Smurfit Kappa Group have announced results for the 12 months ending 31st December 2018. Key points include: Group revenue of €8,946million (up 4% from 2017) and EBITDA of €1,545 million, (a 25% improvement). Group EBITDA margin of 17.3%.
Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, commented: “Our 2018 performance demonstrates the Group’s transformation of recent years, which is delivering progressively superior returns. This creates the platform for success in 2019 and beyond. The Group delivered on or exceeded its key measures. This reflects our market-leading positions, our innovation capability and investment decisions. Above all else, it reflects an unrelenting focus on delivering value to ourcustomer base, a performance-led culture and the quality of our people.
“Our European business performed very strongly in 2018 with underlying revenue growth of 7%. This was driven by a combination of demand growth, input cost recovery and the benefits of our investment programme.
“The Americas region had underlying revenue growth of 8% and our business continued to improve as the year progressed with particularly strong performances in our major markets of Mexico and Colombia. Across the region, we have seen progress in input cost recovery, demand growth and, as with our European business, the benefits of our investment plans.
“The Group is proud to support and develop the many Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the countries in which we operate. Such initiatives are consistent with our long-term commitment to support and develop programmes that benefit our communities, and form an integral part of our corporate values. The year also marked a significant shift in consumer awareness as to the benefits of renewable, recyclable and biodegradable paper-based packaging as against less environmentally friendly materials. As the leader in our field, we launched our ‘Better Planet Packaging’ initiative, which will progressively promote our products and allow us to leverage our unique applications to capitalise on this opportunity and help us deliver a more sustainable world.
“After almost 65 years of successfully operating in Venezuela, due to the continuing actions and interference of the Government of Venezuela the Group deconsolidated its Venezuelan operations in August 2018. The Group has initiated international arbitration proceedings to protect the interests of its stakeholders and seek compensation from the Government of Venezuela for its unlawful actions.
“Reflecting its confidence in the strength of and prospects for our business, the Board is recommending a 12% increase in the final dividend to 72.2 cent per share.”
