Earnings Recap — Q2 FY2026
CY Q3 2026 · Reported August 4, 2026 · Beat 2 of last 6 quarters
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Ferroglobe's push into critical materials and its focus on Western supply chain security aligns with the broader AI infrastructure buildout, which requires secure sources of silicon, gallium, and other materials. The company's ability to repurpose existing furnaces for high-value alloys could provide a domestic Western source for materials critical to semiconductors and electronics. Trade protections and government support could further strengthen its position as a key supplier in the reshoring of critical material processing.
Second quarter revenue increased 9% sequentially to $379 million, with total shipments up 7% to 188,000 tons. Adjusted EBITDA improved to $13 million from $3 million, driven by higher fixed cost absorption and a $5 million litigation benefit in Spain. Silicon metal volumes surged 34% QoQ, but the segment remained an EBITDA loss of $2.7 million due to weak pricing. Silicon-based alloys EBITDA more than doubled to $15 million, while manganese-based alloys EBITDA rose to $13 million. Free cash flow turned positive at $20 million, and net debt declined by $17 million.
Management remains cautiously optimistic on silicon metal as U.S. trade measures are finalized and the European Commission is expected to initiate an antidumping investigation against China and Angola, which could improve pricing and demand in the second half. They expect the European ferrosilicon market to remain challenged until improved trade measures are implemented, with a review of safeguards in November. The company is aggressively pursuing critical materials expansion, targeting initial commercial activity before year-end, with ferromolybdenum and magnesium as near-term opportunities. They are also planning a restart of Venezuelan operations, having applied for a U.S. permit with a decision expected before the end of Q3. Cost reduction and footprint optimization are ongoing, with more precise numbers to be communicated later in the year. Working capital release is expected to continue in the second half, and the company does not plan to resume share buybacks in the near term.
“The West doesn't have a resource problem. It has a processing problem.”
on Critical materials strategy
“We are turning cautiously optimistic about the silicon metal market.”
on Silicon metal outlook
“It is clear that the European safeguards are not having their desired impact on the ferrosilicon market.”
on Ferrosilicon trade measures
Can you touch on where your conversations stand with the relevant agencies and how quickly you feel that you could scale domestic production of adjacent critical materials?
Discussions are progressing fast, particularly with the Department of Energy and Department of War. We have been engaged with DOE for 2 years and DoW since February. We have prepared an initial proposal and are proceeding with a more detailed proposal including our asks. We expect to progress with investments.
Given the change in trade policy on the downstream steel side, what are you seeing with capacity restarts from some of the customer base now moving through second half here? What are they conveying regarding their alloy needs in the back half of the year?
The main factor in Europe is the impact on aluminum production from the Iran crisis. Some steelmakers have announced restart of blast furnaces and capacity expansion. The environment sounds good for aluminum and steel. Chemicals remain challenged due to energy costs.
Working capital improved in the quarter. What could working capital look like in the second half, and what does this mean for your appetite for shareholder returns?
We expect to release around $15 million of working capital in the second half. Given the current market and decisions on critical materials, we are not resuming the share buyback program, but we continue to assess it on a weekly basis.