ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for charts Register for streaming realtime charts, analysis tools, and prices.

SKG Smurfit Kappa Group Plc

3,656.00
0.00 (0.00%)
16 Jul 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Smurfit Kappa Group Plc LSE:SKG London Ordinary Share IE00B1RR8406 ORD EUR0.001 (CDI)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 3,656.00 3,636.00 3,646.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Pkg Paper, Plastics Film 11.27B 758M 2.9114 12.56 9.52B

Smurfit Kappa GrpPLC 1st Quarter Results

03/05/2013 7:00am

UK Regulatory


 
TIDMSK3 
 
 

Smurfit Kappa Group plc

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

3 May 2013: Smurfit Kappa Group plc ('SKG' or 'the Group'), one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, today announced results for the 3 months ending 31 March 2013.

 
2013 First Quarter 
| Key Financial 
Performance 
Measures 
EUR m                    Q12013    Q1(1)2012    Change    Q4(1)2012    Change 
Revenue                EUR1,889    EUR1,823       4%        EUR1,824       4% 
EBITDA before          EUR241      EUR245         (2%)      EUR239         1% 
Exceptional 
Items 
and Share-based 
Payment (2) 
EBITDA Margin          12.7%     13.4%        -         13.1%        - 
Operating Profit       EUR139      EUR148         (6%)      EUR129         8% 
before 
Exceptional Items 
Profit before          EUR57       EUR102         (43%)     EUR33          76% 
Income Tax 
Basic EPS (cent)       14.4      26.0         (45%)     25.2         (43%) 
Pre-exceptional        19.8      14.2         39%       34.0         (42%) 
basic 
EPS (cent) 
Return on Capital      11.7%     12.4%        -         12.0%        - 
Employed(3) 
Free Cash Flow(4)      (EUR23)     (EUR16)        (42%)     EUR118         - 
Net Debt               EUR2,871    EUR2,775       3%        EUR2,792       3% 
Net Debt to EBITDA     2.8x      2.7x         -         2.7x         - 
(LTM) 
 
 

(1) Comparative figures reflect the required restatement to employee benefits under the revision of IAS 19, as set out in Note 7.(2) EBITDA before exceptional items and share-based payment expense is denoted by EBITDA throughout the remainder of the management commentary for ease of reference. A reconciliation of profit for the period to EBITDA before exceptional items and share-based payment expense is set out on page 27.(3) LTM pre-exceptional operating profit plus share of associates' profit/average capital employed.(4) Free cash flow is set out on page 8. The IFRS cash flow is set out on page 14.

 

First Quarter Highlights

 
 
    -- Improving corrugated demand and paper price increases should support 

corrugated price increases in the second half of 2013

 
    -- SK Orange County ('SKOC') integration and performance ahead of 

expectations. Synergy estimates doubled to US$28 million

 
    -- EBITDA margins in the Americas return to their historical range 
 
    -- Proposed final 2012 dividend of 20.5 cent to be paid on 10 May 
 

Performance Review & Outlook

 

Gary McGann, Smurfit Kappa Group CEO, commented: "The Group is pleased to report year-on-year revenue growth of 4% in the first quarter. Despite a number of one-off costs, EBITDA for the first quarter remained strong at EUR241 million. SKG's performance reflects the previously guided margin compression in Europe following OCC and recycled paper price increases which are not yet reflected in corrugated pricing.

 

A EUR40 per tonne recycled paper price increase in Europe during the quarter supports corrugated pricing. Input costs including OCC continue to move upwards. Paper price increases and a good inventory position across Europe are creating an environment for corrugated price recovery in the second half of 2013.

 

The performance of SKOC and the progress of its integration into the Group has exceeded our original expectations. We have doubled our synergy expectations from US$14 million to US$28 million. Over US$9 million of this synergy target will be delivered in 2013 compared to US$6 million in the original pro-forma calculation. Additionally, the trading performance of the business has been significantly helped by the implementation of two paper price increases in the United States within an eight month period, with consequent increases in corrugated prices in the US and Mexican markets.

 

The overall performance of the Americas segment has resulted in the region returning towards its historic EBITDA margin range. Our objective is to increase our exposure to higher growth markets such as the Americas. In the period the region delivered over 27% of Group EBITDA.

 

As part of our previously announced strategic investment in the Townsend Hook mill in the UK, we are accelerating the closure of the two existing paper machines at the mill. They have a combined capacity of 250,000 tonnes and are expected to close on 1 July 2013, after the completion of a consultation process with all employees, instead of 2014 as originally planned. We are bringing forward the closure in order to extend the training period for our workforce, advance the start-up of the new paper machine and increase the pace of the expected ramp up. The approximate GBP100 million (EUR114 million) investment involves the rebuilding of the machine acquired from the Cadidavid liquidator in 2011 into one 250,000 tonne modern lightweight machine which will now be operational by the fourth quarter of 2014 rather than the first quarter of 2015. This investment will significantly increase productivity and lower costs in our UK business.

 

SKG's integrated operations and an unrelenting focus on efficiency continue to deliver a consistent and quality earnings stream. This, in turn, has contributed to a substantially improved capital structure with net debt reduction of EUR190 million in the past 24 months. Our net debt to EBITDA multiple is and will remain within our stated range of 3.0x through an industry cycle. The strength of our business today has increased the available range of strategic and financial options to drive value.

 

About Smurfit Kappa Group

 

SKG is a world leader in paper-based packaging with operations in Europe and the Americas. SKG operates in 21 countries in Europe and 11 in the Americas. With innovation, service and pro-activity towards customers as its primary focus, SKG is the European leader in paper-based packaging including, corrugated, containerboard, bag-in-box, solidboard, and solidboard packaging. It also has a key position in a number of other product/market segments, including graphicboard, MG paper and sack paper. SKG has a growing base in Eastern Europe, and it is the only large scale pan regional operator in Latin America.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Some statements in this announcement are forward-looking. They represent expectations for the Group's business, and involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events. The Group believes that current expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are in some cases beyond the Group's control, actual results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 
Contacts 
Smurfit Kappa Group                 FTI Consulting 
Seamus Murphy, +353 1 202 71 80     +353 1 663 36 80 
ir@smurfitkappa.com                 smurfitkappa@fticonsulting.com 
 
 

2013 First Quarter | Performance Overview

 

The Group has seen a strong increase in demand with European box volumes up 4% on the same period last year when adjusted for two fewer working days in the first quarter. This has been achieved despite continued macroeconomic weakness throughout most of Europe, and bears testament to the Group's focus on high quality, innovative packaging solutions.

 

Due to the negative momentum in paper pricing throughout 2012 the Group has faced pressure on product pricing, with European corrugated prices decreasing by over 1% in the first quarter. Paper price increases achieved in February will act as a catalyst for further corrugated price recovery, the benefit of which can be expected to accrue to the business in the second half of the year.

 

The first quarter EBITDA of EUR241 million has been achieved against the backdrop of the predicted margin squeeze and one-off costs such as the maintenance closures of the Nettingsdorfer kraftliner mill in Europe and the Cali mill site in Colombia, both of which normally occur in other quarters of the year.

 

The Group's three million tonne European recycled paper system benefited from a EUR40 per tonne price increase in February, which will partially address the below average operating margins in the grade throughout 2012. The market remained robust in the first quarter as a result of good demand levels from SKG's customer base, strong export markets and the maintenance of inventories at satisfactory levels. OCC prices have continued their steady appreciation since September 2012 and markets appear to remain balanced in Europe underpinned by increased demand from the new paper capacity addition in Eastern Europe.

 

The European kraftliner industry achieved a EUR20 per tonne price increase in April, as a result of solid demand, steady supply and a disciplined market dynamic. This brings total price increases since January 2012 to EUR95 per tonne, or 18%. SKG is the strong market leader in Europe and continues to benefit from its net long position in the grade by approximately 500,000 tonnes per annum. Due to rising OCC costs and the necessity of virgin fibre in a sustainable containerboard system, we continue to believe that our well-invested and profitable kraftliner mills are essential to the Group's performance and differentiation, and present a real driver of shareholder value into the future.

