TIDMSKG 
 
 


2010 First Quarter Results

 


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 Latin America, today announced results for the 3 months ending 31 March 2010.

 


2010 First Quarter | Key Financial Performance Measures

 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EUR m                               Q1 2010  Q1 2009  Change  Q4 2009  Change 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Revenue                           EUR1,530   EUR1,504   2%      EUR1,541   (1%) 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EBITDA before Exceptional Items   EUR184     EUR180     2%      EUR186     (1%) 
and Share-based Payment(1) 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EBITDA Margin                     12.0%    11.9%    -       12.1%    - 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating Profit before           EUR87      EUR82      6%      EUR59      47% 
Exceptional Items 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Basic (Loss)/Earnings             (7.0)    3.8      -       (41.6)   - 
Per Share (EUR cent) 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Free Cash Flow(2)                 EUR(58)    -        -       EUR29      - 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net Debt                          EUR3,162   EUR3,187   (1%)    EUR3,052   4% 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net Debt to EBITDA (LTM)          4.2x     3.7x     -       4.1x     - 
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 


(1) 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 net income for the period to EBITDA before exceptional items and share-based payment expense is set out on page 26.

 


(2) Free cash flow is set out on page 8. The IFRS cash flow is set out on page 14.

 


Highlights

 
 
    -- Relatively strong EBITDA of EUR184 million supported by a particularly 


solid month of March

 
    -- Progressive corrugated pricing recovery and demand pick-up in Europe, 


further momentum in April

 
    -- Return to strong demand growth and commencement of price recovery in 


Latin America

 
    -- Higher input costs underpin positive containerboard and corrugated 


pricing environment

 
    -- Completion of strategic asset swap with Mondi 
 


Performance Review & Outlook

 


Gary McGann, Smurfit Kappa Group CEO, commented: "The Group is pleased to report a relatively strong EBITDA performance of EUR184 million in the first quarter despite the anticipated input cost pressure on margins. Significant raw material cost pressure was increasingly offset by the pick-up in the Group's corrugated volumes, the continuation of corrugated price recovery, together with additional cost take-out benefits. The Group's Latin American business experienced strong demand growth in the period.

 


Entering the second quarter, increasingly positive demand trends and a positive supply environment are supportive of the recent further containerboard pricing momentum, which in turn will translate into additional corrugated price increases. The sustainability of the pricing recovery remains dependent on the general economic backdrop and continuing supply side discipline in the European market.

 


The Group's customer and market focus, combined with its lean cost base provides it with significant operating leverage to the economic recovery. Together with SKG's proven capital and financial discipline, it should contribute to delivering superior levels of returns compared to its industry peers through the cycle. In that context, and bearing in mind intensified input cost pressure, SKG maintains its expectation of meaningful overall EBITDA growth for 2010, together with the reduction in its net debt to EBITDA ratio."

 


About Smurfit Kappa Group

 


Smurfit Kappa Group is a world leader in paper-based packaging with operations in Europe and Latin America. Smurfit Kappa Group operates in 21 countries in Europe and is the European leader in containerboard, solidboard, corrugated and solidboard packaging and has a key position in several other packaging and paper market segments, including graphicboard, sack paper and paper sacks. Smurfit Kappa Group also has a good base in Eastern Europe and operates in 9 countries in Latin America where it is the only pan-regional operator.

 


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 
Bertrand Paulet               FD K Capital SourceTel: +353 1 663 36 86 
Smurfit Kappa GroupTel:       E-mail: smurfitkappa@kcapitalsource.com 
+353 1 202 71 80 
E-mail: ir@smurfitkappa.com 
 
 


2010 First Quarter | Performance Overview

 


The Group's relatively stable EBITDA margin of 12.0% in the first quarter primarily reflects a strong performance by its European packaging business in March, supported by increasing demand growth and progress on price recovery. On average, the Group's European corrugated volumes in quarter one were 3% higher than in the first quarter of 2009, and 2% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2009. Further improvements in volume and prices have been experienced in April.

 


In the first quarter the Group benefited from positive volume momentum in Latin American markets, and the continuing strong performance of the Group's business in that region. Corrugated deliveries were 7% higher year-on-year over the period, underlining particularly strong demand in Mexico and Argentina.

 


SKG's positive quarter one outcome also reflects incremental benefits from the strong pricing momentum that prevails in the kraftliner market, where the Group is a clear leader in Europe. Furthermore, the Group's earnings continue to demonstrate its unrelenting focus on cost efficiency, supported by the achievement of EUR25 million of cost take-out benefits in the quarter.

 


Despite the start-up of a new competitor's paper machine in Germany, inventory levels in the market have remained at 2-year lows since the beginning of the year. In that context, and to maintain its own inventories at a low level, SKG announced 31 weeks of downtime at its Nanterre mill in France from 1 April, the equivalent of 3% of its recycled containerboard capacity. The Group does not anticipate that it will need to take any additional commercial downtime in 2010.

 


The current supply-demand balance combined with higher than expected input cost pressure has created the conditions for SKG to implement a recycled containerboard price increase in the first quarter, and to announce a further increase for the second quarter. In April 2010, public market indices have already confirmed increases of EUR155 per tonne for recycled containerboard compared to the low point in August 2009. This equates to approximately 70% of an increase from the totally uneconomically low price levels that pertained in the industry in 2009.

 


Higher containerboard prices have put major pressure on corrugated margins which has resulted in positive corrugated price movements in the first quarter. In April, the pace of SKG's corrugated price recovery is accelerating, as a result of negotiations and index contracts reflecting paper cost increases.

 


Although recovered fibre prices are generating some near-term margin compression within the Group's system, they provide a clear platform for the higher product pricing needed by the industry to support a viable economic business. SKG's priority through 2010 is to recover higher input costs through further box price recovery in order to restore acceptable profitability and returns in the business.

 


2010 First Quarter | Financial Performance

 


At EUR1,530 million for the first quarter of 2010, sales revenue was 2% higher than in the first quarter of 2009. However, allowing for the negative impact of currency of EUR7 million and net disposals and closures of EUR7 million, adjusted revenue shows an underlying increase of EUR40 million, the equivalent of approximately 3%.

