Ferroglobe(GSM) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 26% increase in sales for Q2, reaching $387 million, while raw material costs only increased by 6%, leading to improved margins with raw material costs as a percentage of sales declining from 78% to 66% [25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 improved significantly to $22 million from a loss of $27 million in Q1, marking an improvement of $48 million [25][26] - The company maintained a net cash positive position at the end of the quarter with a balance of $10 million, down from $19 million at the end of Q1 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Silicon metal revenue increased by 24% to $130 million, driven by a 23% increase in shipments [26][27] - Silicon-based alloys revenue rose 23% to $112 million, supported by a 24% increase in shipments, while pricing slightly decreased by 1% [29] - Manganese-based alloys saw the strongest improvement with revenue up 43% to $106 million, driven by a 31% increase in volumes and a 9% increase in average selling prices [30][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - European silicon metal prices declined by approximately 20% in the past month due to a substantial increase in imports from China, which pressured the market and reduced EU producers' market share from 40% to about 15% [9] - The U.S. market experienced a significant increase in ferrosilicon sales, with the highest volume recorded in the past eight quarters, supported by trade actions against imports from Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Malaysia [12][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational efficiency and cost control while navigating a challenging market environment, with plans to optimize production by switching furnaces from silicon metal to ferrosilicon [10][15] - The company aims to leverage its vertical supply chain integration to benefit from trade restrictions in the U.S. and Europe, enhancing its competitive position [16] - The company is optimistic about 2026, expecting improvements from trade decisions and supply curtailments, which should enhance the operating environment [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the elevated uncertainty in global trade policies and tariffs, leading to the withdrawal of the 2025 guidance [5][34] - The company is optimistic about the potential benefits from EU safeguard measures and U.S. trade actions, which are expected to improve market dynamics [11][35] - Management highlighted the importance of NATO's increased defense spending, which is anticipated to bolster the steel and aluminum industries, benefiting the company [14] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 600,000 shares for $2 million during the quarter and paid $2.6 million in dividends [10][32] - The company joined the Russell 2000 and 3000 indexes, increasing visibility among institutional investors [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why was the annual EBITDA guidance withdrawn? - Management indicated that the extreme uncertainty in global trade tariffs and the significant import of silicon metal from China at low prices made it difficult to project future volumes and prices, leading to the decision to withdraw guidance [39][41] Question: Is there a risk that EBITDA could revert negative before the end of the year? - Management stated that while they cannot predict the exact amount of EBITDA, they have been able to deliver positive EBITDA despite the current uncertainties [42] Question: Can you discuss the exposure to U.S. tariffs and implications for the supply chain? - Management confirmed that there are currently no impacts on the Becancour facility from U.S. tariffs, and they have secured supply for critical raw materials [44] Question: What is the expected impact of EU safeguards on volumes? - Management noted that they are engaged with the European community regarding safeguards and expect a preliminary decision in August and a final decision in November, but they refrained from speculating on the specific impacts at this stage [51][52] Question: What is the volume impact of switching furnaces from silicon metal to ferrosilicon? - Management confirmed that the switch was made due to increased demand for ferrosilicon in the U.S., positively impacting EBITDA [56] Question: Any updates on the Coorshell investment? - Management highlighted that the new pilot plant for Coorshell has started operating smoothly, with promising results in cycle efficiency, and they are in the process of assembling cells for major OEMs [60]