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]