TIDMSMDS
RNS Number : 2589R
Smith (DS) PLC
08 December 2016
8 December 2016
DS Smith Plc - 2016/17 HALF YEAR RESULTS
Consistent delivery from strong business model
6 months to 31 October Change Change
2016 (reported) (constant
currency)
------------------------ ---------- ------------ -----------
Revenue GBP2,357m +21% +7%
Adjusted operating
profit(1) GBP226m +23% +9%
Profit before tax GBP146m +60% +32%
Adjusted EPS(1) 16.4p +21% +9%
Interim dividend
per share 4.6p +15% NA
Return on sales(4) 9.6% +20bps +10bps
ROACE(5) 15.1% +10bps +10bps
------------------------ ---------- ------------ -----------
Highlights
-- Organic volume growth of 2.9%
o All regions in growth
o Continued growth of pan-European FMCG and e-commerce
customers
-- Delivering against all financial KPIs
o Return on sales(4) increase of 10bps to 9.6%
o ROACE(5) improvement of 10bps to 15.1%
o Net debt / EBITDA(6) 1.9x
-- Strong profit growth
o Adjusted operating profit +9%
o Profit before tax +32%
-- Strengthening the business portfolio
o Expanding pan-European point of sale and display
capability
-- Acquired and integrated businesses in the UK and Denmark
-- Opened new plant in Erlensee, Germany
-- Acquisition of P&I, a specialist corrugated display
business in Portugal
o Completion of acquisition of Gopaca, corrugated packaging, in
Portugal
o Proposed acquisition of Parish Manufacturing Inc., a US
bag-in-box plastics business
"This half year has been another period of consistent delivery
across the whole business. Volumes have grown as our high quality,
innovative service has continued to delight our customers,
particularly those who require a pan-European approach. This,
combined with strong results from businesses acquired last year,
the benefit of our global procurement platform, and the continued
roll-out of performance packaging, has resulted in another period
where we have delivered against all our financial KPIs. The
business has continued to demonstrate momentum and has performed
well despite the challenging market, which is a demonstration of
the strength of our business model. Accordingly, the Board remains
confident about the outlook for the business and has increased the
dividend by 15%." Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive
Sustainable delivery against medium term targets
Medium term targets Delivery in H1 2016/17(8)
----------------------------------- --------------------------
Organic volume growth(2) >=GDP(3)
+1% +2.9%
Return on sales(4) 8% - 10% 9.6%
ROACE(5) 12% - 15% 15.1%
Net debt / EBITDA(6) <=2.0x 1.9x
Operating cash flow/ operating
profit(7) >=100% 129%
----------------------------------- --------------------------
See notes to the financial tables below
Enquiries
DS Smith Plc +44 (0)20 7756 1800
Hugo Fisher, Group Communications Director
Rachel Stevens, Investor Relations Director
Bell Pottinger
John Sunnucks +44 (0)20 3772 2549
Ben Woodford +44 (0)20 3772 2566
Presentation and dial-in details
A presentation to investors and analysts will be held at 9:30am
today at Allen & Overy, One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD.
Dial-in access for the presentation is available with details as
follows: +44 (0) 20 3003 2666 (standard access) or 0808 109 0700
(UK Toll Free) Password: DS Smith. The slides accompanying the
presentation will be available on our website shortly before the
start of the presentation. Dial-in participants will have the
opportunity to participate in the Q&A. A replay is available
for 7 days on +44 (0) 20 8196 1998, PIN 9248659#.
Notes to the financial tables
(1) Before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets
(2) Corrugated box volumes, adjusted for working days, on a like-for-like basis
(3) GDP growth (year-on-year) for the countries in which DS
Smith operates, weighted by our sales by country for the HY 2016/17
= 1.8%. Source: Eurostat (15 Nov 2016)
(4) Operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation
of intangible assets as a percentage of revenue
(5) Operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation
of intangible assets as a percentage of the average monthly capital
employed over the previous 12 month period. Average capital
employed includes property, plant and equipment, intangible assets
(including goodwill), working capital, provisions, capital
debtors/creditors and assets/liabilities held for sale
(6) Net debt over operating profit before depreciation,
exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets, calculated
in accordance with banking covenants
(7) Free cash flow before tax, net interest, growth capital
expenditure and pension payments as a percentage of operating
profit before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible
assets
(8) Organic growth, cash conversion and return on sales given
for the 6 months to 31 October 2016, ROACE and net debt / EBITDA
given for the 12 months to 31 October 2016
(9) Note 15 explains the use of non-GAAP performance measures.
Reported results are presented under the Condensed Consolidated
Income Statement and reconciliations to adjusted results are
presented on the face of the Condensed Consolidated Income
Statement, in note 2, note 7, and note 15.
Cautionary statement: This announcement contains certain
forward-looking statements with respect to the operations,
performance and financial condition of the Group. By their nature,
these statements involve uncertainty since future events and
circumstances can cause results and developments to differ
materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements
reflect knowledge and information available at the date of
preparation of this announcement and DS Smith Plc undertakes no
obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing in
this statement should be construed as a profit forecast.
Overview
In the half year to 31 October 2016, DS Smith has delivered
another consistent performance, growing strongly, further improving
our return on sales and delivering a return on capital ahead of our
target range. Organic corrugated box volumes have grown at 2.9%,
ahead of our target of GDP+1%. Volume growth was particularly good
among our pan-European customers, driven by strong growth within
our e-commerce and FMCG categories. Return on sales has again
increased period-on-period by 10 basis points to 9.6%, moving
towards the top of our target range of 8 - 10%. This performance is
reflective of the strength of our business model irrespective of
wider market volatility. Return on average capital employed has
improved by 10 basis points compared to the prior year to 15.1%,
despite the initial dilutive effect of some of the recently
acquired businesses. Net debt / EBITDA at the period end was 1.9x
and operating cash flow conversion was very strong at 129% of
operating profit, both fulfilling our financial KPIs. These results
underline the resilience of the business and the success of our
continued focus on performance packaging with our pan-European
customers.
