Principal payments under finance arrangements		(3.3)		(3.2)
Sale of common stock		17.1		16.6
Purchases of common stock		(13.3)		(15.3)
Sales of noncontrolling interests’ common stock		—		0.8
Purchases of noncontrolling interests’ common stock		(0.8)		(0.4)
Dividends paid		(20.5)		(19.3)
Net cash used by financing activities		(33.8)		(145.8)
Net Increase in Cash		156.2		10.7
Cash, Beginning of Year		60.8		58.9
Cash, End of Period	$	217.0	$	69.6
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Acquisitions of equipment under finance leases	$	0.3	$	1.9
Acquisitions of assets under operating leases	$	31.4	$	44.4

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

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Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

	(Unaudited, stated in millions)
	Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
			Common				Accumulated
			Stock				Other				Total
	Common		Subscribed,		Retained		Comprehensive		Noncontrolling		Shareholders’
	Stock		Unissued		Earnings		Loss		Interests		Equity
December 31, 2019	$	449.5	$	—	$	694.0	$	(250.6)	$	4.9	$	897.8
Net income						21.4				0.1		21.5
Other comprehensive loss								(3.4)		(0.3)		(3.7)
Stock issued		9.4										9.4
Stock purchased		(4.2)								(0.1)		(4.3)
Advance payments				1.1								1.1
Dividends declared						(6.9)						(6.9)
March 31, 2020	$	454.7	$	1.1	$	708.5	$	(254.0)	$	4.6	$	914.9
Net income						37.1				—		37.1
Other comprehensive income								9.6		0.2		9.8
Stock issued		3.6										3.6
Stock purchased		(4.6)								(0.6)		(5.2)
Advance payments				(0.6)								(0.6)
Dividends declared						(6.8)						(6.8)
June 30, 2020	$	453.7	$	0.5	$	738.8	$	(244.4)	$	4.2	$	952.8
Net income						34.5				0.1		34.6
Other comprehensive income								10.7		0.1		10.8
Stock issued		3.1										3.1
Stock purchased		(4.5)								(0.1)		(4.6)
Advance payments				0.5								0.5
Dividends declared						(6.8)						(6.8)
September 30, 2020	$	452.3	$	1.0	$	766.5	$	(233.7)	$	4.3	$	990.4

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

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7

Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

	Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
			Common				Accumulated
			Stock				Other				Total
	Common		Subscribed,		Retained		Comprehensive		Noncontrolling		Shareholders’
	Stock		Unissued		Earnings		Loss		Interests		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 issued		8.8										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
Net income						47.0				—		47.0
Other comprehensive income								5.5		0.1		5.6
Stock issued		3.7										3.7
Stock purchased		(5.3)								—		(5.3)
Advance payments				(0.6)								(0.6)
Dividends declared						(6.5)						(6.5)
June 30, 2019	$	430.5	$	0.5	$	746.4	$	(229.1)	$	3.9	$	952.2
Net income						48.8				0.2		49.0
Other comprehensive income								2.4		—		2.4
Stock issued		3.1								0.8		3.9
Stock purchased		(4.5)								(0.1)		(4.6)
Advance payments				0.5								0.5
Dividends declared						(6.3)						(6.3)
September 30, 2019	$	429.1	$	1.0	$	788.9	$	(226.7)	$	4.8	$	997.1

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

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Graybar Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Stated in 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, commercial, institutional and government ("CIG"), and industrial & utility 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 U.S. 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 as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, 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.

Revenue Recognition

Sales revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied, which is typically upon delivery of the product 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. Such service revenue represented less than 1% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Revenue is reported net of all taxes, primarily sales tax, assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions.

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Outgoing Freight Expenses

We record 95% of 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 Credit Losses

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 pooled on the aging of the receivables, specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio based on current conditions, and expected future economic conditions when necessary.  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, comprised entirely of finished goods, is stated at the lower of cost (generally determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market.  Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 89% of the total inventories at September 30, 2020 and 91% at September 30, 2019. 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 our performance under the agreements and the amounts that 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 are 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

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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 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

Our income tax provision is recorded in accordance with a full-year forecasted rate methodology, including discrete items in the periods in which they occur. 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.  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.

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 sheets. Amounts related to finance leases are included in property and equipment, current portion of long-term debt, and long-term debt on

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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. Operating 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. For all other leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components 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.

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, amortization of prior service costs/gains, and charges due to settlement of certain plan liabilities.

New Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which introduced new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain financial instruments. The amendments in this ASU were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years and required a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Periods presented prior to the adoption date are not adjusted.

We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. We determined that our trade receivables are financial instruments subject to this Update. We evaluated the accounting policies applicable to our allowance for doubtful accounts and developed new methods to include three components into our allowance to comply with requirements of the ASU: 1) a reserve derived from historical loss rates based upon the aging of our trade receivables, 2) a reserve based upon specifically-identified trade receivables in our portfolio that are considered higher risk based on current conditions, and 3) an additional reserve, as necessary, to consider the impact of future economic conditions. The adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 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. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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

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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. We plan to adopt the Update beginning on January 1, 2021.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (“ASU 2020-04”) that provides temporary relief to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative rates. This Update is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The guidance on contract modifications, which is applicable to Graybar, can be applied prospectively from any date beginning March 12, 2020 and may also be applied to modifications of existing contracts made earlier in the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the Update on our contracts and our consolidated financial statements.

3. REVENUE

The following table summarizes the percentages of our net sales attributable to each of our vertical markets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Construction	58.5	%	59.1	%	58.1	%	58.6	%
CIG	26.9		26.4		26.9		26.4
Industrial & Utility	14.6		14.5		15.0		15.0
Total net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

Certain reclassifications have been made to the vertical market assigned to customers in the prior year’s information to conform to the September 30, 2020 presentation.

We had no material contract assets, contract liabilities, or deferred contract costs recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, 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.

4. INCOME TAXES

Our total provision for income taxes was $11.8 million and $34.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. We record our income tax provision using a full-year forecasted methodology, including discrete items in the period in which they occur. Our year-to-date effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 26.7%.

Our unrecognized tax benefits of $1.7 million and $1.9 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are uncertain tax positions that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  We are periodically engaged in tax return examinations, the review of statute of limitation periods, and settlements surrounding income taxes.

We classify interest expense and penalties as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest and underpayment percentages.  We have accrued $0.3 million and $0.4 million in interest and penalties at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act, among other things, includes tax provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer social security payments, net operating loss utilization and carryback periods, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property (QIP). At this point

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we do not believe that the CARES Act will have a material impact on our income tax provision for 2020. We continue to evaluate the impact of the CARES Act on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our federal income tax returns for the tax years 2017 and forward are available for examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  The statute of limitations for the 2016 federal return expired on October 15, 2020. Our state income tax returns for 2015 through 2019 remain subject to examination by various state authorities with the latest period closing on December 31, 2024.  We have not extended the statutes of limitations in any state jurisdictions with respect to years prior to 2015. 

5. 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. The net book value of assets held for sale is recorded in net property in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

We had assets held for sale of $4.4 million at September 30, 2020. We had assets held for sale of $0.1 million at December 31, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we did not sell any assets classified as held for sale.

