RISK MANAGEMENT

Most significant risks

KONE is exposed to risks that may arise from its operations or changes in the operating environment. The most significant risk factors described below can potentially have an adverse effect on KONE’s business operations and financial position and, as a result, on the value of the company. Other risks, which are currently either unknown or considered immaterial to KONE may, however, become material in the future.

The assessment and analysis of KONE’s most significant risks also covers non-financial risks. In line with the requirements of the Finnish Accounting Act, KONE has identified the most significant non-financial risks regardless of their materiality for KONE. In addition, KONE applies the guidelines of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) on the reporting of climate-related risks.

Read more about KONE's most significant risks in the latest interim report and annual review.

Risk management

RiskMitigation actions
Weakening of the global economic environmentKONE strives to continuously develop its competitiveness in all regions and businesses. KONE has a wide geographic presence, global manufacturing capabilities and supply network, as well as a balanced business portfolio with a high share of maintenance business.
Geopolitical tensions impacting the competitiveness of KONE’s supply chain, leading to increased costs or causing potential disruptionsKONE actively monitors the development of the applicable and relevant regulations, policies and trade rules, prepares for alternative scenarios and evaluates the competitiveness and viability of KONE’s supply chain and sourcing channels. KONE is taking actions to mitigate the impact of tariffs, for example by applying for tariff exemptions when applicable. KONE also applies increased scrutiny over business operations that may be affected by international trade restrictions or other geopolitical actions.
Changes in the competitive or customer landscape, customer requirements or competitors’ offerings impacting KONE’s competitivenessKONE aims to be the industry leader with its competitive offering by investing in research and development and by taking an open innovation approach. KONE also closely follows emerging industry and market trends and actively monitors opportunities for industry consolidation.
Increasing material, fuel and/or logistics costs weakening KONE’s profitabilityKONE aims to offset cost increases by improving the margin of orders received and adopting dynamic pricing and contract models which allow KONE to pass on increased supply costs. Improving pricing, securing productivity gains and lowering product costs remains high on KONE’s agenda.
A failure to secure and develop the needed organizational capabilities and competenciesKONE continuously evaluates the skills and competences required for the execution of the selected strategy and develops and/or acquires these from internal talent pools or externally. KONE also has extensive training programs in place to develop and retain critical talents.
Risks related to component and subcontracted labor availabilityKONE’s sourcing processes aim to identify critical suppliers and supply categories and implement alternative sources, long-term agreements, last-buy options and other measures to ensure the availability of the supply. KONE has also developed multinational subcontractor pools to ensure subcontractor capacity on a regional level. Subcontractors’ competences and capabilities are monitored and developed continuously, similarly as with own employees. The semiconductor market is closely monitored, and the situation managed with detailed planning of delivery execution and active involvement of supply chain partners among other actions.
Product integrity, safety or quality issues as well as issues with reputationTo mitigate product risks, KONE has strict quality control processes for product design, supply, manufacturing, installation and maintenance. In addition, KONE aims for transparent and reliable communication, to prevent reputational risks and to manage potential incidents. KONE also has stringent corporate governance principles in place.
Interruptions to KONE’s or its suppliers’ operationsKONE actively develops business continuity management capabilities to reduce the impact and likelihood of disruptions within its supply chain. Furthermore, KONE monitors the operations, business continuity management capabilities, financial strength and cybersecurity of its key suppliers. In addition, KONE aims to secure the availability of alternative sourcing channels for critical components and services. KONE also has a global property damage and business interruption insurance program in place. KONE’s global supply chain helps mitigate the risk of interruptions. KONE has 10 manufacturing facilities in 7 countries, multiple distribution centers and a large supplier network across the globe, which helps to mitigate the impacts from potential disruptions in individual locations or countries.
IT system interruptions and cybersecurity risksKONE’s security policies define controls to safeguard premises, information and information systems which are both in development and in operation, in order to detect cybersecurity incidents and to respond and recover in a timely manner. KONE works with third-party security service providers and trusted, well-known technology partners to manage the risks through the control framework. KONE conducts tests, reviews and exercises to identify areas of risk and to ensure the appropriate preparedness. The company continues to invest in its cybersecurity capabilities based on these findings. KONE also has a global cyber insurance program in place
Financial risksKONE applies centralized risk management in accordance with the KONE Treasury Policy. More information on financial risk management can be found in notes 2.4, 3.2 and 5.3 of KONE’s Financial Statements 2022.

Risk management responsibilities

KONE’s Risk Management function coordinates and develops a systematic assessment of risks and opportunities within core business planning and decision-making processes together with the Strategy Development function.

KONE’s Risk Management function oversees and facilitates the assessment of risks and opportunities related to KONE’s business environment, operations, assets and financial performance in order to limit unnecessary or excessive risks. KONE’s business units are responsible for identifying, assessing and managing risks that can threaten the achievement of their business objectives as part of the strategic planning and budgeting processes. Key risks are reported to the Risk Management function, which consolidates the risk information to the Executive Board. The Board of Directors reviews the KONE risk portfolio regularly based on the Executive Board’s assessment. The ownership of identified risk exposures is assigned to specific business units, and the Risk Management function facilitates and follows up the execution of the identified actions.

Internal control procedures over financial reporting

KONE’s internal control and risk management related to financial reporting is described in the Corporate Governance Statement.

Read more in the Corporate Governance Statement 2022

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