Elkem

Earnings Release • May 8, 2018

Strong first quarter for Elkem

Strong first quarter for Elkem

Elkem reports a strong first quarter with solid growth in revenue and profit,

benefitting from good market conditions in all segments. The improved result is

in particular driven by favourable market conditions in China, but the

development is strong also in the other regions.

Elkem successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO) and returned as a

listed company on Oslo Stock Exchange on 22 March 2018. In connection with the

IPO, Elkem completed the acquisition of two Chinese plants, Xinghuo Silicones

and Yongdeng Silicon Materials from its principal shareholder Bluestar.

Elkem reports a strong first quarter with significant growth in revenue and

EBITDA driven by favourable market conditions and capacity ramp-up, particularly

in China. Total operating income for the first quarter of 2018 amounts to NOK

6,447 million, which is 41% higher than the first quarter of 2017. EBITDA for

first quarter 2018 amounts to NOK 1,450 million, up from NOK 441 million in the

corresponding quarter last year. Earnings per share amounts to NOK 1.24 in 1Q

-2018 on an adjusted, fully diluted basis.

- We are very satisfied with this solid start of 2018, with revenue growth in

all divisions and improved profitability in the three largest divisions. The

strong market fundamentals combined with a number of interesting specialisation

initiatives bode well for further improvements going forward, says Helge Aasen

in a comment.

The strong result is mainly driven by higher sales prices and higher sales

volumes supported by strong market fundamentals. In addition, increased sales of

specialty products have contributed positively to the margin improvements. A

weaker Norwegian krone versus Euro has also impacted the result for the

Norwegian plants positively.

Elkem signed a new loan facilities agreement in February 2018 totalling EUR

1,150 million, to refinance the outstanding debt for the group. The refinancing

of Xinghuo Silicones and Yongdeng Silicon Materials is expected to be completed

in the second quarter of 2018, upon required approval from relevant Chinese

regulatory authorities.

The market sentiment is still strong for all divisions, particularly Silicones.

The result for the second quarter is therefore expected to be in line with the

first quarter. Market prices for silicones, silicon and ferrosilicon are

expected to soften going forward, as supply will likely increase, particularly

in China. Based on this, management's outlook for the second half of 2018 is

more cautious.

Elkem ASA

Oslo, 8 May 2018

For further information, please contact:

Morten Viga, CFO

Phone: +47 416 09 752

Email: morten.viga@elkem.no

Odd-Geir Lyngstad, Head of Investor Relations

Phone: +47 976 72 806

Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.no

About Elkem

Founded in 1904, Elkem is one of the world's leading suppliers of silicon-based

advanced materials with operations throughout the value chain from quartz to

specialty silicones, as well as attractive market positions in specialty

ferrosilicon alloys and carbon materials. Headquartered in Oslo, the company's

27 production sites and extensive network of sales offices and agents around the

world ensure proximity to customers and access to attractive end markets.

Elkem's over 6,000 skilled employees and significant R&D activities provide a

solid basis for further technology-driven growth and optimisation.