In This Article:
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Sales Volume Growth: 13% year-over-year increase in 2024.
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Cost Reduction: 23% year-over-year reduction in cash COGS per metric ton, exceeding expectations.
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Liquidity: Ended 2024 with $464 million in liquidity.
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Net Loss: $49 million or $0.19 per share for Q4 2024.
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Adjusted EBITDA: Negative $7 million in Q4 2024, improved from negative $22 million in Q4 2023.
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Production Volume: 25,000 metric tons in Q4 2024, with a capacity utilization rate of 55%.
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Sales Volume: 27,000 metric tons in Q4 2024.
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Non-LTA Sales Price: Approximately $3900 per metric ton in Q4 2024.
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LTA Sales Price: Approximately $7700 per metric ton in Q4 2024.
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Cash Flow: Negative $21 million adjusted free cash flow in Q4 2024; full year 2024 adjusted free cash flow was negative $56 million.
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Working Capital Reduction: $40 million reduction in 2024, following a $108 million reduction in 2023.
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Debt Maturities: Extended to December 2029.
Release Date: February 07, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
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GrafTech International Ltd (NYSE:EAF) achieved a 13% year-over-year increase in sales volume despite flat global steel production and graphite electrode demand.
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The company successfully launched its 800-millimeter product offering, which is expected to be a significant growth platform in the coming years.
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GrafTech reduced its cash cost of goods sold (COGS) per metric ton by 23% year-over-year, exceeding its initial expectations.
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The company improved its liquidity position, ending 2024 with $464 million in liquidity and extending debt maturities to December 2029.
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GrafTech has over 60% of its anticipated 2025 volume already committed in its order book, indicating strong customer engagement and confidence.
Negative Points
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GrafTech reported a net loss of $49 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, with adjusted EBITDA remaining negative.
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The company faces challenging pricing dynamics, with a 19% year-over-year decline in non-LTA sales prices in the fourth quarter.
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Geopolitical uncertainties, including potential tariffs related to Mexico, pose risks to GrafTech's North American supply chain.
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The current level of graphite electrode pricing is deemed unsustainable, impacting profitability and future investment capabilities.
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Safety performance in 2024 was not satisfactory, particularly in the fourth quarter, highlighting the need for improvement in operational safety.
Q & A Highlights
Q: What was the full-year benefit of the lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory adjustment for 2024, and how will it impact 2025? A: Rory O'Donnell, CFO, stated that the full-year benefit for 2025 from the LCM adjustment is expected to be about $16 million to $17 million.