 

The Group's SKOC acquisition is out-performing initial expectations, partially driven by the benefit of last year's US$50 per ton paper price increase. The out-performance of the business compared to pro-forma is also supported by the fact that the integration of the business is proceeding very well to date, and the Group has revised its synergy run-rate to US$28 million over a two year period. This is twice the level of the initially identified synergies and reflective of the cost focus of the Group and the successful application of knowledge gained during previous integration processes. With a solid position in the market and the potential for upside to pricing as a result of the US April paper price increase, the Group remains very positive about SKOC's 2013 performance.

 

Following a number of one-off issues in 2012, the Americas business improved its EBITDA margin to 15.2% in the first quarter of 2013 from 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2012. SKG's Mexican business is performing strongly and the economy is forecast to grow by over 3% in 2013 aided by wide ranging domestic reforms. Colombian performance was solid in the first quarter and the Cali mill reported a successful start-up following its planned maintenance downtime. The Group's Venezuelan operations were negatively affected by a 32% devaluation during the quarter and reduced working days as a result of the death of President Chavez. However, volumes remain in line year-on-year.

 

SKG's net debt to EBITDA increased from 2.7 to 2.8 times primarily as a result of working capital outflows and the effect of the Venezuelan devaluation in the first quarter. The timing of the Easter period at the end of March also had an impact on the Group's cash inflow at month end.

 

Stakeholders' value creation remains the primary driver for the Group and, to this end SKG will continue to balance its allocation of capital between a progressive dividend policy, capital expenditure programmes, accretive acquisitions in target growth markets and debt paydown.

 

2013 First Quarter | Financial Performance

 

At EUR1,889 million, sales revenue was EUR66 million higher year-on-year in the first quarter of 2013 representing a 4% increase over the same period in 2012. However, underlying sales were broadly flat when adjusting for a positive EUR104 million from acquisitions and negative currency movements and hyperinflationary adjustments of EUR32 million. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, sales revenue was EUR65 million higher in the first quarter of 2013.

 

As a result of a required restatement to employee benefits under the revision of IAS 19, the Group's quarterly EBITDA in 2012 was reduced by EUR1 million and the full year result reduced by EUR4 million. At EUR241 million, EBITDA in the first quarter of 2013 was EUR4 million lower than the first quarter of 2012, a 2% decrease. Allowing for net currency movements, hyperinflationary adjustments and the contribution from recent acquisitions, primarily SKOC, the underlying year-on-year move was a decrease of EUR10 million.

 

Exceptional charges of EUR13 million were included in the first quarter's 2013 operating profit, EUR12 million of which related to losses on the translation of non-Bolivar denominated payables following the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar in February 2013. The remainder of the exceptional charges related to additional SKOC acquisition costs. In the first quarter of 2012 exceptional gains of EUR28 million were included in operating profit including EUR10 million primarily relating to the sale of land at SKG's former Valladolid mill, together with EUR18 million relating to the disposal of a company in Slovakia.

 

The Group's basic EPS for the first quarter of 2013 was 14.4 cent compared to 26.0 cent in 2012, with the year-on-year decrease reflecting the impact of exceptional items. On a pre-exceptional basis, SKG's EPS for the first quarter of 2013 increased to 19.8 cent compared to 14.2 cent in the same period in 2012.

 

2013 First Quarter | Free Cash Flow

 

The Group reported a free cash outflow of EUR23 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared to a similar outflow of EUR16 million in the first quarter of 2012. Although EBITDA decreased by only EUR4 million year-on-year, there was an exceptional outflow of EUR13 million, primarily in respect of the devaluation of the Bolivar. The working capital outflow was higher in the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012, while both cash interest and capital outflows were lower.

 

Capital expenditure of EUR69 million in the first quarter of 2013 equated to 76% of depreciation, compared to 74% in the first quarter of 2012. For the full year 2013, SKG expects to increase its capital expenditure towards 100% of depreciation.

 

In the first quarter there was a working capital outflow of EUR98 million, compared to EUR88 million in the same period of 2012. The increase arose primarily in Europe and reflected corrugated volume growth and the impact of the recycled containerboard price increase. The Group reported a working capital to revenue ratio of 9.4% for the first quarter of 2013, compared to 8.7% for the first quarter of 2012.

 

Cash interest of EUR54 million in the first quarter of 2013 was EUR7 million lower than the first quarter of 2012, reflecting the benefit of the Group's refinancing activities throughout 2012 and early 2013.

 

Tax payments of EUR16 million in the first quarter of 2013 were EUR2 million higher than in the same period of 2012.

 

SKG has a consistent focus on strong free cash flow generation, which will continue to enhance the range of capital allocation options available to it. Capital expenditure undertakings will remain disciplined and cash interest is expected to decrease materially year-on-year due to our recent re-financing activities. Cash tax payments are projected to remain broadly in line with 2012.

 

2013 First Quarter | Capital Structure

 

The Group's net debt increased by EUR79 million to EUR2,871 million during the first quarter, reflecting negative free cash flow of EUR23 million, a EUR15 million outflow in respect of the purchase of own shares for the Group's Deferred Annual Bonus Plan and a EUR31 million negative currency movement on net debt mainly as a result of the Venezuelan devaluation in February 2013. The Group's net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.8x at the end of March 2013 remains comfortably below its committed upper threshold of 3.0x throughout the cycle.

 

On 28 January, the Group issued EUR400 million seven year senior secured notes at a rate of 4.125%. The successful issuance at these low rates highlights the recognition in the credit market of SKG's consistently robust operational performance and sustained strong free cash flow. On 15 February 2013 Standard & Poor's changed the outlook on the Group's BB credit rating from stable to positive.

 

The Group will continue to actively manage its capital structure, and will remain alert to any capital market opportunities. Implementing incremental improvements in the capital structure remains a key focus of SKG, and has delivered material benefits to the Group by way of lower debt service costs, extended debt maturities and a more diversified capital funding base.

 

The Group's average debt maturity profile at the end of March 2013 has increased year-on-year from 5.1 years to 5.6 years. The Group's liquidity remains strong, with undrawn credit facilities of approximately EUR517 million and approximately EUR510 million of cash on its balance sheet at the end of March 2013.

 

2013 First Quarter | Operating efficiency

 

Commercial offering and innovation

 

With a constant focus on product and process innovations, the Group strives to provide its customers with performance packaging solutions to meet their needs across the globe. Utilising state of the art, low cost paper making facilities, and a suite of bespoke design and logistics tools, SKG is working in partnership with many of its customers to maximise the value added at all points in their supply chain. Underlying this focus on product innovation the additional services provided to our customers such as supply chain optimisation, customer training programmes and pan European product benchmarking remain a core element of our business model.

 

Reflective of this, SKG's pan European business continued to perform well during the quarter, with a 6% year-on-year increase in volume when adjusted for the average of two fewer shipping days in the first quarter of 2013. SKG's commitment to consistently high quality products, its ability to guarantee supply of paper at all times in the cycle, and its geographic scale across two continents allow international customers to harmonise their processes and product offering in each of their markets. In March 2013, Coca Cola Hellenic recognised the Group for its consistent service standards as a supplier, emphasising the holistic approach taken by the Group to add value to the relationship.

 

On 24 April, SKG launched its new and improved Innobook. The design platform provides the Group's 60,000 customers worldwide with the collective power of over 700 designers, and is currently consulted over 400 times per day by more than 250 Smurfit Kappa experts. The Innobook has a portfolio of over 4,800 designs, which can now be viewed in 3D and in greater detail than before.

 

Sustainability

 

The Group's 2013 Sustainability Report is currently being finalised and is expected to be published in June 2013. SKG continues to regard the area of sustainability as a key business driver and remains committed to playing a leading role in fostering sustainable practices throughout the Group, whether it be through our customer relationships and business development, environmental programmes or corporate social responsibility initiatives. During the quarter the Group achieved its aim of gaining Chain of Custody certification in all relevant packaging operations across 19 countries throughout Europe. SKG was also recognised by Forest Stewardship Council ('FSC') for its outstanding contribution in the United Kingdom in raising awareness of responsible forestry.