6. DEBT

Revolving Credit Facility

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we, along with Graybar Canada Limited, our Canadian operating subsidiary ("Graybar Canada"), had an unsecured, five-year, $750.0 million committed revolving credit agreement maturing in August 2023 with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders named therein (the "Amended Credit Agreement"), which includes a combined letter of credit sub-facility of up to $25.0 million, a U.S. swing-line loan facility of up to $75.0 million, and a Canadian swing-line loan facility of up to $20.0 million. The Amended Credit Agreement includes a $100.0 million sublimit (in U.S. or Canadian dollars) for borrowings by Graybar Canada.  The Amended Credit Agreement contains an accordion feature, which allows us to request increases in the aggregate borrowing commitments of up to $375.0 million.

We were in compliance with all covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

There were $125.0 million and $138.0 million in short-term borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Short-term borrowings outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 ranged from a minimum of $55.0 million and $80.0 million to a maximum of $370.0 million and $257.0 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2020, we had unused lines of credit under the Amended Credit Agreement amounting to $624.6 million available, compared to $611.5 million at December 31, 2019.  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 $0.8 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Interest expense, net was $3.2 million and $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Private Placement Shelf Agreements

We have an uncommitted $100.0 million private placement shelf agreement with PGIM, Inc., 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. In July 2020, we amended the Prudential Shelf Agreement to extend the issuance period to August 2023. Other terms of the Prudential Shelf Agreement remain unchanged. We also have an uncommitted $100.0 million private placement shelf agreement (the "MetLife Shelf 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"). The 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 issuance during a three-year period ending in August 2021.

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We remain 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 Amended Credit Agreement.

No notes have been issued under either the Prudential Shelf Agreement or the MetLife Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Each shelf agreement contains representations and warranties of the Company and the applicable lender, customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants, customary for agreements of this type.  These covenants are substantially similar to those contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, subject to a number of 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 Prudential Shelf Agreement and the MetLife Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Letters of Credit

We had total letters of credit of $6.3 million outstanding at September 30, 2020, of which $0.4 million were issued under the Amended Credit Agreement. We had total letters of credit of $5.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2019, of which $0.5 million were issued under the Credit Agreement. The letters of credit are issued primarily to support certain workers' compensation insurance policies. 

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 Pension Plan provides retirement benefits based on an employee’s final 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 Pension Plan and eligible compensation deferred by a participant.

Our 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 Pension 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 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

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The net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 includes the following components:

	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2020		2019		2020		2019
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Service cost	$	7.2	$	6.4	$	0.5	$	0.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	7.2	$	6.4	$	0.5	$	0.5
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	$	6.9	$	7.5	$	0.6	$	0.7
Expected return on plan assets		(8.3)		(8.5)		—		—
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		7.4		4.8		0.2		—
Settlement charge		17.7		—		—		—
Total non-operating expenses	$	23.7	$	3.8	$	0.8	$	0.7
Net periodic benefit cost	$	30.9	$	10.2	$	1.3	$	1.2

	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2020		2019		2020		2019
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Service cost	$	21.5	$	19.2	$	1.6	$	1.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	21.5	$	19.2	$	1.6	$	1.5
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	$	20.7	$	22.5	$	1.8	$	2.2
Expected return on plan assets		(24.7)		(25.5)		—		—
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		22.2		14.3		0.5		0.2
Settlement charge		17.7		—		—		—
Total non-operating expenses	$	35.9	$	11.3	$	2.3	$	2.4
Net periodic benefit cost	$	57.4	$	30.5	$	3.9	$	3.9

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we made lump-sum pension benefit distributions exceeding the settlement accounting threshold. A pension settlement charge is required when the cost of all settlements during the year is greater than the sum of the service and interest cost components of the annual net periodic pension cost. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million in non-operating expenses on our condensed consolidated statements of income. This settlement charge represented the immediate recognition into expense of a portion of the unrecognized loss within accumulated other comprehensive loss in proportion to the share of the projected benefit obligation that was settled by the lump-sum pension benefit distributions.

We made qualified and nonqualified pension contributions totaling $20.0 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 and contributions totaling $10.0 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2019. Contributions made during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled $41.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. No additional contributions are expected to be paid during the remainder of 2020, but 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 September 30, 2020, 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

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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 $6.8 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash dividends paid were $20.5 million and $19.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items				Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items
	Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total		Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:
Non-operating expenses	$	25.3	$	25.3	$	4.8	$	4.8
Tax benefit		(6.5)		(6.5)		(1.2)		(1.2)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	18.8	$	18.8	$	3.6	$	3.6

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items				Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items
	Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total		Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:
Non-operating expenses	$	40.4	$	40.4	$	14.5	$	14.5
Tax benefit		(10.4)		(10.4)		(3.7)		(3.7)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	30.0	$	30.0	$	10.8	$	10.8

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The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020						Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total		Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total
Beginning balance July 1,	$	(12.7)	$	(231.7)	$	(244.4)	$	(8.4)	$	(220.7)	$	(229.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2.1		—		2.1		(1.2)		—		(1.2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(6.5) and $(1.2))		—		18.8		18.8		—		3.6		3.6
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)		—		(10.2)		(10.2)		—		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		2.1		8.6		10.7		(1.2)		3.6		2.4
Ending balance September 30,	$	(10.6)	$	(223.1)	$	(233.7)	$	(9.6)	$	(217.1)	$	(226.7)

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020						Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total		Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total
Beginning balance January 1,	$	(7.7)	$	(242.9)	$	(250.6)	$	(12.4)	$	(227.9)	$	(240.3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(2.9)		—		(2.9)		2.8		—		2.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(10.4) and $(3.7))		—		30.0		30.0		—		10.8		10.8
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)		—		(10.2)		(10.2)		—		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(2.9)		19.8		16.9		2.8		10.8		13.6
Ending balance September 30,	$	(10.6)	$	(223.1)	$	(233.7)	$	(9.6)	$	(217.1)	$	(226.7)

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are subject to various claims, disputes, and administrative and legal matters incidental to our past and current business activities.  As a result, contingencies 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.

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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, 2019, 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: the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; general economic conditions, particularly in the residential, commercial, and industrial building construction industries; a sustained interruption in the operation of our information systems; volatility in the prices of industrial commodities; 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, 2019, as well as Part II, Item 1A., “Risk Factors”, included herein.

All dollar amounts, except per share data, are stated in 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, commercial, institutional and government ("CIG"), and industrial & utility 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.  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

Our financial results continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (the “pandemic”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, as the financial markets and overall general economy continue to experience unprecedented instability.

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Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 declined $103.5 million, or 5.2%, to $1,877.9 million, compared to $1,981.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased $22.6 million, or 7.7%, to $270.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from $293.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower compensation and benefit-related costs and lower travel and entertainment expenses as a result of our response to the pandemic. As a result, our income from operations declined a modest $1.1 million, or 1.5%, to $71.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $72.8 million for the same period last year.

Our non-operating expenses increased $19.4 million to $25.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from $5.9 million for same period last year. The increase was primarily due to a non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million that we recognized in the third quarter. A pension settlement charge is required when the cost of all settlements during the year is greater than the sum of the service and interest cost components of the annual net periodic pension cost.

As a result, our net income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by $14.3 million, or 29.3%, to $34.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $48.8 million for the same three months ended last year.