We believe that display and point of sale packaging is a growth
market, as traditional advertising becomes less important and,
instead, purchasing decisions are made in-store, and we are
therefore investing in this area. In the period we acquired two
businesses, both specialising in point of sale and display
packaging, Creo in the UK (completed June 2016) and Deku-Pack in
Denmark (completed in September 2016). Subsequently, we have
completed our acquisition of Gopaca, a corrugated packaging
business in Portugal, and P&I Display, a specialist display
business, also in Portugal (November 2016). The acquisitions of
Creo, Deku-Pack and P&I Display are part of our strategy to
deliver high quality point of sale packaging solutions to our
customers, which is also the focus of the new site in Erlensee,
Germany, which was formally opened on 17 November 2016. We have
also announced the proposed acquisition of Parish Manufacturing
Inc. ("Parish"), a USA manufacturer and supplier of bag-in-box
systems, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The aggregate
consideration for the five transactions is approximately GBP75
million. For all the businesses acquired, we have been delighted
with the reaction from employees and customers and are already
seeing the benefits of combining their expertise in the
point-of-sale field with the DS Smith pan-European platform.
For the half year period, revenues increased on a constant
currency basis by 7%, principally reflecting the contribution from
acquired businesses and volume growth in corrugated boxes and other
categories such as plastics. The contribution from acquired
businesses is net of the impact of the closure of the Wansbrough
paper mill in the second half of 2015/16. Organic growth
represented 3% overall, driven by continued strong volume growth in
corrugated box and other categories, with a slight offset from
sales price and mix.
Adjusted operating profit was up GBP18 million on a constant
currency basis, or 9%, reflecting strong organic growth which
accounted for 6% of the 9% growth. Profits were principally driven
by the volume growth in all our businesses. Sales price and mix
fell slightly due to lower paper pricing, while the business
broadly offset the adverse impact to input costs from rising old
corrugated card ("OCC") prices post the EU referendum. As a
business, the majority of the corrugated packaging that DS Smith
manufactures is sold in the country in which it is made, and there
is limited cross-channel trade. As such, with the exception of the
increase in OCC prices, themselves influenced by the devaluation of
sterling following the EU referendum, the impact of the EU
referendum on DS Smith has been largely restricted to the
translational impact on our non-sterling profits and debt.
We continue to remain heavily focused on cash and ROACE,
delivering 15.1% ROACE, in excess of our target range, despite the
initial dilutive impact from businesses acquired recently. Net debt
has increased by GBP56 million to GBP1,155 million, due to the
impact of currency translation of GBP127 million, partially offset
by free cash flow and other expenditure. Underlying cash flow from
the business was good, with a further working capital inflow of
GBP35 million. Cash spent on acquisitions completed during the
period was GBP37 million. The currency translation impact is a
result of our policy to broadly match our debt to the currencies in
which our cash flow is generated. Net debt / EBITDA has reduced
from 2.0x at 30 April 2016 to 1.9x at 31 October 2016.
Operating review
Unless otherwise stated, all commentary and comparable analysis
in the operating review is based on constant currency
performance.
UK
Half year Half year Change
ended ended
31 October 31 October
2016 2015
Revenue GBP466m GBP444m 5%
Operating
profit* GBP45m GBP47m (4%)
Return on
sales* 9.7% 10.6% (90bps)
*Adjusted, before amortisation and exceptional items
In the UK revenues increased 5% to GBP466 million (H1 2015/16:
GBP444 million) while adjusted operating profit has decreased 4% to
GBP45 million (H1 2015/16: GBP47 million). Corrugated box volumes
in the period were very strong reflecting continued success with
pan-European FMCG and e-commerce customers, which is a reflection
of the investment we have made in the region in prior periods. The
business also benefited from a good performance from TRM, acquired
in May 2016. Profitability and margin in the region have been
impacted by the rise in sterling-denominated OCC prices following
the EU referendum which, given the mix of business, were partially
offset by other mitigating actions. Despite these headwinds, the
adjusted return on sales of 9.7% in the period remains above the
Group average and near the top end of our target range, reflecting
the quality of our innovation and customer relationships in the
region.
Western Europe
Half year Half year Change Change -
ended ended - reported constant
31 October 31 October currency
2016 2015
Revenue GBP626m GBP489m 28% 10%
Operating
profit* GBP56m GBP36m 56% 33%
Return on
sales* 8.9% 7.4% +150bps +150bps
*Adjusted, before amortisation and exceptional items
In Western Europe organic corrugated box volumes in the period
were good, reflecting a particularly strong performance in the
Iberian businesses, where the recent acquisitions have been fully
integrated and the benefits from the combined businesses are being
realised. Revenue increased by 10% driven both by the acquired
businesses and underlying volume growth. Adjusted operating profit
grew by 33%, principally reflecting profit improvement measures
initiated in prior periods and a contribution from acquisitions.
This translated to an adjusted return on sales improvement of 150
basis points.
DCH and Northern Europe
Half year Half year Change Change -
ended ended - reported constant
31 October 31 October currency
2016 2015
Revenue GBP490m GBP412m +19% +2%
Operating
profit* GBP45m GBP44m +2% (13%)
Return on
sales* 9.2% 10.7% (150bps) (160bps)
*Adjusted, before amortisation and exceptional items
DCH and Northern Europe has seen positive volume growth across
the region, with good growth in Northern Europe, more than
counterbalancing slower market conditions in Germany and
Switzerland. While the business has focused on improving customer
mix and on delivering performance packaging, the overall adjusted
return on sales for the region has been impacted by the higher
proportion of paper manufacturing. In November, we opened a major
new site in Erlensee, near Frankfurt, which specialises in high
quality display and point of sale packaging, and will be a major
hub for our activities in this specialist market in continental
Europe.
Central Europe and Italy
Half year Half year Change Change -
ended ended - reported constant
31 October 31 October currency
2016 2015
Revenue GBP614m GBP471m +30% +12%
Operating
profit* GBP62m GBP42m +48% +24%
Return on
sales* 10.1% 8.9% +120bps +90bps
*Adjusted, before amortisation and exceptional items
Organic corrugated box volumes in central and eastern Europe
have grown ahead of the Group average, reflecting a very good
performance from all segments of this attractive market, where we
have a leading position. Our corrugated box volumes in Italy have
also continued to grow very well. Revenues increased by 12%,
reflecting the volume growth and the contribution of an incremental
one month of the Duropack business. The Duropack business is now
fully integrated with the existing operations and synergy delivery
is fully on track. Adjusted operating profit increased 24%,
reflecting both organic growth and the results of the acquired
business. Adjusted return on sales has, therefore, improved by
90bps to 10.1%.
