From Interim Report Q4 2022
Substantial risks and uncertainties associated with Elisa’s operations
Risk management is part of Elisa’s internal control system. It aims to ensure that risks affecting the company’s business are identified, influenced and monitored. The company classifies risks into strategic, operational, hazard and financial risks.
The telecommunications industry is intensely competitive in Elisa’s main market areas, which may have an impact on Elisa’s business. The telecommunications industry is subject to heavy regulation. Elisa and its businesses are monitored and regulated by several public authorities. This regulation also affects the price level of some products and services offered by Elisa and may also require investments that have long payback times.
Elisa processes different kinds of data, including personal and traffic data. Therefore, the applicable data protection legislation, especially the General Data Protection Regulation, has a significant impact on Elisa and its businesses.
The rapid developments in telecommunications technology may have a significant impact on Elisa’s business.
Changes in governmental relationships, including in the security environment, may increase the risk of restrictions being imposed on equipment from particular network providers that is also used in Elisa’s network. This could have financial or operational impacts on Elisa’s business.
Elisa’s main market is Finland, where the number of mobile phones per inhabitant is among the highest in the world and growth in subscriptions is therefore limited. Furthermore, the volume of phone traffic on the fixed network has been decreasing during recent years. These factors may limit opportunities for growth. New international business expansion and possible future acquisitions abroad may increase risks.
Elisa is liable to pay direct and indirect taxes and withholding taxes in the countries in which it operates. The tax authorities have taken a slightly more intense approach to tax inspection of late. Tax payments may be challenged by local tax authorities, and this may have a negative financial impact on Elisa.
There is an increasing level of uncertainty relating to Russia's war in Ukraine. This is expected to affect the general economic environment, e.g. inflation and energy prices. Challenges in global supply chains may also result in uncertainties in volumes and prices. Disturbances related to running infrastructure may also occur, for example due to cyber incidents. Elisa’s business in Russia was not essential, and Elisa has withdrawn from the Russian market.
The company’s core operations are covered by insurance against damage and interruptions caused by accidents and disasters. Accident risks also include litigation and claims.
The direct and indirect effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are uncertain. If the pandemic continues for a prolonged period, this may significantly contribute to a slowdown in economic growth, which may have negative effects on Elisa through customer demand, suppliers’ security of supply and employee health. Elisa has adapted its operations and taken many proactive measures due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, e.g. more intensive follow-up of customer demand for existing services, as well as emerging demand for new business opportunities. Also, the company has moved to hybrid working in the duties where that is possible.
In order to manage the interest rate risk, the Group’s loans and investments are diversified into fixed- and variable-rate instruments. Interest rate swaps can be used to manage the interest rate risk.
As most of Elisa's operations and cash flow are denominated in euros, the exchange rate risk is minor. Currency derivatives can be used to manage the currency risk.
The objective of liquidity risk management is to ensure the Group’s financing in all circumstances. Elisa has cash reserves, committed credit facilities and a sustainable cash flow to cover its foreseeable financing needs.
Liquid assets are invested within confirmed limits in financially solid banks, domestic companies and institutions. Credit risk concentrations in accounts receivable are minor, as the customer base is broad.
COVID-19, Russia's war in Ukraine and higher inflation have increased volatility in the financial markets. This might have an effect on Elisa’s ability to raise funds and increase financing costs.
A detailed description of financial risk management can be found in Note 7.1 to the Annual Report 2021.
The increases in energy prices and inflation have impacted the market. In Finland, however, the effects of these have been less severe than in many other European markets. Elisa has hedged against electricity price increases well and continues to develop energy efficiency measures. Cost efficiency and price changes are expected to mitigate the economic impacts of energy price increases and inflation.