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 declined $293.1 million, or 5.1%, to $5,414.1 million, when compared to $5,707.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Gross margin decreased $55.3 million, or 5.1%, to $1,028.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to gross margin of $1,084.2 million for the same nine month period last year. Gross margin rate was 19.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Our income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 declined $29.3 million, or 14.8%, due to the $55.3 million decrease in gross margin mentioned above, partially offset by a $29.3 million, or 3.4%, decrease in SG&A expenses due to lower compensation and benefit-related costs and lower travel and entertainment expenses.

Our non-operating expenses increased $22.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same nine months ended last year, primarily due to the non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million that we recognized in the third quarter.

Net income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by $37.1 million, or 28.5%, to $93.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $130.1 million for the same nine month period last year.

The business environment remains uncertain, and we continue to take steps to address potential risks to the company and those we serve. We expect continued economic instability over the next several months, as the markets and the economy absorb the disruption caused by the pandemic. We also expect an additional pension settlement charge in the fourth quarter. Because our business operations are producing positive results and our financial condition remains strong, we believe Graybar is positioned to successfully navigate this challenging economic environment.

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Consolidated Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our operations stated in millions of dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Dollars		Percent		Dollars		Percent
Net Sales	$	1,877.9	100.0	%	$	1,981.4	100.0	%
Cost of merchandise sold		(1,522.7)	(81.1)			(1,603.6)	(80.9)
Gross Margin		355.2	18.9			377.8	19.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(270.4)	(14.4)			(293.0)	(14.8)
Depreciation and amortization		(13.1)	(0.7)			(12.6)	(0.6)
Other income, net		—	—			0.6	—
Income from Operations		71.7	3.8			72.8	3.7
Non-operating expenses		(25.3)	(1.3)			(5.9)	(0.3)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes		46.4	2.5			66.9	3.4
Provision for income taxes		(11.8)	(0.7)			(17.9)	(0.9)
Net Income		34.6	1.8			49.0	2.5
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(0.1)	—			(0.2)	—
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$	34.5	1.8	%	$	48.8	2.5	%

Net sales decreased to $1,877.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to $1,981.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $103.5 million, or 5.2%.  For the three months ended September 30, 2020, net sales in our construction, CIG, and industrial & utility vertical markets decreased by 6.2%, 3.3%, and 4.8%, respectively, when compared to the same three-month period of 2019.

Gross margin decreased $22.6 million, or 6.0%, to $355.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $377.8 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to decreased net sales in the third quarter of 2020. Our gross margin as a percentage of net sales totaled 18.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 19.1% for the same three-month period in 2019.

SG&A expenses decreased $22.6 million, or 7.7%, to $270.4 million in the third quarter of 2020 from $293.0 million in the third quarter of 2019, due primarily to lower compensation and benefit-related costs and lower travel and entertainment expenses as a result of our response to the pandemic.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales was 14.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, down from 14.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased $0.5 million, or 4.0%, to $13.1 million from $12.6 million compared to the same period in 2019. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net sales slightly increased to 0.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 0.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Non-operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased $19.4 million to $25.3 million from $5.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was due to an increase in non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs of $20.0 million, offset by a decrease in interest expense, net of $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same three-month period in 2019. The increase in non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs was primarily due to a non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million recognized in the third quarter of 2020. The decrease in interest expense, net was due to lower interest rates for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same three-month period in 2019.

Income before provision for income taxes totaled $46.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of $20.5 million, or 30.6%, from $66.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million recognized in the third quarter of 2020.

Our total provision for income taxes decreased $6.1 million, or 34.1%, to $11.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $17.9 million for the same period of 2019.  The decrease in our provision for income taxes quarter over quarter is

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primarily due to decreased pretax income from reduced business activity. Our effective tax rate was 25.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 26.8% for the same period of 2019. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state, local and foreign income taxes. In response to the pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act, among other things, includes tax provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss utilization and carryback periods, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property (QIP). The CARES Act did not materially impact the provision for income taxes or the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased $14.3 million, or 29.3%, to $34.5 million from $48.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our operations stated in millions of dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Dollars		Percent		Dollars		Percent
Net Sales	$	5,414.1	100.0	%	$	5,707.2	100.0	%
Cost of merchandise sold		(4,385.2)	(81.0)			(4,623.0)	(81.0)
Gross Margin		1,028.9	19.0			1,084.2	19.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(821.7)	(15.2)			(851.0)	(14.9)
Depreciation and amortization		(39.6)	(0.7)			(37.7)	(0.7)
Other income, net		1.0	—			2.4	—
Income from Operations		168.6	3.1			197.9	3.4
Non-operating expenses		(41.4)	(0.8)			(18.8)	(0.3)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes		127.2	2.3			179.1	3.1
Provision for income taxes		(34.0)	(0.6)			(48.7)	(0.9)
Net Income		93.2	1.7			130.4	2.2
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(0.2)	—			(0.3)	—
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$	93.0	1.7	%	$	130.1	2.2	%

Net sales decreased to $5,414.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $5,707.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $293.1 million, or 5.1%.  Net sales in our construction, CIG, and industrial & utility vertical markets decreased by 6.0%, 3.2%, and 5.3%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same nine-month period of 2019.

Gross margin decreased $55.3 million, or 5.1%, to $1,028.9 million from $1,084.2 million primarily due to decreased net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period of 2019.  Our gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 19.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

SG&A expenses decreased $29.3 million, or 3.4%, to $821.7 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $851.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, due primarily to lower compensation and benefit-related costs and lower travel and entertainment expenses as a result of our response to the pandemic for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 15.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, up from 14.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 increased $1.9 million, or 5.0%, to $39.6 million from $37.7 million for the same nine-month period in 2019, due to an increase in property, at cost. Total property, at cost, at September 30, 2020 was $1,036.2 million, an increase of $29.3 million, or 2.9%, when compared to total property, at cost, at September 30, 2019 of $1,006.9 million. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net sales remained consistent at 0.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Non-operating expenses increased $22.6 million to $41.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $18.8 million for the same period of 2019. The increase was due to an increase in non-service cost components of net periodic benefit

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costs of $24.5 million offset by a decrease in interest expense, net of $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same nine-month period in 2019. The increase in non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs was primarily due to a non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million recognized in the third quarter of 2020. The decrease in interest expense, net was due to lower interest rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same nine-month period in 2019.

Income before provision for income taxes totaled $127.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of $51.9 million, or 29.0%, from $179.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to our decrease in gross margin outpacing our decrease in SG&A expenses, and the non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million recognized in the third quarter of 2020.

Our total provision for income taxes decreased $14.7 million, or 30.2%, to $34.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $48.7 million for the same period in 2019.  The decrease in our provision for income taxes year over year resulted from decreased pretax income from reduced business activity. Our year-to-date effective tax rate was 26.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 27.2% for 2019. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state, local, and foreign income taxes. The CARES Act did not materially impact the provision for income taxes or the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 decreased $37.1 million, or 28.5%, to $93.0 million from $130.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

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 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 invest in strategic long-term growth plans.

We have historically funded our working capital requirements using cash flows generated from 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 with cash from working capital management and short-term bank lines of credit.

Our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2020 were $217.0 million, compared to $60.8 million at December 31, 2019, an increase of $156.2 million, or 256.9%. Cash on hand at September 30, 2020 is reflective of improved cash flows from operations as a result of effective working capital management, and additional short-term borrowings in an abundance of caution in light of the pandemic. Short-term borrowings decreased by $13.0 million, or 9.4%, to $125.0 million at September 30, 2020 from $138.0 million at December 31, 2019. Current assets exceeded current liabilities by $669.1 million at September 30, 2020, an increase of $85.4 million, or 14.6%, from $583.7 million at December 31, 2019.

Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $215.1 million, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $177.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $37.4 million, or 21.0%. Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily attributable to net income of $93.2 million, a decrease in merchandise inventory levels of $82.5 million and an increase in trade accounts payable of $42.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, partially offset by a decrease in accrued payroll and benefit costs of $51.6 million from December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020.

The average number of days of sales in trade receivables for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 improved modestly compared to the same nine-month period ended September 30, 2019. The days in inventory increased modestly for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Investing Activities

Net cash used by investing activities totaled $25.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $21.2 million for the same nine-month period in 2019, an increase of $3.9 million. The increase was due to higher capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

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Financing Activities

Net cash used by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $33.8 million, compared to net cash used by financing activities of $145.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $112.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to net payments on short-term borrowings of $13.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net payments made on short-term borrowings of $125.0 million in the same nine-month period in 2019.

Liquidity

Our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2020 were $217.0 million, compared to $60.8 million at December 31, 2019. We also had a $750.0 million committed revolving credit facility with $624.6 million in available capacity at September 30, 2020, compared to available capacity of $611.5 million at December 31, 2019. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we also had two uncommitted $100.0 million private placement shelf agreements ("Shelf Agreements"). One of the Shelf 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. In July 2020, we amended our uncommitted $100.0 million private placement shelf agreement with PGIM, Inc. (“the Prudential Shelf Agreement”) to extend the issuance period to August 2023. Our 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 August 2021.

We have not issued any notes under the Shelf Agreements as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. For further discussion related to our revolving credit facility and our Shelf Agreements, refer to Note 6, "Debt", of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements located in Item 1.

We had total letters of credit of $6.3 million outstanding at September 30, 2020, of which $0.4 million was issued under the revolving credit facility. We had total letters of credit of $5.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2019, of which $0.5 million 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 is 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, 2019.

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 September 30, 2020, 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.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

A pandemic, epidemic or other public health emergency, such as the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Although we are a company operating as an essential business supporting critical infrastructure, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and continue to operate across our footprint consistent with federal guidelines and with state and local orders to date, COVID-19 has negatively impacted on our net sales, operations, supply chain, transportation networks and customers and is expected to have further negative impacts on these aspects of our business. Preventative and precautionary measures that governments take or reinstate, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures, and other measures that we and our customers are taking may reduce our gross margin. Continued progression of the COVID-19 outbreak increases the risk of further slowdowns in construction activities and related permitting and material delivery delays.

A continued economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 epidemic and related response would adversely affect demand for the products and services we provide to our customers. If our customers are directly impacted by business curtailments or weak market conditions, this may result in higher than expected bad debt losses, which could impact our results of operations and our cash flows from operating activities. In the event that our operating performance or that of our suppliers were to decline, our vendor allowances would also be reduced, which would negatively impact our results of operation and our financial condition. We continue to carefully monitor both our customers and suppliers for signs of deterioration in their financial condition.

While we expect this matter to continue to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position until the COVID-19 related effects moderate, the current level of uncertainty over the continued economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of 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.  A new Voting Trust Agreement was established effective March 3, 2017, which expires by its terms on March 1, 2027. At September 30, 2020, approximately 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.  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.

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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
July 1 - July 31, 2020	40,021	$20.00	N/A
August 1 - August 31, 2020	107,154	$20.00	N/A
September 1 - September 30, 2020	74,350	$20.00	N/A
Total	221,525	$20.00	N/A

 
‎

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Item 6.  Exhibits.

3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2017 (Commission File No. 000-00255) and incorporated herein by reference.
3.2	By-laws as amended through March 9, 2017, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 000-00255) and incorporated herein by reference.
4.2	Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2017, a form of which is attached as Exhibit A to the Prospectus dated January 6, 2017, constituting a part of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-214560), and incorporated herein by reference.
9	Voting Trust Agreement dated as of March 3, 2017, included at Exhibit 4.2 above.
10	Amendment No. 3 to Private Shelf Agreement, dated July 29, 2020, between the Company and PGIM, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 (Commission File No. 000-00255), and incorporated herein by reference.
31.1	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Principal Executive Officer
31.2	Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Principal Financial Officer
32.1	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Principal Executive Officer
32.2	Certification of Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Principal Financial Officer
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL contained in Exhibit 101)

 
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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.
November 2, 2020	/s/ KATHLEEN M. MAZZARELLA
Date	Kathleen M. Mazzarella
	President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
November 2, 2020	/s/ SCOTT S. CLIFFORD
Date	Scott S. Clifford
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Kathleen M. Mazzarella, certify that:

1) I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Graybar Electric Company, Inc.;

2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4) The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5) The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 2, 2020

/s/ KATHLEEN M. MAZZARELLA

Kathleen M. Mazzarella

President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Scott S. Clifford, certify that:

1) I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Graybar Electric Company, Inc.;

2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4) The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5) The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 2, 2020

/s/ SCOTT S. CLIFFORD

Scott. S. Clifford

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kathleen M. Mazzarella, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

(1) The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended September 30, 2020 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: November 2, 2020

/s/ KATHLEEN M. MAZZARELLA

Kathleen M. Mazzarella

President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Scott S. Clifford, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

(1) The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended September 30, 2020 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: November 2, 2020

/s/ SCOTT S. CLIFFORD

Scott. S. Clifford

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 15, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-00255
Entity Registrant Name	GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NY
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-0794380
Entity Address, Address Line One	34 North Meramec Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	St. Louis
Entity Address, State or Province	MO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	63105
City Area Code	314
Local Phone Number	573 - 9200
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,597,601
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	0000205402

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 1,877.9	$ 1,981.4	$ 5,414.1	$ 5,707.2
Cost of merchandise sold		(1,522.7)	(1,603.6)	(4,385.2)	(4,623.0)
Gross Margin		355.2	377.8	1,028.9	1,084.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(270.4)	(293.0)	(821.7)	(851.0)
Depreciation and amortization		(13.1)	(12.6)	(39.6)	(37.7)
Other income, net			0.6	1.0	2.4
Income from Operations		71.7	72.8	168.6	197.9
Non-operating expenses		(25.3)	(5.9)	(41.4)	(18.8)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes		46.4	66.9	127.2	179.1
Provision for income taxes		(11.8)	(17.9)	(34.0)	(48.7)
Net Income		34.6	49.0	93.2	130.4
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(0.1)	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.3)
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.		$ 34.5	$ 48.8	$ 93.0	$ 130.1
Net Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc. per share of Common Stock	[1]	$ 1.52	$ 2.17	$ 4.10	$ 5.76
Cash Dividends per share of Common Stock		$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.90	$ 0.90
Average common shares outstanding	[1]	22.6	22.5	22.7	22.6

[1] Adjusted for the declaration of a 5% stock dividend in 2019, shares related to which were issued in February 2020.  Prior to the adjustment, the average common shares outstanding were 21.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (Parenthetical) - shares shares in Millions		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020
Stock dividend			5.00%
Average common shares outstanding	[1]	22.5	22.7
As Reported [Member]
Average common shares outstanding		21.5