 

Cost take-out programme

 

In February SKG announced a further one year cost take-out programme with a target of EUR100 million. This new initiative follows two such programmes over the last five years which have delivered approximately EUR500 million in cost savings, and has underpinned the Group's ability to consistently generate good quality earnings.

 

In the first quarter of 2013, independent of the SKOC synergy programme, which includes cost take-out initiatives, the anticipated EUR20 million of cost take-out was delivered, focusing on the core areas of raw material usage, labour costs and energy efficiencies. The Group fully expects to deliver its full year 2013 target.

 

2013 First Quarter | Regional Performance Review

 

Europe

 

The Group's European business reported a reduction in EBITDA of EUR22 million compared to the first quarter of 2012. The decrease was primarily caused by temporary margin compression resulting from increasing input costs and corrugated prices still under pressure from paper price weakness in mid-2012. Maintenance downtime in the Group's Nettingsdorfer kraftliner mill usually undertaken in the second half of the year also impacted profitability for the quarter.

 

SKG's box shipments were 4% higher in the first quarter than in the same period of 2012 when adjusted for two less shipping days. On an absolute basis volumes also increased slightly year-on-year, and reflected solid demand throughout the quarter in spite of poor weather conditions in February and March and the early Easter holidays in March this year. Total corrugated shipments increased almost 3% year-on-year on a like for like basis, and were marginally down on an absolute basis as a result of a continuation in the decline in sheet shipments, due to unacceptable prices.

 

European corrugated prices were flat through the first quarter but fell 1% compared to the underlying price in the fourth quarter of 2012, and over 2% compared to the average price for the year 2012. This decline is a function of the volatile and declining OCC and paper prices over the period, and highlights the importance of positive momentum in paper pricing in our integrated system. The successful paper price increases in the first quarter will again act as a catalyst for further corrugated price recovery primarily benefiting the second half. As expected the normal three to six month time lag in recovering corrugated prices has produced some short-term margin compression.

 

OCC prices have been steadily increasing since the last trough in September 2012, with a EUR25 per tonne, or 33% increase recognised in the public indexes. While Europe remained net long OCC by approximately 1.5 million tonnes in 2012, increasing Chinese demand and one million additional tonnes of testliner capacity expected in the US for 2013 are likely to continue to underpin global OCC prices over the long-term. Counter intuitively, higher recovered fibre costs benefit SKG as higher OCC and testliner prices provide the necessary catalyst for higher corrugated pricing.

 

The Group implemented a EUR40 per tonne testliner price increase in the first quarter which was necessary to address the increasingly uneconomic margin level for the grade. Supporting factors included good demand levels throughout the quarter, reduced industry inventories, and a strong export market for the first three months of the year, and these factors have persisted into the second quarter. In spite of recent price initiatives, the spread between OCC and testliner remains broadly in line with the same period 2012 and almost 10% below the peak in July 2011.

 

With a continuing strong export market, European capacity is currently reasonably balanced with a positive outlook for at least the next twelve months. During the quarter a net 370,000 tonnes of capacity was added in Poland, and a further 280,000 tonne newsprint machine conversion is expected in France in late 2013, or more probably early 2014. This follows a net reduction in capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnes in 2012, and does not account for further potential closures during the year.

 

As market leader in European kraftliner SKG continues to benefit from the strong fundamentals in the market with a net long position of approximately 500,000 tonnes. A price increase of EUR40 per tonne was announced for implementation from 1 April 2013, and an initial EUR20 per tonne has been implemented in April.

 

US imports have risen year-on-year in the first two months of 2013 by only 23,000 tonnes, and this has contributed to maintaining a balanced market in the first quarter with Europe structurally short kraftliner by over one million tonnes per annum. The Group's three kraftliner mills performed well in the year-to-date, notwithstanding nine days of scheduled downtime in our Nettingsdorfer mill postponed from the third quarter of 2012. The Group's Facture mill has recovered well after the collapse of a black liquor tank shut the plant for seven weeks in July/August 2012.

 

The Group is now expected to close its Townsend Hook site on 1 July 2013 after a consultation process with all employees. The facility will be rebuilt (using a machine acquired from the Cadidavid liquidator in 2011) into one 250,000 tonne modern lightweight machine which will now be operational by the fourth quarter of 2014 rather than the first quarter of 2015. While strategically optimal, advancing the closure of the existing machines will negatively impact 2013 EBITDA by EUR5 million and we will also incur exceptional charges of EUR15 million, consisting of EUR11 million of fixed asset impairments and EUR4 million of cash costs.

 

The Americas

 

In the first quarter, the Americas reported EBITDA of EUR66 million, 19% higher year-on-year, and which represented 27% of the Group's total EBITDA. Excluding the SKOC acquisition, EBITDA decreased by 4% over the same period of 2012 as a result of one-offs, disruption in two of the region's markets, and the early Easter this year. After a poor performance in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Americas delivered an improved EBITDA margin of 15.2% in the first quarter of 2013, returning to the long-term higher average margins normal for the region.

 

The Group's Mexican operations performed well in the first quarter with stable EBITDA year-on-year despite higher material and converting costs. Corrugated volumes increased 6% in the first quarter compared to the same period of 2012 as a result of a series of high profile business wins with multinational customers. A fire in our Cerro Gordo mill necessitated a two and a half day shut in March, and negatively impacted the quarter. However, the business benefited from a strong performance in the Group's main containerboard machine in Mexico City which had been shut for installation of the shoe press during the first quarter of 2012.

 

The Argentinian market remains challenging, as a result of higher year-on-year input costs and negative translation effects. However, corrugated volumes have recovered significantly in the first quarter with a 31% increase as a result of the resumption of production at our Sunchales plant.

 

Corrugated volumes in Colombia increased slightly in the first quarter in spite of the reduction in shipping days due to the timing of Easter holidays in March. The Group continues to seek price increases and cost containment where possible to offset moderate inflationary pressures and a very strong currency. A planned shut of the Cali mill for maintenance, which previously occurred in the second quarter of 2012, negatively impacted EBITDA in March. However, the start-up proceeded better than expected.

 

A number of factors weighed on the performance of the Group's Venezuelan operations in the first quarter, most notably a 32% devaluation in February and the political uncertainty and loss of productivity experienced around the time of the president's death. As a result, corrugated volumes decreased by 6% compared to the prior year. The Venezuelan mill system performed well, supported by price increases and reductions in material costs due to higher consumption of lower cost local recovered paper. SKG does not expect any significant change to trading conditions as a result of the recent elections, although the country will remain volatile for the foreseeable future.

 

The increasing prominence of the Americas within the Group in EBITDA terms reflects the commitment of SKG to growth in the emerging markets. Throughout SKG's 27 year exposure to the region, it has consistently provided the Group with enhanced operating margins, vital geographic diversity and access to a talented and dynamic people within the Group. With trends across the region increasingly pointing to demand for higher quality innovative packaging solutions, SKG is uniquely positioned to benefit from this shift into the future, leveraging its pan-regional scale and extensive creative resources to drive its superior performance.

 

SK Orange County Update

 

Corrugated price increases have been implemented in both the Mexican and US parts of the business following the third quarter price hike, and the current pricing initiative will have a further beneficial effect on the Group's corrugated pricing in the region. First quarter corrugated volumes were stable year-on-year.

 

The company's 290,000 tonne paper mill in Texas continues to benefit from the consolidated and disciplined US market dynamics with US paper prices increasing US$100 per ton in the last eight months. Recovered fibre costs have increased by less than US$30 per ton in this period and these superior spreads are expected to be maintained by the industry.

 

SKOC represents the Group's first significant M&A transaction since the Kappa merger in 2005, and its integration is progressing very well. A detailed review of the business has been conducted and over 35 potential synergy initiatives have been identified which will deliver US$28 million over two years. These initiatives fall under the headings of headcount and overheads reduction, paper mill improvements, optimisation of sales focus, fibre sourcing integration, packaging innovation and purchasing. The Group expects to achieve over US$9 million of the synergies in 2013.

