Umicore Shares Tumble on 2019 Growth Warning

The video discusses the global slowdown in the automotive industry, particularly in traditional combustion engines, while electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow. It also highlights a slowdown in the mobile phone segment and its impact on businesses. The discussion shifts to concerns about the availability of cobalt, emphasizing sustainable and ethical sourcing. The company is developing recycling capabilities to support electrification, with a strategic focus on a closed-loop approach to prevent material loss.

What is the current trend in the automotive industry regarding traditional combustion engines and electric vehicles?

• Combustion engines are growing faster than electric vehicles.

• Electric vehicles are experiencing a slowdown.

• Combustion engines are slowing down, while electric vehicles are growing.

• Both combustion engines and electric vehicles are slowing down.

What is one of the challenges in predicting the duration of the mobile phone segment slowdown?

• Lack of consumer interest

• Uncertainty in inventory levels

• High production costs

• Technological advancements

How does the company ensure the availability of cobalt?

• By increasing the price of cobalt

• By reducing the use of cobalt in products

• By focusing on sustainable and ethical sourcing

• By sourcing from multiple uncertified suppliers

What role does recycling play in the company's strategy for mass electrification?

• It is not considered important.

• It helps reduce production costs.

• It ensures materials are reused and not lost in landfills.

• It increases the demand for new raw materials.

What is the company's approach to managing scarce materials like cobalt?

• Increasing reliance on new mining operations

• Developing recycling capabilities

• Outsourcing production to other countries

• Reducing the use of cobalt in products