Elkem

Earnings Release • Oct 24, 2024

Third quarter 2024 - Elkem continues to improve profitability despite weak markets

Third quarter 2024 - Elkem continues to improve profitability despite weak markets

Oslo, 24 October 2024

Elkem reported an EBITDA of NOK 1,235 million in the third quarter 2024, the

highest since the first quarter 2023. The improved result was mainly driven by

higher sales volume and operational improvements in the Silicones division.

Elkem's total operating income for the third quarter 2024 was NOK 8,056 million,

an increase of 3% compared to the third quarter 2023. Earnings before interest,

taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was NOK 1,235 million, which was

the highest since the first quarter 2023. Earnings per share (EPS) was NOK 0.15

in the quarter, and NOK 0.80 year-to-date.

"While key markets remain weak, Elkem continues to strengthen profitability. The

Silicones division improved results in the third quarter mainly due to higher

sales volume, operational improvements and positive effects from the new

production line in China, delivering an EBITDA contribution of NOK 75 million in

the quarter. Silicones markets remain challenging, but Chinese sales prices for

commodity products was improving and Elkem implemented price increases on its

speciality grades. The Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions were

impacted by low sales volumes, yet continued to deliver strong results," says

Elkem CEO Helge Aasen.

Sustainability is an integrated part of Elkem's strategy. In August, Elkem was

awarded Platinum rating from EcoVadis, a globally trusted provider of business

sustainability rating. The Platinum rating is awarded to the top 1% of global

companies. This rating is a recognition of our commitment to corporate social

responsibility and reflects the efforts we make in our operations and along our

supply chain.

Elkem is committed to reducing CO\2\ emissions from its production process and

is researching a groundbreaking concept for silicon production. The concept

involves capturing and recycling the carbon in the process off-gas and reusing

it in the production process. The project received a NOK 31 million grant from

Enova earlier this year, and NOK 20 million in funding from the EU in October as

part of a Horizon Europe project.

Elkem has introduced a comprehensive improvement programme to counter weak macro

-economic conditions and challenging markets. The programme is delivering good

results. The target is to improve EBITDA by at least NOK 1.5 billion and to

reduce capital expenditures by NOK 2.0 billion compared to 2023. By the end of

the third quarter, Elkem had realised EBITDA improvements of NOK 1.0 billion,

with an estimated full-year effect of NOK 1.4 billion for 2024. Elkem's capital

expenditures amounted to NOK 1.9 billion by the end of the third quarter, ahead

of target.

The group's equity as at 30 September 2024 amounted to NOK 25,689 million, which

gave a ratio of equity to total assets of 49%. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK

9,939 million, which gave a ratio of net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA of

2.7x. Elkem has reclassified bank bills in China with effect from 1 July 2024.

Bank bills are deemed to be part of the operational activities linked to the

product cycle and hence no longer included in interest-bearing debt. This change

has positively impacted the leverage ratio by 0.3x. Elkem had cash and cash

equivalents of NOK 6,521 million as at 30 September 2024, and undrawn credit

lines of more than NOK 6,000 million. In September, Elkem successfully issued

NOK 1,500 million of new senior unsecured bonds with tenors of 3, 5 and 7 years.

The bond proceeds will mainly be used to refinance debt falling due in 2024 and

While the market sentiment continues to be relatively weak, Elkem benefits from

strong cost and market positions, and well-defined improvement programmes. The

Silicones markets are still challenging, however the division expects to

continue benefitting from the EBITDA improvement programme and higher sales

volume. The Silicon Products division expects relatively stable market

conditions, but somewhat lower realised sales prices in the fourth quarter. The

Carbon Solutions division expects to deliver stable performance, taking

advantage of its strong market position and geographical diversification.

For further information, please contact:

Odd-Geir Lyngstad

VP Finance & Investor Relations

Tel: +47 976 72 806

Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com

Marianne Stigset

VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Tel: +47 411 88 482

E-mail: marianne.stigset@elkem.com

About Elkem

Elkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based

materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops

silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw

materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers

create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital

communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable

cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than

7,400 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential.

In 2023, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 35.5 billion and CDP ratings

of A on Forests, and A- on Climate Change and Water Security. Elkem is listed on

the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the

ESG Index. www.elkem.com