 


Compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, sales revenue in the first quarter of 2010 was EUR11 million lower. However, again allowing for negative currency impacts of EUR43 million, primarily arising from the currency devaluation in Venezuela, and for EUR3 million in respect of plant closures, adjusted revenue shows an underlying increase of EUR35 million, the equivalent of 2%.

 


At EUR184 million, EBITDA in the first quarter of 2010 was EUR4 million higher than the first quarter of 2009. A small negative currency impact year-on-year was largely offset by the absence of losses from closed operations. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, EBITDA showed an underlying increase of EUR6 million in the first quarter (allowing for a negative currency impact of EUR10 million and for the absence of losses from closed operations).

 


Exceptionals charged within operating profit of EUR14 million in the first quarter related to the loss on US dollar denominated net trading balances in our Venezuelan operations as a result of the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency in January. There were no exceptional costs charged within the operating profit in the equivalent period in 2009.

 


Asset Swap with Mondi

 


On 19 April, the Group announced it had signed an asset swap agreement with Mondi Group ("Mondi"), where SKG is acquiring Mondi's UK corrugated operations, comprising three corrugated box plants, while Mondi is acquiring SKG's Western European sack converting operations, comprising four plants in France, three in Spain, and one in Italy, as well as a number of sales offices. The total cash cost of the asset swap for SKG is EUR51 million.

 


On one side, SKG is acquiring Mondi's UK corrugated operations, which reported a combined 2009 full year EBITDA of EUR8.0 million, for a consideration of EUR43 million on a cash and debt free basis, while on the other side SKG is disposing its Western European sack converting operations, which reported an EBITDA loss of EUR4.4 million. On disposal, SKG will incur exceptional write-offs of approximately EUR30 million, including a net cash cost of EUR8 million.

 


This deal further strengthens the Group's leadership in its core corrugated packaging grade, and enhances the efficiency of its integrated system in the increasingly attractive UK market. The agreement was completed on 4 May.

 


2010 First Quarter | Free Cash Flow

 


Free cash flow for the quarter to March 2010 was a net outflow of EUR58 million. As the Group continues to manage items within its control, the first quarter cash flow outcome primarily resulted from working capital outflows, which reflect the normal seasonality of SKG's business in the first half of the year, combined with the impact of higher demand and prices on the working capital value.

 


Working capital outflow in quarter one 2010 amounted to EUR64 million, compared to EUR7 million and EUR75 million respectively in quarter one 2009 and 2008 (the lower 2009 outflow reflects the then prevailing industry downturn). Working capital of EUR564 million at the end of March 2010 represented 9.2% of annualised net revenue, compared to 9.3% at March 2009 and 7.9% at December 2009.

 


Cash interest of EUR66 million in the first quarter was broadly in line with the fourth quarter of 2009, and EUR14 million higher than in the first quarter of 2009. The year-on-year increase reflects a higher average interest cost as a result of the changes in the Group's capital structure in 2009.

 


To maximise its debt paydown capability through the downturn, SKG reduced its capital expenditure to 63% of depreciation in 2009, compared to its normal level of approximately 90% through the cycle. As markets continue to recover in 2010, SKG will gradually increase its capital expenditure back towards normal levels.

 


In the first quarter of 2010, the Group's capital expenditure was EUR34 million, representing 40% of depreciation; this relatively low level is purely a matter of timing. We are committed to maintaining the fabric of the business and capital expenditure in 2010 will reach more normal levels as the year progresses.

 


Tax payments of EUR7 million in the first quarter of 2010 were EUR2 million lower than in 2009.

 


2010 First Quarter | Capital Structure

 


At the end of March 2010, the Group's net debt was EUR110 million higher than the December 2009 level, primarily reflecting the negative working capital outflow of the first quarter, together with adverse currency movements of EUR49 million. This currency movement includes approximately EUR27 million of a reduction in the value of the Group's cash balances as a result of the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency in January 2010, together with the relative weakening of the euro versus the US dollar throughout the first quarter.

 


The Group continues to benefit from its attractive financing package and long-term debt profile, with an average debt maturity profile of 5.6 years, and no material maturities before December 2013. In addition, SKG maintains a strong liquidity position, with approximately EUR594 million of cash on its balance sheet at the end of March 2010, and undrawn committed credit facilities of approximately EUR525 million, of which EUR373 million matures in December 2013, with the remainder maturing a year earlier.

 


2010 First Quarter | Cost Take-Out Programme

 


Early in 2008, the Group initiated a cost take-out programme to further strengthen the competitiveness of its operations. In the full year 2008, the programme delivered just over EUR70 million of sustainable cost savings, and a further EUR140 million was delivered in 2009.

 


The Group 2010 objective is to generate at least EUR90 million of saving benefits, bringing the 3-year target to at least EUR300 million over the 2008-2010 period.

 


In the first quarter of 2010, the Group delivered EUR25 million of cost take-out, which contributed to the delivery of a resilient EBITDA margin performance of 12.0% despite the anticipated margin squeeze from the significant input cost increases.

 


2010 First Quarter | Performance Review

 


Packaging: Europe

 


While the Group's corrugated volumes in the first two months of 2010 were on average 2% higher on a like-for-like basis, in March SKG experienced a 5% year-on-year growth. Through the first quarter, demand was particularly strong in the Group's businesses in the UK, Italy, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, corrugated volumes in the first quarter were 2% higher. The pace of corrugated demand growth has further improved in April.

 


Despite a significant increase in overall raw material costs through the first quarter, the Group's EBITDA outcome demonstrates SKG's significant operational exposure to the economic recovery, and highlights the ongoing resilience of its integrated model. While the Group's energy costs were on average lower year-on-year in the first quarter, recovered fibre prices more than doubled.

 


After an increase of approximately EUR30 per tonne through 2009, the Group's recovered fibre costs increased by a further EUR45 per tonne through the first quarter of 2010, reaching a 15-year high of over EUR120 per tonne in March. This significant increase was primarily driven by strong Chinese demand, and new capacity ramping-up in central and eastern Europe, for which new raw materials supply chains were needed. The situation was compounded by low collection levels related to poor weather and lower economic activity. Although export demand has temporarily abated in April, recovered fibre prices in mainland Europe have remained relatively stable.

 


Supply side discipline continued to prevail since the beginning of the year, which together with improving demand trends is contributing to maintaining inventory levels in the market at 2-year lows, despite the start-up of a new paper machine in March. From a medium term industry perspective, it is worth noting that no new containerboard machine will be built in Europe before mid-2012 at the earliest.