Plastics
Half year Half year Change Change -
ended ended - reported constant
31 October 31 October currency
2016 2015
Revenue GBP161m GBP137m +18% +4%
Operating
profit* GBP18m GBP15m +20% +6%
Return on
sales* 11.2% 10.9% +30bps +20bps
*Adjusted, before amortisation and exceptional items
Plastics has seen revenue grow by 4%, driven by organic growth
in the business, particularly in rigid crates, which is
predominantly in Europe. Adjusted operating profit grew 6% as the
benefits of the restructuring undertaken over the past two years in
our European Flexible packaging operations performed to our
investment case, in addition to more efficient procurement of
materials.
Investing in the business
Our vision is to be the leading supplier of sustainable
packaging solutions. We continue to expand our geographic reach and
our expertise in fast-growing areas of the market. We have recently
completed the acquisitions of Gopaca and P&I Display in Iberia.
We have also extended our expertise in the growing area of display
packaging, with the purchase of two businesses, Creo, in the UK,
and Deku-Pack, in Denmark. These acquisitions, combined with our
existing capability and the new site in Erlensee, Germany, has
substantially enhanced our offering in this attractive category. We
also continue to invest in our fast-growing e-commerce and digital
printing businesses.
Our Plastics business has had another period of record success
and we are investing further in this, and announce today the
proposed acquisition of Parish, a USA manufacturer and supplier of
bag-in-box systems.
Outlook
The outlook remains positive as we continue to expand and
strengthen our market position particularly in the fast-growing
e-commerce and attractive point of sale and display categories. The
business has continued to demonstrate momentum and has performed
well despite the challenging market, which is a demonstration of
the strength of our business model. Accordingly, the Board remains
confident about the outlook for the business.
Financial Review
Group revenue for the half year to 31 October 2016 increased by
21% to GBP2,357 million (H1 2015/16: GBP1,953 million), reflecting
organic growth, a substantial positive currency translation effect
(GBP243 million) as well as a significant contribution from
acquired businesses. On a constant currency basis, revenue
increased by 7% with the net effect of acquisitions and disposals
being GBP102 million. The remaining increase of GBP59 million
represents organic growth, comprising organic corrugated box volume
growth and growth in other volumes such as plastics. Sales price
and mix were slightly negative.
Adjusted operating profit increased 23% to GBP226 million (H1
2015/16: GBP184 million), with a GBP24 million benefit due to
currency translation. On a constant currency basis, adjusted
operating profit growth was 9%, benefitting from organic growth
(GBP12 million) and the net contribution from acquisitions and
disposals (GBP6 million). Organic growth was driven by increased
corrugated box volumes and growth in plastics.
Input costs were slightly higher period-on-period reflecting an
increase in headline fibre costs, mitigated by the success of the
ongoing performance packaging initiatives, favourable energy
pricing, energy saving initiatives and efficiency improvements from
capital investments made in prior periods. Whilst this impact was
most significant in the UK, it has had an effect across the whole
of Europe.
Free cash flow (being EBITDA plus the cash flow effect of
working capital, pension payments, capital expenditure (net of
proceeds), tax and interest) was GBP182 million (H1 2015/16: GBP143
million), driven by EBITDA of GBP300 million and a further positive
contribution from working capital of GBP35 million, offset by
capital expenditure, tax and interest payments. The comparative
period benefitted from the proceeds of the disposal of Stepac and
GBP2 million higher profits from surplus property asset sales.
Net capital expenditure was GBP84 million in the period (H1
2015/16: GBP74 million) with a total of c. GBP220 million expected
to be spent in the full financial year. The full year increase
compared to previous guidance is driven by current foreign exchange
assumptions.
Amortisation for the period was GBP30 million (H1 2015/16: GBP24
million), with a similar charge expected in the second half of the
year. Depreciation for the period was GBP74 million (H1 2015/16:
GBP60 million), with the charge for the full financial year
expected to be c. GBP160 million.
Return on average capital employed of 15.1% for the 12 month
period to 31 October 2016 (12 months to 31 October 2015: 15.0%)
represents a 10 bps increase on a constant currency basis. This
increase is driven by the significant improvement in profitability
and continued better working capital management over the period, in
part offset by the initially dilutive impact of recently acquired
businesses. Businesses acquired in the prior financial year are now
delivering well, as expected.
Exceptional costs of GBP21 million in the period were incurred
(H1 2015/16: GBP48 million), comprising GBP9 million relating to
acquisitions and their integration and GBP9 million relating to
restructuring initiatives. Total exceptional costs for the year are
expected to be circa GBP50 million, as previously announced.
Net financing costs were GBP31 million (H1 2015/16: GBP21
million), reflecting the increase in debt over the period due to
consideration paid for acquisitions and the existing debt of the
businesses acquired. The increased charge also reflects the impact
of FX translation as approximately 75% of our debt is held and
serviced in Euros. The pension interest charge for the period was
GBP3 million, similar to last year and in line with guidance for a
charge of GBP6 million for the full year. The interest charge for
the year as a whole is expected to be around GBP60 million,
inclusive of the pension interest charge.
Tax on profits has been charged at a rate on continuing
operations before amortisation and exceptional items of 22% (H1
2015/16: 22%), similar to the full year 2015/16.
Profit after tax for continuing operations after exceptional
items was GBP115 million (H1 2015/16: GBP71 million).
Earnings per share for continuing operations before amortisation
and exceptional items increased 21% to 16.4 pence (H1 2015/16: 13.5
pence) or 9% on a constant currency basis, reflecting the growth in
operating profit partially offset by the increase in interest
costs. Total earnings per share was 12.3 pence (H1 2015/16: 7.6
pence).
Financial position
Net debt at 31 October 2016 was GBP1,155 million (30 April 2016:
GBP1,099 million), representing 1.9x EBITDA for the prior 12 month
period, calculated on the basis of a full year contribution from
acquired businesses. Expenditure on business acquisitions was GBP33
million and borrowings of GBP4 million were also assumed. The Group
maintains tight capital discipline, and constant attention to
working capital means that, despite the increase in working capital
on a translated basis due to foreign exchange changes, GBP35
million has been released from working capital in the period on a
like-for-like basis, and working capital as a percentage of sales
is now 1.7% (H1 2015/16: 1.5%).
Dividend
The Board considers the dividend to be an important component of
shareholder returns. In considering dividends the Board will be
mindful of the Group's leverage, earnings growth potential and
future expansion plans. As first set out in December 2010, our
policy is that dividends will be progressive and, in the medium
term, dividend cover should be on average 2.0x to 2.5x through the
cycle.
The Board declares an interim dividend for this half year of 4.6
pence per share (H1 2015/16: 4.0 pence per share). This represents
an increase of 15%, demonstrating the confidence of the Board in
the outlook for the Group and the considerable volatility in the
sterling exchange rate in the half year. The dividend will be paid
on 2 May 2017 to ordinary shareholders on the register at the close
of business on 7 April 2017.
Risks and uncertainties
The Board has considered the principal risks and uncertainties
affecting the Group in the second half of the year. The principal
risks and uncertainties discussed in the Business Review on pages
40 to 47 of the 2016 Annual Report, available on the Group's
website at www.dssmith.com, remain relevant.
In summary, the Group's key risks and uncertainties are:
-- Commercial differentiation;
-- Human capital and talent integration;
-- Acquisition strategy;
-- Capital market and liquidity;
-- Eurozone macroeconomic and deflationary;
-- Market consolidation;
-- Governance and compliance;
-- Cyber;
-- Security of supply; and
-- Sustainability.
Going concern
The Group's recent trading and forecasts, after taking account
of reasonably foreseeable changes in trading performance, shows
that the Group is able to operate within its current debt
facilities. At 31 October 2016 there was significant headroom on
the Group's committed debt facilities of GBP594 million with the
next significant maturity not due until May 2020. As a consequence,
the Board believes that the Group is well placed to manage its
business risks (as summarised above) successfully despite the
uncertainties inherent in the current economic outlook. After
making enquiries, the Board has formed a judgement that there is a
reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For
this reason, the going concern basis has been adopted in preparing
the interim financial statements.
Responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
(a) the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared
in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted
by the European Union;
(b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication on important events
during the first six months and description of principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
(c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties'
transactions and changes therein).
Miles Roberts Adrian Marsh
Group Chief Executive Group Finance Director
7 December 2016
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO DS SMITH PLC
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the half yearly financial report for the
six months ended 31 October 2016 which comprises the Condensed
Consolidated Income Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes
in Equity, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and
related notes 1 to 15. We have read the other information contained
in the half yearly financial report and considered whether it
contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies
with the information in the condensed set of financial
statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with
International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410
Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the
Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices
Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company those matters we are required to state to it in an
independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for this
report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The half yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and
has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible
for preparing the half yearly financial report in accordance with
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's
Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the
Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included
in this half yearly financial report has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim
Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the half yearly
financial report based on our review.
SCOPE OF REVIEW
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the
United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists
of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial
and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit
conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK and Ireland), and consequently does not enable us to obtain
assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not
express an audit opinion.
CONCLUSION
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the half yearly financial report for the six months ended 31
October 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by
the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
7 December 2016
condensed consolidated income statement
Half year ended
Half year ended 31 October Year ended
31 October 2016 2015 30 April 2016
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Exceptional Exceptional Exceptional
Before items After Before items After Before items After
exceptional (note exceptional exceptional (note exceptional exceptional (note exceptional
items 3) items items 3) items items 3) items
Continuing
operations Note GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Revenue 2 2,357 - 2,357 1,953 - 1,953 4,066 - 4,066
Operating costs (2,131) (18) (2,149) (1,769) (61) (1,830) (3,687) (92) (3,779)
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit
before
amortisation,
acquisitions
and disposals 2 226 (18) 208 184 (61) 123 379 (92) 287
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Amortisation
of intangible
assets;
acquisitions
and disposals (30) (3) (33) (24) 14 (10) (51) 14 (37)
Operating profit 2 196 (21) 175 160 (47) 113 328 (78) 250
Finance income 4 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 - 1
Finance costs 4 (29) - (29) (19) (1) (20) (42) (1) (43)
Employment
benefit net
finance expense (3) - (3) (3) - (3) (6) - (6)
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net financing
costs (31) - (31) (21) (1) (22) (47) (1) (48)
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Profit after
financing costs 165 (21) 144 139 (48) 91 281 (79) 202
Share of
profit/(loss)
of equity
accounted
investments,
net of tax 2 - 2 - - - (1) - (1)
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Profit before
income tax 167 (21) 146 139 (48) 91 280 (79) 201
Income tax
(expense)/credit 6 (35) 4 (31) (29) 9 (20) (61) 27 (34)
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Profit for
the period
from
continuing
operations 132 (17) 115 110 (39) 71 219 (52) 167
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Profit for the
period attributable
to:
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Owners of the
parent 133 (17) 116 110 (39) 71 219 (52) 167
Non-controlling
interests (1) - (1) - - - - - -
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Half year ended Year ended
Earnings Half year ended 31 October 30 April
per share 31 October 2016 2015 2016
----------------- ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------
Adjusted from continuing
and total operations
(1)
Basic 7 16.4p 13.5p 27.4p
Diluted 7 16.3p 13.4p 27.0p
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
From continuing
and total
operations
Basic 7 12.3p 7.6p 17.7p
Diluted 7 12.2p 7.5p 17.5p
------------------ ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
1 Adjusted for amortisation and exceptional items.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Profit for the period 115 71 167
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------
Items which will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
Actuarial (loss)/gain on employee
benefits (112) 42 11
Income tax on items which will
not be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss 17 (4) (5)
Items which may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign currency translation differences 150 (44) 49
Movements in cash flow hedges 39 3 (2)
Income tax on items which may be
reclassified subsequently to profit
or loss (6) (3) 4
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
for the period, net of tax 88 (6) 57
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------
Total comprehensive income for
the period 203 65 224
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
attributable to:
----------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Owners of the parent 204 65 224
Non-controlling interests (1) - -
------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
At 31 At 31 At 30
October October April
2016 2015 2016
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 1,231 960 1,089
Property, plant and equipment 1,883 1,485 1,678
Equity accounted investments 6 18 4
Other investments 3 3 3
Deferred tax assets 67 49 58
Other receivables 3 2 3
Derivative financial instruments 63 21 17
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total non-current assets 3,256 2,538 2,852
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Current assets
Inventories 403 310 338
Income tax receivable 2 32 11
Trade and other receivables 815 699 696
Cash and cash equivalents 10 134 140 134
Derivative financial instruments 34 19 40
Assets held for sale 6 4 7
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total current assets 1,394 1,204 1,226
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total assets 4,650 3,742 4,078
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 10 (1,215) (903) (1,073)
Employee benefits 5 (306) (154) (188)
Other payables (14) (7) (8)
Provisions (6) (6) (5)
Deferred tax liabilities (161) (140) (141)
Derivative financial instruments (22) (19) (9)
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total non-current liabilities (1,724) (1,229) (1,424)
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts 10 (14) (25) (19)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 10 (130) (180) (185)
Trade and other payables (1,311) (1,069) (1,118)
Income tax liabilities (113) (133) (109)
Provisions (26) (47) (36)
Derivative financial instruments (29) (14) (47)
Total current liabilities (1,623) (1,468) (1,514)
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total liabilities (3,347) (2,697) (2,938)
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Net assets 1,303 1,045 1,140
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Equity
Issued capital 95 94 94
Share premium 716 715 716
Reserves 490 237 327
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total equity attributable to owners
of the parent 1,301 1,046 1,137
Non-controlling interests 2 (1) 3
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Total equity 1,303 1,045 1,140
-------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Total
reserves
attributable
to owners
Share Share Hedging Translation Own Retained of the Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve shares earnings parent interests equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
At 1 May 2016 94 716 (29) (69) (3) 428 1,137 3 1,140
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Profit for the
period - - - - - 116 116 (1) 115
Actuarial loss
on employee
benefits - - - - - (112) (112) - (112)
Foreign currency
translation
differences - - - 150 - - 150 - 150
Cash flow hedges
fair value
changes - - 32 - - - 32 - 32
Movement from cash
flow hedge
reserve
to income
statement - - 7 - - - 7 - 7
Income tax on
other
comprehensive
income - - (7) 1 - 17 11 - 11
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Total
comprehensive
income/(expense) - - 32 151 - 21 204 (1) 203
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Issue of share
capital 1 - - - - - 1 - 1
Employee share
trust - - - - (1) (5) (6) - (6)
Share-based
payment
expense (net of
tax) - - - - - 3 3 - 3
Dividends paid - - - - - (38) (38) - (38)
Other changes in
equity in the
period 1 - - - (1) (40) (40) - (40)
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
At 31 October
2016 95 716 3 82 (4) 409 1,301 2 1,303
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
At 1 May 2015 94 715 (27) (122) - 359 1,019 (1) 1,018
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Profit for the
period - - - - - 71 71 - 71
Actuarial gain
on employee
benefits - - - - - 42 42 - 42
Foreign currency
translation
differences - - - (44) - - (44) - (44)
Cash flow hedges
fair value
changes - - 3 - - - 3 - 3
Income tax on
other
comprehensive
income - - - (3) - (4) (7) - (7)
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Total
comprehensive
income/(expense) - - 3 (47) - 109 65 - 65
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Employee share
trust - - - - 1 (1) - - -
Share-based
payment
expense (net of
tax) - - - - - (3) (3) - (3)
Dividends paid - - - - - (35) (35) - (35)
Other changes in
equity in the
period - - - - 1 (39) (38) - (38)
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
At 31 October
2015 94 715 (24) (169) 1 429 1,046 (1) 1,045
------------------ ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------ -------- ------------ --------------- -------
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
Continuing operations Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
Operating activities
Cash generated from operations 9 292 222 444
Interest received 1 - 1
Interest paid (31) (18) (33)
Tax paid (25) (17) (49)
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities 237 187 363
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
Investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiary businesses,
net of cash and cash equivalents 13 (33) (253) (313)
Divestment of subsidiary businesses,
net of cash and cash equivalents 13 - 20 21
Capital expenditure (91) (80) (229)
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment and intangible
assets 7 6 28
Cash flows used in investing activities (117) (307) (493)
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital 1 - 1
Repayment of borrowings (501) (306) (337)
Proceeds from borrowings 422 506 605
Repayment of finance lease obligations (7) - (5)
Dividends paid to Group shareholders 8 (38) (35) (108)
Other (7) (10) -
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
Cash flows (used in)/from financing
activities (130) 155 156
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
(Decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents (10) 35 26
Net cash and cash equivalents at
1 May 115 82 82
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash
and cash equivalents 15 (2) 7
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net cash and cash equivalents 10 120 115 115
---------------------------------------- ---- ----------- ----------- ----------
1. Basis of preparation
The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial
statements for the half year ended 31 October 2016 have been
prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and
the disclosure requirements of the Listing Rules. These interim
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Group's
annual financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2016, which
have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU ('IFRSs'). Those accounts
were reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was not qualified
or modified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of
emphasis and did not contain an adverse statement under section 498
(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The interim financial information has been prepared using the
same accounting policies as those adopted in the annual financial
statements for the year ended 30 April 2016, which are prepared in
accordance with IFRSs.
The following new accounting standards, amendments or
interpretations have been adopted by the Group as of 1 May
2016:
-- IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint
Operations - Amendments to IFRS 11
-- IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative - Amendments to IAS 1
-- Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle
-- Amendments to IAS 27 Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements
-- Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation
The adoption of these standards, amendments or interpretations
has not had a material effect on the results for the period.
There were no other new accounting standards, amendments to
standards or interpretations adopted by the Group as of 1 May
2016.
The condensed information presented for the year ended 30 April
2016 does not constitute full statutory accounts as defined in
section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information
for the half year ended 31 October 2016 is unaudited but has been
reviewed by Deloitte LLP, the Group's auditor, and a copy of their
review report forms part of this half year report.
Foreign exchange rates
The Group's main currency exposure is to the euro and the
following exchange rates applied during the periods:
Half year ended Half year ended Year ended
31 October 2016 31 October 2015 30 April 2016
Average Closing Average Closing Average Closing
------ --------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
euro 1.190 1.111 1.386 1.402 1.340 1.272
------ --------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Going concern
As explained in the narrative section of this half year
financial report under the heading 'Going concern', the financial
statements are prepared on the going concern basis. This is
considered appropriate given that the Group has adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable
future.
Estimates and judgements
The application of the Group's accounting policies requires
management to make estimates and assumptions; these estimates and
assumptions affect the reported assets and liabilities and
financial results of the Group. Actual outcomes could differ from
the estimates and assumptions used.
In preparing these interim financial statements, the significant
judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting
policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the
same as those that applied to the Group's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 30 April 2016, being acquisitions,
pensions and other employee benefits, provisions, taxation and
exceptional items.
2. Segment reporting
Operating segments
DCH Central
and Europe Total
Western Northern and continuing
Half year ended 31 UK Europe Europe Italy Plastics operations
October 2016 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- ----- ------- -------------------- -------- -------- -----------
External revenue 466 626 490 614 161 2,357
--------------------------- ----- ------- -------------------- -------- -------- -----------
Operating profit
(1) 45 56 45 62 18 226
Unallocated items:
Amortisation (30)
Exceptional items (21)
Total operating profit (continuing
operations) 175
-----------
DCH Central
and Europe Total
Western Northern and continuing
Half year ended 31 UK Europe Europe Italy Plastics operations
October 2015 GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- ----- ------- --------- --------- -------- ---------------------
External revenue 444 489 412 471 137 1,953
--------------------------- ----- ------- --------- --------- -------- ---------------------
Operating profit
(1) 47 36 44 42 15 184
Unallocated items:
Amortisation (24)
Exceptional items (47)
-----------
Total operating profit
(continuing operations) 113
-----------
(1) Adjusted for amortisation and exceptional items
3. Exceptional items
Items are presented as exceptional in the financial statements
where they are significant items of financial performance that the
Directors consider should be separately disclosed to assist in the
understanding of the trading and financial results of the Group.
Such items include business disposals, restructuring and
optimisation, acquisition related and integration costs and
impairments.
Half year Half Year
ended year ended
31 October ended 30 April
2016 31 October 2016
2015
-----------------------------------------------
Continuing operations GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Acquisition related costs (3) (5) (9)
Gains on acquisitions and divestments - 19 23
----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Acquisitions and disposals (3) 14 14
Integration costs (6) (3) (12)
Other restructuring costs (9) (29) (50)
Impairment of assets - (20) (21)
Other (3) (9) (9)
----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Total pre-tax exceptional items (recognised in
operating profit) (21) (47) (78)
Income tax credit on exceptional items 4 9 27
Exceptional finance cost - (1) (1)
----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Total post-tax exceptional items (17) (39) (52)
----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Half year ended 31 October 2016
Acquisition costs of GBP3m relate to attributable salary costs,
professional advisory, legal and consultancy fees and attributable
internal salary costs relating to the review of potential deals,
and deals completed during the period, including the acquisition of
Creo and Deku-Pack.
Integration costs relate to integration projects underway to
achieve cost synergies from the acquisitions made in the current
period and previous financial year.
Of the GBP9m other restructuring costs, GBP4m relates to
reorganisation and restructuring projects in the UK, and GBP3m
relates to reorganisation and restructuring in DCH.
Other exceptional items of GBP3m principally relate to European
centralisation and optimisation projects.
The income tax credit on exceptional items in the half year
ended 31 October 2016 includes an increase in tax provisions
arising from acquisition of a business (GBP1m), and the tax effect
at the local applicable tax rate of exceptional items that are
subject to tax. The exceptional items in the period give rise to a
net income tax effect, with the exception of non-deductible deal
related advisory fees in relation to acquisitions and
disposals.
Year ended 30 April 2016 and half year ended 31 October 2015
Acquisition costs consist of professional advisory, legal and
consultancy fees and attributable internal salary costs relating to
the review of potential deals, and deals completed during the
periods including the acquisition of Duropack and Lantero.
Gains on acquisitions and divestments comprise the profit on
sale of StePac of GBP9m, with the majority of the remainder
relating to a GBP10m gain on the step acquisition of the Lantero
business (where previously the Group held an associate interest),
both in the half year ended 31 October 2015 and in the year ended
30 April 2016.
Integration costs relate to integration projects underway to
achieve cost synergies from the acquisitions made in the year,
including Duropack and Lantero.
Of the GBP50m other restructuring costs in the year ended 30
April 2016, GBP10m relates to the closure of the Wansbrough paper
mill in the UK, announced in October 2015 after the completion of a
consultation process, with the majority of the remainder relating
to further reorganisation and restructuring the in the UK (GBP10m),
DCH and Northern Europe (GBP17m) and Western Europe (GBP7m). Costs
relating to the Wansbrough paper mill closure and restructuring
projects in DCH and Northern Europe (GBP9m) and Western Europe
(GBP6m) made up the majority of the other restructuring costs in
the half year ended 31 October 2015.
Impairment of assets was primarily associated with impairment
arising from the announced closure of the Wansbrough paper mill in
the UK (GBP20m).
Other exceptional items principally related to European
centralisation and optimisation projects, site remediation costs
and the continuing costs of UK centralisation projects.
The income tax credit on exceptional items in the year ended 30
April 2016 includes an amount received from the previous owners of
an acquired business under the tax indemnity (GBP3m), the reversal
of tax provisions arising from acquisition of a business (GBP2m),
and the tax effect at the local applicable tax rate of exceptional
items that are subject to tax. The exceptional items in the periods
give rise to a net income tax effect, with the exception of gains
or losses on certain divestments which are not subject to tax under
local rules, and non-deductible deal related advisory fees in
relation to acquisitions and disposals.