[1] Adjusted for the declaration of a 5% stock dividend in 2019, shares related to which were issued in February 2020.  Prior to the adjustment, the average common shares outstanding were 21.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 34.6	$ 49.0	$ 93.2	$ 130.4
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation	2.2	(1.2)	(2.9)	3.0
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $(3.0), $(1.2), $(6.9) and $(3.7), respectively)	8.6	3.6	19.8	10.8
Total Other Comprehensive Income	10.8	2.4	16.9	13.8
Comprehensive Income	45.4	51.4	110.1	144.2
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.5
Comprehensive Income attributable to Graybar Electric Company, Inc.	$ 45.2	$ 51.2	$ 109.9	$ 143.7

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits liability adjustment (tax)	$ (3.0)	$ (1.2)	$ (6.9)	$ (3.7)

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 217.0	$ 60.8
Trade receivables (less allowances of $6.9 and $6.2, respectively)	1,110.8	1,096.6
Merchandise inventory	571.7	654.2
Other current assets	52.7	51.7
Total Current Assets	1,952.2	1,863.3
Property, at cost
Land	79.5	79.6
Buildings	508.9	505.5
Furniture and fixtures	253.6	250.4
Software	175.7	168.6
Finance leases	18.5	18.3
Total Property, at cost	1,036.2	1,022.4
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(620.8)	(597.2)
Net Property	415.4	425.2
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets	123.6	117.5
Other Non-current Assets	115.5	111.7
Total Assets	2,606.7	2,517.7
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	125.0	138.0
Current portion of long-term debt	2.4	3.8
Trade accounts payable	875.1	832.3
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	99.5	151.1
Other accrued taxes	38.7	24.7
Current operating lease liabilities	30.9	28.6
Other current liabilities	111.5	101.1
Total Current Liabilities	1,283.1	1,279.6
Postretirement Benefits Liability	69.3	69.4
Pension Liability	154.2	164.6
Long-term Debt	6.2	7.8
Non-current Operating Lease Liabilities	100.9	96.2
Other Non-current Liabilities	2.6	2.3
Total Liabilities	1,616.3	1,619.9
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Outstanding Common Stock	452.3	449.5
Advance Payments on Subscriptions to Common Stock	1.0
Retained Earnings	766.5	694.0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(233.7)	(250.6)
Total Graybar Electric Company, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity	986.1	892.9
Noncontrolling Interests	4.3	4.9
Total Shareholders’ Equity	990.4	897.8
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 2,606.7	$ 2,517.7

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6.9	$ 6.2
Common stock stated value per share	$ 20.00	$ 20.00
Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Issued to voting trustees	19,332,150	18,665,064
Issued to shareholders	4,008,733	3,872,159
In treasury, at cost	(725,017)	(62,700)
Outstanding Common Stock	22,615,866	22,474,523

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income	$ 93.2	$ 130.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39.6	37.7
Non-cash operating lease expense	25.3	22.2
Deferred income taxes	(15.2)	3.3
Net loss on disposal of property	0.4	0.1
Non-cash pension settlement charge	17.7
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(0.2)	(0.3)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(13.6)	11.7
Merchandise inventory	82.5	25.5
Other current assets	(1.0)	0.6
Other non-current assets	(0.8)	(0.6)
Trade accounts payable	42.8	8.0
Accrued payroll and benefit costs	(51.6)	(56.1)
Other current liabilities	22.1	(0.6)
Other non-current liabilities	(26.1)	(4.2)
Total adjustments to net income	121.9	47.3
Net cash provided by operating activities	215.1	177.7
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from disposal of property	0.2	0.2
Capital expenditures for property	(25.3)	(21.4)
Net cash used by investing activities	(25.1)	(21.2)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(13.0)	(125.0)
Principal payments under finance arrangements	(3.3)	(3.2)
Sale of common stock	17.1	16.6
Purchases of common stock	(13.3)	(15.3)
Sales of noncontrolling interests’ common stock		0.8
Purchases of noncontrolling interests’ common stock	(0.8)	(0.4)
Dividends paid	(20.5)	(19.3)
Net cash used by financing activities	(33.8)	(145.8)
Net Increase in Cash	156.2	10.7
Cash, Beginning of Year	60.8	58.9
Cash, End of Period	217.0	69.6
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Acquisitions of equipment under finance leases	0.3	1.9
Acquisitions of assets under operating leases	$ 31.4	$ 44.4

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Common Stock	Common Stock Subscribed, Unissued	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 428.8		$ 678.1	$ (240.3)	$ 3.9	$ 870.5
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income			34.3		0.1	34.4
Other comprehensive income (loss)				5.7	0.1	5.8
Stock issued	8.8					8.8
Stock purchased	(5.5)				(0.3)	(5.8)
Advance payments		$ 1.1				1.1
Dividends declared			(6.5)			(6.5)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	432.1	1.1	705.9	(234.6)	3.8	908.3
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	428.8		678.1	(240.3)	3.9	870.5
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income						130.4
Other comprehensive income (loss)						13.8
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	429.1	1.0	788.9	(226.7)	4.8	997.1
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	432.1	1.1	705.9	(234.6)	3.8	908.3
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income			47.0			47.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)				5.5	0.1	5.6
Stock issued	3.7					3.7
Stock purchased	(5.3)					(5.3)
Advance payments		(0.6)				(0.6)
Dividends declared			(6.5)			(6.5)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	430.5	0.5	746.4	(229.1)	3.9	952.2
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income			48.8		0.2	49.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)				2.4		2.4
Stock issued	3.1				0.8	3.9
Stock purchased	(4.5)				(0.1)	(4.6)
Advance payments		0.5				0.5
Dividends declared			(6.3)			(6.3)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	429.1	1.0	788.9	(226.7)	4.8	997.1
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	449.5		694.0	(250.6)	4.9	897.8
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income			21.4		0.1	21.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(3.4)	(0.3)	(3.7)
Stock issued	9.4					9.4
Stock purchased	(4.2)				(0.1)	(4.3)
Advance payments		1.1				1.1
Dividends declared			(6.9)			(6.9)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	454.7	1.1	708.5	(254.0)	4.6	914.9
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	449.5		694.0	(250.6)	4.9	897.8
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income						93.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)						16.9
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	452.3	1.0	766.5	(233.7)	4.3	990.4
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	454.7	1.1	708.5	(254.0)	4.6	914.9
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income			37.1			37.1
Other comprehensive income (loss)				9.6	0.2	9.8
Stock issued	3.6					3.6
Stock purchased	(4.6)				(0.6)	(5.2)
Advance payments		(0.6)				(0.6)
Dividends declared			(6.8)			(6.8)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	453.7	0.5	738.8	(244.4)	4.2	952.8
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income			34.5		0.1	34.6
Other comprehensive income (loss)				10.7	0.1	10.8
Stock issued	3.1					3.1
Stock purchased	(4.5)				(0.1)	(4.6)
Advance payments		0.5				0.5
Dividends declared			(6.8)			(6.8)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 452.3	$ 1.0	$ 766.5	$ (233.7)	$ 4.3	$ 990.4

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Description Of The Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Description Of The Business [Abstract]
Description Of The Business	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, commercial, institutional and government ("CIG"), and industrial & utility 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.

