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GrafTech International Ltd (EAF)
NYSE:EAF

GrafTech International (EAF) AI Stock Analysis

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EAGrafTech International
(NYSE:EAF)
38Underperform
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.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
Management has demonstrated its ability to drive material cost downs.
Liquidity
An influx of new money expected later this quarter should extend the liquidity runway well beyond 2025, alleviating a key overhang.
Negative Factors
Trade Policy Risks
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 (EAF) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality graphite electrode products, essential for the production of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. With operations spanning various regions, the company serves a diverse range of industries, including construction, automotive, and energy. GrafTech's commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in the industrial sector, providing crucial materials that support global manufacturing processes.
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 is experiencing substantial financial difficulties across all verticals. The income statement shows declining revenue and large losses, while the balance sheet reflects a heavily leveraged position with negative equity. Cash flow challenges further exacerbate the situation, with negative operating and free cash flow. The company faces significant risks and potential instability if these trends continue.
Income Statement
30
Negative
The income statement shows a concerning decline in revenue and profitability. The TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) data reveals a negative gross profit margin of -4.15%, indicating that cost of goods sold exceeded revenue. The net profit margin is also negative, at -24.35%, demonstrating significant losses. Revenue has declined substantially from the previous year, with a revenue growth rate of -13.16%. Both EBIT and EBITDA margins are negative, indicating operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
25
Negative
The balance sheet reflects a weak equity position with a negative stockholders' equity of -$78.9 million in TTM. The debt-to-equity ratio cannot be calculated due to negative equity, but high debt levels are evident. The equity ratio stands at -6.44%, highlighting a precarious financial structure with liabilities exceeding assets. Return on Equity (ROE) is also not meaningful due to negative equity.
Cash Flow
35
Negative
The cash flow statement reveals negative operating cash flow of -$40.1 million in TTM, leading to negative free cash flow of -$74.4 million. The free cash flow growth rate is highly negative, showing significant deterioration from the previous year. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is not meaningful due to negative figures, indicating cash flow challenges.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
538.78M620.50M1.28B1.35B1.22B
Gross Profit
-19.85M36.21M554.88M644.45M660.50M
EBIT
-75.22M-47.09M474.26M508.07M588.61M
EBITDA
-19.89M-145.21M546.80M589.04M666.69M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-131.16M-255.25M382.96M388.33M434.37M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
256.25M176.88M134.64M57.51M145.44M
Total Assets
1.22B1.29B1.60B1.41B1.43B
Total Debt
1.14B930.75M921.93M1.03B1.42B
Net Debt
879.23M753.88M787.29M972.17M1.27B
Total Liabilities
1.30B1.21B1.27B1.39B1.76B
Stockholders Equity
-78.90M78.25M337.71M23.40M-329.38M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-74.40M14.37M252.46M384.78M527.57M
Operating Cash Flow
-40.09M68.41M324.63M443.04M563.65M
Investing Cash Flow
-34.21M-53.82M-71.97M-57.86M-35.70M
Financing Cash Flow
155.72M18.71M-176.27M-471.79M-463.68M

GrafTech International Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.10
Price Trends
50DMA
1.42
Negative
100DMA
1.68
Negative
200DMA
1.36
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.08
Negative
RSI
38.67
Neutral
STOCH
42.59
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For EAF, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1.1 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.13, below the 50-day MA of 1.42, and below the 200-day MA of 1.36, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.08 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 38.67 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 42.59 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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 (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
CRCRS
78
Outperform
$9.00B34.0216.82%0.44%5.65%84.17%
NUNUE
74
Outperform
$29.21B15.809.79%1.62%-11.46%-53.29%
RSRS
73
Outperform
$15.31B18.4011.71%1.52%-6.56%-31.89%
ATATI
70
Outperform
$7.26B19.9922.82%4.51%-2.90%
62
Neutral
$8.11B13.341.17%3.02%4.16%-15.14%
CMCMC
60
Neutral
$5.21B41.313.24%1.57%-8.66%-82.83%
EAEAF
38
Underperform
$282.99M-213.73%-25.88%-2486.86%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
EAF
GrafTech International
1.10
-0.70
-38.89%
ATI
ATI
51.05
1.63
3.30%
CRS
Carpenter Technology
172.39
105.72
158.57%
CMC
Commercial Metals Company
43.22
-8.57
-16.55%
NUE
Nucor
126.70
-55.44
-30.44%
RS
Reliance Steel
282.58
-30.54
-9.75%