 


The current supply-demand balance, combined with the substantial input cost pressure is supportive of the strong containerboard pricing momentum in Europe. From September 2009 to April 2010, recycled containerboard prices have increased by EUR155 per tonne (the equivalent of 70%), and further increases will need to be implemented in May.

 


On the kraftliner side, where SKG is a net seller in Europe, price increases of EUR140 per tonne, or 35%, have been implemented from the low point in August 2009 to April 2010. Furthermore, SKG has announced an additional EUR50 per tonne price increase for June, to offset increasing wood costs, and to continue the efforts to restore economically sensible price levels in this heavily invested paper grade.

 


Those successful kraftliner pricing initiatives primarily reflect the structural improvement of that market since the end of 2009, as large capacity closures in North America reduced the tonnage available for export, thereby significantly tightening supply in Europe.

 


As a consequence of the higher containerboard prices, the Group has announced price increases to all its corrugated customers. As is normal, it takes up to six months to offset higher containerboard prices through box price recovery.

 


Following an initial price pick-up in the fourth quarter of 2009 which was primarily for corrugated sheets, SKG's corrugated price initiatives have made some further progress in the first quarter of 2010. In April, the pace of corrugated increases is accelerating, as indexed contracts kick-in, and negotiations with customers conclude. Throughout 2010 the Group's priority is to continue to recover the significant input cost increases in end market pricing.

 


Latin America

 


Similar to the trend experienced in Europe, the Group's Latin American operations benefited from an improving demand environment through the first quarter. The Group's corrugated sales volumes increased by 7% year-on-year, and by 6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Demand was particularly positive in Mexico and Argentina, while Venezuela and Chile remained the only countries in the region where SKG's volumes were lower year-on-year.

 


Although the Group's Latin American EBITDA margin of 17% in the first quarter of 2010 remains superior to that of its European operations, it was lower than in the first quarter of 2009. This primarily reflects some margin compression as a result of higher input costs, somewhat offset by the commencement of price recovery.

 


While the Group's business in Mexico experienced a material increase in its recovered fibre and energy costs in the first quarter, containerboard price increases implemented in the US in January 2010 have allowed SKG to implement containerboard increases and box price recovery in the period. Further corrugated price recovery is materialising early in the second quarter. The positive Mexican pricing environment is further underpinned by a much reduced availability of US paper for export since the beginning of 2010 resulting in a tight containerboard market in Mexico.

 


Although Colombian demand growth in the first quarter was lower than in Mexico and Argentina, the Group's paper operations ran at full capacity through the period taking advantage of firmer export prices and demand for boxboard and containerboard.

 


In Argentina, the recovered fibre market was under significant pressure. The consequent cost increase together with significant end-market demand underpinned the efforts to implement paper and corrugated price increases. Further price recovery is expected in the second quarter as cost pressures sustain and demand continues to strengthen.

 


The Group's corrugated operation in Chile was stopped for 20 days in the first quarter following an earthquake, but is now fully operational again. However, as a consequence of the aftermath of the earthquake, demand is down as many affected businesses rebuild. With one box plant in Chile, this is not a material part of our operations.

 


In Venezuela, lower demand year-on-year as a result of continuing high inflation, combined with serious energy supply shortages negatively impacted the Group's business in the first quarter. This was somewhat countered by further operating efficiencies.

 


As can be seen from SKG's volume trends in the first quarter, Latin America remains one of the world's higher growth markets. SKG anticipates that it will continue to benefit from its portfolio of countries in the region and from the proven ability of its management team to drive and grow its business through the cycle.

 


Specialties: Europe

 


In the first quarter of 2010, profitability in the Group's sacks and solidboard businesses declined year-on-year, while our bag-in-box business delivered good earnings growth over the period. Overall, SKG's EBITDA in Specialties declined by EUR4 million year-on-year in quarter one.

 


The Group's solidboard business was significantly impacted by higher recovered fibre prices in the first quarter. Through the second quarter the Group is seeking to implement a EUR50 per tonne price increase in order to gradually offset input cost pressure.

 


The Group's Western European sack converting business continued to underperform in the first quarter. Agreement to dispose of this business to Mondi as part of an overall asset swap was completed on 4 May.

 


These negative results were somewhat offset by further progress in our bag-in-box division, which delivered solid EBITDA growth year-on-year as a result of meaningful volume increases. Furthermore, strong export demand and the implementation of a EUR50 per tonne price increase positively impacted the Group's sack kraft mill in Spain in the first quarter. A second sack kraft paper price increase has been announced for the second quarter.

 
Summary Cash Flows 
Summary cash flows for the first quarter 
are set out in the  following table. 
                                           3 months to  3 months to 
                                           31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                           EUR Million    EUR Million 
Pre-exceptional EBITDA                     184          180 
Exceptional Items                          (14)         - 
Cash interest expense                      (66)         (52) 
Working capital change                     (64)         (7) 
Current provisions                         (6)          (10) 
Capital expenditure                        (34)         (60) 
Change in capital creditors                (33)         (33) 
Sale of fixed assets                       1            2 
Tax paid                                   (7)          (9) 
Other                                      (19)         (11) 
Free cash flow                             (58)         - 
Share issues                               2            - 
Gain on debt buy-back                      -            6 
Investments                                (1)          - 
Derivative termination                     1            5 
receipts 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow                  (56)         11 
Deferred debt issue                        (5)          (4) 
costs amortised 
Currency translation                       (49)         (9) 
adjustments 
Increase in net debt                       (110)        (2) 
 
 


(1) The summary cash flow is prepared on a different basis to the cash flow statement under IFRS.

 


The principal difference is that the summary cash flow details movements in net debt while the IFRS cash flow details movement 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 to  3 months to 
                                                                               31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                                                               EUR Million    EUR Million 
Free cash                                                                      (58)         - 
flow 
Add                   Cash interest                                            66           52 
back: 
                      Capital expenditure                                      34           60 
                      Change in capital creditors                              33           33 
                      Tax payments                                             7            9 
Less:                 Sale of fixed assets                                     (1)          (2) 
                      Profit on sale of assets and business - non exceptional  (4)          (2) 
                      Receipt of capital grants (in "Other")                   -            (1) 
Cash generated from                                                            77           149 
operations 
 
 


Capital Resources

 


The Group's primary sources of liquidity are cash flows 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 2010 Smurfit Kappa Funding plc had outstanding EUR217.5 million 7.75% senior subordinated notes due 2015 and US$200 million 7.75% senior subordinated notes due 2015. In addition Smurfit Kappa Treasury Funding Limited had outstanding US$292.3 million 7.50% senior debentures due 2025 and the Group had outstanding EUR210 million floating rate notes issued under an accounts receivable securitisation program maturing in 2011.

