| Valuation method | Value, € | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 24.55 | 498 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 1.64 | -60 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 1.06 | -74 |
| Graham Formula | n/a |
SGL Carbon SE is a leading German manufacturer of carbon fiber and specialty graphite products, serving industries such as automotive, semiconductors, and energy storage. Founded in 1878 and headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, the company operates globally with a presence in Europe, the U.S., China, and other key markets. SGL Carbon's product portfolio includes graphite solutions for thermal management, carbon-ceramic brake discs, fuel cell components, and composite materials for industrial applications. The company is divided into four segments: Graphite Solutions, Process Technology, Carbon Fibers, and Composite Solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, SGL Carbon plays a critical role in high-growth sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and semiconductor manufacturing. Despite recent financial challenges, the company remains a key player in advanced materials, leveraging its expertise in carbon-based solutions to drive sustainability and efficiency across multiple industries.
SGL Carbon SE presents a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity due to its exposure to growing industries like EVs, renewable energy, and semiconductors. The company's negative net income (-€80.3M in the latest fiscal year) and diluted EPS (-€0.66) raise concerns, but its operating cash flow (€120.3M) suggests underlying operational strength. With a market cap of ~€422M and a beta of 1.214, SGL Carbon is a volatile play, but its niche expertise in carbon fiber and graphite solutions could benefit from long-term trends in decarbonization and advanced manufacturing. Investors should monitor its ability to improve profitability and reduce debt (€256.1M) while capitalizing on demand for lightweight materials and energy-efficient technologies.
SGL Carbon SE competes in the specialty materials sector, where its key strengths lie in high-performance carbon fiber and graphite solutions. The company has a strong technological foundation, particularly in automotive applications (e.g., carbon-ceramic brake discs) and fuel cell components, positioning it well for the EV transition. However, it faces intense competition from larger chemical and materials firms with greater R&D budgets and global scale. SGL Carbon's focus on niche, high-value applications provides some insulation from commoditized carbon products, but its financial performance lags behind more diversified peers. The company's competitive advantage stems from its long-standing expertise in carbon-based materials and its ability to serve demanding industries like semiconductors and aerospace. Yet, its relatively small size (~€1B revenue) limits its ability to compete on cost efficiency compared to giants like Toray or Mitsubishi Chemical. To strengthen its position, SGL Carbon must continue innovating in high-growth areas (e.g., hydrogen fuel cells, battery materials) while improving operational efficiency to offset pricing pressures in traditional markets.