GrafTech International (NYSE:EAF) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 06, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsKirk Ludtke - Managing DirectorMichael Dillon - VP of Investor RelationsRory O'Donnell - CFOTimothy Flanagan - CEOConference Call ParticipantsAbraham Landa - Senior Research AnalystArun Viswanathan - AnalystBennett Moore - AnalystOperatorMy name is Carly, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to GrafTech International's fourth quarter 2025 earnings ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved a 6% increase in sales volume year-over-year, despite a challenging market environment marked by global overcapacity and subdued steel production trends [4][5] - The average selling price for the fourth quarter was approximately $4,000 per metric ton, reflecting a 9% decline year-over-year and a 5% sequential decline from the third quarter [17] - The company reported a net loss of $65 million or $2.50 per share for the fourth quarter, compared to a net loss of $49 million or $1.92 per share in the prior year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. sales volume grew by 48% for the full year and by 83% in the fourth quarter, indicating a successful shift towards regions with stronger pricing fundamentals [5][17] - The company's production volume for the fourth quarter was approximately 28,000 metric tons, resulting in a capacity utilization rate of 60% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was 843 million tons in 2025, up less than 1% compared to the prior year, with a global utilization rate of approximately 67% [8][9] - In North America, steel production increased by 1% in 2025, driven by a 3% year-over-year growth in the United States [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow sales volume by 5%-10% year-over-year in 2026, with a continued focus on shifting geographic mix towards the U.S. [26][27] - Management is evaluating opportunities for trade or policymaking support and potential strategic partnerships to enhance efficiency and long-term value creation [15] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the need for structural changes in the supply chain to address the overcapacity issue in the graphite electrode industry, which threatens long-term viability [14][36] - There are indicators of a rebound in the steel market, with projected global steel demand growth of 3.5% year-over-year for 2026 [10][11] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with a liquidity position of $340 million, which includes $138 million in cash, enabling it to maintain stability amid industry challenges [7][24] - The total recordable incident rate improved to 0.41 in 2025, representing the best safety performance on record for the company [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has aggressive competitor pricing worsened, particularly in the U.S.? - Management noted that pricing pressure is observed globally, driven by imports and aggressive pricing behaviors from competitors, particularly from China and India [42][45] Question: Is it reasonable to assume that realized pricing will be lower in 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific price guidance but indicated that pricing levels heading into 2026 are not better than those observed in 2025 [46] Question: How does the company plan to win back market share amid aggressive pricing? - The company will focus on enhancing its value proposition through R&D and customer partnerships, while being selective in regions where price competition is fierce [56] Question: What is the company's liquidity position to navigate the downturn? - The company has $340 million in liquidity and has taken decisive actions to preserve and enhance this liquidity amid ongoing market challenges [65] Question: What is the impact of Indian tariffs on the U.S. market? - Management expressed confidence in their position heading into 2026, despite the reduction of tariffs on Indian imports, anticipating overall volume growth [71] Question: What is the current supply picture of graphite electrodes coming out of China? - Management indicated that Chinese exports continue to pressure the global market, with significant overcapacity affecting pricing dynamics [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, GrafTech International reported a full-year sales volume increase of 6% despite a challenging graphite electrode industry environment marked by global overcapacity and subdued steel production trends [4][5] - The company achieved an 11% reduction in cash cost of goods sold per metric ton for the full year, resulting in a cumulative reduction of 31% since the end of 2023 [6][20] - The liquidity position at year-end 2025 was $340 million, including $138 million in cash, which exceeded expectations [8][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., sales volume grew by 48% for the full year and by 83% in the fourth quarter year-over-year, reflecting a successful shift towards regions with stronger pricing fundamentals [5][18] - The average selling price for the fourth quarter was approximately $4,000 per metric ton, representing a 9% decline year-over-year due to competitive pricing dynamics [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was 843 million tons in 2025, with a utilization rate of approximately 67% [9][10] - In North America, steel production increased by 1% in 2025, driven by a 3% growth in the U.S. [10] - The EU experienced a 3% decrease in steel output compared to 2024, with utilization rates averaging just over 60% [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GrafTech's strategy includes focusing on value-focused growth rather than volume, walking away from low-margin opportunities [5][16] - The company aims to grow sales volume by 5%-10% year-over-year in 2026, with a continued shift towards the U.S. market [27] - Management is evaluating opportunities for optimizing manufacturing