A FTSE 100 Company.
Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading producers of paper-based packaging

We operate in 32 countries - 21 in Europe, and 11 in the Americas - with around 41,000 employees and third party sales revenue amounted to €7.9 billion in 2013.

We are an integrated producer, with our packaging plants sourcing the major part of their raw material requirements from our own paper mills. In turn, the sourcing of recovered fibre and wood for the mills is managed through a combination of our own reclamation and forestry operations and purchases from third parties.

We primarily produce corrugated packaging, with our operations supported by a strong network of containerboard mills. As the market leader in both regions, we are strongly focused on the needs of our customers, with a market driven approach aimed at optimising the value of the package. In addition to corrugated and containerboard, we have leading positions in several other market segments including solid board and solid board packaging and graphic board.

Our headquarters are in Dublin with regional headquarters in Paris (Europe) and Miami (the Americas).

We are

No. 1 European market position in corrugated packaging, containerboard, solid board and solid board packaging

No. 2 World market position for the production of corrugated packaging

We turnover

€7.9 billion sales revenue in 2013


We employ

41,000 people worldwide


We operate in

21 countries in Europe


11 countries in the Americas


We own

38 mills (27 produce containerboard)


231 packaging converting plants


47 recovered fibre facilities


32 other production facilities


104,000 hectares of Latin American forest plantations


http://www.smurfitkappa.com/vHome/com/Pages/Default.aspx

Mexican wave? Smurfit Kappa Group’s strategic advance into emerging markets
By Sally Cousins, Packaging Journalist

BRUSSELS, Oct. 2, 2012 (RISI) - Making an inroad into the US and Latin American packaging market is difficult in these highly consolidated market areas, but European market leaders are achieving a presence in the US and the emerging economies of Latin America.

Smurfit Kappa Group's (SKG) recent announcement that it will acquire private corrugated and containerboard maker Orange County Container Group (OCCG) for $340m is proof of this. OCCG has operations in northern Mexico and the southern United States and employs 2,800 people (2,000 of those are employed in Mexico), and is expected to generate $53m of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the full year 2012.

In its statement, SKG said that OCCG's strong strategic fit with the corrugated firm's existing business is expected to deliver at least $14m of synergies by the end of year two. The $340m cash consideration will be funded from the groups existing cash resources. It is anticipated the transaction will complete before the end of 2012 subject to customary completion conditions and regulatory approval.

SKG's recent move aims to further strengthen the company's position in higher growth markets. The company's containerboard and corrugated Mexican business includes three paper machines and nine box plants with containerboard production of approximately 295,000 tonnes/yr and corrugated shipments of 500 million square metres for the 12 months to June 2012. The acquisition will provide the company with a pro-forma total market share of approximately 17% of the Mexican market.

Transatlantic acquisitions - nothing new

Smurfit Kappa Group CEO Gary McGann comments on the acquisition. "The acquisition of OCCG provides a complementary portfolio of well-invested assets and quality people. This transaction further increases the contribution of our existing successful Latin American business; providing us with a very significant position within the key Maquiladora trading region and substantially strengthening our position in the higher growth Mexican market."

"Smurfit Kappa Group has a proven track record of identifying, acquiring and integrating businesses. This transaction creates synergies for the group delivering value and earnings growth for our shareholders," adds McGann.

This type of acquisition, according to Moorgate Capital's Nicholas Mockett isn't unusual and follows on from past transatlantic mergers and acquisitions. He cites Stone Container of Chicago, which used to have operations in Europe; International Paper has European businesses, and SCA had a significant foray into the USA.

In SKG's case Mockett feels the likely merger and acquisition deal driver is the serving of customers in multiple territories. "SKG may also be looking to diversify its exposure from Europe. Moreover, in the first wave of recession in 2007-2009, the emerging markets were the only regions not to drop into recession."

The reasoning for Latin American growth is clear, as Mockett explains. "Smurfit and other packaging companies are interested in earnings streams from these areas. Apart from higher growth, they are less likely to be over supplied and hence financial performance should be better."

According to Mockett the key South American packaging market is Brazil, with already a fairly consolidated paper packaging market with a handful of very large paper packaging companies. "These emerging market companies tend to trade on premium valuation multiples compared with their European counterparts.

He adds: "Combining that with their scale may render them too big to acquire. However they may appeal to the largest US paper packaging companies and the Europeans could acquire in the second tier."

Wall Street's Deutsche Bank research analyst Mark Wilde feels that the indicators are that the SKG acquisition is a good move. He says: "Although the deal caught us somewhat by surprise, the valuation is attractive and there is a good deal of industrial logic."

According to Wilde, the Mexican containerboard industry is entirely reliant on recycled fiber and has been squeezed as China has drawn an increasing amount of wastepaper from the southwestern US.

"OCCG also boosts Smurfit Kappa Group's share of the Mexican corrugated market without adding new capacity to the market. It's a bit hard to project OCCG's ultimate margin potential, but currently EBITDA margins in the 9.5% range are quite low. Part of this undoubtedly reflects low margins in the wastepaper reclamation operations."

This kind of acquisition can provide a valuable way in to a consolidated market. Wilde explains: "With SKG trading at very low valuation multiples, this transaction appears a far more sensible way of growing its Latin American footprint as opposed to paying a high multiple for an admission ticket in a market like Brazil (a move that has been rumored in the market)."

He adds: "Expansion in Latin America and Central/Eastern Europe enhances SKG's growth profile. Ultimately, it could also make SKG an interesting strategic partner for another globally-oriented packaging company."