 
Summary Cash Flow 
Summary cash flows1 for the first quarter 
are set out  in the following table. 
                                              3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Pre-exceptional EBITDA                        241                       245 
Exceptional items                             (13)                      - 
Cash interest expense                         (54)                      (61) 
Working capital change                        (98)                      (88) 
Current provisions                            (3)                       (4) 
Capital expenditure                           (69)                      (63) 
Change in capital creditors                   7                         (27) 
Tax paid                                      (16)                      (14) 
Sale of fixed assets                          -                         8 
Other                                         (18)                      (12) 
Free cash flow                                (23)                      (16) 
Share issues                                  3                         4 
Purchase of own shares                        (15)                      (13) 
Sale of businesses                            -                         1 
and investments 
Purchase of investments                       (3)                       (6) 
Dividends                                     -                         (1) 
Derivative termination                        -                         1 
receipts 
Net cash outflow                              (38)                      (30) 
Net                                           (1)                       - 
debt/cash acquired/disposed 
Deferred debt issue                           (9)                       (4) 
costs amortised 
Currency translation                          (31)                      11 
adjustments 
Increase in net debt                          (79)                      (23) 
 
 

1 The summary cash flow is prepared on a different basis to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows under IFRS. The principal difference is that the summary cash flow details movements in net debt while the IFRS cash flow details movements in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, the IFRS cash flow has different sub-headings to those used in the summary cash flow. A reconciliation of the free cash flow to cash generated from operations in the IFRS cash flow is set out below.

 
                                                                                   3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Free cash flow                                                                     (23)                      (16) 
Addback:     Cash interest                                                         54                        61 
             Capital expenditure (net of change in capital creditors)              62                        90 
             Tax payments                                                          16                        14 
Less:        Sale of fixed assets                                                  -                         (8) 
             Profit on purchase/sale of assets and businesses - non exceptional    (2)                       (3) 
             Non-cash financing activities                                         (1)                       (5) 
Cash generated from operations                                                     106                       133 
 
 

Capital Resources

 

The Group's primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from operations and borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The Group's primary uses of cash are for debt service and capital expenditure.

 

At 31 March 2013 Smurfit Kappa Treasury Funding Limited had outstanding US$292.3 million 7.50% senior debentures due 2025 and the Group had outstanding EUR202 million variable funding notes issued under the EUR250 million accounts receivable securitisation programme maturing in November 2015.

 

Smurfit Kappa Acquisitions had outstanding EUR200 million 5.125% senior secured notes due 2018, US$300 million 4.875% senior secured notes due 2018, EUR400 million 4.125% senior secured notes due 2020 and EUR250 million senior secured floating rate notes due 2020. In addition, Smurfit Kappa Acquisitions had outstanding EUR500 million 7.25% senior secured notes due 2017 and EUR500 million 7.75% senior secured notes due 2019. Smurfit Kappa Acquisitions and certain subsidiaries are also party to a senior credit facility. The senior credit facility comprises a EUR385 million Tranche B maturing in 2016 and a EUR411 million Tranche C maturing in 2017, of which EUR25.5 million Tranche B and EUR47.9 million Tranche C were prepaid in April 2013. In addition, as at 31 March 2013, the facility includes a EUR525 million revolving credit facility which was substantially undrawn apart from EUR7.7 million drawn under various ancillary facilities and letters of credit.

 

The following table provides the range of interest rates as of 31 March 2013 for each of the drawings under the various senior credit facility term loans.

 
BORROWING ARRANGEMENT     CURRENCY    INTEREST RATE 
Term Loan B               EUR         3.742% - 3.838% 
                          USD         3.93% 
Term Loan C               EUR         3.993% - 4.088% 
                          USD         4.18% 
 
 

Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available to fund the Group's working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes.

 

Market Risk and Risk Management Policies

 

The Group is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations due to its investing and funding activities and its operations in different foreign currencies. Interest rate risk exposure is managed by achieving an appropriate balance of fixed and variable rate funding. The Group had fixed an average of 83% of its interest cost on borrowings over the following twelve months.

 

Our fixed rate debt comprised mainly EUR500 million 7.25% senior secured notes due 2017, EUR500 million 7.75% senior secured notes due 2019, EUR200 million 5.125% senior secured notes due 2018, US$300 million 4.875% senior secured notes due 2018 (US$50 million swapped to floating), EUR400 million 4.125% senior secured notes due 2020 and US$292.3 million 7.50% senior debentures due 2025. In addition the Group also has EUR760 million in interest rate swaps with maturity dates ranging from June 2013 to July 2014.

 

Our earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of our floating rate borrowings. If LIBOR interest rates for these borrowings increase by one percent, our interest expense would increase, and income before taxes would decrease, by approximately EUR7 million over the following twelve months. Interest income on our cash balances would increase by approximately EUR4 million assuming a one percent increase in interest rates earned on such balances over the following twelve months.

 

The Group uses foreign currency borrowings, currency swaps, options and forward contracts in the management of its foreign currency exposures.

 
Consolidated Income Statement 
- First Quarter 
                                                                                         Restated 
                                  Unaudited                                              Unaudited 
                                  3 months to 31-Mar-13                                  3 months to 31-Mar-12 
                                  Pre-exceptional2013    Exceptional2013    Total2013    Pre-exceptional2012    Exceptional2012    Total2012 
                                  EURm                     EURm                 EURm           EURm                     EURm                 EURm 
Revenue                           1,889                  -                  1,889        1,823                  -                  1,823 
Cost of sales                     (1,363)                -                  (1,363)      (1,297)                -                  (1,297) 
Gross profit                      526                    -                  526          526                    -                  526 
Distribution costs                (152)                  -                  (152)        (143)                  -                  (143) 
Administrative                    (235)                  -                  (235)        (235)                  -                  (235) 
expenses 
Other operating                   -                      -                  -            -                      28                 28 
income 
Other operating                   -                      (13)               (13)         -                      -                  - 
expenses 
Operating profit                  139                    (13)               126          148                    28                 176 
Finance costs                     (79)                   (6)                (85)         (89)                   -                  (89) 
Finance income                    10                     6                  16           15                                        15 
Profit before                     70                     (13)               57           74                     28                 102 
income tax 
Income tax expense                                                          (24)                                                   (41) 
Profit for the financial                                                    33                                                     61 
period 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent                                                        33                                                     58 
Non-controlling                                                             -                                                      3 
interests 
Profit for the financial                                                    33                                                     61 
period 
Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per                                                          14.4                                                   26.0 
share - cent 
Diluted earnings                                                            14.3                                                   25.5 
per share - cent 
 
 
Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive 
Income - First Quarter 
                                         Unaudited3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    RestatedUnaudited3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Profit for the financial period          33                                 61 
Other comprehensive income: 
Items that may subsequently be 
reclassified to profit or loss 
Foreign currency translation 
adjustments: 
- Arising in the period                  (114)                              35 
- Recycled to Consolidated               -                                  (17) 
Income Statement 
on disposal of subsidiary 
Effective portion of changes in fair 
value of cash flow hedges: 
- Movement out of reserve                5                                  6 
- New fair value adjustments             8                                  (4) 
into reserve 
- Movement in deferred tax               (1)                                - 
                                         (102)                              20 
Items which will not be subsequently 
reclassified to profit or  loss 
Defined benefit pension plans: 
- Actuarial gain/(loss)                  42                                 (28) 
- Movement in deferred tax               (9)                                2 
                                         33                                 (26) 
Total other comprehensive expense        (69)                               (6) 
Total comprehensive (expense)/income     (36)                               55 
for the period 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent                     (20)                               47 
Non-controlling interests                (16)                               8 
Total comprehensive (expense)/income     (36)                               55 
for the financial period 
 