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	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 U.S. 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 as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, 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. Revenue Recognition Sales revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied, which is typically upon delivery of the product 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. Such service revenue represented less than 1% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Revenue is reported net of all taxes, primarily sales tax, assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions. Outgoing Freight Expenses We record 95% of 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 Credit Losses 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 pooled on the aging of the receivables, specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio based on current conditions, and expected future economic conditions when necessary.  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, comprised entirely of finished goods, is stated at the lower of cost (generally determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market.  Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 89% of the total inventories at September 30, 2020 and 91% at September 30, 2019. 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 our performance under the agreements and the amounts that 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 are 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 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 Our income tax provision is recorded in accordance with a full-year forecasted rate methodology, including discrete items in the periods in which they occur. 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.  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. 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 sheets. 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. Operating 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. For all other leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components 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. 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, amortization of prior service costs/gains, and charges due to settlement of certain plan liabilities. New Accounting Standards In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which introduced new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain financial instruments. The amendments in this ASU were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years and required a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Periods presented prior to the adoption date are not adjusted. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. We determined that our trade receivables are financial instruments subject to this Update. We evaluated the accounting policies applicable to our allowance for doubtful accounts and developed new methods to include three components into our allowance to comply with requirements of the ASU: 1) a reserve derived from historical loss rates based upon the aging of our trade receivables, 2) a reserve based upon specifically-identified trade receivables in our portfolio that are considered higher risk based on current conditions, and 3) an additional reserve, as necessary, to consider the impact of future economic conditions. The adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 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. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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. We plan to adopt the Update beginning on January 1, 2021. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (“ASU 2020-04”) that provides temporary relief to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative rates. This Update is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The guidance on contract modifications, which is applicable to Graybar, can be applied prospectively from any date beginning March 12, 2020 and may also be applied to modifications of existing contracts made earlier in the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the Update on our contracts and our consolidated financial statements.

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Revenue

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Revenue [Abstract]

Revenue

3. REVENUE

The following table summarizes the percentages of our net sales attributable to each of our vertical markets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Construction	58.5	%	59.1	%	58.1	%	58.6	%
CIG	26.9		26.4		26.9		26.4
Industrial & Utility	14.6		14.5		15.0		15.0
Total net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

Certain reclassifications have been made to the vertical market assigned to customers in the prior year’s information to conform to the September 30, 2020 presentation.

We had no material contract assets, contract liabilities, or deferred contract costs recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, 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.

 

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Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	4. INCOME TAXES Our total provision for income taxes was $11.8 million and $34.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. We record our income tax provision using a full-year forecasted methodology, including discrete items in the period in which they occur. Our year-to-date effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 26.7%. Our unrecognized tax benefits of $1.7 million and $1.9 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are uncertain tax positions that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  We are periodically engaged in tax return examinations, the review of statute of limitation periods, and settlements surrounding income taxes. We classify interest expense and penalties as part of our provision for income taxes based upon applicable federal and state interest and underpayment percentages.  We have accrued $0.3 million and $0.4 million in interest and penalties at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act, among other things, includes tax provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer social security payments, net operating loss utilization and carryback periods, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property (QIP). At this point we do not believe that the CARES Act will have a material impact on our income tax provision for 2020. We continue to evaluate the impact of the CARES Act on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Our federal income tax returns for the tax years 2017 and forward are available for examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  The statute of limitations for the 2016 federal return expired on October 15, 2020. Our state income tax returns for 2015 through 2019 remain subject to examination by various state authorities with the latest period closing on December 31, 2024.  We have not extended the statutes of limitations in any state jurisdictions with respect to years prior to 2015.

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Assets Held For Sale

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Assets Held For Sale [Abstract]

Assets Held For Sale

5. 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. The net book value of assets held for sale is recorded in net property in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

We had assets held for sale of $4.4 million at September 30, 2020. We had assets held for sale of $0.1 million at December 31, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we did not sell any assets classified as held for sale.

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Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	6. DEBT Revolving Credit Facility At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we, along with Graybar Canada Limited, our Canadian operating subsidiary ("Graybar Canada"), had an unsecured, five-year, $750.0 million committed revolving credit agreement maturing in August 2023 with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders named therein (the "Amended Credit Agreement"), which includes a combined letter of credit sub-facility of up to $25.0 million, a U.S. swing-line loan facility of up to $75.0 million, and a Canadian swing-line loan facility of up to $20.0 million. The Amended Credit Agreement includes a $100.0 million sublimit (in U.S. or Canadian dollars) for borrowings by Graybar Canada.  The Amended Credit Agreement contains an accordion feature, which allows us to request increases in the aggregate borrowing commitments of up to $375.0 million. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There were $125.0 million and $138.0 million in short-term borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Short-term borrowings outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 ranged from a minimum of $55.0 million and $80.0 million to a maximum of $370.0 million and $257.0 million, respectively. At September 30, 2020, we had unused lines of credit under the Amended Credit Agreement amounting to $624.6 million available, compared to $611.5 million at December 31, 2019.  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 $0.8 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Interest expense, net was $3.2 million and $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Private Placement Shelf Agreements We have an uncommitted $100.0 million private placement shelf agreement with PGIM, Inc., 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. In July 2020, we amended the Prudential Shelf Agreement to extend the issuance period to August 2023. Other terms of the Prudential Shelf Agreement remain unchanged. We also have an uncommitted $100.0 million private placement shelf agreement (the "MetLife Shelf 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"). The 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 issuance during a three-year period ending in August 2021. We remain 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 Amended Credit Agreement. No notes have been issued under either the Prudential Shelf Agreement or the MetLife Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Each shelf agreement contains representations and warranties of the Company and the applicable lender, customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants, customary for agreements of this type.  These covenants are substantially similar to those contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, subject to a number of 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 Prudential Shelf Agreement and the MetLife Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Letters of Credit We had total letters of credit of $6.3 million outstanding at September 30, 2020, of which $0.4 million were issued under the Amended Credit Agreement. We had total letters of credit of $5.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2019, of which $0.5 million were issued under the Credit Agreement. The letters of credit are issued primarily to support certain workers' compensation insurance policies.

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Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits

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 Pension Plan provides retirement benefits based on an employee’s final 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 Pension Plan and eligible compensation deferred by a participant.

Our 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 Pension 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 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

The net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 includes the following components:

	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2020		2019		2020		2019
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Service cost	$	7.2	$	6.4	$	0.5	$	0.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	7.2	$	6.4	$	0.5	$	0.5
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	$	6.9	$	7.5	$	0.6	$	0.7
Expected return on plan assets		(8.3)		(8.5)		—		—
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		7.4		4.8		0.2		—
Settlement charge		17.7		—		—		—
Total non-operating expenses	$	23.7	$	3.8	$	0.8	$	0.7
Net periodic benefit cost	$	30.9	$	10.2	$	1.3	$	1.2

	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2020		2019		2020		2019
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Service cost	$	21.5	$	19.2	$	1.6	$	1.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	21.5	$	19.2	$	1.6	$	1.5
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	$	20.7	$	22.5	$	1.8	$	2.2
Expected return on plan assets		(24.7)		(25.5)		—		—
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		22.2		14.3		0.5		0.2
Settlement charge		17.7		—		—		—
Total non-operating expenses	$	35.9	$	11.3	$	2.3	$	2.4
Net periodic benefit cost	$	57.4	$	30.5	$	3.9	$	3.9

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we made lump-sum pension benefit distributions exceeding the settlement accounting threshold. A pension settlement charge is required when the cost of all settlements during the year is greater than the sum of the service and interest cost components of the annual net periodic pension cost. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash pension settlement charge of $17.7 million in non-operating expenses on our condensed consolidated statements of income. This settlement charge represented the immediate recognition into expense of a portion of the unrecognized loss within accumulated other comprehensive loss in proportion to the share of the projected benefit obligation that was settled by the lump-sum pension benefit distributions.