GrafTech International Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 7, 2025 | % Change Since: -26.17% | Next Earnings Date: May 1, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Despite significant achievements in sales volume growth, cost reduction, and liquidity improvement, the company faced challenges with a net loss, pricing declines, potential tariffs, and safety performance issues. The sentiment is mixed, with substantial positive actions being offset by continuing difficulties.
Highlights
Sales Volume Growth
GrafTech increased its sales volume by 13% year-over-year in 2024, despite challenging market conditions.
Cost Reduction Achievement
The company delivered a 23% reduction in cash COGS per metric ton year-over-year, exceeding their initial expectations.
Liquidity Improvement
GrafTech ended 2024 with $464 million of liquidity, significantly enhancing its financial position.
Market Share Recovery
The company has successfully increased its market share, particularly in the U.S., through enhanced customer engagement and service.
Lowlights
Net Loss Reported
GrafTech reported a net loss of $49 million for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Decline in Weighted Average Pricing
There was a 19% year-over-year decline in the weighted average price for non-LTA sales in Q4 2024.
Tariff Concerns
Potential tariffs, including retaliatory tariffs related to Mexico, could impact GrafTech’s North American supply chain.
Safety Performance Issues
The company's safety performance in 2024 was not acceptable, particularly in Q4.
Company Guidance
During the GrafTech Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance on several key metrics and strategic initiatives. GrafTech reported a 13% year-over-year increase in sales volume despite flat global steel production and graphite electrode demand. The company emphasized its successful cost rationalization efforts, achieving a 23% reduction in cash cost of goods sold (COGS) per metric ton, surpassing their initial low double-digit percentage point target. They also highlighted a $40 million reduction in working capital for the year, building on a $108 million reduction in 2023. GrafTech ended 2024 with $464 million in liquidity after completing a financing transaction that extended debt maturities to December 2029. Looking ahead to 2025, the company expects a low-double-digit percentage increase in sales volume and aims to increase prices by 15% on uncommitted volumes. Despite challenging pricing dynamics, GrafTech plans to leverage commercial momentum to expand market share, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, and to optimize their order book by focusing on higher-margin regions.

GrafTech International Corporate Events

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.

Executive/Board Changes
GrafTech International Announces New Board Collaboration
Positive
Jan 10, 2025

GrafTech International Ltd. has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with stockholder Nilesh Undavia, appointing Sachin Shivaram to its Board of Directors and agreeing to collaborate on nominating an independent director for the 2025 annual meeting. This agreement reflects a constructive engagement with Mr. Undavia and aims to leverage Mr. Shivaram’s expertise in the steel industry to benefit stockholders, while including standstill and voting provisions to ensure alignment during the cooperation period.

Executive/Board Changes
GrafTech International’s Chief Legal Officer Resigns
Negative
Jan 6, 2025

Gina K. Gunning, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of GrafTech International Ltd., has announced her resignation effective January 24, 2025, to pursue an opportunity outside the company. This resignation could impact GrafTech’s legal and corporate governance operations as they seek a successor for this key role.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
GrafTech International Strengthens Financial Flexibility with New Notes
Positive
Dec 23, 2024

GrafTech International Ltd. finalized its exchange offers and consent solicitations, replacing existing senior secured notes with new second lien notes due in 2029. This move involved eliminating restrictive covenants and releasing collateral on the existing notes, receiving 99.4% participation from noteholders, signaling strong stakeholder support and potentially strengthening GrafTech’s financial flexibility.

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.