and potential strategic partnerships to enhance efficiency and long-term value creation [16][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing challenges in the graphite electrode industry due to overcapacity and aggressive competitor pricing, which threaten long-term viability [13][14] - There are signs of potential rebound in steel demand, with projections of 3.5% growth globally outside of China in 2026 [11][12] - The company remains committed to maintaining product quality and safety while navigating market challenges [26][36] Other Important Information - GrafTech's total recordable incident rate improved to 0.41 in 2025, marking the best safety performance on record [8] - The company is actively assessing trade policies and their impact on the graphite electrode market, particularly in relation to U.S. tariffs [32][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has aggressive competitor pricing worsened, particularly in the U.S.? - Management noted that pricing pressure is global, driven by imports and aggressive pricing behavior from competitors, particularly from China and India [41][42] Question: Is it reasonable to assume that realized pricing will be lower in 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific price guidance but indicated that pricing levels heading into 2026 are not better than those observed in 2025 [45] Question: How does GrafTech plan to win back market share amidst competitive pricing? - The company will focus on its value proposition, emphasizing quality and service, while being selective in regions where price competition is fierce [53][54] Question: What is GrafTech's ability to pivot its needle coke capacity towards EV battery production? - Management expressed a heightened focus on both graphite electrode production and potential involvement in the supply chain for anode materials for EVs, indicating readiness to partner with others in this space [56][58] Question: What is GrafTech's liquidity position and plans for navigating downturns? - The company has $340 million in liquidity and plans to continue taking decisive actions to preserve and enhance liquidity during downturns [62][63]

Q4 2025 Results February 6, 2026 NYSE: EAF www.graftech.com Today's Presenters Tim Flanagan Chief Executive Officer and President Rory O'Donnell Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President 2 Forward-Looking Statements CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This presentation and related discussions may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect our cur ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GrafTech International reported a 9% year-over-year increase in sales volume, reaching nearly 29,000 metric tons in Q3 2025, with a cumulative sales volume growth of over 20% since the end of 2023 [4][5] - The company generated positive adjusted EBITDA of $13 million for the quarter and $25 million in net cash from operating activities, with an ending liquidity position of $384 million as of September [6][24][26] - A net loss of $28 million, or $1.10 per share, was reported for the third quarter, an improvement from a net loss of $36 million, or $1.40 per share, in the prior year [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume in the U.S. grew by 53% year-over-year in Q3, contributing to a year-to-date growth of 39% in this region [5][15] - The average selling price for the third quarter was approximately $4,200 per metric ton, reflecting a 7% decline compared to the prior year [16][17] 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, with a global utilization rate of approximately 66% [7][8] - 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] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing sales volume and market share, improving average pricing by shifting geographic sales mix to higher price regions, and reducing costs [29][30] - GrafTech is committed to serving customers with excellence and maintaining long-term partnerships built on performance and reliability [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about potential catalysts for a rebound in the steel market, driven by infrastructure and defense spending [42][43] - The company remains bullish on the structural tailwinds supporting the shift towards electric arc furnace steelmaking, with significant new capacity planned in the U.S. [30][31] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 10% year-over-year reduction in cash cost per metric ton for Q3 and anticipates a cumulative reduction of over 30% since the end of 2023 [6][20][21] - GrafTech is actively assessing potential tariff outcomes and their influence on the steel industry and graphite electrode market [32][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on deferred revenue benefits - Management indicated that the recent deferred revenue benefit is one-time in nature and there are no further deferred amounts on the balance sheet [39] Question: Current demand and pricing environment - Management acknowledged the oversupplied market but noted positive momentum in steel demand and production, which could support pricing improvements [41][43] Question: Supply into the battery-related materials market - Management highlighted the importance of trade cases and the need for non-Chinese supply chains to unlock the battery materials market [46][47] Question: Impact of tariffs on imports from India - Management expressed confidence that tariffs would support market share gains and negotiations for 2026 commitments [54][56] Question: Engagement in public-private partnerships - Management emphasized the importance of a healthy electrode industry to support the domestic steel supply chain and expressed confidence in GrafTech's role in this space [59][60] Question: U.S. pricing trends - Management noted that U.S. pricing has remained flat to slightly up compared to the prior quarter, with annual contracts limiting price movement [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GrafTech achieved a 9% year-over-year increase in sales volume, reaching nearly 29,000 metric tons, marking the highest sales volume performance in 12 quarters [6][19] - The company generated positive adjusted EBITDA of $13 million for the quarter, compared to a negative $6 million in the prior year [32] - A net loss of $28 million or $1.1 per share was reported, an improvement from a net loss of $36 million or $1.4 per share in the prior year [32] - Cash costs per metric ton decreased by 10% year-over-year to $3,795, with a full-year guidance for a 10% decline in cash COGS per metric ton [26][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume in the U.S. grew by 53% year-over-year, contributing significantly to overall sales volume growth [7][20] - The average selling price for the third quarter was approximately $4,200 per metric ton, reflecting a 7% decline compared to the prior year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was approximately 206 million tons in 2025, up nearly 2% year-over-year, with a global utilization rate of approximately 66% [11] - In the U.S., steel production grew by 2% year-to-date compared to 2024, while the EU saw a 4% decrease in steel output year-to-date [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GrafTech is focused on increasing sales volume and market share, improving average pricing, reducing costs, and enhancing liquidity [38] - The company is strategically shifting its sales mix towards the U.S. market, which has favorable pricing dynamics [8][19] - GrafTech is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to growth, prioritizing value over volume [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about potential catalysts for a rebound in the steel market, including infrastructure spending and easing financing conditions [13][39] - The company remains bullish on the long-term shift towards electric arc furnace steelmaking, which is expected to drive demand for graphite electrodes [39][40] Other Important Information - GrafTech's liquidity position improved to $384 million as of September, consisting of cash and availability under credit facilities [36] - The company is actively engaging with customers to understand their needs for the upcoming year, positioning itself for continued market share growth [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Should we expect any other kind of deferred revenue benefits? - Management indicated that no further deferred revenue is expected, as there is nothing left on the balance sheet [49][50] Question: What do you think about the current demand and price environment? - Management noted that the market is oversupplied, making it challenging to push pricing, but there are signs of positive momentum in the steel industry [52][54] Question: Is there any way to accelerate commercial applications in the battery-related materials market? - Management stated that they are developing capabilities and have a distinct advantage with vertical integration, but the market is still developing [58][62] Question: Have you seen any material impact from the 50% tariffs on Indian material? - Management expressed confidence in continuing to grow volume in the U.S. market, viewing the tariffs as an opportunity [66][67] 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 [70][74]

Core Viewpoint - The situation surrounding GrafTech (NYSE: EAF) is highly uncertain due to depressed graphite electrode prices, reported losses, poor governance, and an elevated debt load, despite debt extension providing some time for the company [1]. Group 1 - GrafTech is facing challenges with its graphite electrode prices, which are currently depressed [1]. - The company has reported losses, indicating financial difficulties [1]. - Governance issues have been highlighted as a concern for GrafTech [1]. - The company's debt load is elevated, adding to the uncertainty of its situation [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $87 million or $0.34 per share for the second quarter, which included a $43 million non-cash income tax charge [32] - Adjusted EBITDA was $3 million, down from $14 million in the same quarter of the previous year, primarily due to lower average selling prices [33] - Cash costs per metric ton are expected to decline by 7% to 9% year over year, with a revised full-year cash cost guidance of approximately $3,950 per metric ton [34][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume increased by 12% year over year and reached approximately 29,000 metric tons, marking the highest sales volume performance in 11 quarters [28][30] - The average selling price for the second quarter was approximately $4,200 per metric ton, reflecting a nearly 8% increase compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year [13][30] - The company achieved a capacity utilization rate of 65%, the highest level in nearly three years [8][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was approximately 210 million tons in the second quarter, down 1% year over year, resulting in a global utilization rate of approximately 67% [24] - In North America, steel production was down 1% year to date, while U.S. production grew by 1% year to date through June [25] - The company increased its sales volume in the U.S. by 38% year over year, contributing significantly to its average selling price [12][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase sales volume, regain market share, improve average pricing, reduce costs, and strengthen its financial foundation [6][39] - A strategic focus is placed on shifting sales volume towards regions with higher selling prices, particularly in the U.S. [11][12] - The company is committed to building long-term customer relationships and enhancing its competitive positioning through operational efficiency and cost management [7][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovering to normalized