We made qualified and nonqualified pension contributions totaling $20.0 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 and contributions totaling $10.0 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2019. Contributions made during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled $41.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. No additional contributions are expected to be paid during the remainder of 2020, but may change at our discretion.

 

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Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	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 September 30, 2020, 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 $6.8 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash dividends paid were $20.5 million and $19.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items				Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items
	Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total		Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:
Non-operating expenses	$	25.3	$	25.3	$	4.8	$	4.8
Tax benefit		(6.5)		(6.5)		(1.2)		(1.2)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	18.8	$	18.8	$	3.6	$	3.6

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items				Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items
	Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total		Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:
Non-operating expenses	$	40.4	$	40.4	$	14.5	$	14.5
Tax benefit		(10.4)		(10.4)		(3.7)		(3.7)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	30.0	$	30.0	$	10.8	$	10.8

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020						Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total		Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total
Beginning balance July 1,	$	(12.7)	$	(231.7)	$	(244.4)	$	(8.4)	$	(220.7)	$	(229.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2.1		—		2.1		(1.2)		—		(1.2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(6.5) and $(1.2))		—		18.8		18.8		—		3.6		3.6
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)		—		(10.2)		(10.2)		—		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		2.1		8.6		10.7		(1.2)		3.6		2.4
Ending balance September 30,	$	(10.6)	$	(223.1)	$	(233.7)	$	(9.6)	$	(217.1)	$	(226.7)

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020						Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total		Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total
Beginning balance January 1,	$	(7.7)	$	(242.9)	$	(250.6)	$	(12.4)	$	(227.9)	$	(240.3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(2.9)		—		(2.9)		2.8		—		2.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(10.4) and $(3.7))		—		30.0		30.0		—		10.8		10.8
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)		—		(10.2)		(10.2)		—		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(2.9)		19.8		16.9		2.8		10.8		13.6
Ending balance September 30,	$	(10.6)	$	(223.1)	$	(233.7)	$	(9.6)	$	(217.1)	$	(226.7)

 

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Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We are subject to various claims, disputes, and administrative and legal matters incidental to our past and current business activities.  As a result, contingencies 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.

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Graybar pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. 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 as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, 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

Principles of ConsolidationThe 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

EstimatesThe 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.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue RecognitionSales revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied, which is typically upon delivery of the product 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. Such service revenue represented less than 1% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Revenue is reported net of all taxes, primarily sales tax, assessed by governmental authorities as a result of revenue-producing transactions.

Outgoing Freight Expenses

Outgoing Freight ExpensesWe record 95% of outgoing freight expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash EquivalentsWe 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 Credit Losses

Allowance for Credit LossesWe 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 pooled on the aging of the receivables, specific risks identified in the receivables portfolio based on current conditions, and expected future economic conditions when necessary.  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

Merchandise Inventory

Our inventory, comprised entirely of finished goods, is stated at the lower of cost (generally determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost method) or market.  Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 89% of the total inventories at September 30, 2020 and 91% at September 30, 2019. 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

Vendor AllowancesOur 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 our performance under the agreements and the amounts that 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 and DepreciationProperty, 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

Credit RiskFinancial 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 are 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

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

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

GoodwillOur goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment.  Goodwill is reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and 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

Definite Lived Intangible AssetsThe 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

Income TaxesOur income tax provision is recorded in accordance with a full-year forecasted rate methodology, including discrete items in the periods in which they occur. 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.  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

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

Pension PlanWe 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.

Leases

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 sheets. 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. Operating 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. For all other leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components 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.

Non-Operating Expenses

Non-operating ExpensesNon-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, amortization of prior service costs/gains, and charges due to settlement of certain plan liabilities.

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which introduced new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain financial instruments. The amendments in this ASU were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years and required a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Periods presented prior to the adoption date are not adjusted.

We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. We determined that our trade receivables are financial instruments subject to this Update. We evaluated the accounting policies applicable to our allowance for doubtful accounts and developed new methods to include three components into our allowance to comply with requirements of the ASU: 1) a reserve derived from historical loss rates based upon the aging of our trade receivables, 2) a reserve based upon specifically-identified trade receivables in our portfolio that are considered higher risk based on current conditions, and 3) an additional reserve, as necessary, to consider the impact of future economic conditions. The adoption of this Update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 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. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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. We adopted this Update as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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. We plan to adopt the Update beginning on January 1, 2021.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” (“ASU 2020-04”) that provides temporary relief to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative rates. This Update is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The guidance on contract modifications, which is applicable to Graybar, can be applied prospectively from any date beginning March 12, 2020 and may also be applied to modifications of existing contracts made earlier in the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the Update on our contracts and our consolidated financial statements.

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Revenue (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Revenue [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Construction	58.5	%	59.1	%	58.1	%	58.6	%
CIG	26.9		26.4		26.9		26.4
Industrial & Utility	14.6		14.5		15.0		15.0
Total net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

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Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2020		2019		2020		2019
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Service cost	$	7.2	$	6.4	$	0.5	$	0.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	7.2	$	6.4	$	0.5	$	0.5
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	$	6.9	$	7.5	$	0.6	$	0.7
Expected return on plan assets		(8.3)		(8.5)		—		—
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		7.4		4.8		0.2		—
Settlement charge		17.7		—		—		—
Total non-operating expenses	$	23.7	$	3.8	$	0.8	$	0.7
Net periodic benefit cost	$	30.9	$	10.2	$	1.3	$	1.2

	Pension Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
	Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	2020		2019		2020		2019
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:
Service cost	$	21.5	$	19.2	$	1.6	$	1.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	21.5	$	19.2	$	1.6	$	1.5
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost	$	20.7	$	22.5	$	1.8	$	2.2
Expected return on plan assets		(24.7)		(25.5)		—		—
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss		22.2		14.3		0.5		0.2
Settlement charge		17.7		—		—		—
Total non-operating expenses	$	35.9	$	11.3	$	2.3	$	2.4
Net periodic benefit cost	$	57.4	$	30.5	$	3.9	$	3.9

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items				Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items
	Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total		Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:
Non-operating expenses	$	25.3	$	25.3	$	4.8	$	4.8
Tax benefit		(6.5)		(6.5)		(1.2)		(1.2)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	18.8	$	18.8	$	3.6	$	3.6

The following table represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020				Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items				Amortization of Pension and Other ‎Postretirement Benefits Items
	Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total		Actuarial ‎Losses ‎Recognized		Total
Affected Line in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income:
Non-operating expenses	$	40.4	$	40.4	$	14.5	$	14.5
Tax benefit		(10.4)		(10.4)		(3.7)		(3.7)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	30.0	$	30.0	$	10.8	$	10.8

Changes in Accumlated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020						Three Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total		Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total
Beginning balance July 1,	$	(12.7)	$	(231.7)	$	(244.4)	$	(8.4)	$	(220.7)	$	(229.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2.1		—		2.1		(1.2)		—		(1.2)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(6.5) and $(1.2))		—		18.8		18.8		—		3.6		3.6
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)		—		(10.2)		(10.2)		—		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		2.1		8.6		10.7		(1.2)		3.6		2.4
Ending balance September 30,	$	(10.6)	$	(223.1)	$	(233.7)	$	(9.6)	$	(217.1)	$	(226.7)