 
Consolidated Balance 
Sheet 
                              Unaudited31-Mar-13EURm    RestatedUnaudited31-Mar-12EURm    RestatedUnaudited31-Dec-12EURm 
ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant               3,013                   2,976                           3,076 
and equipment 
Goodwill and intangible       2,311                   2,231                           2,336 
assets 
Available-for-sale            33                      32                              33 
financial assets 
Investment in                 17                      14                              16 
associates 
Biological assets             120                     120                             127 
Trade and other               5                       4                               4 
receivables 
Derivative financial          1                       3                               1 
instruments 
Deferred income               171                     164                             191 
tax assets 
                              5,671                   5,544                           5,784 
Current assets 
Inventories                   747                     704                             745 
Biological assets             2                       9                               6 
Trade and other               1,524                   1,430                           1,422 
receivables 
Derivative financial          10                      4                               10 
instruments 
Restricted cash               8                       9                               15 
Cash and cash                 502                     811                             447 
equivalents 
                              2,793                   2,967                           2,645 
Total assets                  8,464                   8,511                           8,429 
EQUITY 
Capital and reserves 
attributable 
to the owners of 
the parent 
Equity share capital          -                       -                               - 
Share premium                 1,975                   1,949                           1,972 
Other reserves                349                     401                             444 
Retained earnings             (69)                    (295)                           (159) 
Total equity attributable     2,255                   2,055                           2,257 
to 
the owners of 
the parent 
Non-controlling               199                     200                             212 
interests 
Total equity                  2,454                   2,255                           2,469 
LIABILITIES 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings                    3,214                   3,410                           3,188 
Employee benefits             681                     681                             738 
Derivative financial          44                      55                              65 
instruments 
Deferred income tax           194                     209                             211 
liabilities 
Non-current income            16                      13                              15 
tax liabilities 
Provisions for                44                      58                              57 
liabilities 
and charges 
Capital grants                12                      13                              12 
Other payables                7                       7                               9 
                              4,212                   4,446                           4,295 
Current liabilities 
Borrowings                    167                     185                             66 
Trade and other               1,562                   1,502                           1,534 
payables 
Current income tax            15                      47                              4 
liabilities 
Derivative financial          39                      60                              43 
instruments 
Provisions for                15                      16                              18 
liabilities 
and charges 
                              1,798                   1,810                           1,665 
Total liabilities             6,010                   6,256                           5,960 
Total equity and              8,464                   8,511                           8,429 
liabilities 
 
 
Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity 
                           Restated 
                           Attributable to the owners of the parent                                                      Non-controllinginterestsEURm    TotalequityEURm 
                           EquitysharecapitalEURm    SharepremiumEURm    OtherreservesEURm    RetainedearningsEURm    TotalEURm 
Unaudited 
At 1 January 2013          -                       1,972             444                (159)                 2,257      212                           2,469 
Profit for the             -                       -                 -                  33                    33         -                             33 
financial 
period 
Other comprehensive 
income 
Foreign currency           -                       -                 (98)               -                     (98)       (16)                          (114) 
translation 
adjustments 
Defined benefit            -                       -                 -                  33                    33         -                             33 
pension plans 
Effective portion          -                       -                 12                 -                     12         -                             12 
of changes in 
fair value of cash 
flow hedges 
Total comprehensive        -                       -                 (86)               66                    (20)       (16)                          (36) 
(expense)/income 
for the financial 
period 
Shares issued              -                       3                 -                  -                     3          -                             3 
Hyperinflation             -                       -                 -                  24                    24         3                             27 
adjustment 
Share-based payment        -                       -                 6                  -                     6          -                             6 
Shares acquired by         -                       -                 (15)               -                     (15)       -                             (15) 
SKG Employee Trust 
At 31 March 2013           -                       1,975             349                (69)                  2,255      199                           2,454 
At 1 January 2012          -                       1,945             391                (340)                 1,996      191                           2,187 
Profit for the             -                       -                 -                  58                    58         3                             61 
financial 
period 
Other comprehensive 
income 
Foreign currency           -                       -                 13                 -                     13         5                             18 
translation 
adjustments 
Defined benefit            -                       -                 -                  (26)                  (26)       -                             (26) 
pension plans 
Effective portion          -                       -                 2                  -                     2          -                             2 
of changes in 
fair value of cash 
flow hedges 
Total comprehensive        -                       -                 15                 32                    47         8                             55 
income 
for the financial 
period 
Shares issued              -                       4                 -                  -                     4          -                             4 
Hyperinflation             -                       -                 -                  13                    13         2                             15 
adjustment 
Dividends paid             -                       -                 -                  -                     -          (1)                           (1) 
Share-based payment        -                       -                 8                  -                     8          -                             8 
Shares acquired by         -                       -                 (13)               -                     (13)       -                             (13) 
SKG Employee Trust 
At 31 March 2012           -                       1,949             401                (295)                 2,055      200                           2,255 
An analysis of the 
movements in Other 
reserves is provided 
in Note  13. 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
                                           Unaudited3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    RestatedUnaudited3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before income tax                   57                                 102 
Net finance costs                          69                                 74 
Depreciation charge                        83                                 80 
Amortisation of intangible assets          5                                  5 
Amortisation of capital grants             (1)                                (1) 
Share-based payment expense                6                                  8 
Profit on purchase/sale of                 (2)                                (28) 
assets and businesses 
Net movement in working capital            (99)                               (92) 
Change in biological assets                8                                  4 
Change in employee benefits                (23)                               (20) 
and other provisions 
Other                                      3                                  1 
Cash generated from operations             106                                133 
Interest paid                              (36)                               (47) 
Income taxes paid: 
Overseas corporation tax (net              (16)                               (14) 
of tax refunds) paid 
Net cash inflow from                       54                                 72 
operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Interest received                          1                                  2 
Additions to property, plant and           (60)                               (88) 
equipment and biological assets 
Additions to intangible assets             (2)                                (2) 
Decrease in restricted cash                6                                  3 
Disposal of property,                      1                                  11 
plant and equipment 
Purchase of subsidiaries and               (2)                                (5) 
non-controlling interests 
Deferred consideration paid                (2)                                - 
Net cash outflow from                      (58)                               (79) 
investing activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of                     3                                  4 
new ordinary shares 
Proceeds from bond issuance                400                                - 
Purchase of own shares                     (15)                               (13) 
Increase in interest-bearing               16                                 4 
borrowings 
Payment of finance leases                  (1)                                (2) 
Repayment of borrowings                    (318)                              (14) 
Derivative termination receipts            -                                  1 
Deferred debt issue costs                  (6)                                (10) 
Dividends paid to non-controlling          -                                  (1) 
interests 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from             79                                 (31) 
financing activities 
Increase/(decrease) in cash                75                                 (38) 
and cash equivalents 
Reconciliation of opening to closing 
cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January     423                                825 
Currency translation adjustment            (20)                               2 
Increase/(decrease) in cash                75                                 (38) 
and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March      478                                789 
An analysis of the Net 
movement in working 
capital is provided in  Note 12. 
 
 

1.General Information

 

Smurfit Kappa Group plc ('SKG plc' or 'the Company') and its subsidiaries (together 'SKG' or 'the Group') manufacture, distribute and sell containerboard, corrugated containers and other paper-based packaging products such as solidboard and graphicboard. The Company is a public limited company whose shares are publicly traded. It is incorporated and tax resident in Ireland. The address of its registered office is Beech Hill, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4, Ireland.

 

2.Basis of Preparation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of SKG plc are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB') and adopted by the European Union ('EU'); and, in accordance with Irish law.

 

The financial information presented in this report has been prepared to comply with the requirement to publish an 'Interim management statement' for the first quarter, in accordance with the Transparency Regulations. The Transparency Regulations do not require Interim management statements to be prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 - 'Interim Financial Information' ('IAS 34'). Accordingly the Group has not prepared this financial information in accordance with IAS 34.

 

The financial information has been prepared in accordance with the Group's accounting policies. Full details of the accounting policies adopted by the Group are contained in the financial statements included in the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2012 which is available on the Group's website www.smurfitkappa.com. The accounting policies and methods of computation and presentation adopted in the preparation of the Group financial information are consistent with those described and applied in the Annual Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2012 with the exception of the standards described below.

