TOP NEWS: Smurfit Kappa posts strong interim growth amid acquisitions

(Alliance News) - Smurfit Kappa Group PLC on Wednesday reported 11% revenue growth for the first ...

Alliance News 28 July, 2021 | 10:00AM
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(Alliance News) - Smurfit Kappa Group PLC on Wednesday reported 11% revenue growth for the first half of 2021, with the FTSE 100 paper packaging maker acquiring a 600,000 tonne recycling centre in Italy.

The Dublin-based firm's statutory pretax profit for the six months ended June 30 was EUR413 million, rising from EUR383 million in the same period a year prior.

Smurfit tipped the firm was pleased with the recent half's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation in Europe and America, describing the performance as "strong".

Ebitda in Europe rose 3% to EUR591 million, and in America was 19% higher at EUR211 million. Overall for the firm, Ebitda was EUR781 million, up 6% year-on-year from EUR735 million with a margin of 16.7%.

Smurfit added: "These performances reflect the benefits of our integrated business model, our investment programmes, strong market positions and our performance culture which has come to the fore during these high pressured times.

"This growth is coming from the structural drivers of paper-based packaging, as the sustainable product of choice by consumers and customers alike, as well as the continued strong growth in e-commerce."

Revenue for the period was up 11% at EUR4.68 billion from EUR4.20 billion in the first half of 2020.

The FTSE100 company booked a narrowed debt of EUR228 million on investments in property, plant and equipment and biological assets in the recent half. This debt was EUR246 million in the same period last year.

Smurfit Kappa said it has accelerated its investment plans to meet customer needs and capitalise on growth.

Most notably, the firm on Wednesday acquired Verzuolo mill - a 600,000 tonne capable recycling facility - in Northern Italy for EUR360 million as part of its investment programme. The firm anticipates the purchase will enhance its international reach and offer "significant synergistic benefits including technical and production optimisation".

The firm's global acquisitions did not stop at Italy. It also announced the buy of two businesses in Peru and Mexico.

"These two businesses further add to our geographic footprint, including a new market through Peru, and customer offering, and I am delighted to welcome a further 608 employees to Smurfit Kappa," said Smurfit.

Smurfit Kappa resumed its interim dividend payout of 29.3 cents per share, after suspending its dividend in 2020 to help the paper packaging maker weather the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shares in Smurfit Kappa were up 1.0% at 4,090.00 pence in London on Wednesday.

By Josie O'Brien; josieobrien@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC 3,458.00 GBX -0.23 -
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC 40.03 EUR -0.87 -

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