Company Announcements
July 24, 2026
GrafTech narrows Q2 loss, expects 'modest' graphite electrode demand growth
Written by Ethan Bernard
GrafTech International Ltd.
| Second quarter ended June 30 | 2026 | 2025 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $127.4 | $131.8 | -3.4% |
| Net earnings (loss) | $(40.5) | $(86.9) | 53.4% |
| Per diluted share | $(1.54) | $(3.35) | 54.0% |
| Six months ended June 30 | |||
| Net sales | $252.5 | $243.7 | 3.6% |
| Net earnings (loss) | $(83.7) | $(126.2) | 33.7% |
| Per diluted share | $(3.20) | $(4.88) | 34.4% |
GrafTech International’s net loss narrowed in the second quarter as the company expects a modest increase in demand for graphite electrodes in 2026.
The Brooklyn Heights, Ohio-based graphite electrode producer reported a net loss of $40.5 million in the second quarter, narrowing 53% from a loss of $86.9 million a year earlier.
GrafTech had a total Q2 sales volume of 30,800 metric tons (mt), up 8% year over year and 10% sequentially.
“Our second-quarter results demonstrate continued strong operational execution in a dynamic market,” Timothy Flanagan, CEO and president, said in a statement on Friday.
He said the company continues to expect its full-year sales volume to increase by 5% to 10%. GrafTech is also seeing broad acceptance of its previously announced price increase on uncommitted volume, Flanagan added.
Outlook
Supported by favorable steel production trends, GrafTech said “demand for graphite electrodes is expected to improve modestly in 2026.”
Despite improving demand trends, the company noted that “current industry-wide pricing levels do not reflect the indispensable nature of graphite electrodes for electric-arc furnace steelmaking.”
Because of this, GrafTech has taken actions that included the previously announced price increases of $600 to $1,200 per mt on uncommitted volume. Additionally, it is supporting graphite electrode trade cases in key jurisdictions, including the US and Brazil.
Finally, GrafTech is optimizing its order book by prioritizing higher-value regions while turning down volume opportunities where margins are “unacceptably low.”
Longer term, the company has a more bullish outlook, saying, “We remain confident in the structural drivers of demand growth for graphite electrodes.”