 

IAS 19 Revised

 

The IASB has issued a number of amendments to IAS 19, Employee Benefits, which became effective for the Group from 1 January 2013. The main effect on the Group financial statements stems from the removal of the concept of expected return on plan assets. As a result the expected return on plan assets is now calculated using the same discount rate as that used to determine the present value of plan liabilities. The difference between the implied return and the actual return on assets is recognised in other comprehensive income. The amendments have been applied retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, resulting in the adjustment of prior year financial information. The effect of these adjustments is shown in Note 7.

 

Amendments to IAS 1

 

The amended IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, requires the grouping of items of other comprehensive income that may be reclassified to profit or loss at a future point in time separately from those items which will never be reclassified. The revised standard, which has been adopted by the Group with effect from 1 January 2013, affects presentation only and does not impact the Group's financial position or performance.

 

There are a number of other changes to IFRS issued and effective from 1 January 2013 which include IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements, IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, IAS 27, Separate Financial Statements, and IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. They either do not have an effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements or they are not currently relevant for the Group.

 

The condensed interim Group financial information includes all adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Some tables in this report may not add correctly due to rounding.

 

The condensed interim Group financial information does not constitute full group accounts within the meaning of Regulation 40(1) of the European Communities (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations, 1992 of Ireland insofar as such group accounts would have to comply with all of the disclosure and other requirements of those Regulations. Full Group accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 will be filed with the Irish Registrar of Companies in due course. The audit report on those Group accounts was unqualified.

 

3.Segmental Analyses

 

The Group has determined reportable operating segments based on the manner in which reports are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker ('CODM'). The CODM is determined to be the executive management team in assessing performance, allocating resources and making strategic decisions. Prior to the acquisition of Orange County Container Group ('OCCG'), the two business segments identified were Europe and Latin America. Because of the high level of integration between OCCG and our existing operations in Mexico, OCCG was included with our existing Latin American operations which were renamed as the Americas. OCCG has been renamed as Smurfit Kappa Orange County ('SKOC')

 

The Europe segment is highly integrated. It includes a system of mills and plants that primarily produces a full line of containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers. The Americas segment comprises all forestry, paper, corrugated and folding carton activities in a number of Latin American countries and the operations of SKOC. Inter-segment revenue is not material. No operating segments have been aggregated for disclosure purposes.

 

Segment disclosures are based on operating segments identified under IFRS 8. Segment profit is measured based on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items and share-based payment expense ('EBITDA before exceptional items'). Segment assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, biological assets, goodwill and intangible assets, inventories, trade and other receivables, deferred income tax assets and cash and cash equivalents. Group centre assets are comprised primarily of available-for-sale financial assets, derivative financial assets, deferred income tax assets, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.

 
                                                         Restated 
                 3 months to 31-Mar-13                   3 months to 31-Mar-12 
                 EuropeEURm    TheAmericasEURm    TotalEURm    EuropeEURm    TheAmericasEURm    TotalEURm 
Revenue 
and 
Results 
Revenue          1,457       432              1,889      1,490       333              1,823 
EBITDA           177         66               243        199         55               254 
before 
exceptional 
items 
Segment          -           (13)             (13)       28          -                28 
exceptional 
items 
EBITDA           177         53               230        227         55               282 
after 
exceptional 
items 
Unallocated                                   (2)                                     (9) 
centre 
costs 
Share-based                                   (6)                                     (8) 
payment 
expense 
Depreciation                                  (91)                                    (84) 
and 
depletion 
(net) 
Amortisation                                  (5)                                     (5) 
Finance                                       (85)                                    (89) 
costs 
Finance                                       16                                      15 
income 
Profit                                        57                                      102 
before 
income 
tax 
Income                                        (24)                                    (41) 
tax 
expense 
Profit for                                    33                                      61 
the 
financial 
period 
Assets 
Segment          6,191       1,818            8,009      6,220       1,554            7,774 
assets 
Investment       2           15               17         1           13               14 
in 
associates 
Group                                         438                                     723 
centre 
assets 
Total                                         8,464                                   8,511 
assets 
 
 

4.Exceptional Items

 
The following items            3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months 
are regarded                                             to31-Mar-12EURm 
as exceptional in nature: 
Gain on disposal of assets     -                         (28) 
and operations 
Currency trading loss          12                        - 
on Venezuelan 
Bolivar devaluation 
Business acquisition costs     1                         - 
Exceptional items included     13                        (28) 
in operating profit 
Exceptional finance cost       6                         - 
Exceptional finance income     (6)                       - 
Exceptional items included     -                         - 
in net finance costs 
 
 

Exceptional items charged within operating profit in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to EUR13 million, over EUR12 million of which related to losses on the translation of non-Bolivar denominated payables following the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar in February. The translation loss reflects the higher cost to our Venezuelan operations of discharging these payables. The remainder of less than EUR1 million was in respect of SKOC related acquisition costs.

 

Exceptional finance costs in the first quarter of 2013 comprised an offsetting charge of EUR6 million in respect of the accelerated amortisation of debt issue costs and a gain of EUR6 million in Venezuela on the value of US dollar denominated intra-group loans, following the devaluation of the Bolivar. The accelerated amortisation of debt issue costs arose from our repayment of part of the Senior Credit Facility from the proceeds of January's EUR400 million bond issue.

 

In 2012, we reported an exceptional gain of EUR28 million in relation to the disposal of assets and operations. This comprised EUR10 million in respect of the sale of land at SKG's former Valladolid mill in Spain (operation closed in 2008), together with EUR18 million relating to the disposal of a company in Slovakia. This gain primarily relates to the reclassification (under IFRS) of the cumulative translation differences from the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income to the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

5.Finance Cost and Income

 
                              3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months 
                                                        to31-Mar-12EURm 
Finance cost: 
Interest payable on bank      21                        33 
loans and overdrafts 
Interest payable on           37                        33 
other borrowings 
Exceptional finance           6                         - 
costs associated 
with debt restructuring 
Foreign currency              8                         2 
translation 
loss on debt 
Fair value loss               -                         10 
on derivatives 
not designated as hedges 
Net interest cost on net      7                         8 
pension liability 
Net monetary loss             6                         3 
- hyperinflation 
Total finance cost            85                        89 
Finance income: 
Other interest receivable     (1)                       (2) 
Foreign currency              -                         (11) 
translation 
gain on debt 
Exceptional foreign           (6)                       - 
currency 
translation gain 
Fair value gain               (9)                       (2) 
on derivatives 
not designated as hedges 
Total finance income          (16)                      (15) 
Net finance cost              69                        74 
 
 

6.Income Tax Expense

 
Income tax expense 
recognised in the 
Consolidated Income 
Statement 
                            3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Current tax: 
Europe                      8                         17 
The Americas                15                        11 
                            23                        28 
Deferred tax                1                         13 
Income tax expense          24                        41 
Current tax is analysed 
as follows: 
Ireland                     1                         1 
Foreign                     22                        27 
                            23                        28 
 
 
Income tax recognised 
in the Consolidated 
Statement of  Comprehensive 
Income 
                                3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Arising on actuarial            9                         (2) 
gain/(loss) 
on defined benefit plans 
Arising on qualifying           1                         - 
derivative 
cash flow hedges 
                                10                        (2) 
 
 

The EUR17 million reduction in income tax expense compared to 2012 is largely explained by lower taxable profits and gains from non-recurring asset sales, a non-cash reduction in the value of deferred tax assets in 2012 due to a reduction in tax rates and a non-recurring tax credit in 2013 from a change in tax law in Italy. The income tax expense also includes the effects in 2013 of the acquisition of SKOC which was completed in the fourth quarter in 2012.

 

The income tax expense includes a tax credit associated with exceptional items in 2013 of EUR1 million compared to a EUR2 million tax expense in 2012.

