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GrafTech International Ltd (EAF)
NYSE:EAF

GrafTech International (EAF) AI Stock Analysis

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GrafTech International

(NYSE:EAF)

40Underperform
GrafTech's overall stock score reflects significant financial challenges, including negative profitability, cash flow issues, and a weak balance sheet. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, while valuation metrics are unattractive. The earnings call and corporate events revealed some positive strategic moves, but these are overshadowed by ongoing risks and operational challenges.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
Efforts to cut costs have consistently exceeded expectations.
Liquidity
An influx of new money expected later this quarter should extend the liquidity runway well beyond 2025, alleviating a key overhang.
Product Demand
GE demand should improve in 2025, with EAF volumes realizing low double-digit growth YoY on better market, returning customers and new 800mm product.
Negative Factors
Market Competition
Competition from excessive India/China capacity and a structurally oversupplied market present challenges.
Pricing Environment
The pricing environment currently remains challenging with spot prices declining further, and it's uncertain if the market will fully accept GrafTech's attempted price increase.
Trade Policy
There is elevated risk associated with the US potentially implementing tariffs on GrafTech's operations in Mexico and Europe.

GrafTech International (EAF) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

GrafTech International Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionGrafTech International Ltd. research, develops, manufactures, and sells graphite and carbon-based solutions worldwide. It offers graphite electrodes to produce electric arc furnace steel and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals; and petroleum needle coke, a crystalline form of carbon used in the production of graphite electrodes. The company sells its products primarily through direct sales force, independent sales representatives, and distributors. GrafTech International Ltd. was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyGrafTech International primarily generates revenue through the sale of graphite electrodes, which are critical components in the electric arc furnace (EAF) method of steel production. The demand for these electrodes is closely tied to the steel industry's performance, particularly in regions where EAF steelmaking is prevalent. GrafTech's revenue model is based on long-term agreements with major steel producers, ensuring a stable demand and pricing for its products. Additionally, the company benefits from operational efficiencies and proprietary technologies that enhance its production capabilities, allowing it to maintain a competitive edge in the market. Strategic partnerships and a global distribution network further contribute to GrafTech's financial success by expanding its reach and customer base.

GrafTech International Financial Statement Overview

Summary
GrafTech International faces significant financial challenges across all statements. The company is experiencing declining revenues and profitability, coupled with high leverage and negative equity. Cash flow constraints further exacerbate the situation. Immediate strategic actions may be required to stabilize operations and improve financial health.
Income Statement
35
Negative
The income statement shows a declining trend in revenue and profitability. The TTM revenue of $514.0M represents a decrease from the previous year's $538.8M, resulting in a negative revenue growth rate. Gross profit margin is low at 18.1%, and the net profit margin is negative due to a net loss of $139.6M. EBITDA margin is also negative, indicating operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The balance sheet highlights significant leverage issues. The debt-to-equity ratio is not meaningful due to negative equity, raising concerns about financial stability. Stockholders' equity is negative at -$101.5M, reflecting financial distress. However, the company maintains a reasonable level of liquidity with $214.3M in cash and equivalents.
Cash Flow
30
Negative
Cash flow analysis reveals negative trends. Free cash flow is negative at -$105.8M, with a declining operating cash flow. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative due to losses, indicating cash flow issues relative to profitability. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also negative, highlighting ongoing cash constraints.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
514.04M538.78M620.50M1.28B1.35B1.22B
Gross Profit
-20.25M-19.85M36.21M554.88M644.45M660.50M
EBIT
-71.64M-75.22M-47.09M474.26M508.07M588.61M
EBITDA
-73.36M1.67M-145.21M546.80M589.04M666.69M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-139.65M-131.16M-255.25M382.96M388.33M434.37M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
165.19M256.25M176.88M134.64M57.51M145.44M
Total Assets
1.22B1.22B1.29B1.60B1.41B1.43B
Total Debt
926.91M1.09B930.75M921.93M1.03B1.42B
Net Debt
761.72M830.67M753.88M787.29M972.17M1.27B
Total Liabilities
1.18B1.30B1.21B1.27B1.39B1.76B
Stockholders Equity
37.62M-78.90M78.25M337.71M23.40M-329.38M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-105.83M-74.40M14.37M252.46M384.78M527.57M
Operating Cash Flow
-71.75M-40.09M68.41M324.63M443.04M563.65M
Investing Cash Flow
-33.95M-34.21M-53.82M-71.97M-57.86M-35.70M
Financing Cash Flow
155.58M155.72M18.71M-176.27M-471.79M-463.68M

GrafTech International Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price1.04
Price Trends
50DMA
0.80
Positive
100DMA
1.11
Negative
200DMA
1.27
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.05
Negative
RSI
71.57
Negative
STOCH
89.55
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For EAF, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 1.04 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.73, above the 50-day MA of 0.80, and below the 200-day MA of 1.27, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 71.57 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 89.55 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for EAF.

GrafTech International Risk Analysis

GrafTech International disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. GrafTech International reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

GrafTech International Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
ENENS
67
Neutral
$3.88B12.1718.36%0.96%-2.94%22.32%
64
Neutral
$4.44B11.995.16%249.23%4.01%-11.87%
BEBE
64
Neutral
$4.47B0.86%20.95%
ENENR
58
Neutral
$1.72B32.5233.46%5.04%0.39%-37.01%
46
Neutral
$850.60M-83.81%-19.85%4.94%
45
Neutral
$1.48B125.43%37.60%-161.38%
EAEAF
40
Underperform
$237.77M-213.73%-16.86%50.05%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
EAF
GrafTech International
1.04
-1.05
-50.24%
ENR
Energizer Holdings
23.80
-5.75
-19.46%
ENS
EnerSys
98.13
2.19
2.28%
PLUG
Plug Power
0.82
-2.26
-73.38%
BE
Bloom Energy
19.11
3.98
26.31%
EOSE
Eos Energy Enterprises
6.20
5.50
785.71%

GrafTech International Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 25, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 60.00%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 01, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted GrafTech's strategic efforts to increase sales volume and reduce costs, with a focus on shifting the geographic mix to higher-priced regions like the United States. However, challenges remain with a notable net loss and declining average selling prices. While the company is making progress, the near-term financial results reflect ongoing industry-wide pricing pressures.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Sales Volume Growth
GrafTech grew sales volume by 2% year-over-year in the first quarter and remains on track to increase sales volume by a low-double-digit percentage on a full year basis for 2025 compared to last year. This results in cumulative sales volume growth of approximately 25% since 2023.
Cost Reduction Achievements
The company reported a 23% year-over-year reduction in cash COGS per metric ton for 2024 and remains on track to achieve an incremental mid-single-digit percentage year-over-year decline in cash COGS per metric ton for 2025.
Geographic Mix Shift
Sales volume in the United States increased by nearly 25% year-over-year in the first quarter, demonstrating a strategic focus on the highest priced region.
Negative Updates
Net Loss and EBITDA Decline
For the first quarter, GrafTech had a net loss of $39 million or $0.15 per share. Adjusted EBITDA was negative $4 million, reflecting lower average selling prices.
Average Selling Price Decline
The average selling price for the first quarter was $4,100 per metric ton, representing a 20% year-over-year decline, largely driven by the completion of higher-priced long-term agreements and persistent pricing challenges.
Company Guidance
During GrafTech's first quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided guidance indicating a strategic focus on increasing sales volume, regaining market share, and optimizing their geographic business mix. GrafTech reported a 2% year-over-year increase in sales volume for the first quarter and projected a low-double-digit percentage growth in sales volume for the full year 2025, which would indicate a cumulative volume growth of approximately 25% since 2023. The company emphasized its efforts to increase market share in the United States, achieving a nearly 25% year-over-year increase in sales volume in the region during the first quarter. Additionally, GrafTech announced a 15% price increase on uncommitted volumes for 2025, highlighting the need for higher price points to restore profitability and support future investments. The company also reported ongoing cost reduction efforts, achieving a 23% year-over-year reduction in cash COGS per metric ton in 2024 and expecting a mid-single-digit percentage decline in 2025. Despite challenging market conditions, GrafTech expressed optimism about its strategic initiatives and potential opportunities driven by shifts in global trade policies and regional demand dynamics.

GrafTech International Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
GrafTech International Holds Annual Stockholders Meeting
Neutral
May 9, 2025

GrafTech International Ltd. held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 8, 2025, where several key proposals were voted on. The election of Michel J. Dumas and Eric V. Roegner as directors, the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the accounting firm, and the approval of executive compensation were all passed. Additionally, stockholders decided to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation annually.

Spark’s Take on EAF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, EAF is a Underperform.

GrafTech International’s overall stock score reflects significant financial difficulties, including declining revenues, negative equity, and cash flow issues. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation metrics are unattractive. While there are efforts to improve sales volume and reduce costs, these are overshadowed by the risk of NYSE delisting and ongoing pricing challenges.

To see Spark’s full report on EAF stock, click here.

Delistings and Listing ChangesStock Split
GrafTech Faces NYSE Delisting Notice for Low Stock Price
Negative
Apr 18, 2025

On April 15, 2025, GrafTech International received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for noncompliance with the continued listing standard due to its stock price falling below $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. The company plans to address this issue within a six-month cure period, considering options like a reverse stock split, and aims to maintain its NYSE listing. The notice does not immediately affect the stock’s listing or the company’s business operations, but failure to comply could lead to suspension and delisting, impacting stock liquidity and market price.

Spark’s Take on EAF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, EAF is a Underperform.

GrafTech’s overall stock score reflects its significant financial challenges, with negative profitability, cash flow issues, and a weak balance sheet. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, while valuation metrics are unattractive. The earnings call and corporate events revealed some positive strategic moves, but these are overshadowed by ongoing risks and operational challenges.

To see Spark’s full report on EAF stock, click here.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
GrafTech International Expands Board with New Director
Positive
Mar 10, 2025

On March 7, 2025, GrafTech International’s Board of Directors increased its size to nine members by appointing Eric V. Roegner as a Class I director, following a Cooperation Agreement with shareholder Nilesh Undavia. Roegner, who brings significant experience from his roles at Amcor plc and Arconic Inc., was also appointed to the Audit and Human Resources and Compensation Committees. His appointment is expected to enhance the Board’s expertise in managing operations in cyclical industries, aligning with GrafTech’s strategic objectives.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.