 


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 EUR220 million amortising A Tranche maturing in 2012, an EUR812 million B Tranche maturing in 2013 and an EUR811 million C Tranche maturing in 2014. In addition, as at 31 March 2010, the facility included a EUR525 million revolving credit facility of which there were EUR16.3 million in letters of credit issued in support of other liabilities and EUR0.07 million drawn under facilities supported by letters of credit.

 


The following table provides the range of interest rates as of 31 March 2010 for each of the drawings under the various Senior Credit Facility term loans.

 
BORROWING ARRANGEMENT   CURRENCY  INTEREST RATE 
Term Loan A             EUR       3.652% - 4.243% 
Term Loan B             EUR       3.775% - 4.368% 
                        USD       3.625% 
Term Loan C             EUR       4.025% - 4.325% 
                        USD       3.875% 
 
 


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. At 31 March 2010 the Group had fixed an average of 78% 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, EUR217.5 million 7.75% senior subordinated notes due 2015, US$200 million 7.75% senior subordinated notes due 2015 and US$292.3 million 7.50% senior debentures due 2025. In addition the Group also has EUR1,780 million in interest rate swaps with maturity dates ranging from May 2010 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 EUR10 million over the following twelve months. Interest income on our cash balances would increase by approximately EUR6 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.

 


Group Income Statement - First Quarter

 
                  Unaudited                                      Unaudited 
                  3 Months to                                    3 Months to 
                  31-Mar-10                                      31-Mar-09 
                  Pre-Exceptional  Exceptional 2010  Total 2010  Pre-Exceptional  Exceptional 2009  Total 2009 
                  2010                                           2009 
                  EUR million        EUR million         EUR million   EUR million        EUR million         EUR million 
Continuing 
operations 
Revenue           1,530            -                 1,530       1,504            -                 1,504 
Cost of           (1,106)          -                 (1,106)     (1,084)          -                 (1,084) 
sales 
Gross             424              -                 424         420              -                 420 
profit 
Distribution      (135)            -                 (135)       (125)            -                 (125) 
costs 
Administrative    (208)            (14)              (222)       (214)            -                 (214) 
expenses 
Other             6                -                 6           1                -                 1 
operating 
income 
Operating         87               (14)              73          82               -                 82 
profit 
Finance           (133)            -                 (133)       (117)            -                 (117) 
costs 
Finance           57               -                 57          49               6                 55 
income 
(Loss)/profit     11               (14)              (3)         14               6                 20 
before 
income tax 
Income tax                                           (14)                                           (8) 
expense 
(Loss)/profit                                        (17)                                           12 
for the 
financial 
period 
Attributable 
to: 
Owners                                               (15)                                           8 
of the 
Parent 
Non-controlling                                      (2)                                            4 
interests 
(Loss)/profit                                        (17)                                           12 
for the 
financial 
period 
Earnings 
per 
share: 
Basic                                                (7.0)                                          3.8 
(loss)/earnings 
per 
share (cent 
per share) 
Diluted                                              (7.0)                                          3.7 
(loss)/earnings 
per 
share(cent 
per share) 
 
 


Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

 
                                            Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                            3 months to  3 months to 
                                            31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                            EUR million    EUR million 
(Loss)/profit for the financial period      (17)         12 
Other comprehensive income: 
Foreign currency translation adjustments    (108)        (24) 
Defined benefit pension schemes: 
- Actuarial gain/(loss)                     27           (75) 
- Movement in deferred tax                  (6)          19 
Effective portion of changes in fair 
value of cash flow hedges: 
- Movement out of reserve                   7            2 
- New fair value adjustments into reserve   (20)         (22) 
- Movement in deferred tax                  2            2 
Total other comprehensive income            (98)         (98) 
Comprehensive income and expense            (115)        (86) 
for the financial period 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the Parent                        (108)        (83) 
Non-controlling interests                   (7)          (3) 
                                            (115)        (86) 
 
 


Group Balance Sheet

 
                                         Unaudited  Unaudited  Audited 
                                         31-Mar-10  31-Mar-09  31-Dec-09 
                                         EUR million  EUR million  EUR million 
                                                    Restated 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment            2,970      2,992      3,066 
Goodwill and intangible assets           2,201      2,135      2,222 
Available-for-sale financial assets      32         31         32 
Investment in associates                 14         13         13 
Biological assets                        85         76         91 
Trade and other receivables              4          5          4 
Deferred income tax assets               273        254        280 
                                         5,579      5,506      5,708 
Current assets 
Inventories                              608        603        586 
Biological assets                        10         7          8 
Trade and other receivables              1,207      1,183      1,105 
Derivative financial instruments         6          8          3 
Restricted cash                          46         44         43 
Cash and cash equivalents                548        668        601 
                                         2,425      2,513      2,346 
Non-current assets held for sale         3          10         4 
Total assets                             8,007      8,029      8,058 
Equity 
Capital and reserves attributable 
to owners of the Parent 
Equity share capital                     -          -          - 
Capital and other reserves               2,242      2,296      2,345 
Retained earnings                        (658)      (727)      (669) 
Total equity attributable                1,584      1,569      1,676 
to owners of the Parent 
Non-controlling interests                172        141        179 
Total equity                             1,756      1,710      1,855 
Liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings                               3,590      3,746      3,563 
Employee benefits                        620        588        653 
Derivative financial instruments         79         101        80 
Deferred income tax liabilities          312        321        325 
Non-current income tax liabilities       15         20         15 
Provisions for liabilities and charges   42         45         44 
Capital grants                           13         13         13 
Other payables                           6          4          3 
                                         4,677      4,838      4,696 
Current liabilities 
Borrowings                               166        153        133 
Trade and other payables                 1,255      1,230      1,211 
Current income tax liabilities           39         26         28 
Derivative financial instruments         74         32         90 
Provisions for liabilities and charges   40         40         45 
                                         1,574      1,481      1,507 
Total liabilities                        6,251      6,319      6,203 
Total equity and liabilities             8,007      8,029      8,058 
 
