Revenue Growth
Net sales of $308.3 million in Q1 2026, up $27.8 million or 10% year-over-year, driven primarily by higher shipments across most end markets.
Material Improvement in Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA of $24.6 million in Q1 2026, a year-over-year increase of $6.9 million or 39%, supported by higher shipments, better price/mix, wider raw material spread, and improved fixed cost absorption.
Sequential Shipment Momentum
Shipments increased 11% sequentially, with management expecting modest low-single-digit sequential shipment growth in Q2 supported by a strong order book and normal seasonality.
Substantially Expanded Order Book
Order book grew over 40% year-over-year, equating to roughly 90 thousand more tons compared with the prior year, signaling strong near-term demand and backlog visibility.
Operational Capex Milestones and Capacity Gains
Successful reheating and rolling of first blooms from new bloom reheat furnace; demonstrated run rate ~150 tons/hour vs ~100 tons/hour on legacy assets (~50% improvement). Bloom furnace expected fully operational early–mid Q3; roller furnace late Q3.
Strong Balance Sheet and Liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents of $104 million at quarter end, total liquidity of $375 million as of 03/31/2026, and no outstanding borrowings reported.
Government Funding Support
Received $5.9 million in Q1 and an additional $9.5 million in April under nearly $100 million funding agreement; approximately $2 million more government funding expected contingent on final milestone—government funding partially funded ~$18.3 million of Q1 CapEx.
Shareholder Returns and Capital Allocation
Repurchased ~277 thousand shares for $4.3 million in Q1 with $85.4 million remaining under authorization; company has reduced diluted shares outstanding ~26% (13.8 million shares) since early 2022 (including convertible note repurchases).
Pension De-risking Progress
Q1 required pension contributions of $19.8 million (majority U.S. bargaining plan); total required 2026 pension contributions expected to decline nearly 60% versus 2025; a pension freeze window offered for eligible employees to shift to 401(k).
Price Actions Implemented
Targeted price actions announced through first four months of 2026: two bar actions totaling $120/ton and tube pricing averaging about $100/ton for non-contracted/new business (~30% of annual volume); management expects price realization to be gradual and more impactful in H2 2026.