Strong Sales Volume Growth
First-quarter sales volume of 28,000 metric tons, up 14% year-over-year; production was 29,000 metric tons with a capacity utilization rate of 65%.
Significant U.S. Market Expansion
U.S. sales volume grew 37% year-over-year in Q1, reflecting market share gains and focus on higher-value regions.
Order Book Visibility
More than 85% of anticipated 2026 volume is already committed in the order book, tracking ahead of the prior year and providing revenue visibility.
Commercial and Trade Actions Supporting Pricing
Announced price increases on March 26 of $600 to $1,200 per metric ton by region; positive customer/tender reaction reported. U.S. ITC preliminary determination found reasonable indication of material injury from imports (China/India), and Commerce investigation continues (potential CVD by July and preliminary AD by mid-September).
Improving Cost and Operational Metrics
Cash costs per metric ton were $3,848 in Q1, a 4% sequential decline from Q4; company maintains expectation of a modest year-over-year reduction and a long-term cash cost target of ~$3,600–$3,700/mt.
Liquidity and Financial Flexibility
Total liquidity of $329 million (cash $120M, revolver availability $108M, delayed-draw term loan $100M available until July); no revolver borrowings outstanding and no substantial debt maturities until December 2029.
Safety Performance
Total Recordable Incident Rate improved to 0.35 in Q1, an improvement versus the full-year 2025 rate, supporting operational reliability.
Industry Fundamentals and Longer-Term Demand Drivers
EAF steelmaking trends and decarbonization tailwinds are intact: global steel production (ex-China) up ~1% in Q1; World Steel projects ~1.9% growth ex-China in 2026. Company notes structural demand growth drivers for electrodes and needle coke (EVs/energy storage/battery supply chains).
Seadrift Vertical Integration Advantage
Vertical integration with Seadrift provides surety of needle coke/decant oil supply (domestic sourcing), reducing exposure to merchant market volatility and supporting continuity of supply.
Improvement in Free Cash Flow Trend
Adjusted free cash flow was negative $27 million in Q1, an improvement versus negative $40 million in Q1 2025 (prior year included a planned inventory build).
CapEx Discipline
Full-year CapEx guidance maintained at approximately $35 million to support asset maintenance and targeted productivity investments.