 


Group Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)

 
                                                          Capital and other reserves 
                                    Equity share capital  Share premium  Reverse acquisition reserve  Cash flow hedging reserve  Foreign currency translation reserve  Reserve for share-based payment  Retained earnings  Total equity attributable  Non-controlling interests  Total equity 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           to owners of the Parent 
                                    EUR million             EUR million      EUR million                    EUR million                  EUR million                             EUR million                        EUR million          EUR million                  EUR million                  EUR million 
At 1 January 2010                   -                     1,928          575                          (44)                       (174)                                 60                               (669)              1,676                      179                        1,855 
Shares issued                       -                     2              -                            -                          -                                     -                                -                  2                          -                          2 
Total comprehensive                 -                     -              -                            (11)                       (103)                                 -                                6                  (108)                      (7)                        (115) 
income and expense 
Hyperinflation adjustment           -                     -              -                            -                          -                                     -                                13                 13                         1                          14 
Share-based payment                 -                     -              -                            -                          -                                     1                                -                  1                          -                          1 
Purchase of non-controlling         -                     -              -                            -                          -                                     -                                -                  -                          (1)                        (1) 
interests 
Reclassification                    -                     -              -                            -                          8                                     -                                (8)                -                          -                          - 
At 31 March 2010                    -                     1,930          575                          (55)                       (269)                                 61                               (658)              1,584                      172                        1,756 
At 1 January 2009                   -                     1,928          575                          (27)                       (203)                                 57                               (679)              1,651                      145                        1,796 
Total comprehensive                 -                     -              -                            (18)                       (17)                                  -                                (48)               (83)                       (3)                        (86) 
income and expense 
Dividends paid to non-controlling   -                     -              -                            -                          -                                     -                                -                  -                          (1)                        (1) 
interests 
Share-based payment                 -                     -              -                            -                          -                                     1                                -                  1                          -                          1 
At 31 March 2009                    -                     1,928          575                          (45)                       (220)                                 58                               (727)              1,569                      141                        1,710 
 
 


Group Cash Flow Statement

 
                                                  Unaudited    Unaudited 
                                                  3 months to  3 months to 
                                                  31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                                  EUR million    EUR million 
Cash flows from operating activities 
(Loss)/profit for the financial period            (17)         12 
Adjustment for 
Income tax expense                                14           8 
Profit on sale of assets and businesses           (4)          (2) 
- continuing operations 
Amortisation of capital grants                    -            (1) 
Equity settled share-based payment transactions   1            1 
Amortisation of intangible assets                 12           12 
Depreciation charge                               82           83 
Net finance costs                                 76           62 
Change in inventories                             (37)         19 
Change in biological assets                       2            2 
Change in trade and other receivables             (124)        29 
Change in trade and other payables                97           (55) 
Change in provisions                              (7)          (11) 
Change in employee benefits                       (14)         (9) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments          (3)          (1) 
Other                                             (1)          - 
Cash generated from operations                    77           149 
Interest paid                                     (49)         (66) 
Income taxes paid: 
Irish corporation tax paid                        -            (1) 
Overseas corporation tax (net                     (7)          (8) 
of tax refunds) paid 
Net cash inflow from operating activities         21           74 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Interest received                                 2            3 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment         (65)         (91) 
and biological assets 
Purchase of intangible assets                     (2)          (2) 
Receipt of capital grants                         -            1 
Increase in restricted cash                       (3)          (24) 
Disposal of property, plant and equipment         5            4 
Purchase of subsidiaries and                      (1)          - 
non-controlling interests 
Net cash outflow from investing activities        (64)         (109) 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of new ordinary shares        2            - 
Decrease in interest-bearing borrowings           (2)          (11) 
Repayment of finance lease liabilities            (3)          (4) 
Derivative termination receipts                   1            5 
Deferred debt issue costs                         (1)          - 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests       -            (1) 
Net cash outflow from financing activities        (3)          (11) 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents             (46)         (46) 
Reconciliation of opening to closing 
cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January            587          683 
Currency translation adjustment                   (11)         3 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents             (46)         (46) 
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March             530          640 
 
 


1.General Information

 


Smurfit Kappa Group plc ("SKG plc") ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "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 incorporated and tax resident in Ireland. The address of its registered office is Beech Hill, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4, Ireland.

 


2.Basis of Preparation

 


The annual consolidated financial statements of SKG plc are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union ("EU"), International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations as adopted by the EU, and with those parts of the Companies Acts applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. IFRS is comprised of standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and International Accounting Standards and interpretations approved by the predecessor International Accounting Standards Committee that have been subsequently approved by the IASB and remain in effect.

 


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 which were signed into Irish law on 13 June 2007. 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 2009 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 2009 with the exception of the standards described below.

 


IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, as revised requires the effects of all transactions with non-controlling interests to be recorded in equity if there is no change in control. These transactions will no longer result in goodwill or gains and losses. The revised standard also specifies the accounting when control is lost with any remaining interest in the entity remeasured to fair value, and a gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The Group has applied IAS 27 as revised prospectively to transactions with non-controlling interests from 1 January 2010.

 


IFRS 3, Business Combinations, as revised continues to apply the acquisition method in accounting for business combinations but with some significant changes. For example, all payments to purchase a business must be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date with contingent payments classified as debt and subsequently remeasured in profit or loss. There is a choice, on an acquisition by acquisition basis, to measure any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets. All acquisition-related expenses are expensed. The Group has adopted revised IFRS 3 with effect from 1 January 2010 and will apply it prospectively to any future business combinations.

 


In addition, the following new standards, amendments and interpretations became effective in 2010, however, they either do not have an effect on the Group financial statements or they are not currently relevant for the Group:

 
 
    -- IFRS 2 (Amendment) - Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment 


Transactions

 
    -- IAS 39 (Amendment) - Eligible Hedged Items, Financial Instruments: 


Recognition and Measurement

 
    -- IFRIC 17 - Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners 
 


The 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.