In this weeks IC - Smurfit Kappa, based in Ireland, is overdue a rerating, highlighting its successful refinancing, a return to dividends and strong cash flow.

7 November 2012 SKG Third Quarter and First Nine Months Results

3rd Quarter ResultsHighlights

Strong EBITDA outcome of 280 million in the third quarter
Industry-leading EBITDA margins reflecting SKG"s continued focus on innovative packaging, cost and operating efficiency
Two successful bond offerings totalling 690 million resulting in reduced debt servicing costs, improved debt maturity profile and further diversification of funding sources
Acquisition of Orange County Container Group for US$340 million at 5.1x 2012 EBITDA post synergies
Expect year-end EBITDA in line with 2011
Performance Review and Outlook




http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4479339

Smurfit Kappa pays $340m to acquire Orange County
StockMarketWire.com
Smurfit Kappa Group, a world leader in the integrated manufacture of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and Latin America, has completed the acquisition of Orange County Container Group (OCCG).

It is paying a total cash consideration of $340m, subject to customary post completion price adjustments. It is being funded from, the Group's existing cash resources.

OCCG is a corrugated and containerboard manufacturer with operations predominantly in Northern Mexico but also in the Southern United States and will form part of the Group's Latin America segment.

It employs 2,800 people (2,000 of whom are based in Mexico), and is expected to generate at least $53m of EBITDA for the full year 2012.

Gary McGann, Smurfit Kappa Group CEO, said: "We are very pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Orange County Container Group. This acquisition is fully consistent with our declared growth strategy, complements our existing Mexican business and increases our exposure to a demographically attractive and rapidly growing region."

:-))

A buy in this weeks Shares mag for those interested.

Smurfit Kappa schedules Q1 results

StockMarketWire.com

Smurfit Kappa Group - one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe, Latin America and North America - will release its first quarter results on 3 May.

At 1:19pm:
(LON:SKG) share price was +0.03p at 12.01p


Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

1st Quarter Results

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




http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4588137

Smurfit Kappa in refinancing talks

10 June 2013 | 16:27pm

StockMarketWire.com - Smurfit Kappa has confirmed it is is holding talks with its banks to refinance its senior secured credit facility with an unsecured relationship bank facility.

At 4:27pm:
[LON:SKG] share price was -0.02p at 11.75p


Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Dublin, London, 2 July, 2013: Smurfit Kappa Group plc (��SSKG⬝ or the ��SGroup⬝), one of the world��"s largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, announces it will release 2013 second quarter results on Wednesday, 31 July 2013 at 07.00 BST (02.00 ET).

Finals 31 July

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (SKG:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 14.81. Over this period, the share price is up 155.92%.

25 July - Smurfit Kappa Group announces successful completion of
1.375 billion Senior Credit Facility Re-financing


http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4638095

Half-yearly Report

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4641616

Shares - momentum at packaging expert set to continue.

Wed 9 Ex divi - Smurfit Kappa Group PLC [SKG] (0.3075 EUR)

1st Quarter Results

First Quarter Key points
• Continued EPS growth year-on-year reflecting higher EBITDA and reduced interest expense
• Strong Free Cash Flow in the first quarter supporting committed medium term capital allocation measures
• Return on Capital Employed of 13.8%
• Adoption of the Sicad I rate for our Venezuelan operations in the first quarter
• S&P upgrade to BB+ rating reflecting significantly improved credit metrics
• Proposed final 2013 dividend of 30.75 cent to be paid on 9 May


http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4803501

Half-yearly Report

Second Quarter & Half Year Key Points
• Pre-exceptional EPS growth of 46% year-on-year with EBITDA margin expansion to 14.3% for the first six months
• Robust capital structure with annualised cash interest reduced to 135 million
• Strong free cash flows supporting the delivery of previously announced capital allocation decisions
• Interim dividend increased by 50% to 15.375 cent reflecting confidence in future performance
• Recycled and kraftliner containerboard price increases announced


http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4858455

3rd Quarter Results

Third Quarter & First Nine Months Key Points
• Year to date pre-exceptional EPS growth of 55% reflecting a good operational performance and lower financing costs
• Continued growth in return on capital employed (ROCE") to 14.5%
• Strong free cash flow continues to support growth and lower leverage of 2.2 times net debt to EBITDA
• Implementation of price increase of 30 per tonne in both testliner and kraftliner
• Corrugated volume growth of 2% year-on-year to September 2014
• Immediately accretive acquisition of Bates Container for US$158 million completed in October 2014
• SKG to deliver 2014 EBITDA results in line with market expectations



http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4917217

Statement re Credit rating upgraded by Moody"...

BZW


Statement re Credit rating upgraded by Moody"s and Fitch

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC



Smurfit Kappa credit rating upgraded by Moody"s and Fitch

1 December 2014: Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SSKG⬝ or the SGroup⬝), one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and the Americas, welcomes the upgrade of its credit rating to SBa1⬝ from SBa2⬝ by Moody"s Investors Service and to "BB+" from "BB" by Fitch Ratings. The rating actions follow the upgrade to BB+ by Standard & Poor"s in February 2014.

Ian Curley, Group Chief Financial Officer, commented, "The upgrades by Moody"s and Fitch confirm the delivery of one of the Group"s key financial objectives; a strong and low-cost capital structure which will provide a solid base to grow the business over the near and medium term. The Group"s progress to this point reflects its capacity for consistent operational performance and free cashflow generation through the cycle supported by our geographic diversity, our unrelenting focus on cost efficiency and our integrated business model.⬝

About Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading producers of paper-based packaging in the world, with around 41,000 employees in approximately 350 production sites across 32 countries and with sales revenue of 8 billion in 2013.

