Elkem's 2025 Third Quarter Insights: Operational Excellence Prevails
Elkem's 2025 Third Quarter Performance Overview
Elkem has reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, showcasing a notable EBITDA of NOK 829 million. This figure highlights a decline from NOK 1,241 million in the same quarter last year. While sales prices remained under pressure, strong operational performance and cost improvements bolstered the company’s results. The strategic review of the Silicones division is advancing as anticipated, with prospects for an exclusive sales process expected to conclude in the first half of the next year.
Financial Highlights for the Quarter
The total operating income for Elkem during the third quarter of 2025 stood at NOK 7,523 million, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to the previous year. The EBITDA, representing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, saw a significant drop of 33% year-on-year. This quarter, earnings per share (EPS) was recorded at NOK 0.05, while year-to-date EPS reflected a loss of NOK -0.77. The downturn, especially in the Silicones division, has affected the overall financial outcome.
Division Performance Breakdown
The Silicon Products division encountered challenges due to reduced silicon and ferrosilicon prices throughout the quarter. Nonetheless, specialty segments within this division achieved improved performance, with total operating income reported at NOK 3,369 million, an 8% reduction from the prior year. Conversely, EBITDA saw a striking decline of 53% year-on-year.
In contrast, the Carbon Solutions division managed to achieve an EBITDA of NOK 231 million, despite a 14% drop from last year, corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 28%. The lower earnings were primarily driven by decreased sales prices combined with slightly increased raw material costs.
The Silicones division, however, experienced an uptick in results, achieving an EBITDA of NOK 248 million, representing a 23% increase even with a 6% reduction in operating income. This growth reflects stronger cost management and favorable market positioning.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook
Elkem’s CEO, Helge Aasen, addressed the ongoing strategic review and highlighted the company’s resilience amid challenging market dynamics. "Elkem continues to showcase robust operational performance despite pricing pressures. The strategic review of our Silicones division is progressing well, and we are optimistic about our readiness for future growth opportunities," he remarked.
Elkem is actively working on a strategy to divest its Silicones division to optimize its business structure and allocate resources more efficiently towards enhancing growth in its Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions. An ongoing exclusive sales process is targeting a significant industrial partner within the global chemicals sector, which could yield positive outcomes for stakeholders.
Market Challenges and Regulatory Landscape
As the EU deliberates on safeguard measures expected to impact internal production and pricing within the region starting November, the implications for Norway remain uncertain. Current regulations primarily focus on ferrosilicon and related alloys, without a definitive stance on the inclusion of silicon products.
Moreover, the imposition of countervailing duties by the US on silicon imports from various countries, including Norway, poses additional challenges. Currently, the preliminary countervailing duty rate for Norway stands at 16.87%, closely associated with the EU's CO2 quota allocation policy.
Financial Position as of September 30, 2025
On September 30, 2025, Elkem's equity was recorded at NOK 23,968 million, providing a healthy equity-to-assets ratio of 50%. The company's net interest-bearing debt reached NOK 11,666 million, with a ratio of net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA calculated at 3.1 times. As of the same date, Elkem held cash and cash equivalents amounting to NOK 3,968 million, with undrawn credit lines totalling approximately NOK 6 billion.
Looking Ahead
Despite facing difficulties in demand within the Silicon Products division, the company's strong cost structures and effective specialty segments cushion the adverse effects. The Carbon Solutions division's results are also impacted by persistent weak demand, but its geographical diversity and cost structure give it an edge.
Elkem's proactive approach to price adjustments amid market overcapacity and regulatory uncertainties will be key factors influencing its performance in the upcoming periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elkem's latest EBITDA for the third quarter of 2025?
Elkem reported an EBITDA of NOK 829 million for the third quarter of 2025.
How did Elkem's operating income change compared to last year?
The total operating income decreased by 7% compared to the third quarter of the previous year, reaching NOK 7,523 million.
What challenges does Elkem's Silicon Products division face?
The Silicon Products division is experiencing low demand for silicon and ferrosilicon, affecting its financial results.
What strategic actions is Elkem undertaking for future growth?
Elkem is reviewing its Silicones division with an aim to sell it, redirecting resources towards the Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions for growth enhancement.
What impact do the US countervailing duties have on Elkem?
The US has imposed countervailing duties on silicon imports, including a preliminary rate of 16.87% on products from Norway, affecting Elkem's export conditions.
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