 


The condensed financial information presented 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 2009 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 identified three operating segments on the basis of which performance is assessed and resources are allocated: 1) Packaging Europe, 2) Specialties Europe and 3) Latin America.

 


The Packaging segment is highly integrated. It includes a system of mills and plants that produces a full line of containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers. Our Specialties segment comprises activities dedicated to the needs of specific and sometimes niche markets. These include bag-in-box, solidboard and paper sacks. The Latin America segment comprises all forestry, paper, corrugated and folding carton activities in a number of Latin American countries. 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 (pre-exceptional EBITDA). Segmental 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.

 
                3 months to 31-Mar-10                             3 months to 31-Mar-09 
                Packaging  Specialties  Latin America  Total      Packaging  Specialties  Latin America  Total 
                Europe     Europe                                 Europe     Europe 
                EUR million  EUR million    EUR million      EUR million  EUR million  EUR million    EUR million      EUR million 
Revenue 
and 
Results 
Third           1,088      198          244            1,530      1,068      192          244            1,504 
party 
revenue 
EDITDA          136        10           42             188        122        14           49             185 
before 
exceptional 
items 
Segment         -          -            (14)           (14)       -          -            -              - 
exceptional 
items 
EBITDA          136        10           28             174        122        14           49             185 
after 
exceptional 
items 
Unallocated                                            (4)                                               (5) 
centre 
costs 
Share-based                                            (1)                                               (1) 
payment 
expense 
Depreciation                                           (84)                                              (85) 
and 
depletion 
(net) 
Amortisation                                           (12)                                              (12) 
Finance                                                (133)                                             (117) 
costs 
Finance                                                57                                                55 
income 
(Loss)/profit                                          (3)                                               20 
before 
income 
tax 
Income                                                 (14)                                              (8) 
tax 
expense 
(Loss)/profit                                          (17)                                              12 
for the 
financial 
period 
Assets 
Segment         5,068      906          1,174          7,148      5,130      942          982            7,054 
assets 
Investment      2          -            12             14         2          -            11             13 
in 
associates 
Group                                                  845                                               962 
centre 
assets 
Total                                                  8,007                                             8,029 
assets 
 
 


4.Exceptional Items

 
                                               3 Months to  3 Months to 
The following items are regarded               31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
as exceptional in nature: 
                                               EUR million    EUR million 
Currency trading loss on Bolivar devaluation   (14)         - 
Total exceptional items included               (14)         - 
in operating costs 
Exceptional items included                     -            6 
in net finance income 
 
 


As noted in the Group's financial statements for 2009, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency, the Bolivar Fuerte ("VEF"), on 8 January 2010. The official exchange rate generally applicable to SKG was changed from VEF 2.15 per U.S. dollar to VEF 4.3 per U.S. dollar. The currency translation loss of EUR14 million arises from the once off effect of retranslation of the U.S. dollar denominated net payables of its Venezuelan operations. It is included within operating profit.

 


For 2009 the exceptional finance income of EUR6 million related to the gain on the Group's debt buy-back. In February 2009, the Group launched an auction process to buy-back up to EUR100 million of its Senior bank debt. In total, just over EUR100 million of offers were received, of which EUR43 million were accepted at an average discount of 24% to par. The buy-back resulted in a total gain of EUR8 million of which EUR6 million was reflected in the first quarter.

 


5.Finance Costs and Income

 
                                                3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                                31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                                EUR million    EUR million 
Finance costs 
Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts   34           39 
Interest payable on finance leases              1            1 
and hire purchase contracts 
Interest payable on other borrowings            37           20 
Foreign currency translation loss on debt       31           26 
Fair value loss on other derivatives            -            7 
not designated as hedges 
Interest cost on employee                       25           24 
benefit plan liabilities 
Net monetary loss - hyperinflation              5            - 
Total finance cost                              133          117 
Finance income 
Other interest receivable                       2            3 
Foreign currency translation gain on debt       4            7 
Gain on debt buy-back                           -            6 
Fair value gain on other derivatives            34           22 
not designated as hedges 
Expected return on employee                     17           17 
benefit plan assets 
Total finance income                            57           55 
Net finance cost                                76           62 
 
 


6.Income Tax Expense

 


Income tax expense recognised in the Group Income Statement

 
                                      3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                      31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                      EUR million    EUR million 
Current taxation: 
Europe                                8            (3) 
Latin America                         13           10 
                                      21           7 
Deferred taxation                     (7)          1 
Income tax expense                    14           8 
Current tax is analysed as follows: 
Ireland                               -            1 
Foreign                               21           6 
                                      21           7 
 
 


Income tax recognised directly in equity

 
                                    3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                    31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                    EUR million    EUR million 
Arising on actuarial gains/losses   6            (19) 
on defined benefit plans 
Arising on qualifying derivative    (2)          (2) 
cash flow hedges 
                                    4            (21) 
 
 


7.Employee Post Retirement Schemes - Defined Benefit Expense

 


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

 
                                         3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                         31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                         EUR million    EUR million 
Current service cost                     9            9 
Past service cost                        -            2 
(Gain) on settlements and curtailments   (2)          - 
                                         7            11 
Expected return on plan assets           (17)         (17) 
Interest cost on plan liabilities        25           24 
Net financial expense                    8            7 
Defined benefit expense                  15           18 
 
 


Included in cost of sales, distribution costs and administrative expenses is a defined benefit expense of EUR7 million for the first quarter of 2010 (2009: EUR11 million). Expected Return on Plan Assets of EUR17 million (2009: EUR17 million) is included in Finance Income and Interest Cost on Plan Liabilities of EUR25 million (2009: EUR24 million) is included in Finance Costs in the Group Income Statement.

 


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

 
                                                31-Mar-10  31-Dec-09 
                                                EUR million  EUR million 
  Present value of funded or partially          (1,464)    (1,447) 
  funded obligations 
  Fair value of plan assets                     1,257      1,208 
  Deficit in funded or partially funded plans   (207)      (239) 
  Present value of wholly unfunded obligations  (413)      (414) 
  Net employee benefit liabilities              (620)      (653) 
 
 


The employee benefits provision has decreased from EUR653 million at 31 December 2009 to EUR620 million at 31 March 2010. The fall in provision was mainly as a result of assets outperforming their assumed return.

 


8.Earnings Per Share

 


Basic

 


Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to owners of the Parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the quarter.