 

7.Employee Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans

 

The table below sets out the components of the defined benefit cost for the quarter:

 
                             3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months 
                                                       to31-Mar-12EURm 
Current service cost         13                        8 
Net interest cost on net     7                         8 
pension liability 
Defined benefit cost         20                        16 
 
 

Included in cost of sales, distribution costs and administrative expenses is a defined benefit cost of EUR13 million for the quarter (2012: EUR8 million). Net interest cost on net pension liability of EUR7 million (2012: EUR8 million) is included in finance costs in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

The amounts recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:

 
                                         31-Mar-13EURm    Restated31-Dec-12EURm 
Present value of funded or partially     (1,813)        (1,832) 
funded obligations 
Fair value of plan assets                1,632          1,598 
Deficit in funded or partially           (181)          (234) 
funded plans 
Present value of wholly                  (500)          (504) 
unfunded obligations 
Net pension liability                    (681)          (738) 
 
 

The employee benefits provision has decreased from EUR738 million at 31 December 2012 to EUR681 million at 31 March 2013. The main reason for this is that the assets outperformed their assumed return.

 

Restatement of prior periods in accordance with IAS 19 and IAS 8

 

The Group adopted IAS 19 (as revised) from 1 January 2013. In accordance with the previous version of IAS 19 the Consolidated Income Statement included an interest cost based on present value calculations of projected pension payments and, finance income based on the expected rates of income generated by plan assets. Generally the rate of expected income on plan assets exceeded the discount rate used in calculating the interest cost. Under the revised standard the interest cost and expected return on plan assets have been replaced with a net interest amount and the rate of return on plan assets is calculated using the same discount rate as that used to determine the present value of plan liabilities. The difference between the lower rate of return on plan assets and the actual return on assets is recognised in other comprehensive income, largely offsetting the higher net interest cost in the income statement. There are other minor changes which we have allowed for but they do not have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

The revised standard has been applied retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, resulting in the adjustment of prior year financial information. The effects of adoption on previously reported financial information are shown in the table below.

 
                    PreviouslyReportedEURm    AdjustmentsEURm    RestatedEURm 
As at 1 January 
2012 
Employee            655                     1                656 
benefits 
- non-current 
liabilities 
Provisions for      55                      (2)              53 
liabilities 
and charges 
- non-current 
liabilities 
Deferred income     177                     -                177 
tax assets 
Retained            (341)                   1                (340) 
earnings 
As at and for 
the year 
ended 31 
December 
2012 
Employee            737                     1                738 
benefits 
- non-current 
liabilities 
Provisions for      59                      (2)              57 
liabilities 
and charges 
- non-current 
liabilities 
Deferred income     191                     -                191 
tax assets 
Retained            (160)                   1                (159) 
earnings 
Cost of sales       (5,238)                 (2)              (5,240) 
Administrative      (938)                   (2)              (940) 
expenses 
Finance costs       (399)                   71               (328) 
Finance income      93                      (79)             14 
Profit before       331                     (12)             319 
income tax 
Income tax          (71)                    3                (68) 
expense 
Profit for the      260                     (9)              251 
financial year 
Attributable        249                     (9)              240 
to owners 
of the parent 
Basic earnings      111.2                   (4.3)            106.9 
per 
share - cent 
Diluted             108.3                   (4.1)            104.2 
earnings 
per share 
- cent 
Other 
Comprehensive 
income 
Defined benefit 
pension plans: 
- Actuarial         (108)                   12               (96) 
loss 
- Movement in       19                      (3)              16 
deferred tax 
As at and 
for the 
three months 
ended 31 March 
2012 
Employee            680                     1                681 
benefits 
- non-current 
liabilities 
Provisions for      60                      (2)              58 
liabilities 
and charges 
- non-current 
liabilities 
Deferred income     164                     -                164 
tax assets 
Retained            (296)                   1                (295) 
earnings 
Cost of sales       (1,296)                 (1)              (1,297) 
Administrative      (235)                   -                (235) 
expenses 
Finance costs       (106)                   17               (89) 
Finance income      34                      (19)             15 
Profit before       105                     (3)              102 
income tax 
Income tax          (42)                    1                (41) 
expense 
Profit for the      63                      (2)              61 
financial 
period 
Attributable        60                      (2)              58 
to owners 
of the parent 
Basic earnings      27.1                    (1.1)            26.0 
per 
share - cent 
Diluted             26.5                    (1.0)            25.5 
earnings 
per share 
- cent 
Other 
Comprehensive 
income 
Defined benefit 
pension plans: 
- Actuarial         (31)                    3                (28) 
loss 
- Movement in       3                       (1)              2 
deferred tax 
 
 

8.Earnings Per Share

 

Basic

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

 
                              3 months to31-Mar-13    Restated3 months 
                                                      to31-Mar-12 
Profit attributable           33                      58 
to the owners 
of the parent (EUR million) 
Weighted average number       228                     222 
of ordinary 
shares in issue (million) 
Basic earnings per            14.4                    26.0 
share (cent) 
 
 

Diluted

 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares which comprise convertible shares issued under the management equity plans.

 
                                31-Mar-13    Restated3 months to31-Mar-12 
Profit attributable             33           58 
to the owners 
of the parent (EUR million) 
Weighted average number         228          222 
of ordinary 
shares in issue (million) 
Potential dilutive ordinary     2            5 
shares assumed (million) 
Diluted weighted                230          227 
average ordinary 
shares (million) 
Diluted earnings                14.3         25.5 
per share (cent) 
 
 
Pre-exceptional 
                               31-Mar-13    Restated3 months to31-Mar-12 
Profit attributable            33           58 
to the owners 
of the parent (EUR million) 
Exceptional items included     13           (28) 
in profit before 
income tax (Note 
4) (EUR  million) 
Income tax on exceptional      (1)          2 
items (EUR million) 
Pre-exceptional profit         45           32 
attributable to 
the owners of the parent 
(EUR  million) 
Weighted average number        228          222 
of ordinary 
shares in issue (million) 
Pre-exceptional                19.8         14.2 
basic earnings 
per share (cent) 
Diluted weighted               230          227 
average ordinary 
shares (million) 
Pre-exceptional diluted        19.6         13.9 
earnings 
per share (cent) 
 
 

9.Dividends

 

The Board has recommended a final dividend of 20.5 cent per share for 2012 payable on 10 May 2013 subject to the approval of shareholders at the AGM.

 

10.Property, Plant and Equipment

 
                       Land andbuildingsEURm    Plant             TotalEURm 
                                              andequipmentEURm 
Three months ended 
31 March 2013 
Opening net book       1,119                  1,957             3,076 
amount 
Reclassifications      11                     (11)              - 
Additions              -                      63                63 
Acquisitions           -                      1                 1 
Depreciation           (12)                   (71)              (83) 
charge 
for the period 
Hyperinflation         6                      5                 11 
adjustment 
Foreign currency       (31)                   (24)              (55) 
translation 
adjustment 
At 31 March 2013       1,093                  1,920             3,013 
 
 
Year ended 31 December 2012 
Opening net book amount                     1,115    1,858    2,973 
Reclassifications                           10       (15)     (5) 
Additions                                   13       247      260 
Acquisitions                                1        118      119 
Depreciation charge for the year            (44)     (288)    (332) 
Retirements and disposals                   (5)      (2)      (7) 
Hyperinflation adjustment                   17       19       36 
Foreign currency translation adjustment     12       20       32 
At 31 December 2012                         1,119    1,957    3,076 
 
 

11.Analysis of Net Debt

 
                                            31-Mar-13EURm    31-Dec-12EURm 
Senior credit facility 
Revolving credit facility(1)-               (7)            (7) 
interest at relevant 
interbank rate +3.25% on RCF(10) 
Tranche B term loan(2a)-                    385            550 
interest at relevant 
interbank  rate + 3.625%(10) 
Tranche C term loan(2b)-                    411            556 
interest at relevant 
interbank  rate + 3.875%(10) 
US Yankee bonds (including                  233            222 
accrued interest)(3) 
Bank loans and overdrafts                   72             65 
Cash                                        (510)          (462) 
2015 receivables securitisation             200            197 
variable funding notes(4) 
2017 senior secured notes (including        502            492 
accrued interest)(5) 
2018 senior secured notes (including        425            423 
accrued interest)(6) 
2019 senior secured notes (including        504            494 
accrued interest)(7) 
2020 senior secured notes (including        396            - 
accrued interest)(8) 
2020 senior secured floating rate notes     247            247 
(including accrued interest)(9) 
Net debt before finance leases              2,858          2,777 
Finance leases                              6              8 
Net debt including leases                   2,864          2,785 
Balance of revolving credit facility        7              7 
reclassified to debtors 
Net debt after reclassification             2,871          2,792 
 
