GrafTech International (NYSE:EAF) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Misses Estimates By $0.01 EPS

GrafTech International (NYSE:EAF) released its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The company reported ($1.47) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($1.46) by ($0.01), Zacks reports.

Here are the key takeaways from GrafTech International’s conference call:

• GrafTech said Q2 sales volume rose 8% year over year and production hit its highest quarterly utilization since 2022 at 74%, while management reaffirmed full-year sales growth expectations of 5% to 10%.
• The company’s pricing actions are starting to gain traction, with new customer commitments reportedly averaging more than 15% above pre-announcement levels, though most 2026 volume is already booked so the benefit will largely flow through over time.
• GrafTech reiterated its goal for a modest year-over-year reduction in cash COGS, helped by lower unit costs, higher utilization, and productivity improvements, despite inflation in energy, raw materials, and logistics.
• Management highlighted improving steel market conditions outside China and supportive trade policy, especially in the U.S. and Europe, as a key demand backdrop for graphite electrodes and a potential tailwind for future volumes.
• The company emphasized rising needle coke and decant oil costs tied to Middle East disruptions, but said its vertical integration and U.S.-based captive supply give it some protection and could support higher electrode pricing over time.

GrafTech International Stock Performance

Shares of EAF traded up $0.55 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $7.64. The company had a trading volume of 216,971 shares, compared to its average volume of 339,160. The company has a market capitalization of $199.15 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.89 and a beta of 1.84. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $7.70 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.07. GrafTech International has a 52 week low of $4.92 and a 52 week high of $20.32.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have weighed in on EAF shares. Zacks Research cut GrafTech International from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Weiss Ratings raised GrafTech International from a “sell (e+)” rating to a “sell (d-)” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 14th. Wall Street Zen upgraded GrafTech International from a “strong sell” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, May 9th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on GrafTech International from $6.00 to $8.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Monday, May 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an “underweight” rating on shares of GrafTech International in a research note on Tuesday, April 14th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $10.67.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On GrafTech International

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of EAF. Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management purchased a new position in GrafTech International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Jump Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of GrafTech International in the 2nd quarter worth $42,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its holdings in shares of GrafTech International by 1,128.2% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 167,106 shares of the company’s stock worth $163,000 after purchasing an additional 153,500 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership purchased a new position in shares of GrafTech International in the second quarter worth $182,000. Finally, Caption Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of GrafTech International in the third quarter worth $192,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.83% of the company’s stock.

GrafTech International Company Profile

GrafTech International (NYSE: EAF) is a leading global manufacturer of graphite electrodes and other specialty graphite products used primarily in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) for steel production. The company’s core offerings include ultrahigh-power, high-power and regular power electrodes, along with related accessories such as graphite shapes and heterogeneous carbon materials. These products play a critical role in steelmaking by conducting the high electrical currents required to melt scrap steel efficiently and with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional blast furnace methods.

With a manufacturing footprint spanning North America, Europe and Asia, GrafTech serves steel producers and foundries worldwide.