Innovation, service and pro-activity towards customers, using sustainable resources, is our primary focus. This focus is enhanced through us being an integrated producer, with our packaging plants sourcing the major part of their raw materials from our own paper mills. We are the European leader in paper-based packaging, operating in 21 countries selling products including corrugated, containerboard, bag-in-box, solidboard and solidboard packaging. We have a growing base in Eastern Europe in many of these product areas. We also have a key position in other product/market segments including graphicboard, MG paper and sack paper.

We are the only large scale pan regional player in the Americas, operating in 11 countries in total in North, Central and South America.

ENDS

Shares - Paper -based packaging group Smurfit Kappa is eyeing up further acquisitions but says progressive dividends are still an important part of its strategy. The company has outperformed Mondi by 3.3 % and DS Smith by 24.7% to date but still trades on a 16% discount to its European peers with a 2015 price to earnings ratio of 11.6

Ex dividend Thurs 9 April 0.4Euros

Anglo-Irish-packaging-giant-Smurfit-Kappa-snapped-rival-6bn-deal.


Tennessee-based International Paper is thought to be weighing up an offer of 36 euros (£26) a share for Smurfit Kappa, which is listed in Dublin and London

The Telegraph - Finally, in Dublin, paper and packaging giant Smurfit Kappa climbed 65½ cents to €27.35½ amid renewed hopes it will receive a bid from American rival International Paper. Traders were excited by comments from Mark Sutton, the boss of the US company, who said it remained on the hunt for deals.

Shares - Smurfit Kappa expects to deliver year on year earnings growth in 2015 as a result of the more positive European business environment and improvements in its operational performance in the Americas.

Mentioned in shares magazine.

Interims Wed 29 July

Half yearly report

01 Oct 2015 Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (0.2 EUR) Ex dividend

Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SKG or the Group), one of the worlds largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, announces it will release 2015 third quarter results on Wednesday, 04 November 2015 at 07.00 GMT (02.00 ET

Third quarter results

Third Quarter & First Nine Months Key Points

Year to date Group corrugated volume growth of 6% year-on-year with 3% organic growth in Europe
Sequential EBITDA increase of 7% with EBITDA margins improving to 15% in the third quarter
Pre-exceptional Basic EPS growth of 20% year to date
Increased Return on Capital Employed of 15%, in line with our target
Strong free cash flows reducing net debt and strengthening the Groups strategic flexibility
Based on current operating conditions, 2015 EBITDA is expected to be in line with market expectations

Smurfit Kappa to change share denomination to GBP
StockMarketWire.com
Smurfit Kappa said trading in its ordinary London-quoted shares will switch from euro to sterling today at 8am.

First quarter results


First Quarter Key Points
• Group corrugated packaging growth including acquisitions of 5% with solid underlying volume growth
• Growth of 6% in pre-exceptional EBITDA with improved margin at 14%
• Continued strong ROCE at 15.3%
• Successful completion of two major upgrades of paper machines in the Netherlands and Spain
• Announcement of �40 per tonne price increase in European brown kraftliner effective 15 June 2016
• Confirmation of upgrade to Sterling Premium UK listing with retention of euro denominated Irish listing

SKG's profit

StockMarketWire.com

Smurfit Kappa has improved its Q1 pretax profit by 31% to 128m euros, from 98m euros. Revenue was ahead 2% to 2bn euros, from 1.9bn euros.

CEO Tony Smurfit said the solid year-on-year earnings progression in the first quarter of 2016 with 6% EBITDA growth was driven by an improved operating performance and the positive impact of acquisitions in 2015.

"Our well invested, geographically diversified and vertically integrated operations will continue to provide us with a resilient platform to drive earnings and free cash flows," he said in a statement.

"We continue to see good levels of demand for packaging across almost all of the markets in which we operate. During the quarter, currencies had a distorting effect which on a like-for-like basis had a negative translation effect of almost 10 million on EBITDA.

"In addition, the rebuilds of our Roermond and Sanguesa mills adversely impacted profitability in the quarter. However, both projects will enhance our European systems cost position and commercial offering.

"Following the completion of over 380m euros of acquisitions in 2015, the Groups focus is on the successful integration of these businesses through 2016 with the capacity for further bolt-on acquisitions.

"Our capital investment programme of over 450m euros per annum supports our objective to deliver higher quality packaging and merchandising solutions to our global customers, while continually driving operational efficiencies through our integrated system."

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Group corrugated packaging growth including acquisitions of 5% with solid underlying volume growth

- Growth of 6% in pre-exceptional EBITDA with improved margin at 14% Continued strong ROCE at 15.3%

- Successful completion of two major upgrades of paper machines in the Netherlands and Spain

- Announcement of 40 euros per tonne price increase in European brown kraftliner effective 15 June 2016

- Confirmation of upgrade to Sterling Premium UK listing with retention of euro denominated Irish listing





Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Broker Forecast - Deutsche Bank issues a broker note on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Deutsche Bank today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) and cut its price target to 2160p (from 2340p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Interims Wed 27 July

Half year report

26 Aug Deutsche Bank 2,160.00 Buy

2 Sep Goldman Sachs N/A Conviction Buy

Smurfit Kappa's Q3 revenue rises, on track to deliver record EBITDA
Wed, 2nd Nov 2016 08:18

(ShareCast News) - Ireland's Smurfit Kappa reported that third quarter revenue increased, while the corrugated packaging company remains on track to deliver record earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year.

For the quarter ended 30 September, revenue grew 1% to €2.05bn, or 6% on a constant currency basis, compared to the same period last year, with volume growth of 3%.

Revenues in Europe decreased by €42m, driven mainly by adverse currency moves, while in the Americas revenues rose by €68m.

EBITDA increased by 6% year-on-year to €323m, or 9% on a constant currency basis, with a margin of 15.7%, which was delivered against a backdrop of higher than expected recovered fibre input costs and adverse currency movements.

Basic earnings per share was up 22% to 56.4 cents.

The return on capital employed (ROCE) climbed 16.1%, exceeding its target.

The quarter also had a free cash flow of €164m, which resulted in net debt to EBITDA reduced to 2.4 times.

Overall corrugated packaging volumes grew 3% and in Europe volumes rose 2%.

In the Americas volumes increased 17% with organic volumes up 2%, excluding Venezuela. There was an improved performance across operations, which was offset by negative currency impacts on EBITDA of about €11m during the quarter.

Chief executive Tony Smurfit said: "SKG continues to meet and exceed its ROCE target and has delivered improved EBITDA margins. This strong result reflects the high quality of our globally diversified operating platform, performance led culture, and the strength of our people and assets.

"Today, the group is well positioned and invested in all its chosen markets. The strength of our cash flow will enable us to continue to invest to support profitable growth while sustaining an attractive dividend stream for our shareholders. We continue to invest to further improve the quality of our asset base, and we will make acquisitions where we identify compelling long term value for our shareholders while continuing to maintain our balance sheet strength."

Shares in Smurfit Kappa were up 2.73% to 1,808p at 0815 GMT.

Smurfit Kappa: Jefferies reiterates Hold with a target price of 2080p.

Notice of Results

BUS


Notice of Results

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC



Announcement Date for 2016 Fourth Quarter & Full Year Results

SKG.I SKG.L

Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SKG or the Group), one of the worlds largest manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, announces it will release 2016 fourth quarter and full year results on Wednesday, 8 February 2017 at 07.00 GMT (02.00 EST).

The SKG senior management team will host a live presentation for analysts & institutional investors at 10.00 GMT (05.00 EST) on 8 February at the London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LS.

Those who are unable to attend will have the opportunity to participate in the live event via conference call or webcast. Please see dial in details outlined below:

Notice of Results

BUS


Notice of Results

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC



Announcement Date for 2016 Fourth Quarter & Full Year Results

SKG.I SKG.L

Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SKG or the Group), one of the worlds largest manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, announces it will release 2016 fourth quarter and full year results on Wednesday, 8 February 2017 at 07.00 GMT (02.00 EST).

The SKG senior management team will host a live presentation for analysts & institutional investors at 10.00 GMT (05.00 EST) on 8 February at the London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LS.

Those who are unable to attend will have the opportunity to participate in the live event via conference call or webcast. Please see dial in details outlined below:

Market buzz -Smurfit Kappa topped the leaderboard for the Footsie after the paper and cardboard packaging company said it will hike the price of recycled containerboard by €60 a tonne.

Final results

Full Year Key Points
• Full year 2016 revenues on a constant currency basis up 5%
• 2016 EBITDA of �1,236 million, a new record for the Group
• Improved ROCE at 15.4%
• Continued good cash generation with free cash flow of �303 million
• Admission to FTSE 100 index effective 19 December 2016
• 7 year bond issuance of �500 million at 2.375% in January 2017
• Final dividend increased by 20% to 57.6 cent per share

23 Feb
Deutsche Bank
2,460.00
Buy

2 Mar
Jefferies...
2,480.00
Buy

7 Mar
Goldman Sachs
2,500.00
Buy

24 Apr
Goldman Sachs
2,425.00
Buy

Market Buzz
Smurfit Kappa discount from 'temporary' margin squeeze attracts Goldman
Mon, 24 April 2017



(ShareCast News) - Goldman Sachs recommended clients 'buy' Smurfitt Kappa on Monday after the shares fell by around 7% over the past month to open an attractive entry point, while Jefferies also rated the Irish packaging company highly.
Smurfit remained Goldman's top-pick in the European paper and packaging space, as although the market has become increasingly concerned about a margin squeeze, this "is temporary in our view" as box prices are expected to increase in the second half to enable margins to recover quickly.

Smurfit trades at an 26% discount to peers on a ratio of enterprise value to adjusted operating profits (EV/EBITDA), despite offering a 10.5% free cash flow yield, which is significantly above the 5.6% average for packaging peers.

Rivals DS Smith and Mondi are both rated 'neutral' by Goldman.

"A key risk to our packaging view is increased uncertainty in Europe related to the upcoming elections. Packaging is closely linked to economic growth and could come under pressure if uncertainty increases," Goldman said.

Analysts trimmed their London target price to 2,425p from 2,500p.

Jefferies, meanwhile, explained that the margin squeeze on Smurfit was from rising old corrugated containers (OCC) prices but that China's "National Sword" program aimed at improving quality of imported materials has led to imported Chinese old corrugated containers (OCC) prices falling 15%-20% over past month and hence European OCC prices easing 3% in the past fortnight.

EU containerboard prices have continued to grind higher despite easing OCC prices, but while this reduces raw material headwind for Europe's largest OCC buyers, Smurfit Kappa & DS Smith, easing OCC "might taint second round EU containerboard price hopes and box price hikes", Jefferies said.

Smurfit's quarterly results, the first of the peer group, are likely to provide an update on current price negotiations.

Jefferies, which has a 'buy' rating and a €23.4 target price on Smurfit, said it expected to see benefits from higher kraftliner given a net long position for both.

However analysts believe investors will focus on European testliner and kraftliner price hikes and the feed-through to higher box prices in the second half.

First quarter results

Friday 12 May Dividend 49.65p

8 May
Jefferies...
2,730.00
Buy

10:00 18/07/2017
Broker Forecast - Jefferies International issues a broker note on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
Jefferies International today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) and raised its price target to 2635p (from 2550p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

09:10 27/07/2017
Broker Forecast - Deutsche Bank issues a broker note on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
Deutsche Bank today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) and raised its price target to 2650p (from 2460p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

12:40 12/09/2017
Broker Forecast - Goldman Sachs issues a broker note on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
Goldman Sachs today upgrades its investment rating on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) to buy (from neutral) and raised its price target to 2750p (from 2600p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

23 Oct
Jefferies...
2,635.00
Buy

Notice of Results
BUS
Notice of Results
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Announcement Date for 2017 Third Quarter Results
SKG:ID


SKG:LN

Dublin, London, 20 October, 2017: Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SKG or the Group), one of the worlds largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, announces it will release 2017 third quarter results on Wednesday, 01 November 2017 at 07.00 GMT (02.00 ET).
The Groups management team will host a conference call for analysts and institutional investors at 10.00 GMT (05.00 ET) on this date.

Third quarter results

Third Quarter and First Nine Months Key Points
Group revenue growth of 4% for the third quarter and year-to-date
Continued box price progression in the third quarter
Increased sequential EBITDA margin of 15.1%
Solid free cash flow delivery of 152 million for the quarter
Acquisitions in Russia and Greece, expanding the Groups packaging footprint

2 Nov
Numis
2,600.00
Add
2 Nov
Deutsche Bank
2,650.00
Buy
2 Nov
Jefferies...
2,635.00
Buy

10:10 27/11/2017
Broker Forecast - Jefferies International issues a broker note on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
Jefferies International today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) and raised its price target to 2930p (from 2635p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

29 Jan
Numis
2,800.00
Add

Final results

Sharecast - a note on packaging and paper.



Goldman said it likes Smurfit in the packaging space, along with Mondi, which had been trading up earlier. The bank said it expects Smurfit and Mondi to benefit from already achieved price increases throughout 2017 and continuous solid demand.
"Smurfit Kappa Group and DS Smith, two of the biggest box producers in Europe are targeting box prices after rising input costs through 2017 caused margin contraction. At 4Q results, Smurfit highlighted it had achieved a 5% box price increase and remained confident in achieving the 6%-8% it guided for earlier in 2017.
"DS Smith is targeting an 8%-10% increase and had achieved around 3.5% at 1H18 results and price increases are progressing in line with expectations. We expect the recovery to continue in 1H18 and drive a margin expansion in 2018 as producers benefit from already achieved box prices and get additional gains in 1H18 contract negotiations."

Smurfit Kappa rejects 'opportunistic' takeover bid from International Paper Company
StockMarketWire.com
Packaging group Smurfit Kappa said it had rejected a takeover proposal from International Paper Company, claiming that it under-valued the company.

'The proposal fails entirely to reflect the group's strong growth prospects and attractive industry outlook,' Smurfit Kappa said.

Smurfit Kappa did not provide details of the offer, other than to state that it involved a combination of cash and a minority holding in the combined business.

The bid would involve our shareholders receiving a high proportion of their consideration in the form of International Paper's shares, it added.



Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

:-))

Statement re First Digital Post-Print Corrugated Press
BUS
Statement re First Digital Post-Print Corrugated Press
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

5 April 2018
Smurfit Kappa and HP bring first digital post-print corrugated press to Europe
Smurfit Kappa is installing a revolutionary new industrial-scale HP PageWide C500 digital press for corrugated printing which will provide greater customisation and flexibility for customers.
The HP PageWide C500 Press, which will be the first commercial HP single pass press in Europe, is HPs most technologically advanced digital press for corrugated application. The press will be installed in Smurfit Kappas Interwell plant in Austria.
With a fully integrated stack-to-stack workflow, the press combines digital simplicity with off-set replaceable print quality on both coated and uncoated paper. The cutting-edge technology will provide brand owners with customised packaging solutions that can drive sales across both online and traditional sales channels.
Smurfit Kappa is the European leader in shelf-ready and eCommerce packaging development which are delivered through its ShelfSmart and eSmart services. The graphic flexibility and quality of the new HP PageWide C500 Press will further enhance the companys service to drive brand recognition and provide fit-for-purpose packaging.
Furthermore, the HP water-based inks facilitate printing on both primary and secondary food packaging without an additional barrier which can comply with even the most stringent global food safety regulations.
Speaking about the investment Saverio Mayer, Smurfit Kappa CEO of Europe, said: This new press is the perfect solution for our Interwell plant. It comes after a successful collaboration between Smurfit Kappa and HP.
We are both early adopters in our respective industries and constantly strive to provide pioneering, market-leading solutions for our customers.
We are delighted that Smurfit Kappa will be the first in Europe to install the C500 Press which showcases brand new technology and offers all the flexibility of digital printing. This press is going to fundamentally change the corrugated industry by digitalising it, said Cristbal Macedo, Director, EMEA Corrugated Business Director, HP Inc.
The press will be installed in April and will support Smurfit Kappas extensive customer base in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector by strengthening the power of their brands in an increasingly competitive, consumer-focused world.