 
(1)      Revolving credit facility ('RCF') of EUR525 
         million (available under  the senior 
         credit facility) to be repaid in full in 
         2016. (a)  Revolver loans - nil, (b) 
         drawn under ancillary facilities and  facilities 
         supported by letters of credit 
         - EUR0.4 million and (c)  other operational 
         letters of credit EUR7.3 million. 
(2a)     Tranche B term loan due to be repaid 
         in 2016. EUR168.4 million prepaid 
         January - March 2013, EUR25.5 million prepaid April 2013. 
(2b)     Tranche C term loan due to be repaid 
         in 2017. EUR149.2 million prepaid 
         January - March 2013, EUR47.9 million prepaid April 2013. 
(3)      US$292.3 million 7.50% senior debentures due 2025. 
(4)      Receivables securitisation variable funding notes due 2015. 
(5)      EUR500 million 7.25% senior secured notes due 2017. 
(6)      EUR200 million 5.125% senior secured notes due 2018 and US$300 
         million  4.875% senior secured notes due 2018. 
(7)      EUR500 million 7.75% senior secured notes due 2019. 
(8)      EUR400 million 4.125% senior secured notes due 2020. 
(9)      EUR250 million senior secured floating rate notes 
         due 2020. Interest  at EURIBOR +3.5%. 
(10)     The margins applicable to the senior credit 
         facility are  determined as follows: 
 
 
Net debt/EBITDA ratio                     RCF       Tranche B    Tranche C 
Greater than 4.0 : 1                      4.000%    3.875%       4.125% 
4.0 : 1 or less but more than 3.5 : 1     3.750%    3.625%       3.875% 
3.5 : 1 or less but more than 3.0 : 1     3.500%    3.625%       3.875% 
3.0 : 1 or less but more than 2.5 : 1     3.250%    3.625%       3.875% 
2.5 : 1 or less                           3.125%    3.500%       3.750% 
 
 

12.Net Movements in Working Capital

 
                      3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    3 months to31-Mar-12EURm 
Changes               (17)                      (8) 
in inventories 
Change in trade       (133)                     (92) 
and 
other receivables 
Change in trade       51                        8 
and 
other payables 
Net movement          (99)                      (92) 
in working 
capital 
 
 

13.Other Reserves

 

Other reserves included in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity are comprised of the following:

 
                                     ReverseacquisitionreserveEURm    CashflowhedgingreserveEURm    ForeigncurrencytranslationreserveEURm    Share-basedpaymentreserveEURm    OwnsharesEURm    Available-for-salereserveEURm    TotalEURm 
Unaudited 
At 1 January 2013                    575                            (26)                        (198)                                  105                            (13)           1                              444 
Other comprehensive income 
Foreign currency translation         -                              -                           (98)                                   -                              -              -                              (98) 
adjustments 
Effective portion of changes in      -                              12                          -                                      -                              -              -                              12 
fair value of cash flow hedges 
Total other comprehensive            -                              12                          (98)                                   -                              -              -                              (86) 
income/(expense) 
Share-based payment                  -                              -                           -                                      6                              -              -                              6 
Shares acquired by                   -                              -                           -                                      -                              (15)           -                              (15) 
SKG Employee Trust 
At 31 March 2013                     575                            (14)                        (296)                                  111                            (28)           1                              349 
Unaudited 
At 1 January 2012                    575                            (35)                        (228)                                  79                             -              -                              391 
Other comprehensive income 
Foreign currency translation         -                              -                           13                                     -                              -              -                              13 
adjustments 
Effective portion of changes in      -                              2                           -                                      -                              -              -                              2 
fair value of cash flow hedges 
Total other comprehensive income     -                              2                           13                                     -                              -              -                              15 
Share-based payment                  -                              -                           -                                      8                              -              -                              8 
Shares acquired by                   -                              -                           -                                      -                              (13)           -                              (13) 
SKG Employee Trust 
At 31 March 2012                     575                            (33)                        (215)                                  87                             (13)           -                              401 
 
 

14.Venezuela

 

Hyperinflation

 

As discussed more fully in the 2012 annual report, Venezuela became hyperinflationary during 2009 when its cumulative inflation rate for the past three years exceeded 100%. As a result, the Group applied the hyperinflationary accounting requirements of IAS 29 - Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies to its Venezuelan operations at 31 December 2009 and for all subsequent accounting periods.

 

The index used to reflect current values is derived from a combination of Banco Central de Venezuela's National Consumer Price Index from its initial publication in December 2007 and the Consumer Price Index for the metropolitan area of Caracas for earlier periods. The level of and movement in the price index at March 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 
                        31-Mar-13    31-Mar-12 
Index at period end     344.1        275.0 
Movement in period      7.9%         3.5% 
 
 

As a result of the entries recorded in respect of hyperinflationary accounting under IFRS, the Consolidated Income Statement is impacted as follows: Revenue EUR8 million decrease (2012: EUR1 million decrease), pre-exceptional EBITDA EUR4 million decrease (2012: EUR2 million decrease) and profit after taxation EUR15 million decrease (2012: EUR10 million decrease). In 2013, a net monetary loss of EUR6 million (2012: EUR3 million loss) was recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement. The impact on our net assets and our total equity is an increase of EUR14 million (2012: EUR5 million increase).

 

15.Post Balance Sheet Events

 

The Group has decided to bring forward the closure of the two existing paper machines at its Townsend Hook mill in the UK. The facility will be rebuilt (using a machine acquired from the Cadidavid liquidator in 2011) into one modern lightweight machine which will now be operational by the fourth quarter of 2014. Advancing the closure of the existing machines will negatively impact 2013 EBITDA by EUR5 million and the Group will also incur exceptional charges of EUR15 million, consisting of EUR11 million of fixed asset impairments and EUR4 million of cash costs.

 

Supplemental Financial Information

 

EBITDA before exceptional items and share-based payment expense is denoted by EBITDA in the following schedules for ease of reference.

 
Reconciliation of 
Profit to EBITDA 
                                3 months to31-Mar-13EURm    Restated3 months 
                                                          to31-Mar-12 
Profit for the financial        33                        61 
period 
Income tax expense              24                        41 
Gain on disposal of assets      -                         (28) 
and operations 
Business acquisition costs      1                         - 
Currency trading loss           12                        - 
on Venezuelan 
Bolivar devaluation 
Net finance costs               69                        74 
Share-based payment expense     6                         8 
Depreciation, depletion         96                        89 
(net) and amortisation 
EBITDA                          241                       245 
 
 

Supplemental Historical Financial Information

 
                Restated 
EURm              Q1, 2012    Q2, 2012    Q3, 2012    Q4, 2012    FY, 2012    Q1, 2013 
Group           2,950       3,050       2,944       2,951       11,896      3,080 
and 
third 
party 
revenue 
Third           1,823       1,857       1,830       1,824       7,335       1,889 
party 
revenue 
EBITDA          245         254         279         239         1,016       241 
EBITDA          13.4%       13.6%       15.2%       13.1%       13.8%       12.7% 
margin 
Operating       176         155         180         120         630         126 
profit 
Profit          102         82          102         33          319         57 
before 
income 
tax 
Free            (16)        63          118         118         282         (23) 
cash 
flow 
Basic           26.0        24.0        32.9        25.2        106.9       14.4 
earnings 
per 
share 
- 
cent 
Weighted        222         223         223         226         224         228 
average 
number 
of 
shares 
used 
in 
EPS 
calculation 
(million) 
Net             2,775       2,785       2,640       2,792       2,792       2,871 
debt 
Net             2.74        2.78        2.59        2.75        2.75        2.84 
debt 
to 
EBITDA 
(LTM) 
 
 
 
 
This information is provided by Business Wire 
 
 

1 Year Smurfit Kappa Chart

1 Year Smurfit Kappa Chart

1 Month Smurfit Kappa Chart

1 Month Smurfit Kappa Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock