Ferroglobe PLC’s Strategic Moves Amid Market Challenges

Ferroglobe PLC ((GSM)) has held its Q3 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

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Ferroglobe PLC Navigates Challenging Market with Strategic Measures

The recent earnings call for Ferroglobe PLC painted a picture of a challenging market environment, marked by significant declines in volume and revenue across various segments. This downturn is largely attributed to aggressive imports and soft demand. However, the company is optimistic about the future, thanks to strategic trade measures and promising partnerships, such as the one with Coreshell, which are expected to yield positive results by 2026. Ferroglobe is also focusing on improving operational efficiency and cash flow, with hopes for better market conditions in the coming year.

U.S. Trade Case Progress

Ferroglobe has made strides in addressing unfair trade practices, with the U.S. Department of Commerce issuing preliminary countervailing duties against several countries, including Australia, Laos, Norway, and Thailand, for subsidizing silicon metal production. Additionally, preliminary antidumping duties were imposed on Angola and Laos. These measures are expected to help level the playing field for Ferroglobe in the U.S. market.

Coreshell Partnership and Achievements

The partnership with Coreshell is a significant highlight for Ferroglobe. Coreshell has begun shipping commercial-scale 60 ampere EV pilot batteries to leading automotive OEMs, with full commercialization expected in early 2026. This technology reduces reliance on graphite, supporting a domestic supply chain for EV batteries. Coreshell’s success was further underscored by winning the start-up World Cup.

New Multiyear Energy Agreement in France

Ferroglobe has secured a new multiyear energy agreement in France, set to commence on January 1, 2026. This agreement promises competitive energy pricing and operational flexibility, which are crucial for maintaining cost efficiency and operational stability in the region.

Adjusted EBITDA Performance

Despite facing a 19% decline in revenue, Ferroglobe managed to generate $80 million in adjusted EBITDA, slightly below the previous quarter. This performance highlights the company’s resilience and ability to maintain profitability amidst challenging market conditions.

Volume and Revenue Decline

The company experienced a 21% decline in overall volumes from the prior year quarter, with revenues falling by 19%. This downturn reflects the broader market challenges, including aggressive imports and reduced demand.

Challenges in Silicon Metal Market

Ferroglobe is facing significant challenges in the silicon metal market, with predatory imports from China doubling in the first eight months of the year in Europe. Consequently, EU shipments have declined by 51% compared to the previous quarter.

Silicon-Based Alloys Volume Decline

Volumes in silicon-based alloys decreased by 19%, accompanied by a deteriorating pricing environment. The U.S. and European indexes saw declines of 5% and 6%, respectively, further impacting the company’s performance.

Manganese-Based Alloys Revenue and EBITDA Decline

The manganese-based alloys segment also faced headwinds, with revenue declining by 21% and adjusted EBITDA decreasing by 74% from the prior quarter. This highlights the broader challenges within the alloys market.

Forward-Looking Guidance

Looking ahead, Ferroglobe remains cautiously optimistic despite the current market downturn. The company anticipates regulatory developments, such as the U.S. countervailing duties and an upcoming EU safeguard decision, to improve market dynamics by 2026. The partnership with Coreshell is expected to advance with commercial-scale pilot battery shipments, aiming for full commercialization in early 2026. Additionally, the new energy agreement in France is set to enhance operational efficiency from 2026 onwards. Ferroglobe maintains a strong balance sheet, with adjusted gross debt at $127 million and a slight net debt position of $5 million.

In conclusion, Ferroglobe PLC’s earnings call highlighted the company’s resilience in navigating a challenging market environment. While facing significant volume and revenue declines, strategic measures and partnerships provide a positive outlook for the future. The company is poised to benefit from regulatory developments and operational improvements, with optimism for improved market conditions in the coming years.