 
                                      3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                      31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                      EUR million    EUR million 
(Loss)/profit attributable            (15)         8 
to owners of the Parent 
Weighted average number of ordinary   218          218 
shares in issue (millions) 
Basic (loss)/earnings per             (7.0)        3.8 
share (cent per share) 
 
 


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.

 
                                             3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                             31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                             EUR million    EUR million 
(Loss)/profit attributable                   (15)         8 
to owners of the Parent 
Weighted average number of ordinary          218          218 
shares in issue (millions) 
Potential dilutive ordinary shares assumed   -            - 
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares     218          218 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per                  (7.0)        3.7 
share (cent per share) 
 
 


At 31 March 2010 there were 3,247,478 potential ordinary shares in issue which could dilute EPS in the future, but these were not included in the computation of diluted EPS in the period because they would have the effect of reducing the loss per share. Accordingly there is no difference between basic and diluted loss per share in 2010. At 31 March 2009 there were 329,080 potential ordinary shares in issue which were included in the computation of the diluted EPS.

 


9.Property, Plant and Equipment

 
                     Land and Buildings  Plant and Equipment  Total 
                     EUR million           EUR million            EUR million 
Three months ended 
31 March 2010 
Opening net book     1,151               1,915                3,066 
amount 
Reclassification     4                   (4)                  - 
Additions            -                   29                   29 
Depreciation         (12)                (70)                 (82) 
charge 
for the period 
Foreign currency     (29)                (21)                 (50) 
translation 
adjustment 
Hyperinflation       3                   4                    7 
adjustment 
At 31 March 2010     1,117               1,853                2,970 
Year ended 31 
December 
2009 
Opening net book     1,108               1,930                3,038 
amount 
Reclassification     16                  (18)                 (2) 
Additions            4                   199                  203 
Depreciation         (57)                (298)                (355) 
charge 
for the year 
Impairment losses    (13)                (20)                 (33) 
recognised in 
the Group Income 
Statement 
Retirements and      (3)                 (2)                  (5) 
disposals 
Foreign currency     13                  28                   41 
translation 
adjustment 
Hyperinflation       83                  96                   179 
adjustment 
At 31 December       1,151               1,915                3,066 
2009 
 
 


10. Share-based Payment

 


In March 2007 upon the IPO becoming effective, all of the then class A, E, F and H convertible shares and 80% of the class B convertible shares vested and were converted into D convertible shares. The class C, class G and 20% of the class B convertible shares did not vest and were re-designated as A1, A2 and A3 convertible shares.

 


The A1, A2 and A3 convertible shares vested on the first, second and third anniversaries respectively of the IPO. The D convertible shares resulting from these conversions are convertible on a one-to-one basis into ordinary shares, at the instance of the holder, upon the payment by the holder of the agreed conversion price. The life of the D convertible shares arising from the vesting of these new classes of convertible share ends on 20 March 2014.

 


The plans provide for equity settlement only, no cash settlement alternative is available.

 


In March 2007, SKG plc adopted the 2007 Share Incentive Plan (the "2007 SIP"). The 2007 SIP was amended in May 2009. Incentive awards under the 2007 SIP are in the form of new class B and new class C convertible shares issued in equal proportions to participants at a nominal value of EUR0.001 per share. On satisfaction of specified performance criteria the new class B and new class C convertible shares will automatically convert on a one-to-one basis into D convertible shares. The D convertibles may be converted by the holder into ordinary shares upon payment of the agreed conversion price. The conversion price for each D convertible share is the average market value of an ordinary share for the three dealing days immediately prior to the date that the participant was invited to subscribe less the nominal subscription price. Each award has a life of ten years from the date of issuance of the new class B and new class C convertible shares. The performance period for the new class B and new class C convertible shares is three financial years.

 


The performance conditions for the new class B and new class C convertible shares awarded under the 2007 SIP prior to 2009 are as follows. The new class B convertible shares will automatically convert into D convertible shares if the growth in the Company's earnings per share over the performance period is a percentage equal to at least five per cent per annum plus the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index of Ireland, compounded. The new class C convertible shares are subject to that same performance condition. In addition, the new class C convertible shares are subject to a performance condition based on the Company's total shareholder return over the three-year period relative to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies ("TSR Condition"). Under that condition, 30% of the new class C convertible shares will convert into D convertible shares if the Company's total shareholder return is at the median performance level and 100% will convert if the Company's total shareholder return is at or greater than the upper quartile of the peer group. A sliding scale will apply for performance between the median and upper quartiles. Current market conditions will make it extremely difficult for the Company to satisfy the performance conditions applicable to the awards made in 2008. The awards made in 2007 lapsed in 2010 and ceased to be capable of conversion to D convertible shares.

 


For new class B and new class C convertible shares awarded from 2009, the new class B and new class C convertible shares will convert into D convertible shares if the TSR condition is satisfied. However, notwithstanding that the TSR condition applicable to any such award may have been satisfied, the Compensation Committee retains an overriding discretion to disallow the vesting of the award, in full or in part, if, in its opinion the Company's underlying financial performance or total shareholder return (or both) has been unsatisfactory during the performance period.

 


The Compensation Committee determined the performance conditions for awards granted under the 2007 SIP to date after consultation with the Irish Association of Investment Managers ("IAIM").

 


A combined summary of the activity under the 2002 Plan, as amended, and the 2007 SIP, as amended for the period from 31 December 2009 to 31 March 2010 is presented below.

 
                          Number of convertible shares 
                          000's 
At 31 December 2009       16,954 
Forfeited in the period   (16) 
Lapsed in the period      (2,347) 
Granted in the period     2,604 
Exercised in the period   (363) 
At 31 March 2010          16,832 
 
 


At 31 March 2010, 9,304,164 shares were exercisable under the 2002 Plan, as amended. The weighted average exercise price for all of these shares at 31 March 2010 was EUR4.58. The weighted average remaining contractual life of all the awards issued under the 2002 Plan, as amended, at 31 March 2010 was 2.8 years.

 


The weighted average exercise price for all new B and new C convertible shares upon vesting at 31 March 2010 was EUR6.58. The weighted average remaining contractual life of all the awards issued under the 2007 SIP, as amended, at 31 March 2010 was 9.2 years. No shares were exercisable at March 2010 or December 2009.