Statement re Sustainability Goals
BUS
Statement re Sustainability Goals
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

15th May 2018
Smurfit Kappa takes another stride forward in reaching sustainability goals
Smurfit Kappa has achieved a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions three years ahead of time, according to its annual Sustainable Development Report, which was published today.
The packaging leader had set an ambitious target to reduce the relative total fossil CO2 emissions in its mill system by 25%. In todays report, the packaging leader confirmed that it had surpassed the target, which had a 2020 deadline, at the end of 2017.
While Smurfit Kappas paper-based packaging is renewable and recyclable, the paper production process itself is energy intensive. Reaching the climate change goal further reinforces the companys ongoing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by focusing on energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of fuel such as biomass, where feasible.
Climate change is one of Smurfit Kappas five strategic areas of focus for sustainability along with Forest, Water, Waste and People. The 2017 Sustainable Development Report announces several other key achievements including reaching two other targets in 2017. The first was a reduction in the chemical oxygen demand in its water, also reached three years early, and the second was in the area of health and safety with a 9% reduction year-on-year in lost time accident frequency rate over the five year period of 2013-2017, exceeding the targeted decrease of 5% year-on-year for the same period. Smurfit Kappa continues to provide Chain of Custody certified deliveries to packaging customers across Europe and the Americas approaching the target level of 90% certification. This is unique to the packaging industry for a company of Smurfit Kappas size.
Other highlights include Smurfit Kappa's ranking in the top 1% of the EcoVadis Sustainability ratings and its listing on the FTSE4Good, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, Ethibel and STOXX Global ESG Leaders investor rating systems.
Smurfit Kappa's commitment to investing in social and scientific projects to benefit the communities in which the company operates amounted to approximately 5 million with an emphasis on the area of childhood education.
Tony Smurfit, Group CEO said: "2017 was yet another year with a strong performance on sustainability metrics for Smurfit Kappa and I am confident this will continue into the future. In the next five years we plan to allocate significant capital to projects that will contribute further towards lowering our environmental footprint and we will continue to invest significant resources in the development, safety and wellbeing of our people.
This report is also evidence of our industry-leading transparency and demonstrates how Smurfit Kappa is making progress in supporting the UNs 2030 Sustainability Development Goals.
Steven Stoffer, Group VP Development at Smurfit Kappa, added: For Smurfit Kappa, sustainability is not only about mitigating climate change and reducing inefficiency. For packaging to be truly sustainable, it must be produced and designed in a sustainable fashion and be biodegradable within a relatively short time after multiple usages. This results in minimal impact on the planet.
Paper-based packaging is uniquely positioned to do this, and we strongly support the growing concern and efforts to put an end to the increasing mass of non-biodegradable, primarily plastic packaging floating in our oceans. This is why we believe that paper is the future of packaging.
Key findings from the 2017 report include:
Forest
All fibres sourced sustainably
Climate Change
Achieved 26.1% against a target reduction of relative CO2 emissions of 25%
Water
Achieved 37.5% against a target reduction of relative COD discharge of 1/3
Waste
Reduced waste sent to landfill intensity by 13.3% since 2013
People
Achieved 9% annual reduction of lost time accident frequency rate between 2013 2017.

SKG to acquire Reparenco for approximately 460 million
BUS
675,000 tonne paper mill in Netherlands strengthens SKGs integrated business
Accelerates SKGs strategic objectives under its Medium Term Plan
SKG to acquire Reparenco for approximately 460 million
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
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, is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Reparenco, a privately owned paper and recycling business in the Netherlands, for a cash consideration of approximately 460 million (the Transaction) following a competitive process.
Reparenco operates a two machine paper mill in the Netherlands with a capacity of 675,000 tonnes together with a 750,000 tonne recovered fibre operation. Reparenco employs 315 people with Gross Assets of 189 million and generated EBITDA of 41 million in the 12 months to April 2018, during which time the business continued to ramp up production.
The acquisition represents a transaction multiple, pre-synergies, of 6.4x the expected full year 2018 EBITDA for Reparenco of 72 million.
Reparencos strong strategic fit with SKGs existing European businesses is expected to deliver significant synergies in the near-term in a number of areas, including increased integration of containerboard and the recycling operations into the Group.
The cash consideration will be funded from the Group's existing resources. It is expected that the Transaction will complete within four to six weeks subject to customary completion conditions and adjustments and regulatory approval.
Smurfit Kappa Group will host a conference call, for analysts and institutional investors today, 24May, at 9.00 BST (04.00 ET). Dial in details call are included at the end of this release.
Transaction Highlights
Accelerates the Groups strategic objectives under its Medium Term Plan;
Delivers EBITDA day 1 with no start-up risk;
Acquisition of a paper mill with a capacity of 675,000 tonnes in SKGs core operating region in Europe;
Mill comprises two machines with capacity of 405,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard and 270,000 tonnes of graphic paper (with the potential for conversion to containerboard);
Mill includes a 750,000 tonne recovered fibre operation; and,
Strengthens SKGs paper integration the Group is currently short 700,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard in Europe.
Smurfit Kappa Group CEO, Tony Smurfit, commented: We are pleased to announce our agreement to acquire Reparenco, successfully concluding a process which began on February 1st this year. The acquisition of Reparenco is complementary with our existing business; strengthens our integrated business model; and accelerates a central element of our medium term plan.
We welcome all the Reparenco employees to Smurfit Kappa. We believe there is a strong cultural fit between our businesses and that, together, we will generate value in the short, medium and long term for all our stakeholders.

