GrafTech Shares Plunge as Pricing Wars and Steel Slump Widen Losses

The company reported a net loss of $65.1 million, or $2.50 per share, deepening from a $49.5 million loss during the same period last year. Revenue slid 13% to $116.5 million as the firm grappled with what it described as "unsustainably low" industry pricing. Despite maintaining flat sales volumes year-over-year, the adjusted loss of $2.45 per share underscored the severe margin pressure facing the industrial supplier.

Global Trade and Pricing Pressures

Management attributed the downturn to a volatile global steel market, where production outside of China remained largely flat. The company noted that Chinese steel exports and mounting uncertainty regarding international tariffs have stifled production levels. Furthermore, GrafTech highlighted a "challenging pricing environment" exacerbated by aggressive moves from competitors, a trend the firm expects will persist throughout 2026.

Looking ahead, Chief Executive Timothy Flanagan signaled a potential pivot, suggesting that steel industry trends are beginning to stabilize. The company is forecasting a modest recovery in global demand and an uptick in U.S. steel production. For the full year of 2026, GrafTech projects sales volume growth of 5% to 10%, with an anticipated 10% boost in the first quarter alone.