4. Finance income and costs
Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
Continuing operations GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Interest income from financial assets (1) - (1)
Other - (1) -
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Finance income (1) (1) (1)
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Interest on loans and overdrafts 22 17 38
Other 7 3 5
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Finance costs 29 20 43
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
5. Employee benefits
Movements in the net employee benefit deficit recognised in the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Opening employee benefit deficit (188) (200) (200)
Acquisitions - (6) (9)
Curtailments - - 2
Expense recognised in operating profit (3) (2) (6)
Employment benefit net finance expense (excluding
Pension Protection Fund levy) (2) (3) (5)
Employer contributions 9 8 17
Other payments and contributions 3 3 7
Actuarial (losses)/gains (112) 42 11
Currency translation (13) 4 (5)
Employee benefit deficit (306) (154) (188)
Deferred tax asset 63 33 43
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net employee benefit deficit (243) (121) (145)
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
6. Income tax expense - continuing operations
Tax on profit for continuing operations has been charged at an
underlying rate before exceptional items and amortisation of 22.0%
(half year ended 31 October 2015: 22.2%; year ended 30 April 2016:
22.2%) being the expected full year rate.
The tax credit on amortisation was GBP8m (half year ended 31
October 2015: GBP7m; year ended 30 April 2016: GBP12m).
7. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share from continuing Half year Half year Year
operations ended ended. ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Profit from continuing operations GBP116m GBP71m GBP167m
attributable to ordinary shareholders
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares 944m 943m 943m
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Basic earnings per share 12.3p 7.6p 17.7p
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Diluted earnings per share from Half year
continuing operations ended. Year ended
Half year
ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------------
Profit from continuing operations GBP116m GBP71m GBP167m
attributable to ordinary shareholders
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares 944m 943m 943m
Potentially dilutive shares issuable
under share-based payment arrangements 7m 9m 11m
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares (diluted) 951m 952m 954m
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------------
Diluted earnings per share 12.2p 7.5p 17.5p
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ --------------
The number of shares excludes the weighted average number of the
Company's own shares held as treasury shares during the period of
2m (half year ended 31 October 2015: 1m, year ended 30 April 2016:
1m).
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations
The Directors believe that the presentation of an adjusted
earnings per share, being the basic earnings per share adjusted for
exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets, better
explains the underlying performance of the Group. A reconciliation
of basic to adjusted earnings per share is as follows:
Half year ended Half year ended Year ended
31 October 31 October 30 April 2016
2016 2015
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Basic Diluted Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
pence pence pence pence pence pence
per per per per per per
GBPm share share GBPm share share GBPm share share
----------------------- ---- ------ ------- ---- ------ ------- ---- ------ -------
Basic earnings 116 12.3p 12.2p 71 7.6p 7.5p 167 17.7p 17.5p
Add back amortisation,
after tax 22 2.3p 2.3p 17 1.8p 1.8p 39 4.2p 4.1p
Add back exceptional
items, after tax 17 1.8p 1.8p 39 4.1p 4.1p 52 5.5p 5.4p
----------------------- ---- ------ ------- ---- ------ ------- ---- ------ -------
Adjusted earnings 155 16.4p 16.3p 127 13.5p 13.4p 258 27.4p 27.0p
----------------------- ---- ------ ------- ---- ------ ------- ---- ------ -------
8. Dividends proposed and paid
Pence Pence
per share GBPm per share GBPm
--------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------
2014/15 interim
dividend - paid 3.7p 35
2014/15 final
dividend - paid 7.7p 73
2015/16 interim
dividend - paid 4.0p 38
2015/16 final
dividend - paid 8.8p 83
2016/17 interim
dividend - proposed 4.6p 43
---------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Half year Half year Year
ended ended ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Paid in the period 38 35 108
----------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
The final dividend in respect of 2015/16 of 8.8 pence per share
(GBP83m) was paid after the half year end on 1 November 2016. The
2015/16 interim dividend was paid during the half year ended 31
October 2016. An interim dividend in respect of the half year ended
31 October 2016 of 4.6p per share (GBP43m) has been proposed by the
Directors after the reporting date.
9. Cash generated from operations
Half year Half year
ended ended Year ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
Continuing operations GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Profit for the period 115 71 167
Adjustments for:
Pre-tax integration costs and other
exceptional items 18 61 92
Amortisation of intangible assets
and acquisitions and disposals 33 10 37
Cash outflow for exceptional items (32) (30) (77)
Depreciation 74 60 127
Profit on sale of non-current assets
* (6) (7) (12)
Share of (profit)/loss of equity
accounted investments, net of tax (2) - 1
Employment benefit net finance
expense 3 3 6
Share-based payment expense 3 3 6
Finance income (1) (1) (1)
Finance costs 29 20 43
Other non-cash items (including
other deposits) 3 (4) 2
Income tax expense 31 20 34
Change in provisions (1) (4) (18)
Change in employee benefits (10) (12) (19)
--------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Cash generation before working
capital movements 257 190 388
--------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Changes in:
Inventories (21) (16) (25)
Trade and other receivables (6) (31) 33
Trade and other payables 62 79 48
--------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Working capital movement 35 32 56
--------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Cash generated from continuing
operations 292 222 444
--------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
* Includes gains on the sale of surplus property assets of GBP3m
(half year ended 31 October 2015: GBP5m; year ended 30 April 2016:
GBP10m).
10. Net debt
Half
Half year year Year
ended ended ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents 134 140 134
Overdrafts (14) (25) (19)
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Net cash and cash equivalents 120 115 115
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Other deposits 45 40 25
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
due - after one year (1,202) (891) (1,058)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
due - within one year (127) (179) (180)
Finance leases (16) (13) (20)
Derivative financial instruments
- assets 41 23 25
- liabilities (16) (1) (6)
(1,275) (1,021) (1,214)
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Net debt (1,155) (906) (1,099)
-------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Derivative financial instruments above relate to interest rate
and cross-currency swaps used to hedge the Group's borrowings and
the ratio of net debt to EBITDA. The difference between the amounts
shown above and the total derivative financial instrument assets
and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
relates to derivative financial instruments that hedge forecast
foreign currency transactions and the Group's purchase of
energy.
Other deposits balances are included, as these short-term
receivables have the characteristics of net debt.
11. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt
Half
Half year year Year
ended ended ended
31 October 31 October 30 April
2016 2015 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Continuing operations
Operating profit before amortisation
and exceptional items 226 184 379
Depreciation 74 60 127
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Adjusted EBITDA 300 244 506
Working capital movement 35 32 56
Change in provisions (1) (4) (18)
Change in employee benefits (10) (12) (19)
Other (3) (8) (5)
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Cash generated from operations before
exceptional cash items 321 252 520
Capital expenditure (91) (80) (229)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment and other investments 7 6 28
Tax paid (25) (17) (49)
Net interest paid (30) (18) (32)
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Free cash flow 182 143 238
Cash outflow for exceptional items (32) (30) (77)
Dividends paid (38) (35) (108)
Acquisition of subsidiary businesses,
net of cash and cash equivalents (33) (253) (313)
Divestment of subsidiary and equity
accounted businesses, net of cash
and cash equivalents - 20 21
Other (5) (10) -
Net cash flow 74 (165) (239)
Proceeds from issue of share capital 1 - 1
Loans and borrowings acquired (4) (105) (120)
Net movement on debt 71 (270) (358)
Foreign exchange, fair value and
other non-cash movements (127) 15 (90)
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Net debt movement - continuing operations (56) (255) (448)
Opening net debt (1,099) (651) (651)
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Closing net debt (1,155) (906) (1,099)
------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
12. Financial instruments
Carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and
liabilities
Set out below is the accounting classification of the carrying
amounts and fair values of all of the Group's financial assets and
liabilities:
31 October 30 April 2016
2016
----------------- --------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
amount value amount value
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------- -------- ------- ---------- --------
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 134 134 134 134
Available for sale - other
investments 3 3 3 3
Loans and receivables 818 818 699 699
Derivative financial instruments 97 97 57 57
----------------------------------- -------- ------- ---------- --------
Total financial assets 1,052 1,052 893 893
----------------------------------- -------- ------- ---------- --------
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables (1,325) (1,325) (1,126) (1,126)
Bank and other loans (448) (448) (421) (421)
Medium-term notes and other
fixed-term debt (881) (994) (817) (876)
Finance lease liabilities (16) (16) (20) (20)
Bank overdrafts (14) (14) (19) (19)
Derivative financial instruments (51) (51) (56) (56)
----------------------------------- -------- ------- ---------- --------
Total financial liabilities (2,735) (2,848) (2,459) (2,518)
----------------------------------- -------- ------- ---------- --------
The fair value is the amount for which an asset or liability
could be exchanged or settled on an arm's-length basis. For
financial instruments carried at fair value, market prices or rates
are used to determine fair value where an active market exists. The
Group uses forward prices for valuing forward foreign exchange and
commodity contracts and uses valuation models with present value
calculations based on market yield curves to value note purchase
agreements, the medium-term note, cross-currency swaps and interest
rate swaps. All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair
value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
Under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement,
only the portions of the note purchase agreements which form part
of an effective fair value hedge are carried at fair value in the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The majority of the
Group's medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt are in
effective cash flow and net investment hedge relationships and are
therefore held at amortised cost. The fair values of financial
assets and liabilities which bear floating rates of interest are
estimated to be equivalent to their carrying amounts.
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures requires the
classification of fair value measurements using the fair value
hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in
making the assessments.
All of the Group's financial instruments are Level 2 financial
instruments in accordance with the fair value hierarchy, where
inputs are observable for the asset and liability, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
13. Acquisitions and disposals
(a) 2016/17 acquisitions and disposals
In the half year ended 31 October 2016, the Group made various
business acquisitions, which are not considered material to the
Group individually or in aggregate. These include the acquisition
of two businesses specialising in point of sale and display product
and services for in-store marketing, Creo in the UK, and Deku-Pack
in Denmark, for a total of GBP37m (including loans and borrowings
acquired of GBP4m).
(b) 2015/16 acquisitions and disposals
On 31 May 2015, the Group acquired the Duropack business,
effected by the purchase of equity of the Duropack business for
EUR305m on a cash, debt and, to the extent legally possible and
commercially practicable, pension free basis.
On 31 July 2015, the Group acquired the corrugated activities of
Grupo Lantero, including several operations in which DS Smith
previously held an equity accounted minority. The acquisition was
effected by the purchase of equity, and the total consideration,
including the assumption of debt, was EUR190m.
In addition to the acquisitions detailed above, in the year
ended 30 April 2016, the Group also made various other business
acquisitions and disposals, which are not considered material to
the Group individually or in aggregate. These include the disposal
of StePac for US$31m, the acquisition of the Greek corrugated
packaging business of Cukurova Group with a simultaneous sale of
the Group's minority shareholding in Cukurova Group's Turkish
corrugated paper and packaging entities to the Cukurova Group, the
acquisition of the Milas packaging business of DasaMilas Ambalaj,
and the acquisition of a specialist high-quality packaging
producer, TRM Packaging, in the UK.
14. Subsequent events
On 28 November 2016, the Group completed the purchase of Gopaca,
a corrugated producer in Portugal. On 30 November 2016, the Group
completed the purchase of P&I Display, a specialist corrugated
display business in Portugal. On 7 December 2016, the Group reached
agreement to purchase Parish, a USA manufacturer and supplier of
bag-in-box systems. The acquisitions are not material to the Group
individually or in aggregate.
There are no further subsequent events after the reporting date
which require disclosure.
15. Non-GAAP performance measures
The Group presents reported results and adjusted results in
order to help shareholders better understand the Group's
operational performance.
Total reported results represent the Group's overall
performance, but can contain significant items that may obscure
understanding of the key trends behind the Group's financial
performance. DS Smith therefore also reports adjusted results to
better explain the underlying trading and financial results of the
Group.
Adjusted performance measures exclude amortisation, and
exceptional items. Exceptional items include business disposals,
restructuring and optimisation, acquisition related and integration
costs and impairments.
Reconciliation between reported and adjusted operating profit
and return on sales is available on the face of the Condensed
Consolidated Income Statement and in note 2. A reconciliation
between reported and adjusted earnings per share is provided in
note 7.
Other financial key performance measures such as Net Debt /
EBITDA, Operating cash flow / operating profit and return on
average capital employed ('ROACE') are derived from information
that is not presented in the financial statements. For example, Net
Debt / EBITDA uses net debt at average rates as opposed to closing
rates, and adjusted operating profit before depreciation from the
previous 12 month period. Similarly, ROACE is based on adjusted
operating profit as a percentage of the average monthly capital
employed over the previous 12 month period.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR LFFFLFDLDIIR
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 08, 2016 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
Smith (ds) (LSE:SMDS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Smith (ds) (LSE:SMDS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024