25 May
Numis
3,300.00
Add

Statement re Smurfit Kappa Tops Sector in Extel Survey
BUS
Statement re Smurfit Kappa Tops Sector in Extel Survey
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

21 June 2018
Smurfit Kappa Tops Sector in Extel Survey for Second Consecutive Year
Smurfit Kappa Group plc (Smurfit Kappa or The Group), one of the worlds largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, with operations in Europe and the Americas, has been ranked number one in the forestry, paper & packaging sector for Best CEO, Best CFO and Best Investor Relations for the second year running. The Group also received first place for Best IR Professional.
This follows Institutional Investors rankings in April, where Smurfit Kappa was named Most Honoured Company in the European paper & packaging sector for a third consecutive year.
Extel, the foremost independent evaluation of quality across the European equities investment industry, issues annual rankings of Europes leading Executive Teams based on the views of investment professionals. The 2018 rankings consisted of contributions from over 11,333 investment professionals at 2,682 buy-side firms, 241 sell-side and 1,099 corporates.
Ken Bowles, Smurfit Kappa Group CFO commented: We are delighted to top the Extel sector rankings for the second consecutive year. These rankings reflect the dedication and commitment of our wider team and our prospects as a business. I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who have continued to support us as we look forward to delivering on our medium term plan.
About Extel
The Extel Survey began in 1974 with 53 asset management firms giving their views on the advice they were getting from their research analysts at stockbroking houses.
Today, Extel is the foremost independent evaluation of quality across the European equities investment industry. Widely valued expertise in Developed & Emerging Europe, Middle East, North Africa, and Frontier Markets, Extel provides valued insights on hot topics such as social responsibility, the impact of MiFID II and unbundling.
ENDS

Statement re Digital Printing Expansion
BUS
Statement re Digital Printing Expansion

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Smurfit Kappa and HP continue digital printing expansion throughout Europe
Smurfit Kappa is continuing to use digital print with remarkable effect in the corrugated packaging industry. The packaging leader has ramped up its capabilities by installing eight HP Scitex corrugated presses across its European sites.
The new printers facilitate brilliant graphics which make display and promotional packaging come alive. They are also capable of short runs to meet the increasing demand for reduced turnaround times from brands.
Smurfit Kappa has installed Scitex HDR technology corrugated presses the HP Scitex 11000, HP Scitex 15500, and HP Scitex 17000 in sites in Belgium, Denmark, France, Portugal, Poland and the UK with additional installations scheduled for sites in the UK and the Netherlands.
There is an industry-wide consensus that corrugated is ready for digital. We are using HP digital solutions in many of our plants to provide pioneering, market-leading solutions for our customers, said Edwin Goffard, Chief Operating Officer of Corrugated and Converting at Smurfit Kappa Group Europe.
Our strong relationship with HP enables us to stay ahead of any printing trends and fits in with our sustainability goals.
Cristbal Macedo, HP General Manager, PageWide Industrial Business Europe, Middle-East & Africa added: Were thrilled to be assisting Smurfit Kappa with their printing requirements after a wonderful three years in partnership.
The HP Scitex HDR press offers customers both speed and quality, ensuring that high standards do not suffer for the sake of productivity.
Digital printing has strengthened the marketing capabilities of packaging and displays. The ability to stand out on the shelf is enhanced by the graphic flexibility and quality of the new HP printers. Smurfit Kappa has been using digital print successfully in shelf-ready packaging which is delivered through its ShelfSmart service.
The installation of the Scitex HDR printers follows on from Smurfit Kappa installing the first commercial HP single pass press in Europe in its Interwell plant in Austria in April.
ENDS

Acquisition
BUS
Acquisition
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Smurfit Kappa completes acquisition of Reparenco
Delivery of central element of SKGs Medium Term Plan
Transaction multiple represents 4.5x post synergy EBITDA
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, is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Reparenco, a paper and recycling business in the Netherlands, for 460 million.
The acquisition represents a transaction multiple, pre-synergies, of 6.4x Reparencos 2018 expected full year EBITDA of 72million. Reparencos strong strategic fit with SKGs existing European businesses is expected to deliver synergies of in excess of 30 million. Including synergies, the acquisition multiple is less than 4.5x EBITDA.
Smurfit Kappa, CEO, Europe, Saverio Mayer, said: We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of Reparenco and to welcome their 315 employees to Smurfit Kappa. There is a strong cultural fit between our businesses and we are excited about the potential for Reparenco within the Smurfit Kappa integrated system.
Reparenco represents early delivery of a central element of our Medium Term Plan to increase our European recycled containerboard capacity. It is ideally situated in our core European operating region where we continue to see strong demand driven by growth in e-commerce and increased substitution of plastic with paper-based packaging. The mill is also very well placed on the cost curve and specialises in producing basis weights from 80 to 120 grams which caters for the markets growing demand for lighter-weight materials.
Laurent Sellier, Smurfit Kappa COO, Paper Europe, added: The acquisition of Reparenco will strengthen our integrated business model and adds 405,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard capacity to our system.We are also pleased to have acquired a high quality graphic paper machine very well positioned in its market. While the machine offers the potential for conversion to containerboard over the medium-term, our intention is to continue to produce graphic paper for our customers for the foreseeable future.
The 750,000 tonne recycling operation increases our security and quality of raw material supply and also ensures we can provide our customers with greater certainty about the quality and performance of our products.
About Reparenco
Reparenco operates a two machine paper mill in the Netherlands with a capacity of 675,000 tonnes together with a 750,000 tonne recovered fibre operation. The mill comprises two machines with capacity of 405,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard and 270,000 tonnes of graphic paper (with the potential for conversion to containerboard).