 


11.Analysis of Net Debt

 
                                                      31-Mar-10  31-Dec-09 
                                                      EUR million  EUR million 
Senior credit facility 
Revolving credit facility(1)- interest                (12)       (13) 
at relevant  interbank 
rate + 3.25% on RCF1 and +3.5% on RCF2(8) 
Tranche A term loan(2a)--interest at relevant          220        219 
interbank  rate + 3.25%(8) 
Tranche B term loan(2b)--interest at relevant          812        809 
interbank  rate + 3.375%(8) 
Tranche C term loan(2c)--interest at relevant          811        808 
interbank  rate + 3.625%(8) 
Yankee bonds (including accrued interest)(3)          221        203 
Bank loans and overdrafts/(cash)                      (499)      (565) 
Receivables securitisation floating                   208        208 
rate notes 2011(4) 
                                                      1,761      1,669 
2015 cash pay subordinated notes                      361        358 
(including accrued interest)(5) 
2017 senior secured notes (including                  494        485 
accrued interest)(6) 
2019 senior secured notes (including                  498        488 
accrued interest)(7) 
Net debt before finance leases                        3,114      3,000 
Finance leases                                        38         41 
Net debt including leases -                           3,152      3,041 
Smurfit Kappa Funding plc 
Balance of revolving credit facility                  12         13 
reclassified to debtors 
Total debt after reclassification                     3,164      3,054 
- Smurfit Kappa Funding plc 
Net (cash) in parents of Smurfit Kappa Funding plc    (2)        (2) 
Net Debt including leases - Smurfit Kappa Group plc   3,162      3,052 
 
 


(1) Revolving credit facility of EUR525 million split into RCF 1 and RCF 2 of EUR152 million and EUR373 million (available under the senior credit facility) to be repaid in full in 2012 and 2013 respectively. (Revolver Loans - Nil, drawn under ancillary facilities and facilities supported by letters of credit - EUR0.07 million, letters of credit issued in support of other liabilities - EUR16.3 million)

 


(2a) Term loan A due to be repaid in certain instalments up to 2012

 


(2b) Term loan B due to be repaid in full in 2013

 


(2c) Term loan C due to be repaid in full in 2014

 


(3) 7.50% senior debentures due 2025 of $292.3 million

 


(4) Receivables securitisation floating rate notes mature September 2011

 


(5) EUR217.5 million 7.75% senior subordinated notes due 2015 and $200 million of 7.75% senior subordinated notes due 2015

 


(6) EUR500 million 7.25% senior secured noted due 2017

 


(7) EUR500 million 7.75% senior secured noted due 2019

 


(8) Effective 2 July 2009 the margins applicable to the Senior Credit Facility have been amended to the following:

 
Debt/EBITDA ratio        Tranche A and RCF1  Tranche B  Tranche C  RCF2 
Greater than 4 : 1       3.25%               3.375%     3.625%     3.50% 
4 : 1 or less but more   3.00%               3.125%     3.375%     3.25% 
than 3.5 : 1 
3.5 : 1 or less but      2.75%               3.125%     3.375%     3.00% 
more than 3.0 : 1 
3.0 : 1 or less          2.50%               3.125%     3.375%     2.75% 
 
 


12.Venezuela

 


Hyperinflation

 


As discussed more fully in the Group's 2009 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 to its Venezuelan operations at 31 December 2009 and for the first quarter of 2010. The hyperinflationary adjustments for the year ended 31 December 2009 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009 and in accordance with IAS 21, comparative amounts are not adjusted. Therefore, the results of the first quarter 2009 have not been adjusted for hyperinflation.

 


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 for Q1 2010 and the full year 2009 is as follows:

 
                      31-Mar-10  31-Dec-09 
=----------------------------------------- 
Index at period end   173.2      163.7 
=----------------------------------------- 
Movement in period    5.8%       25.1% 
=----------------------------------------- 
 
 


Devaluation

 


As noted in the Group's financial statements for 2009, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency, the Bolivar Fuerte ("VEF"), on 8 January 2010. The official exchange rate generally applicable to SKG was changed from VEF 2.15 per U.S. dollar to VEF 4.3 per U.S. dollar. A currency translation loss of EUR14 million arises from the once off effect of retranslation of the U.S. dollar denominated net payables of its Venezuelan operations, which is included within operating profit. In addition, the Group recorded a reduction in net assets of EUR223 million in relation to these operations, which is reflected in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income as a part of foreign currency translation adjustments.

 


Supplemental Financial Information

 
Reconciliation of net income to 
EBITDA, before exceptional 
items  & share-based payment expense 
                                                  3 Months to  3 Months to 
                                                  31-Mar-10    31-Mar-09 
                                                  EUR million    EUR million 
(Loss)/profit for the financial period            (17)         12 
Income tax expense                                14           8 
Currency trading loss on devaluation of Bolivar   14           - 
Net finance costs                                 76           62 
Share-based payment expense                       1            1 
Depreciation, depletion (net) and amortisation    96           97 
EBITDA before exceptional items and               184          180 
share-based payment expense 
 
 


Supplemental Historical Financial Information

 
EUR Million         Q1, 2009  Q2, 2009  Q3, 2009  Q4, 2009  FY, 2009  Q1, 2010 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Group and         2,268     2,250     2,309     2,380     9,207     2,435 
third 
party 
revenue 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Third             1,504     1,498     1,515     1,541     6,057     1,530 
party 
revenue 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EBITDA            180       184       192       186       741       184 
before 
exceptional 
items and 
share-based 
payment 
expense 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EBITDA            11.9%     12.3%     12.7%     12.1%     12.2%     12.0% 
margin 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating         82        87        46        51        267       73 
profit/(loss) 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Profit/(loss)     20        19        (27)      (63)      (52)      (3) 
before tax 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Free cash         -         18        125       29        172       (58) 
flow 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Basic             3.8       3.0       (20.9)    (41.6)    (55.8)    (7.0) 
earnings/(loss) 
per 
share 
(cent 
per share) 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Weighted          218       218       218       218       218       218 
average 
number 
of shares 
used 
in 
EPS 
calculation 
(millions) 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net debt          3,187     3,164     3,034     3,052     3,052     3,162 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net debt          3.7       4.0       4.0       4.1       4.1       4.2 
to 
EBITDA 
(LTM) 
=--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 
 
 


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