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2020						Nine Months Ended ‎September 30, 2019
	Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total		Foreign ‎Currency		Pension and Other Postretirement ‎Benefits		Total
Beginning balance January 1,	$	(7.7)	$	(242.9)	$	(250.6)	$	(12.4)	$	(227.9)	$	(240.3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(2.9)		—		(2.9)		2.8		—		2.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(10.4) and $(3.7))		—		30.0		30.0		—		10.8		10.8
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)		—		(10.2)		(10.2)		—		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(2.9)		19.8		16.9		2.8		10.8		13.6
Ending balance September 30,	$	(10.6)	$	(223.1)	$	(233.7)	$	(9.6)	$	(217.1)	$	(226.7)

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Aug. 10, 2018
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cost of merchandise sold	$ 1,522.7	$ 1,603.6	$ 4,385.2	$ 4,623.0
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 123.6		$ 123.6		$ 117.5
Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Amortization period			3 years
Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Amortization period			20 years
Inventories Using LIFO Method
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage			89.00%	91.00%
Prudential Private Placement Shelf Agreement
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Agreement face amount						$ 100.0
Issuance period			3 years

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Revenue (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue [Abstract]
Contract assets, contract liabilities, or deferred contract costs recorded	$ 0	$ 0

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Revenue (Disaggregation Of Revenue) (Details) - Revenue from Contract with Customer [Member]	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Construction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	58.50%	59.10%	58.10%	58.60%
CIG
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	26.90%	26.40%	26.90%	26.40%
Industrial & Utility
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	14.60%	14.50%	15.00%	15.00%

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Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Total income tax provision	$ 11.8	$ 17.9	$ 34.0	$ 48.7
Effective tax rate			26.70%
Unrecognized tax benefits	1.7		$ 1.7		$ 1.9
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 0.3		$ 0.3		$ 0.4

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Assets Held For Sale (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets Held For Sale [Abstract]
Assets held for sale	$ 4.4	$ 0.1

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Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 10, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity		$ 624,600,000		$ 624,600,000		$ 611,500,000
Credit agreement commitment fee percentage				0.40%
Short-term borrowings		125,000,000.0		$ 125,000,000.0		138,000,000.0
Interest expense, net		800,000	$ 1,400,000	3,200,000	$ 5,100,000
Notes issued face amount		0		0
Letters of credit outstanding		6,300,000		6,300,000		5,600,000
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings		55,000,000.0	80,000,000.0	55,000,000.0	80,000,000.0
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings		370,000,000.0	$ 257,000,000.0	370,000,000.0	$ 257,000,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings		125,000,000.0		125,000,000.0		138,000,000.0
Amended Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		400,000		$ 400,000		$ 500,000
Prudential Private Placement Shelf Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Agreement face amount	$ 100,000,000.0
Issuance period				3 years
MetLife Private Placement Shelf Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Agreement face amount		$ 100,000,000.0		$ 100,000,000.0
Issuance period				3 years
Line of credit | Amended Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	750,000,000.0
Accordian feature, increase limit	$ 375,000,000.0
Expiration date				Aug. 10, 2023
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Line of credit | Amended Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit Sub-Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000.0
Line of credit | Amended Credit Agreement | Bridge Loan | Graybar Canada [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000.0
Line of credit | Amended Credit Agreement | Bridge Loan | UNITED STATES
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	75,000,000.0
Line of credit | Amended Credit Agreement | Bridge Loan | CANADA
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 20,000,000.0

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Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Benefit Obligation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Vesting percentage			100.00%
Required term of service to be eligible for plan match			one year of service and 1,000 hours of service
Award vesting period			3 years
Non-cash pension settlement charge			$ 17,700,000
Employer contributions	$ 20,000,000.0	$ 10,000,000.0	41,800,000	$ 11,700,000
Expected employer contributions remainder of year	$ 0		$ 0

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Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	$ 270.4	$ 293.0	$ 821.7	$ 851.0
Total non-operating expenses	25.3	5.9	41.4	18.8
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	7.2	6.4	21.5	19.2
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	7.2	6.4	21.5	19.2
Interest cost	6.9	7.5	20.7	22.5
Expected return on plan assets	(8.3)	(8.5)	(24.7)	(25.5)
Net actuarial loss	7.4	4.8	22.2	14.3
Settlement charge	17.7		17.7
Total non-operating expenses	23.7	3.8	35.9	11.3
Net periodic benefit cost	30.9	10.2	57.4	30.5
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	0.5	0.5	1.6	1.5
Total selling, general, and administrative expenses	0.5	0.5	1.6	1.5
Interest cost	0.6	0.7	1.8	2.2
Net actuarial loss	0.2		0.5	0.2
Total non-operating expenses	0.8	0.7	2.3	2.4
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1.3	$ 1.2	$ 3.9	$ 3.9

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Capital Stock (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Percent of stock owned by active and retired employees			100.00%
Percent of shares held in voting trust	83.00%		83.00%
Common stock stated value per share	$ 20.00		$ 20.00		$ 20.00
Cash dvidends	$ 6.8	$ 6.3	$ 20.5	$ 19.3
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000		10,000,000
Preferred stock par or stated value per share (USD per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)	0		0		0

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operating expenses	$ 25.3			$ 5.9			$ 41.4	$ 18.8
Tax benefit	11.8			17.9			34.0	48.7
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	(34.6)	$ (37.1)	$ (21.5)	(49.0)	$ (47.0)	$ (34.4)	(93.2)	(130.4)
Reclassification out of AOCI
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operating expenses	25.3			4.8			40.4	14.5
Tax benefit	(6.5)			(1.2)			(10.4)	(3.7)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	18.8			3.6			30.0	10.8
Reclassification out of AOCI | Actuarial Losses Recognized
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operating expenses	25.3			4.8			40.4	14.5
Tax benefit	(6.5)			(1.2)			(10.4)	(3.7)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$ 18.8			$ 3.6			$ 30.0	$ 10.8

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 892.9
Ending balance	$ 986.1		986.1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	(6.5)	$ (1.2)	(10.4)	$ (3.7)
Actuarial loss, tax	3.5		3.5
Foreign Currency
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(12.7)	(8.4)	(7.7)	(12.4)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	2.1	(1.2)	(2.9)	2.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(6.5), $(1.2), $(10.4), and $(3.7))
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	2.1	(1.2)	(2.9)	2.8
Ending balance	(10.6)	(9.6)	(10.6)	(9.6)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(231.7)	(220.7)	(242.9)	(227.9)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(6.5), $(1.2), $(10.4), and $(3.7))	18.8	3.6	30.0	10.8
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)	(10.2)		(10.2)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	8.6	3.6	19.8	10.8
Ending balance	(223.1)	(217.1)	(223.1)	(217.1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(244.4)	(229.1)	(250.6)	(240.3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	2.1	(1.2)	(2.9)	2.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax $(6.5), $(1.2), $(10.4), and $(3.7))	18.8	3.6	30.0	10.8
Actuarial loss (net of tax of $3.5)	(10.2)		(10.2)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	10.7	2.4	16.9	13.6
Ending balance	$ (233.7)	$ (226.7)	$ (233.7)	$ (226.7)