Statement re Euronext Vigeo Eiris
BUS
Statement re Euronext Vigeo Eiris
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Smurfit Kappa demonstrates sustainability leadership with Euronext Vigeo Eiris listing for sixth consecutive year
Smurfit Kappas industry-leading commitment to sustainability has been recognised once again by the Euronext Vigeo Eiris index. The packaging leader was listed on the sustainability index for the sixth year in a row after distinguishing itself for its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.
The Euronext Vigeo Eiris index is composed of the 120 highest-ranking listed companies for corporate social responsibility performance. To qualify, companies are subject to examination of their sustainability programme by a team of analysts which reviews up to 330 indicators. Only companies that can produce hard evidence of their sustainability programmes and score highly against industry benchmarks make the final list.
Smurfit Kappas annual Sustainable Development Report provides a detailed and transparent update on its ESG performance in five strategic areas of focus: Climate Change, Forest, Water, Waste and People.
In the 2017 report, which was launched earlier this year, the company announced several key sustainability achievements including meeting three targets relating to water, climate change and health and safety ahead of time. The report also revealed that Smurfit Kappa has invested approximately 5 million in social and scientific projects to benefit the communities in which it operates.
Steven Stoffer, Group VP Development at Smurfit Kappa, said: We are delighted to have been listed on this prestigious index again. For Smurfit Kappa, sustainability is not only about mitigating climate change and reducing inefficiency, it is also about taking a sustainable approach to every aspect of our business.
With a growing number of investors and funds incorporating ESG criteria into their investment decisions, its vital for us to provide this assurance. Many of our customers also expect their business partners to have a genuine commitment to corporate social responsibility and this is something that Smurfit Kappa has won several supplier awards for.
Smurfit Kappa is also listed on the FTSE4Good, Ethibel and STOXX Global ESG Leaders investor rating systems.

Statement re Scania Collaboration
BUS
Statement re Scania Collaboration
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC




24th July 2018
Smurfit Kappa and Scania collaborate on sustainable and optimised packaging solution
Smurfit Kappa worked with global transport provider Scania to replace some of the materials used in its supply chain with paper-based packaging solutions.
The packaging leader was working with the Scania Parts Logistics division which is responsible for the distribution of all Scania parts. Scania has a complex supply chain with many different sized products, some of which are particularly fragile.
Scania had a requirement for packaging for truck windows that were currently transported using four different materials, which included wooden pallets and expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Smurfit Kappa used its SupplySmart service to review every aspect of Scanias supply chain. The analysis was then compared with insights that have been gathered from over 60,000 supply chains to identify opportunities to make sustainable changes.
Smurfit Kappa came up with an innovative new concept that replaced the EPS interior and wooden pallet with honeycomb, a completely sustainable, paper-based material. Along with the switch from multiple materials to a single material solution, the storage space required was cut by 50% which resulted in significant transportation savings for Scania.
Brechtel Coox, Packaging Engineer at Scania Parts Logistics said: "After a comprehensive review of the challenging brief that we presented them with, Smurfit Kappa managed to present us with an ingenious solution that exceeded all our expectations.
Scania Parts Logistics depends on an optimised supply chain so we can guarantee our customers a first-class service.
Erik Bunge, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Corrugated Benelux added: "This project was the result of a collaborative process between Smurfit Kappa and Scania Parts Logistics. Our starting point was to see how we could optimise their supply chain in terms of time, costs and sustainability.
The paper-based solution we came up with which combines corrugated and honeycomb production capabilities within is strong and enables us to deliver an innovative and reliable service to our valued partner Scania.
ENDS

Half year report

09:10 22/08/2018
Broker Forecast - Jefferies International issues a broker note on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
Jefferies International today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) and raised its price target to 3750p (from 3460p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Broker Forecasts data provided by www.sharesmagazine.co.uk

Statement re Sustainability Goals
BUS
Statement re Sustainability Goals
Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Smurfit Kappa continues to build on sustainability achievements with new set of goals
Smurfit Kappa has taken the next step forward in its sustainability journey by rolling out an ambitious new set of goals.
The packaging leader has had a long-term commitment to making real and measurable progress against its five strategic sustainability priorities of forest, climate change, water, waste and people.
Earlier this year, Smurfit Kappa announced that it had met, and in some cases exceeded, its previous sustainability goals in the areas of people, climate change and water with the last two goals achieved three years ahead of their 2020 deadline.
While Smurfit Kappas paper-based packaging is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, the paper production process itself is resource-intensive so a new set of goals has been outlined to build on the progress already made. These are:
Maintaining >90% chain of custody certification of annual customer deliveries
Maintaining 100% chain of custody operating system certification
Assessing energy usage reduction opportunities in converting operations by 2020
Performing water risk assessments for paper mills not yet assessed by 2020
Decreasing water discharge intensity by 60% by 2025 compared to 2005
Decreasing paper mill fossil intensity by 40% by 2030 compared to 2005
Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by 30% by 2025
In the area of People a new Health and Safety goal has been set which aims to reduce the Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) by 5% annually.
Speaking about the new goals, Steven Stoffer, VP of Development, said: This new set of goals has been drawn up to make sure we retain our leadership in the field of sustainability by reflecting the ambitious EU sustainability agenda into the targets for our global operating network and thereby continuing to push for sustainable innovation.
Over the past few years we have made solid progress in our efforts to contribute to a more sustainable society and we are keen to continue on this journey collaborating with our various groups of stakeholders.
Smurfit Kappa releases a Sustainable Development Report every year which contains a detailed overview of its sustainability performance, strategic direction and a review of the businesses underpinning its strategy.
ENDS

4 Jan
Jefferies...
2,600.00
Buy