GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE:EAF) Receives Average Rating of "Reduce" from Analysts

Key Points

• Seven analysts give GrafTech an average rating of "Reduce" (2 sells, 5 holds) with a consensus 12‑month target of $11.75.
• The company reported a sizable earnings miss—quarterly EPS of ($2.45) versus consensus ($1.27) and revenue of $116.46M vs. $140M—and the stock trades around $8.62 with a negative P/E and a 1‑year range of $4.92–$20.32.
• Institutional ownership is very high at 92.83%, and several funds recently added or increased positions in the shares.

Shares of GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE:EAF - Get Free Report) have received an average rating of "Reduce" from the seven research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and five have given a hold recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $11.75.

A number of research firms recently issued reports on EAF. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an "underweight" rating on shares of GrafTech International in a research note on Tuesday, April 14th. Wall Street Zen lowered GrafTech International from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note on Saturday, February 14th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a "sell (d-)" rating on shares of GrafTech International in a research note on Tuesday, April 21st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on GrafTech International from $21.00 to $10.00 and set a "sector perform" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th.

GrafTech International Stock Performance

EAF stock opened at $8.62 on Thursday. GrafTech International has a 1 year low of $4.92 and a 1 year high of $20.32. The stock's 50 day moving average price is $6.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $12.10. The firm has a market cap of $224.02 million, a P/E ratio of -1.01 and a beta of 1.63.

GrafTech International (NYSE:EAF - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported ($2.45) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of ($1.27) by ($1.18). The company had revenue of $116.46 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $140.00 million. On average, research analysts predict that GrafTech International will post -4.95 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of GrafTech International during the fourth quarter worth $31,000. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of GrafTech International by 9.5% in the fourth quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 32,200 shares of the company's stock valued at $499,000 after purchasing an additional 2,800 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of GrafTech International by 27.1% in the fourth quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 23,688 shares of the company's stock valued at $368,000 after purchasing an additional 5,050 shares during the period. Krilogy Financial LLC grew its position in shares of GrafTech International by 42.9% in the first quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC now owns 20,000 shares of the company's stock valued at $136,000 after purchasing an additional 6,000 shares during the period. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of GrafTech International in the fourth quarter valued at $157,000. 92.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About GrafTech International

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.

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