Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GrafTech achieved a 9% year-over-year increase in sales volume, reaching nearly 29,000 metric tons in Q3 2025 [4][14] - The company generated positive adjusted EBITDA of $13 million for the quarter, compared to a negative $6 million in the prior year [24] - Net cash from operating activities was $25 million, with adjusted free cash flow of $18 million, strengthening liquidity to $384 million as of the end of September [6][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume in the U.S. grew by 53% year-over-year in Q3, contributing to a total year-to-date increase of 39% [5][15] - The average selling price for the third quarter was approximately $4,200 per metric ton, representing a 7% decline compared to the prior year [16][24] - Cash costs per metric ton were $3,795, reflecting a 10% year-over-year decline [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was approximately 206 million tons in Q3 2025, up nearly 2% year-over-year [7][8] - In the U.S., steel production grew by 2% year-to-date compared to 2024, while EU steel output decreased by 4% year-to-date [8][9] - World Steel projects a 1.8% growth in U.S. steel demand for 2026 and a 3.2% growth in Europe [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GrafTech aims to increase sales volume and market share while improving average pricing by shifting geographic sales mix to higher price regions [29][30] - The company is focused on disciplined, value-focused growth rather than volume for volume's sake, especially in light of challenging pricing dynamics [15][16] - Long-term, GrafTech is bullish on the shift towards electric arc furnace steelmaking, which is expected to drive demand for graphite electrodes [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about early signs of recovery in the steel market, driven by infrastructure spending and trade actions [42][43] - The company remains committed to maintaining a culture of safety and achieving zero injuries [12][13] - Management highlighted the importance of trade protection measures and their potential positive impact on the steel industry and graphite electrode demand [10][32] Other Important Information - GrafTech's liquidity position includes $178 million in cash and $107 million available under its revolving credit facility [26][27] - The company is on track for a cumulative reduction of over 30% in cash costs per metric ton since the end of 2023 [6][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Should we expect any other kind of deferred revenue benefits? - Management indicated that the recent deferred revenue recognition was a one-time event and no further benefits are expected [39] Question: What are the current demand and price environment dynamics? - Management noted that the market is oversupplied, making it challenging to push pricing, but there are signs of positive momentum in steel demand [41][42] Question: What is the status of GrafTech's engagement in the battery-related materials market? - Management stated that while there is excess capacity, the market is still developing, and they are positioned to support raw material supply for battery production [46][47] Question: Have the tariffs on Indian material had any impact on imports? - Management expressed confidence that the tariffs would support their market position and negotiations moving forward [54] Question: Any updates on public-private partnerships? - Management highlighted the importance of a healthy electrode industry to support steelmaking and expressed confidence in GrafTech's role in the domestic supply chain [58][60] Question: Has U.S. pricing improved sequentially from the prior quarter? - Management indicated that U.S. pricing is flat to slightly up compared to the prior quarter, with annual contracts limiting price movement [64]