levels of profitability, despite current challenges in pricing dynamics and market demand [9][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in the U.S. market due to favorable tariff conditions and an expected increase in steel production [19][40] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investments in research and development to maintain a competitive edge in the graphite electrode market [31][47] Other Important Information - The company ended the second quarter with total liquidity of $367 million, consisting of cash and available credit facilities [37] - The impact of U.S. tariffs on cash costs is expected to be less than 1% for 2025, reflecting effective management of global trade uncertainties [18][21] - The company is actively monitoring developments in the needle coke market and anticipates future improvements driven by domestic supply chain initiatives [60][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current U.S. market share and potential for further growth - The U.S. and Americas represent over 50% of overall revenue, with a year-over-year share increase of 31% [51] Question: Impact of Chinese anti-dumping duties on local needle coke prices - The recent rulings are expected to support medium to long-term developments in the supply chain, but immediate pricing impacts are not anticipated [52][53] Question: Pricing environment outlook - The pricing environment remains competitive, but there are signs of price stability and potential for recovery in the latter half of the year [56][57] Question: Needle coke supply and demand outlook - The needle coke market remains flat, with no immediate catalysts for change, but future developments in Western supply chains are expected to drive improvements [58][59] Question: Expectations for positive EBITDA trajectory - Positive EBITDA is anticipated to continue, with some fluctuations expected in the second half of the year due to seasonal factors [61][64] Question: State of discussions regarding anode materials - The company is actively exploring partnership opportunities and remains well-positioned to participate in the anode materials market [70][72]

Q1 2025 Results April 25, 2025 NYSE: EAF www.graftech.com Forward-Looking Statements If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution that you should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this presentation and in our A ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $39 million or $0.15 per share for Q1 2025, with adjusted EBITDA at negative $4 million compared to flat adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2024 [32] - Cash COGS per metric ton was approximately $3,650 for Q1 2025, reflecting a 21% year-over-year reduction [34] - Total liquidity at the end of Q1 2025 was $421 million, consisting of $214 million in cash and $207 million in available credit [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume increased by 2% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with a notable 25% increase in the U.S. market [7][10] - Average selling price for Q1 2025 was $4,100 per metric ton, representing a 20% year-over-year decline [28] - Production volume for Q1 was 28,000 tons, with a capacity utilization rate of 63%, a more than 500 basis point increase from the prior year [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global steel production outside of China was approximately 209 million tons in Q1 2025, slightly below the previous year [24] - U.S. steel production saw a 1% reduction in Q1 2025, while the EU experienced a 3% decrease year-to-date [24][25] - The company increased sales volume in Western Europe by more than 40% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing sales volume, regaining market share, and improving financial performance through strategic initiatives [6][9] - A key goal is to grow volume and market share in the U.S., which is the highest-priced region in the industry [9][10] - The company plans to increase prices by 15% on uncommitted volumes for 2025 to restore pricing and profitability levels [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenging near-term market conditions but expressed optimism about future opportunities [6][7] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on potential recovery in the EU market due to supportive policy changes and infrastructure investments [39][40] - Management emphasized the importance of a healthy graphite electrode industry for the steel industry and the need for improved pricing dynamics [8][10] Other Important Information - The company has made significant strides in reducing costs, achieving a 23% year-over-year reduction in cash COGS per metric ton in 2024 [13] - The company is actively managing its production and inventory levels to align with sales expectations [26][35] - Ongoing assessments of global trade policies and tariffs are being conducted to mitigate potential impacts on the business [14][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the introduction of tariffs on Indian material changed the pace of pricing declines in the U.S. market? - Management indicated that tariffs on Indian imports could significantly impact the availability of competitors in the U.S. market, potentially benefiting the company [46][47] Question: What percentage of sales are now coming from the U.S. and Western Europe? - Management confirmed that over 50% of sales are now derived from the U.S. and Western Europe combined [54] Question: How much of the graphite electrodes sold in the U.S. are sourced from outside the U.S.? - Management estimated that roughly half of the production coming into the U.S. is from the Monterrey facility, with the balance from European facilities [81] Question: What is the outlook for pricing of graphite electrodes and needle coke? - Management expressed optimism for future pricing stability, citing potential support from tariffs and ongoing negotiations with customers [72][75]