Elkem Company Overview and Financials
Risk factors (I/VIII)
An investment in the Company, thus the Offer Shares, involves inherent risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risk factors contained in this presentation before making an investment decision.
The risks and uncertainties described below are the assumed most relevant risk factors for the Company's operations. However, these risk factors are not the only risk factors relevant to the Company. Additional risks presented in the financial reports made public by the Company, and risks not presently known to the
Company, or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company's business operations and adversely affect the price of the Company's shares and/or the Company's financial position. If any such risks should actually occur, the Company's business, financial position and operating results could
be materially and adversely affected. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risk factors set out below. Prospective investors are strongly encouraged to consult his or her own advisors as to the suitability of an investment in the shares of the Company. An investment in the Company is suitable only for
investors who understand the risks associated with this type of investment and who can afford to lose all or part of their investment.
2.1
2.1.1
Risks related to the business of Elkem and the industry in which Elkem operates
The silicon-based advanced materials and chemical industries, including the production and sale of silicones, silicon-based materials, foundry products and carbon, has been in the past, and may be in the future, subject to economic downturns, market disruptions and fluctuations in
market price and demand which could lead to volatility in the Group's revenues
Downturns in economic conditions, whether in the markets in which Elkem's customers are active or end markets, can result in diminished demand for, and lower selling prices of, Elkem's products, which could have a negative impact on Elkem's revenues, operating profit and growth prospects. Elkem sells its products
globally to customers who are located in multiple geographic markets, including Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Elkem's customers operate in a wide range of industries, including the automotive industry, the construction industry, the renewable energy industry, the oil and gas industry, the electronics industry, consumer goods industries and the solar power and chemicals industries. Economic downturns, market disruptions,
reduction in demand or otherwise uncertain economic outlooks in one or more of these markets or industries have affected Elkem in the past and could continue to do so in the future, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on Elkem's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
2.1.2
The silicon-based advanced materials and chemical industries are cyclical and Elkem may be materially and adversely impacted by the general economic cycle
Elkem's business is directly related to the production levels of its customers, whose businesses are dependent on highly cyclical markets, such as the automotive, construction, renewable energy, oil and gas, electronics, solar power and chemicals industries. In response to unfavourable market conditions, customers may
request delays in contract shipment dates or other contract modifications or else default, terminate or not renew their contractual arrangements with Elkem, any occurrences of which could have an adverse impact on Elkem's revenues, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Furthermore, many of the
Group's products are internationally traded products with prices that are significantly affected by worldwide supply and demand. Consequently, the financial performance of the Group will fluctuate with the general economic cycle, a decline in which could have a material adverse effect on Elkem's business, results of
operations, financial condition and prospects.
2.1.3
The outbreak of Covid-19 has had and may in the future have significant negative effects on the Group
The outbreak of COVID-19, which was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March 2020, and the extraordinary measures imposed globally in response to the coronavirus pandemic have significantly disrupted the economic condition of the global markets in a number of ways and severely
impacted companies and economic activity globally. The Group has been adversely impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic. These developments have had, and may continue to have, adverse effects on the Group's operations, production, logistics and market developments. The impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic in
the third and fourth quarter of 2021 and possibly in the longer term is highly uncertain and unpredictable.
It is not possible to predict all the consequences that the coronavirus pandemic may have for the Group, its business partners and the markets in which the Group operates, but the negative effects of the COVID-19 situation may be long-term. Potential investors should note that the COVID-19 situation is continuously
changing and that, due to these uncertain developments of the coronavirus pandemic, governments may pass new laws and regulations, to mitigate negative impacts and consequences of COVID-19 regionally and globally, that affect the Group's operations. Continued reduction in global trade may reduce the demand
for the Group's products, which could have a material adverse effect on Elkem's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects
2.1.4
Any decrease in the availability, or increase in the cost, of raw materials or transportation could materially and adversely impact Elkem's business and results of operations
The Group has long term supply contracts for most key raw materials and also buys some of them on the spot market. The Group is dependent on certain suppliers of these products in certain of the markets in which it operates. In particular, the Group relies on a few selected sources for the specialised coal and methyl
chloride that it requires, and relies on certain rare earth minerals which are only available in China and which have in the past been the subject of export restrictions
To the extent there is a disruption in the supply of any of these raw materials from the Group's suppliers, or if the raw materials are not of the required quality, or are not delivered on a timely basis, the Group may not be able to obtain adequate supplies of these raw materials from alternative sources on terms as
favourable as its current arrangements or at all, which may have a material adverse effect on Elkem's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Furthermore, if there is an increase in the costs of these raw materials as a result of disruptions in production, trade restrictions or any other reason, this will result in increased costs for Elkem. Because Elkem's customer contracts and the competitive environment of the markets in which Elkem operates do not generally
permit increases in operating expenses to be passed on to customers, an increase in the cost of its raw materials would have a material adverse effect on Elkem's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
2.1.5
The business of the Group is particularly sensitive to increases in electricity costs which could materially and adversely increase operating costs
Electricity is one of the Group's largest operating costs. Accordingly, consistent access to low cost and reliable sources of electricity is essential to the Group's business. Because electricity constitutes such a significant percentage of costs, the Group is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in electricity costs.
Termination or non-renewal of any of the Group's electricity contracts or an increase in the price of electricity generally could materially adversely affect the Group's future earnings and may prevent Elkem from effectively competing in certain of its markets.
Elkem is also exposed to changes in grid tariffs, both as a result of investments in power grids in Norway and other jurisdictions where it operates and potentially as a result of changes in the grid structure, either of which would likely cause the grid operator to raise tariffs in order to finance such investments or changes.
Any such increases could in turn have a material adverse effect on Elkem's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Elkem
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